Fiat"s cute 500 has...
Fiat"s cute 500 has turned over to the dark side! This is the 500 Abarth "esseesse", and it"s the meanest iteration of the 500 ever!
Ford took the wraps...
Ford took the wraps off the Ka at the Paris Motor Show in the most spectacular way possible by revealing a host of special edition models.
When it goes on sale in December, buyers will be able to choose from three option packages with differing body graphics, wheel combinations and interior trims.
The packages, Digital, Tattoo and Grand Prix, allow owners to personalise their Ka in a way that wasnt possible with the old model. The first package Digital features a black and yellow colour combination, with jet black paintwork, bright yellow detailing on the grille and a vivid side stripe. Inside, the car gets the same bright yellow for the seats and centre console.
The second model, called Tattoo, gets a special logo printed on the roof and pearlescent white paintwork, while inside the logo is embossed onto leather seats. The final model, called Grand Prix, is red and white, and features white stripes with a chequered flag effect. Inside, the seats are finished in red and white. Alloy wheels are standard on all three models.
As with the platform-sharing Fiat 500, the Ka special editions allow buyers the chance to truly personalise their cars. Ford knows the packages will cause some controversy. We need to provoke and polarise opinion, said Ruth Pauli, chief designer for colours and materials.
In addition, the new Ka will be available in a gold special edition model to celebrate the cars starring role in the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. It will have metallic gold paint with body stickers and gold interior trim. When it goes on sale in the next few months, the Ka will be powered by the same two engines as Fiat"s 500; a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel. No prices have been set as yet, but the range is expected to kick off at around ң7,500.