Fiat 500 flaunts man card with limited GQ edition

Ever since Jennifer Lopez appeared in Fiat 500 ads, the company has been working overtime to prove that the diminutive two-door’s not the biggest chick car since the Volkswagen Eos. And while steamy Abarth commercials with supermodel Catrinel Menghia brought some redemption, Fiat's increasing the macho with a new GQ edition, announced at Concorso Italiano in Monterey, Calif.

Given the success of the limited Gucci edition, it makes sense to create a branded version catering to men — but whereas Gucci is a premium fashion brand, which, like Fiat, hails from Italy, GQ is an American men’s magazine. And unlike G-branded sunglasses or handbags, reading a GQ magazine isn't something to brag about at cocktail parties.

On the plus side, this Cinquecento is based on the Abarth, and uses the peppy 160-hp, 1.4-liter turbo. Like the Fiat 500 Cattiva announced along with it, the GQ trim features blacked-out lights on the front and rear, along with unique, split-spoke 16-inch wheels, which give the car a stealthier, sportier appearance than the standard Abarth. However, the GQ car is only available in cabrio form, which costs it some masculinity points. GQ branding on the B-pillars and seats round out the flair.

Since the Cattiva version—available with both the standard or turbo engine—incorporates most of the visual tweaks sans metrosexual co-branding, it’s the one to get. Because as J.Lo showed, sometimes it's better to let the car speak for itself.