At the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show this week, Fiat displayed two new versions of the Italian-styled Fiat 500 mini-car --- the 500e and the 500L. While the former Fiat 500 version will be the company's first all-electric vehicle to hit the US markets; the latter is a four-door model which is comparatively much more spacious than the standard Fiat 500 model.

The introduction of the two new Fiat 500 models clearly marks the expansion of the 500 lineup which was first launched in the US two years back; and, thus far, four variations of the model have been launched by the company.

About the newest additions to the 500 lineup, Fiat - which is the majority owner of Chrysler Group LLC - said that the 500e more aerodynamic than the existing 500, and boasts a new suspension for the electric car; while the 500L is longer and wider than the present 500 by 26 inches and 6 inches respectively.

So far as the `under the hood' highlights of the two new 500 models are concerned, 111 horsepower electric motor of the 500e is powered by a lithium-ion battery; and the 500L features a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the option of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.

Though Fiat is still to announce the price of the two new 500 versions, the company has revealed that 500e will initially be sold only in California, from 2013 second quarter; while the 500L will launched all across North America by mid-2013.