The Fast Lane Car caught this Fiat 500L test mule testing high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It had a tall stance and what looked like half-shafts sending power to the rear wheels. This test vehicle was also wearing emissions testing equipment. There is a lot of buzz out there about Fiat and Jeep working together on the next generation of small all wheel drive or 4×4 crossover. And these photos and video are yet another indicator that this work is indeed progressing forward.
This mule is expected to be the 2015 Fiat 500X AWD model, and also be the base for a small Jeep with an optional 4×4 system (versus the AWD for the 500X). Both vehicles are expected to use the existing 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four from the 500L. This engine can also be found in Fiat 500 Abarth models and makes 160 hp and 184 lb-ft.
This Fiat mule was testing alongside a 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan prototype. There was a third test vehicle that we saw that day, a crossover type prototype with a lot of cladding. However, we did not get any photos or video of it.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
