Signs of a Revival: Affordable Coupe Models Make a Comeback
The Fiat Coupe Steals the Spotlight
The car market is showing early signs of a revival for affordable sports coupes, moving away from the dominance of SUVs. With the potential return of the Honda Prelude and a possible re-emergence of the Toyota Celica, the demand for nimble, stylish coupes is returning. This trend will surely please consumers who are tired of the crossover and SUV craze.
Tapping into this retro revival, digital artist Theottle has reimagined the Fiat Coupe, a car that once defined an era for Fiat, in a modern context. Known for its bold design from the 1990s, the Fiat Coupe now receives a fresh interpretation highlighting its potential to reignite interest in coupe models.
Eye-Catching Original Design
The Rebirth of Fiat’s Sports Car
Fiat currently does not produce a sporty model like a coupé in the compact or medium-sized segment. To compensate for this, Theottle reinterpreted the Fiat coupé based on the proportions of the Audi RS5 coupé. He combined the window design of the original Fiat coupé, the trunk and tail lights of the Bentley Continental GT, and the front end of the Lynk & Co 07 to make it a modern feel.
As a result, the Fiat coupé has been reborn with a strikingly modern look. It retains the original split headlights, sharp fender creases, and angular window shapes but adds new design elements. At the rear, Bentley-style oval units replace traditional round taillights, while the diffuser and exhaust pipes are borrowed from the Audi RS5.
Can the Fiat Coupe Reclaim Its Former Glory?
The Fiat Coupe, produced from 1993 to 2000, has a legacy many enthusiasts remember fondly. Designed by Chris Bangle and with a distinctive interior by Pininfarina, the Coupe blended performance and charm. Its independent suspension and front-wheel-drive platform set it apart, offering a balanced driving experience that attracted many fans.
While a return of the Fiat Coupe might seem unlikely, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Thanks to Stellantis’s shared parts platform, a new Fiat Coupe could be technically feasible, especially if it embraced hybrid, PHEV, or even EV powertrains based on the STLA medium architecture. If such a model were to be introduced, it could rival even Alfa Romeo’s offerings. Price-wise, a new Fiat Coupe is expected to start at around 3.3 million yen (approximately $20,917). Could this modern interpretation of the Fiat Coupe reclaim its former glory? Only time will tell, but the idea of a new, affordable sports coupe is undoubtedly exciting.
