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Fiat Panda celebrates 30 years of success and innovation

The Fiat Panda model celebrates 30 years and, with 6 million units registered, is established as by far the most widely sold city-car. This extraordinary achievement was celebrated on the first day of the Geneva Motor Show 2010, complete with cake and candles, the same stage that saw its debut in 1980, the beginning of a long story of success and innovation.

The “Panda” model is part of Fiat’s heritage, which represented a new and unmistakable way of seeing the everyday relationship with the car in automotive history and Italian society: more immediate, more natural, easier. That’s why, over time, the Panda has become almost a Brand, with strong emotional value, to which Italian and European drivers have always been profoundly attached.

Following in the footsteps of an established best-seller, the new Panda debuts in September 2003, bearing not only the name but also the spirit of the model, translating the product values and personality that made it a genuine icon in the collective imagination into today’s language. The same vehicle will establish itself as the segment’s undisputed leader within 6 years: suffice it to say that from its launch to the present day 1.5 million units have been produced and that it closed 2009 with a record 300,000 cars sold.

The commercial success of the new Fiat Panda is also accompanied by the bestowal of many international awards, among which the prestigious “Car of The Year 2004” which, for the first time, was given to a car in this segment. In addition, the car’s position in the segment is established by certain records: for example, it was the first spacious compact (less than 4 metres in length) to feature a diesel engine (1986) and, again in this category, it was the first to offer both four-wheel drive (1983) and a range of eco-friendly engines designed to limit fuel consumption (the Panda Elettra was introduced in 1990, one of the first electric cars). Also, in 2004, 2 Panda 4×4s took part in an audacious test drive which began in Kathmandu (Nepal) and ended at Everest’s high-tech base camp: it was the first time that a little off-road vehicle reached this base at an altitude of 5,200 metres. An even more extraordinary feat if you bear in mind that the two cars were prepared only by making some modifications to the calibration of the engine management control unit to adapt them to the local petrol.

A curious fact: while, 30 years ago, an average employee would have had to spend 9 months’ salary to buy a Panda (3,700,000 Italian liras), today, 6 months’ worth are enough to buy the same car. The Panda has been able to stay in step with the times both in terms of functionality and quality/price ratio. However, the Panda is more than a city-car. It is a genuine “platform” on which Fiat has created an entire family of cars with the technology and attention to detail of a higher segment.

Finally, the Fiat Panda has recently undergone a light but expert makeover, without giving up the winning characteristics of Fiat’s super-compact: innovative design, advanced technology made accessible to all and smart solutions to simplify and improve on-board comfort. Today, the new range includes engines both traditional (petrol and diesel, from 54 to 100 HP) and alternative engines (methane and LPG), combined with manual or robotised, sequential gearboxes (Dualogic), as well as versions with front-wheel or four-wheel drive, the latter enhanced by an Electronic Locking Differential in combination with the ESP (Electronic Stability Program). That’s without mentioning the Special Series, created using the new vehicle as their model: from the Panda Monster, the 4×4 jointly-created by Fiat and Ducati (2006), to the Pandakars which braved the well-known rally in 2007; from the Panda Capri, which offered an exclusive courtesy service on the famous island, to the Panda Mamy, dedicated to mothers, with a wealth of standard equipment for safely transporting the smallest passengers (2008); from the Panda Alessi, a true design object, to the latest two versions, 4×4 Glam and Adventure (2009).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Fiat at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show

Fiat returns to the International Geneva Motor Show with a spectacular stand where important world previews and affirmed models will take turns to underline the distinctiveness of the brand on the international auto scene.

The exhibition area develops the “World I Want” theme seen through the eyes of children because a brand projected into the future must “listen” to the little ones who will be making the world big one day. The stand was “designed” by children who let their imagination loose and expressed their vision of a future always more focused on environmental friendliness. A cheerful, gay place is created, where houses are built on clouds and a rainbow welcomes visitors into the Fiat world. The heart of the stand is the 500 Configurator, a playful installation which perfectly blends into the mood of the exhibition area.
The houses and clouds of a city dreamed up by children showcase the latest auto innovations, cars which are a step forward on the way towards sustainable mobility.

Set in a unique tree-shaped installation with sparkling optical fibre filaments, the guest of honour of the stand is a technological masterpiece developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies: the two-cylinder 85 HP TWIN-AIR (900 cc). Visitors can preview it for the first time in the world both in a showcase and fitted aboard a 500, the first Fiat model on which it will be introduced next September. Progenitor of new family of two-cylinder engines made by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, it implements a revolutionary Multiair system combined with specific fluid dynamics optimised for the best fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, by taking the concept of downsizing to the extreme and masterly tuning the basic mechanics, the new family – delivering from 65 to 105 HP – emits 30% less CO2 than an engine of equal performance. Still under the sign of technological innovation at the service of the environment, other important innovations will be treading the Swiss catwalk, starting from the world preview of the new Dobl? Natural Power, equipped with a 1.4 16v T-JET (petrol and methane) engine reasserting the undisputed world leadership of Fiat in the field of cars and vehicles with original-equipment (OEM) dual-fuel engines.

Spotlights will also be on the Bravo MY 2010 that will be presented with a 1.4 Multiair (140 HP) and standard Start&Stop system at the Show. Available from next June, this is a petrol engine with one of the best emission/power ratios in the world: only 132 g/km and a power of 140 HP. Later on, at different times according to the markets, a specific pack will be available, which will cut CO2 to 129 g/km, the best emission/power ratio for turbo engines in this power range.

Furthermore, with respect to the 1.4 16v T-JET – 120 HP, the 1.4 Multiair – 140 HP has more power and torque at low rpm (+16%) and the adoption of a Start&Stop system cuts consumption and emissions (-10%). In brief, the new engine ensures top-notch eco-friendliness (it is Euro 5 type-approved) without compromising on performance and driving pleasure. That is not all. For an even more dynamic driving experience, the Sport function can be selected by pressing a button – Sport version only – to change acceleration response and steering settings.

With a fresh style and interiors, the model offers new, competitively priced packs confirming the brand’s strategy aimed at ongoing innovations that have made the Bravo one of the most popular cars in the medium compact C segment in 2009. It leads the LPG segment in Italy (totalling nearly 40% of the private customer market) and stands out in the 5-door saloon sub segment.

One of the stars of the stand is the 500 by Diesel, springing from the combined efforts of the creative teams of Fiat and Diesel, the Italian designer brand famous worldwide. The car has a special “Midnight Indigo” blue body colour, reminiscent of the hues of denim, and is equipped with a brand-new, second-generation Multijet 1.3 – 95 HP (Euro 5) with standard Start&Stop system.

A slot will also be devoted to the Punto EVO. Two engine versions will be introduced in at the Swiss motor show, putting the accent on technological excellence and care for details: the powerful Multiair 1.4 16v – 135 HP Euro 5, with CO2 emissions of merely 129 g/km and an unprecedented 1.3 Multijet II – 85 HP with ECO pack allowing a very low emission level (99 g/km).

Furthermore, in Geneva, Fiat will also be showing the most recent results of its ongoing commitment to staying close to motorists’ needs. This commitment is evident in the multi-faceted nature of the product range, in the new models and also in the updates to existing ranges. The context is a very lively one, as the currently manufactured models showcased at the stand demonstrate. First in line is a seven-seater Dobl? with 1.6 – 105 HP Euro 5 Multijet engine and Start&Stop that confirms the remarkable flexibility of the model in terms of space, making it the new Fiat “family space”. Next is an exciting 500C, the original cabriolet version that pays homage to the 1957 open-air vehicle but comes packed with advanced solutions in build, engines and passenger comfort. Introduced last July, the Fiat 500C is further confirmation of the great success of the model, which will soon reach the goal of 500,000 units made in less than three years.

Finally, the 80th Geneva Motor Show will grandstand two models made for motorists who want to tackle the most demanding terrain in an eco-friendly way. On one end, there is the Fiat Sedici, with new style and engines that make it the most eco-friendly Euro 5 SUV. It fits two new engines (petrol 1.6 16v – 120 HP and diesel 2.0 16v Multijet – 135 HP with 129 CO2 g/km). On the other end, there is the Panda Cross equipped with a 1.4 – 70 HP (Euro 5) dual-fuel (petrol-methane) engine, representing the fortunate Fiat model that will be celebrating its thirtieth birthday, precisely in Geneva, where it was introduced for the first time in 1980. Over 6 million units have been sold worldwide until today.

Last but not least, brochures and customised totems at the stand will be introducing visitors to the products of FGA Capital, a joint venture of Fiat Group Automobiles and Cr?dit Agricole specialised in the automotive segment. The finance company will be operative in Italy and across Europe with a sole mission: supporting the sales of all Fiat Group Automobiles brand vehicles by offering innovative financial products with high added value services targeted to the dealership network, private customers and companies.

Popularity: 1% [?]

A new colour and the second-generation 1.3 Multijet engine make their debut on the Fiat 500 by Diesel

The Fiat 500 by Diesel has chosen “Bread & Butter”, the show dedicated to youth fashion in Berlin, to preview of two important new features: “Midnight indigo” blue, a special body colour, and the 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP (Euro 5) with Start&Stop system fitted as standard, the new second-generation turbodiesel, now even more environmentally-friendly and suitable for city driving.

The result of close collaboration between Fiat and Diesel, the famous clothing brand by Renzo Rosso, the model will be limited edition and marketed worldwide. Its success is boundless and from Italy to Japan, to France, almost 6 thousand cars have already been ordered out of the 10 thousand available in total.

In Berlin, within “Bread & Butter”, the Diesel stand and the exclusive Fiat 500 will no doubt attract the attention of the visitors, just as they did at the recent Mumbai Motor Show, India. Spanning a surface area of 700 square metres in the Denim Base section, the Italian label will present its 2010 autumn/winter collections and the new “shop-in-shop/corner” concept, conceived as a genuine stage to present and convey the values of the brand and all its creativity even within multi-brand stores. Features which can also be found in the new Fiat 500 by Diesel.

As regards the new colour, the Centro Stile Fiat (Fiat Style Centre) worked once more with the creative team at Diesel to create a dark blue which recalls the denim used to make jeans. The use of a micaceous rather than a metallic shade offers at first glance the feeling of iridescent colour which varies according to the light, very similar to stone washed fabrics. And this thanks to a finer texture of paint and its ability to create an almost 3-D effect. This new blue also, like the black and green already in the range, perfectly matches the matt paint chosen for the finishes which characterise this model.

The 500 by Diesel is distinguished by some bold aesthetic features, starting with the exterior. Everything is exclusive for this version, the result of the creativity of two teams of designers: the aggressive 16″ alloy wheels, the rear trim with imitation air intake where one of the most famous logos of Italian fashion is set, the yellow brake calipers (only on the 1.4 100 HP version) and the satin chrome painted features, including the mouldings which, with their bosses, revoke the atmosphere of the Diesel fashion world.

The interiors are also highly customised, thanks to the dark denim style fabric with yellow stitching, the fifth pocket with the unmistakable Diesel brand, the head of the famous Mohican on the gear lever knob and the specific satin chrome coloured dashboard.

The range of engines, in addition to the 1.3 Multijet 95 HP mentioned above, includes three Euro 5 power units (the 1.2 69 HP engine, the 1.3 Multijet 75 HP engine with DPF and the 1.4 16v 100 HP engine), each with their own different qualities, all exploited to the full in combination with 5- or 6-speed manual gearboxes (petrol engines can be combined with a 5-speed Dualogic robotised sequential gear box).

Popularity: 1% [?]

The new 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP (Euro5) engine is making its first appearance on the Fiat 500 and 500C

The new 1.3 Multijet II (Euro5) engine, with Start&Stop fitted as standard, is making its first appearance on the Fiat 500 and 500C models. It has a maximum power output of 95 HP at 4000 rpm and delivers a torque of 200 Nm (20.4 kgm) at only 1500 rpm.

Available on all trim levels, with an on-the-road list price that starts at 13,900 Euros, the new power unit delivers excellent performance (a top speed of 180 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds) with decidedly low consumption and CO2 emissions: 3.9 l/100km and 104 g/km (mixed cycle), respectively.

Developed and produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP engine belongs to the second generation of Multijet power units and has new common rail injectors which, courtesy of a balanced hydraulic servo valve, control the amount of diesel injected into the combustion chamber with a high degree of precision, making the injection sequence much faster and more flexible than previously (up to 8 injections in the same cycle). This allows better control of the diesel combustion with benefits for consumption, emissions, noise levels and driveability.

The new 95 HP engine on the Fiat 500 and 500C is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger that ensures optimum turbocharging throughout the entire operating range. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 8% in the urban cycle thanks also to the Start&Stop system that switches the engine off temporarily and then restarts it. With Euro 5 type-approval, the new 1.3 litre engine enhances its environmentally-friendly pedigree further through the particulate filter (DPF) integrated in the engine compartment which improves its efficiency even more, especially in the first few moments after cold starting.

The second generation Multijet power units represent the development of the common rail injection system which today, after the JTD (1997) and Multijet (2003) engines, allow Fiat Group Automobiles to steal a march in this field and be prepared for future regulations. The Multijet II engines use increasingly advanced “strategies” to improve combustion: for example, the use of injection rate shaping (two consecutive injections with no hydraulic interval) reduces noise, fuel consumption and, in view of Euro 6, harmful emissions (a potential 30% reduction of nitrogen oxides).

Lastly, together with the new 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP engine, the new rear torsion beam (semi-independent) suspension with an anti-roll bar is also making its debut on the Fiat 500 range. It is derived from the Abarth 500 model and has already made an appearance on the 500C. It gives better handling and a more comfortable ride.

Turin, 25th November 2009

Popularity: 1% [?]

World premiere New Fiat Doblo: meet the first ‘family space’

Meet the new Doblo, the Fiat car that is all about space.
A space to be shared with family and friends: a liveable space for people who travel and love to be in company; for people who choose the Doblo as a partner for leisure or work.

A vehicle designed to meet a need for functionality and comfort that makes the most of interior space and can accommodate up to seven people. An authentic ‘family space’ that can rely on top-class safety, economy and respect for the environment.

Compared to the previous version that sold approximately one million units, the new model has been completely revamped in terms of style, engines and technical specifications. These aspects make the new Fiat Doblo the “best in class” both in terms of space and in terms of reduced emissions.
All this has been achieved through the use of a new platform, more passenger space (with a wheelbase of 2755 mm, the biggest in its segment), a roomy 790 litre luggage compartment, reduced CO2 emissions (129 g/km with the 1.3 Multijet 90 HP engine, the lowest in its category), standard safety features and highly modular interiors with seats that can be folded and tilted.

Style and comfort

The look is very cutting-edge. With a central shield and side bumpers that are perfectly integrated with the body, the front end blends protection and sophistication while the pronounced wheel arch and sloping shoulder contribute to the vehicle’s strong and agile look. The tailgate’s essential lines emphasise the accessibility and size of the generous load compartment; clear, sparkling light clusters and expanses of glass give the new Doblo a touch of elegance.
The interiors have also been designed to offer functionality and create attractive, welcoming environments through combination of colours, materials and trims.
Smart solutions for the best use of on-board space, such as a range of storage compartments and flexible interiors, offering up to 7 places, will satisfy the needs of those who make the Doblo a car to be enjoyed with family or friends.

Environment and economy

The Fiat Doblo will offer 4 power units at its launch: a 95 HP petrol engine and three diesel Multijet engines, 90, 105 and 135 HP, which will later be joined by a Natural Power engine with dual fuel system (petrol and methane) and an additional diesel engine with Dualogic robotized gearbox.
All units are lively and offer smooth torque delivery. They are remarkable for driving satisfaction, excellent performance, low noise levels, low operating costs (fuel consumption and maintenance) and also for their reliability and eco-friendliness.
The range is available with Euro 4 and Euro 5 versions and offers a Start&Stop device as standard, which cuts off the engine temporarily when the car is stopped to guarantee reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Safety

To ensure optimum dynamic behaviour, comfort and active safety in all road surface and load conditions, the vehicle has been equipped with innovative mechanical features including a bi-link rear suspension system available with various component calibrations depending on vehicle application. The Doblo’s consistent and predictable road-holding is also guaranteed by the use of state-of-the-art electronic devices for stability control, namely ABS with electronic brake force distribution EBD and, above all, ESP complemented by a hill-holder system that helps the driver during Hill starts and comes as standard on this model.

The vehicle has been designed and built to achieve the highest levels of passive safety, due to a body with crumple zones, front air bags and innovative front side bags. The latter offer protection for both head and chest.
The vehicle also offers technical solutions and equipment that create optimum comfort conditions and help keep attention on the road: these include an automatic climate control system with distribution to rear seats, cruise control, parking sensors, a built-in Blue&Me hands-free system and a “Blue&Me TomTom” navigator.

The Doblo Cargo, also new, is at the top of the professional vehicle category

The new Fiat Doblo is joined by the new Doblo Cargo which has been designed to take its place at the top of its category in terms of performance and functional characteristics. It offers a more roomy load compartment than the previous model: square, regular, fully exploitable and equipped with sliding side doors and generously-sized rear doors to make light work of loading and unloading operations. Record-breaking statistics (interior length up to 2.2 metres, width between wheel arches of 1.23 metres, volume from 3.4 to 4.2 cubic metres, payload from 750 to 1000 Kg, combined fuel consumption of 4.8 litres/100 km and range of 1250 Km with the 1.3 Multijet engine) ensure that the new vehicle can offer substantial benefits in terms of optimisation and reduction of running costs.
The range finds expression in 7 different body types: short and long wheelbase van, high top van, short and long wheelbase 5-seater combi; a particularly appealing and brand-new short and long drop-framed version can be easily and cheaply converted for specific trades (refrigeration chambers, fixed and tilting flatbed trucks).

The new models are due to be launched from mid-January 2010, but it will be possible to order the vehicles from the end of November in Italy and from December in other European markets.

Popularity: 2% [?]

TECHNOBEST 2009 award to MultiAir technology

FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies has been awarded the 2009 edition of the Technobest prize for its brand new Multiair Technology.

The award was assigned by the international and independent Autobest Jury,  composed of 15 specialist journalists, representing as many countries which number in total approximately 300 million people across Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey and Ukraine.
In announcing the award, the Autobest Jury recognized  Fiat Group’s   capability to demonstrate that “engine downsizing is a science with unlimited resources”.

Multiair is the innovative technology for electronic air control and combustion, thus ensuring dynamic control of air intake, cylinder by cylinder, stroke by stroke. Thanks to a direct control of the air through the intake engine valves without using the throttle, Multiair helps reducing fuel consumption; pollutant emissions are likewise reduced through combustion control: 10% reduction of CO2 emissions, a 10% engine power increase as well as a 15% torque improvement.
Multiair is a versatile technology, easily applicable to all gasoline engines and with future potential developments also for Diesel engines.
The first FPT engine with Multiar system is the gasoline 1.4litre and it is adopted initially by Alfa Romeo MiTo and Fiat Punto Evo models.

Established in 2000, AUTOBEST is  recognised by the automotive industry and customers as the second biggest independent European motoring Jury.

The Tecnobest 2009 Award will be presented at the Autobest prizegiving ceremony in January 2010.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies

Fiat Powertrain Technologies is the company of the Fiat Group specialized in and dedicated to research, development, production and sale of engines and transmissions for automotive, industrial, marine, power generation and railways applications.
With its annual output of around 2,9 million engines and 2,4 million transmissions and axels, 20.000 employees, 17 plants and 12 research centres in 10 countries, FPT is one of the most significant players in the powertrain sector on a worldwide basis.

Popularity: 5% [?]