Archive for Fiat
2010 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth Official Revealed
Posted by: | CommentsABARTH PUNTO EVO: The EVOlution of power The EVOlution of race-inspired technology
The new 165 HP Multiair 1.4 turbo petrol engine is the result of a winning partnership between Fiat Powertrain Technology and Abarth race-derived know-how.
Since the Fiat Powertrain engine was first presented at last year’s Geneva motor show, Abarth engineers have been working hard to squeeze every last drop of power out of it and to improve its sporting performance in typical Abarth style.
Multiair engine technology has revolutionised the world of petrol engines. Compared to a conventional petrol engine of equivalent size, a MultiAir engine develops more power (up to 10%) and more torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), fewer particulates (up to 40%) and less NOx (up to 60%).
The genius of the Multiair engine is embodied in its electro-hydraulic valve control system. Both fuel consumption and pollutant emissions have been slashed by using the engine’s intake valves to control the air flow directly, without a butterfly valve in the intake. Using this already advanced technology as a starting point, Abarth’s development department has made a series of modifications to arrive at the innovative new 165 HP Multiair 1.4 16 V. Power output, for example, has been optimised by the intelligent application of a new, larger turbocharger from Garrett. The result is superb performance with peak torque of 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) at 2250 rpm, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds.
The sporty new Abarth Punto Evo also features a new performance mode selection system that modulates engine, braking and steering action to offer a choice of two different driving styles - Sport and Normal – to suit road conditions and driver preference.
The mode selector is conveniently located on the central tunnel in front of the gear lever and lets you switch between the two modes quickly and easily, simply by moving a lever. The currently selected mode is displayed on the dashboard. If you are looking for a safe, relaxing drive, all you have to do is select Normal mode, while if you feel the need to enjoy the full performance of your Abarth Punto Evo, flip the switch to Sport position and thrill to the power! Sport mode makes the car more responsive, using electrical servo systems to modify handling and deliver the ultimate sporting feel. Due attention has also been paid to safety of course, so Sport mode also engages the TTC system automatically.
As in rally cars, the driver is assisted by GSI (Gear Shift Indicator). On the Abarth Punto Evo, GSI acts like an intelligent “co-driver” and provides a signal on the instrument panel to tell you when the right moment has arrived to shift up reducing fuel consumption.
The Abarth Punto Evo’s 1.4 Multiair petrol engine also features Fiat’s innovative Start&Stop system. This switches the engine off automatically when the vehicle comes to a halt and the engine is left to idle, and restarts it again as soon as you are ready to move off. The system finds its ideal application in situations like city traffic and sequences of traffic lights. Whenever the control logic permits, Start&Stop automatically switches off the engine, saving up to 10% of fuel consumption and emissions in the urban cycle and up to 3.5% in the NEDC test cycle.
As soon as you take your foot off the brake or engage first gear, the system immediately restarts the engine to give you instant power and responsiveness. On top of this, if you accidentally stall the engine while moving off, all you have to do is press down on the clutch to re-start it automatically.
Start&Stop offers additional benefits in terms of comfort since it eliminates noise and vibrations from the passenger compartment while the car is stationary.
The system is full interactive, and tells you whether the function is engaged or not via clear indications on the instrument panel. Start&Stop can be disengaged quickly and easily by a switch on the dashboard near the steering column.
The innovative Multiair engine guarantees sports performance plus low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Tests carried out by Abarth engineers have demonstrated that fuel consumption has been reduced despite the fact that power output has been increased. In particular, consumption is only 8.1 l/100 km in the urban cycle; only 6.0 l/100 km in the combined cycle, and 4.8 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle. The Multiair engine is also impressively clean and already conforms to Euro 5 standards thanks to emissions of only 142g/km.
The EVOlution of active and passive safety
The Abarth philosophy combines both performance and safety. The Abarth Punto Evo is therefore equipped with a series of highly effective systems to guarantee safe handling on all surfaces.
TTC (Torque Transfer Control) is the key to the car’s active safety. TTC improves the transfer of torque from the engine to the wheels and guarantees excellent handling on bends, making fast driving safer and more fun than ever. TTC is a differential locking system that uses the mechanical differential as a reactive element in the transmission to control torque via the braking system and ESP sensors (wheel speed, steering angle, yaw, etc.).
TTC is activated automatically in Sport mode. When engaged, the system automatically adjusts the degree of diff locking applied in accordance with dynamic factors like speed.
In the area of safety, the Abarth Punto Evo sets new standards thanks to 7 airbags, including a driver knee airbag. The Punto Evo is one of very few cars in its segment with a driver knee airbag fitted as standard on all versions.
The Abarth Punto Evo also boasts a powerful and effective braking system. Disc brakes are fitted to all wheels, with ventilated discs and Brembo double piston, fixed calipers at the front. The suspension system is derived from a tried and tested Abarth configuration. Front suspension is provided by independent McPherson struts, while rear suspension is semi-independent with a torsion bar. Abarth has also fitted a larger anti-roll bar together with front springs that are 20% harder than those of a standard suspension system. The result is impeccable road holding plus a high level of passenger comfort.
The EVOlution of race-inspired aerodynamics
Also on a style level, the changes that Abarth have made to the Punto Evo concentrate on improving the car’s performance and aerodynamics.
Compared to the Fiat version of the car, the front bumper has been extended in width to incorporate the side flaps. The black intake cowl on the front has also been made deeper to match the lateral air outlets. This corrects and controls air flow and significantly improves aerodynamic efficiency around the sides of the car, just as on the full rally version.
The rear of the Abarth features a completely redesigned bumper incorporating side air outlets. The diffuser, designed to optimise air flow, is a major feature of the bumper. The diffuser is the same as on the previous version, but has been given a new surround to enhance its looks and align its styling with the front splitter.
The exhaust features larger diameter twin tail pipes, an obvious tribute to Abarth’s glorious history. The new pipes, however have been given a different satin finish.
The reversing lights and rear fog lights have been moved to the centre of the diffuser, forming a focal point as on formula racing cars, while new side reflectors outline and accentuate the profile of the aerodynamic deflector, simulating the effect created by the LED light cowl on the rear window.
The spoiler has been completely redesigned, not only in terms of colour (it is now the same colour as the rest of the body, giving the car a longer, more dynamic look), but in terms of size too. Its longer, tapered shape has improved the car’s CX and CZ values and made the new Abarth Punto EVO more stable than its predecessor.
The logo trim has also been redesigned and combined with a new grille with a more sporty appearance. In the same way the badge is no longer round as on the previous version but has returned to the original shape, as used on the 500.
The side flaps and skirts are finished in the same colour as the body, emphasising the car’s aggressive nature and its “stuck to the road” handling. The side graphics have also been restyled to match the front bumper and given new dimensions. The result is more in proportion with the side of the car and gives the body colour areas a sleeker appearance. Another new feature is the completely redesigned 17’’ spoked wheels, with the Abarth scorpion logo in the centre.
The car’s interior has been completely updated too. The new materials have an appearance and finish inspired by the surface of motor racing circuits, bringing all the excitement of the track into the car.
The new central control console is divided into two sections. The audio section is characterised by a black surface and a central LCD display. Underneath, a separate section houses the air conditioning controls. The top of the console houses the air vents and a storage compartment.
The purpose-designed Jaeger instrumentation features larger dials for the speedometer and rev counter, new race-inspired graphics, and a new anti-glare cowling covered in leather with open red and yellow stitching.
The visual link with the new textured seats is obvious. The seats and seat backs are upholstered in soft black leather while the seat sides are finished in high-tech fabric to give the ideal balance between comfort, breathability and wear resistance.
Customers can still choose the optional “Abarth Corse” seats by Sabelt. These seats offer a perfect blend of racing characteristics including light weight and the ability hold the body steady against lateral and longitudinal forces.
The EVOlution of power – the “SS” kit
As was to be expected from Abarth, a high performance kit will be made available to coincide with the launch of the Abarth Punto Evo to boost engine power even further. In keeping with Abarth tradition, the tuning kit will give the new car more power than the basic model, enabling the Multiair 1.4 16v Turbo engine to develop a maximum power of 180 HP.
Following Abarth’s performance tuning philosophy, the “SS” kit also includes modifications to chassis components, including perforated, ventilated discs, high performance brake pads, lower springs, and 18” Abarth “SS” alloy wheels painted in white or titanium, and fitted with performance tyres. The performance delivered by the Abarth Punto Evo “SS” kit is further enhanced by a special “powered by BMC” air filter.
As for the Grande Punto and the 500, the Abarth Punto Evo’s “SS” kit comes in a classic wooden performance case. To guarantee the highest standards of quality and safety, the kit can only be installed by Abarth’s official performance tuning network.
2010 Fiat 500 Abarth by HAMANN
Posted by: | CommentsHAMANN German tuner released 2010 Fiat 500 Abarth program which puts some serious power under the hood and the aerodynamics package.
From the friendly bubble car to the wild beast: the HAMANN performance kits for the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth esseesse At first glance, the Fiat 500 does not really seem to fit into the HAMANN-Motorsport programme. But the company based in Laupheim is not only one of the most renowned refiners for BMW-models and exclusive luxury cars, but also popular cars – and without any question the retro scooter surely belongs into that category. Since the model has been introduced in 2007, HAMANN hasoffered dynamic modification kits for the Cinquecento which meet large approval with the fans.
Now the next strike of genius follows: HAMANN provides the Fiat 500 with more power. The Abarth version is the centre of attention – Fiat´s sports model. Yet, the factory-made 135 hp sound rather modest. But HAMANN now changes that with five performance enhancements. Already the smallest upgrade “HS I“ boots the little scooter up to 160 hp by applying some well-directed changes in the engine electronics. The torque rises from 206 to strong 285 Nm. But this is not yet the end for the 1.4 litre petrol car. The next upgrade “HS II” pushes the Abarth to 180 hp and 295 Nm torque. Software setting, modified exhaust turbo charger, optimised air filter case with sports air filter as well as a two-pipe end muffler – they all make this impressive result possible.
But the HAMANN technicians even go one step further with the performance kit “HS III” which renders 210 hp and 310 Nm. This can be attributed to a turbo charger with smaller geometry, a new fuel supply and an optimised engine electronic.
The vehicle transforms from the friendly bubble car in the back mirror into the wild beast with the help of the two race-qualified modification kits which contain an entire engine modification. For the power setting “HS RACE” for example, HAMANN uses forged pistons, enhanced connection rods, a modified turbo charger with charge air cooler, a race clutch with weight-optimised one-mass flywheel and a new control electronic – altogether this renders 240 hp and a torque of 330 Nm. For optimum deceleration, there are sport brakes with a four-piston calliper and 264 mm or 305 mm large brake discs. The Abarth turns into a real missile with the modification kit “HS CINQUECENTO 575“. Compared to the “HS RACE”, it also contains a reengineered cylinder head with adjusted camshaft, two charge air coolers as well as a self-locking differential. This leads to an impressive power of 275 hp while the torque is catapulted to 380 Nm.
Furthermore, HAMANN-Motorsport offers an alteration for the manual transmission. By applying a long fifth gear, the engine rev is decreased by 500 r.p.m. which allows a higher end speed. Moreover, customers can order a self-locking differential which allows a locking capacity of up to 50 percent and therefore significantly increases the traction. Both components and the power settings can be also combined with the Fiat 500 Abarth performance kit “esseesse“ by the manufacturer.
HAMANN presents the remarkable broad built LARGO as a perfect match for the sporty power makeover. New aerodynamics components made of light composite materials are produced for the modified design language of the trendy Italian.
Perfectly processed extensions seamlessly fit into the design and render a masculine appearance. The re-engineered front skirt with integrated LED daytime running lights is the striking eye-catcher. Special wing extensions are fitted at the front and the back. These make the car body wider by impressive 30 millimetres at the front axle and 35 millimetres at the rear axle. The perfectly designed side skirts act as a visual connection between the two. And also the new rear has much to offer: sports exhaust systems with two- or four end pipes and a Ferrari-like diffuser impressively enhance the back section. All HAMANN components do not only convince with their look, but also with their aerodynamics. They enable an optimised airflow over the vehicle silhouette and render additional downthrust.
Different HAMANN sports suspensions ensure a better handling and so does the newly developed design wheel LARGO FORGED ANODIZED which perfectly matches the new, sporty look. The black matt anodised, one-part rim is offered in the size 8.0 x 18 (front axle) and 9.0 x 18 (rear axle). HAMANN recommends tyres in the dimension 215/35 R18 or 225/35 R18. A favourable alternative is the cast rim HM EVO. The hallmark of the modern style shown in this 18-inch rim is the glossy black varnish with the diamond-polished rim star and the classy well. Five elongated and vaulted triple spokes confirm the visual and technical finesse. The rim is offered in the size 7.5 x 18. HAMANN recommends tyres in the dimension 215/35 R18 at the front- and 225/35 R18 at the rear axle.
But it is not only the dynamic design of the rims that convinces its drivers, it is also the low weight that reduces the unsprung masses of the car.
As an alternative to the broad-build programme LARGO, the tuning specialist also offers the “sportivo-line” for the Fiat 500. Front skirt, side wings and rear skirt emphasise the trendy look of the retro scooter and so does the design wheel HM sportive I. The black matt varnished, one-part rim has a diamond-polished outer edge and is offered in 7.0 x 17. Here, HAMANN recommends tyres in the dimension 195/40 ZR17 or 215/35 ZR 17.
An aluminium pedal set including foot rest and a floor mat set with embroidered HAMANN logo accentuate the dynamic interior focus. The Fiat 500 Abarth programme is stylishly perfected with a flag decoration.
Fiat 500 Abarth Monza by Romeo Ferraris
Posted by: | CommentsBased on a 500 Abarth, the refined 500 Monza celebrates the 50th anniversary of Romeo Ferraris. The 500 Monza by Romeo Ferraris excels with its incredible power of 260 bhp, new aerodynamics and specially made leather-Alcantara interior in the colors of the famous italian racing circuit „Monza”, hence the name.
Outside, the 500 Monza main color is Icy White with two red and blue stripes on the hood and on the back side of the car. A Naca type intake on the hood provides the fine tuned engine with fresh air. Under the front bumper Romeo Ferraris mounted a carbon fiber blade, while on the rear we can find a unique rear diffuser which encloses the central exhaust system.
Inside, a first quality leather and white Alcantara envelops every single part of the cabin, from the brand new sportseats to the interior roof. The blue and red stripes show up also on the interior on the backrest of the seats, with the Monza logo embroidered on them. The special edition vehicle will be manufactured in limited number of just 10 and the uniqueness of every examplary will be emphasized by a brass plate with the name of the owner on it.
Under the hood, Romeo Ferraris has achieved the amazing 260 hp thanks to a new turbocharger, a complete exhaust system, a new gearbox with 6 sequential gears and a new limited slip differential. The Romeo Ferraris 500 Monza is further equipped with a 280mm discs and 4 piston calipers Brembo brakes, a new racing suspension set and a 205/40 r17 Yokohama Parada tyres mounted on the specifical Romeo Ferraris wheels.
For the demanding customers. Romeo Ferraris developed, together with Aznom a special luggage set in leather and a driving suit.
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2010 HAMANN LARGO based on Fiat 500
Posted by: | CommentsLast year, the tuning specialist HAMANN-Motorsport confirmed that it is not only one of the best addresses for refining BMW models and exclusive luxury automobiles. With the sportive accessory program for the Fiat 500, the Laupheim-based technicians left their long-established grounds and joyfully and blissfully indulged in refining the trendy retro scooter. Their efforts paid out, the refining line for the Italian compact car met the approval of the Fiat 500 enthusiasts.
Therefore, HAMANN now adds the impressive broad modification HAMANN LARGO to its portfolio.
HAMANN-Motorsport did not have to venture uncharted grounds, as the company has been specialized in such sporty modifications for many years already. The latest impressive contributions by the tuning expert were the Mercedes SLR VOLCANO, the BMW X6 TYCOON EVO or the Porsche Cayenne CYCLONE.
For the modified design vocabulary of the trendy Italian, the engineers designed new aerodynamics components made of light composite materials.
Perfectly manufactured extensions seamlessly fit into the car body design and give the LARGO a masculine appearance.
A striking eye-catcher is the re-designed front skirt with integrated LED-lights. Special wing extensions are added at the front and the back. They broaden the car body by impressive 30 millimeters at the front- and 35 millimeters at the back axle. The visual excellence is rendered by the perfectly shaped side skirts. And also the newly designed tail is remarkable: four exhaust end pipes and a diffuser which resembles the Ferrari element leave an extraordinary mark at the tail. It goes without saying that all HAMANN components do not only convince with their look, but also with their aerodynamic characteristics. They produce an optimised air duct across the car silhouette and therefore render additional downforce.
Matching the new, dynamic automobile look, HAMANN-Motorsport offers the striking design wheel LARGO FORGED ANODIZED. The matt black anodized, one-part rim is available in 8.0 x 18 for the front- and 9.0 x 18 for the rear axle. In addition, HAMANN offers matching tires measuring 215/35 ZR18 or 225/35 ZR18. But not only the dynamic design of the light alloy rim is inspiring.
Due to its light weight, also the unsprung masses of the car are reduced. This leads to a better handling and more agility. Another enhancement for handling the car is the HAMANN-coilover suspension which lowers the car’s center of gravity by up to 60 mm.
A specifically developed sport exhaust system turns the retro scooter into a tough sports car and renders a powerful and earthy sound. The system includes an end muffler with four round stainless steel pipes, a pre-muffler with a metal catalyser and a sport manifold. All components can also be ordered separately. The HAMANN-technicians developed a performance kit especially for the Fiat 500 Abarth. The engine output increase to 265 hp at 5,630 rpm The maximum torque rises to enormous 348 Nm at 4,200 rpm
HAMANN also developed a stable sport brake system for the Fiat 500 which renders advanced deceleration values. The set consist of two perforated and internally ventilated brake discs (diameter 280 x 28mm) at the front axle in combination with red 4-piston brake callipers and steel-covered brake tubes. The back axle can optionally be equipped with discs measuring 257 mm in diameter.
An aluminum pedal set including foot rests and a door mat set with embroidered HAMANN sportive logo leave dynamic highlights in the interior and stylishly perfect the Fiat 500 program.
2009 Karl Schnorr Kraftfahrzeuge Fiat 500 Abarth
Posted by: | CommentsThe Fiat 500 Abarth is currently the head in the range of Fiat. Those who wait for a really fast 500 will be satisfied as soon as this athlete passes through the school of capacity of tuner Karl Schnorr Kraftfahrzeuge.
But one step after the other!
Schnorr leverages the visual appearance up by using sporty parts. The aluminium rims from OZ in red (Seria Rossa) and in size 7×17″ are worth 1.090,00 Euro fitting and vehicle inspection registryincluded. An improvement for sure, the “normal” Abarth looks much more athletic.
Schnorr promises a better road holding after having built in a special coilover kit which lowers the Fiat a few millimetres and charges the account with 1.270,00 Euro fitting and vehicle inspection registry included. For the measurement of the axis will be charged 85,00 Euro and for the adaption of the body 285,00 Euro. No question the serial Abarth accessories emphasize the outline of the Fiat is skilfully. They continue the dynamic layout of the line in a modern way and make hungry for way more.
Power Level I (163 hp - 950,00 Euro) from Schnorr offers for the 1,4-motor with serial 135 hp an improved performance of 28 hp and 45 Nm. At power level II (5.050,00 Euro) you should buckle your seat belt very tight. An aligned engine software in combination with a sport exhaust system with a big turbo charger gives the Fiat 500 the additional 65 hp. Besides the improved performance from 135 up to 200 hp the maximum hinge moment rises definitely. It can keep on carrying Euro 4-Norm.
2009 Fiat 500 Barbie Show Car - Geneva Motor Show
Posted by: | CommentsFiat 500 makes headlines once more, as befits an authentic Made in Italy icon. This time it’s an original Fiat 500 show car dedicated to the most famous fashion doll ever: Barbie®. This exceptional vehicle, created by a partnership between the Fiat Centro Stile and Mattel, will be given officially to Barbie® on 9 March next, at her fiftieth birthday celebrations in Milan.
It’s a fashionista car but quite tongue-in-cheek and with lots of charm: just like Barbie® herself. The gleaming paintwork resembles varnish and definitely makes for a shock effect, achieved with deep lacquered colour using ultra fine aluminium plunged in deep, up-to-the-minute pink. The seating is upholstered in strikingly soft fabrics: silver laminated Alcantara® is not only trendy but plush to the touch and its glimmer bounces as far as the roof panel. Then there are mats enhanced with natural silk yarn and sleek viscose, not to mention lip glosses in brilliant colours stored in the glove compartment, plus a LED-decked vanity mirror to ensure perfect application. And there’s more. The car has more features than a crown has jewels! Crystals sparkle on interior bezels, hubcaps, outer window mouldings and antenna and even outline the doll’s famed silhouette on the pillars. Lastly, this Fiat 500 show car also has its own glossy cover, featuring the distinctive Sixties version of the Fiat 500 and a Barbie® autograph.
The latest Fiat 500 show car will appear in public for the first time on Monday 9 March, from 6.30pm onwards, when it will race through the quintessential streets of Milan’s fashion district. Barbie® will be aboard and she’ll have her own special driver: Ken, of course. On arriving at the entrance to La Rinascente department store, in Piazza Duomo, Barbie® will leave the car and walk the unique pink carpet created just for her. The band Nena will be playing live in the background, reviving some of the most famous pop songs from the fifty years of the legendary fashion doll’s existence.
Roberto Giolito, creator of the Fiat 500, had this to say about the Mattel-Fiat partnership scheme: “All-American Ms Barbie® already has a number of ‘transport solutions’ available, like thundering GTs and motor homes with endless accessories. So if she’s spotted a 500 and wants one as a gift for this landmark birthday, it’s a signal typical of modern times that there’s a renewed need for dreaming the simple things in life, which give so much, allow us to lighten up, thrill who’s born beautiful or just feels beautiful, but doesn’t have to prove anything. After all, Barbie® already has everything. Sleek Barbie® is a looker, smart enough to listen to everyone, a universal ambassador opting for a car that never divides but frees everyone from having to declare their social status. The new 2009 version celebrates her birthday with a model that offers a better view of the sun and the stars, all the better for continuing to dream, especially daydreams.”
Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SuperSport Revealed
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Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SuperSport
A special Grande Punto Abarth “SuperSport” is making the scene at Geneva, garbed in Airfield Gray paintwork – the same color sported by the Scorpion’s historic racecars, and, as the story has it, taken from the planes based next to the brand’s original headquarters – enlivened by a racing-inspired livery.
Equipped with a 16-valve 1.4 liter engine pumped up to deliver 180 horsepower, with a wrenching 270 Nm peak torque at speeds as low as 3000 revs, the Grande Punto Abarth “SuperSport” racing version hits a top speed of 215 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.5 seconds. In addition, a variable backpressure dual-mode exhaust system enhances engine sound, producing a distinctive throaty roar over 4000 rpm. With performance features like these, there can be no doubt that this is a car whose whole heart and soul is in racing.
Performance also benefits from a number of changes that the “esseesse” kit makes in ride height and trim attitude, giving the car a more solid stance with firmer, shorter springs, 215/40 R18 tires and specially designed 7.5 J X 18 alloy wheels. The kit puts the car into a real sprinter’s crouch, dropping its roll center by 20 mm. Just as important, the brake system features cross-drilled discs all round, together with high-performance front brake pads.
On the inside, the showcar boasts Sabelt Abarth Racing leather-upholstered seats – lightweight and track-approved, as befits the car’s sporting spirit – and the Abarth Blue&MeTM MAP satellite navigator with telemetry capabilities developed with Magneti Marelli. This innovative device provides four different functions. The first – Monitoring – displays the main in-car parameters (engine rpm, vehicle speed, engaged gear) acquired and transferred by the Blue&MeTM system to the PND Portable Navigation Device via Bluetooth. The Track function, accessible if the driver is on one of the circuits stored on the device’s SD memory card, displays a set of additional information such as the car’s location on the track (provided by GPS) and lap times. The third function – Configuration – makes it possible to store telemetric data for a route and associate them with a personalized session identified by the driver’s name, circuit and date. Stored information can be easily retrieved and analyzed later with the fourth, Analysis, function.
2009 Fiat 500C Official Revealed
Posted by: | CommentsA worldwide preview of the Fiat 500C presentation will take place at the next Geneva Motorshow, before its launch throughout Europe this spring. Evocative of “freedom and emotion”, this original ‘cabriolet’ pays homage to the open-top 1957 model whilst offering leading-edge solutions for mechanical units, powerplants and interior comfort. All this in authentic Fiat tradition giving access to higher segment engineering and technology hitherto unheard of.
Featuring an innovative softtop - a fully fledged window to the sky - the new 500C comes in the same size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m) and the same three powerplants: the 1.3 liter 75 HP Multijet Turbodiesel coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and the two 1.2 liter 69 HP and 1.4 liter 100 HP gasoline engines, available with either manual or robotized Dualogic transmission. Providing different features, all three engine types are generously sized, have a brilliant temperament and offer high performance based on sophisticated technology. Standard features include stubborn reliability and environmental friendliness.
Moreover, as proof of Fiat Automobiles commitment to ecology and sustainable mobility, the new 500C incorporates the innovative “Start&Stop” system, a device controlling momentary engine shutdown and subsequent reignition. To this end, at every stop when shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off and then restarted simply by selecting a gear.
Created by the Fiat Styling Center and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the 500C is of the “open source” design, implying the addition of new functions to a highly successful existing product. Indeed, the Fiat 500C incorporates all the strong points of the basic model, namely top-of-segment safety features, 4-adult seat habitability and generous luggage space combined with excellent loadability also with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge device.
A highly original exercise in design, the softtop of the Fiat 500C stands out for its refined electrically operated linkage and engineering solutions of great quality and finish, such as the glass backlight and the built-in center high mounted stop light. Available in three colors (ivory, red and black), this original soft top will be matched with several bodywork color schemes, two of which have been conceived specifically for the new car, i.e. a brilliant Pearl Red and a special Warm Grey typical of sports supercars. Last but not least, thanks to the adoption of the innovative sliding softtop combined with a styling concept which retains all-round protection, the Fiat 500C offers a delightful ride in any season of the year. All told, its many special features make this new car one of the best turned out cabriolet models currently on offer in the city-car segment.
The 500C is further proof of Fiat’s undisputed leadership in this vehicle class where continuous innovation ensures that its position as the industry’s standard is maintained. In fact the car sets new levels of in terms of comfort and safety, engineering and appointments whilst maintaining that unique and inimitable “Italian style”. A new cabriolet is born which gives great excitement and utmost driving pleasure, combining captivating lines with the performance of flexible, environment-friendly engines.
2009 Fiat 500 Start&Stop
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2009 Fiat 500
A new option on the Fiat 500, which will give the popular city car even better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures, has just been introduced.
Called Fiat 500 Start&Stop, the new technology is based on the most successful 500 version – the 1.2 Lounge – and benefits from the combined expertise of automotive parts specialist Bosch and Fiat Powertrain Technologies.
The Start&Stop system stops the engine automatically (without the driver turning an ignition key) whenever traffic conditions bring the car to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again.
Available at £9,500 OTR, the 500 Start&Stop becomes the most ecological version in the Fiat 500 petrol range. With Start&Stop, CO2 emissions on the 1.2 engine are just 113 g/km, while fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 12 per cent (urban fuel economy figures).
The Fiat 500 Start&Stop fuel consumption figures are:
|
START&STOP |
LOUNGE |
|
| Fuel Consumption | ||
| urban cycle mpg (l/100km) |
49.6 (5.7)
|
44.1 (6.4)
|
| extra-urban cycle mpg (l/100km) |
65.7 (4.3)
|
65.7 (4.3)
|
| combined cycle mpg (l/100km) |
58.9 (4.8)
|
55.4 (5.1)
|
| CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
113
|
119
|
Fiat’s Blue&Me hands-free telecommunications and entertainment system is standard on 500 Start&Stop, which means the car also benefits from eco:Drive, the system that allows customers to monitor and improve on their CO2 emissions and fuel consumption figures.
“We have been promising new ideas and features on our award-winning Fiat 500 since it was launched last year, and here is yet another example,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “This is an important development for the 500 as it will help to make what is already a fuel-efficient, value-for-money car an even greater consideration for town and city drivers.”
The Fiat 500 range starts at £8,100 for the 1.2 Pop, rising to £10,900 for 1.3 MultiJet or 1.4-litre Lounge or Sport versions.
2008 Fiat Phylla Unveiled
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2008 Fiat Phylla
The innovative Phylla zero-emission prototype, that captures solar energy to power its electric motors and features extensive use of recycled materials, has been inaugurated to given its first test drives to Turinese VIPs.
The ceremony took place at the Environment Park di Torino, in the presence of the Piedmontese Regional President Mercedes Bressoand the city council’s member who is responsible for Research, Innovation and Energy, Andrea Bairati. Other VIPs present at the event included the head of Centro Ricerche Fiat, Nevio Di Giusto; from the Politecnico di Torino, Francesco Profumo, and also the President of the Environment Park, Mauro Chianale. The Phylla project also celebrates Turin’s position as the World Design Capital 2008.
This highly ambitious project has realised under the guidance of the Fiat Group’s R&D division, Centro Ricerche Fiat, with the Politecnico di Torino acting as project leader and manager; meanwhile other key contributors to the Phylla project include Camera di Commercio di Torino, From Concept to Car, l’Istituto Europeo di Design e l’Istituto di Arte Applicata e Design, Novamont e il Consorzio Proplast, Sagat, Enecom, Sydera and Bee Studio.
The Phylla prototype is a 2+2 seat sub-A-segment urban car that captures solar energy in order to power electric motors that drive all four of its wheels. The car is 1980 mm high, 2995 mm long and 1618 mm high, with a luggage capacity of 142 litres (2+2 seats) 584 litres (2 seats). Riding on a lightweight split-frame aluminium chassis, the Phylla weighs just 750 kg (of which 150 kg is the battery weight) and it boast a 145 km range when using lithium ion batteries, or 220 km with lithium polymer ones in situ. The 0 to 50 km/h dash is achieved in six seconds, while top speed is 130 km/h.
The inauguration of test drives took place at the Turin Environment Park which was founded in 1996, through an initiative of the Piedmont Region, the Province of Turin, the City of Turin and the European Union, and represents an original experiment in the field of European Scientific and Technological Parks as it successfully combines technological innovation and eco-efficiency. Environment Park also constitutes a centre of excellence for Information and Communication Technology companies, in line with the technological vocation of the Torino area and the entire Piedmont Region. The Park’s mission is to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with advanced solutions and innovative technologies in the fields of energy and the environment, through partnerships, special projects, specific training activities and the organisation of thematic events. Located in Spina 3, one of the main development areas in the city of Turin, just 1 km from Porta Susa Station and the new underground, and little more than 15 minutes from Caselle Airport, it is part of the newly developed Parco Dora: approximately 400,000 sqm in size, the new green lung of the whole city.
