- Filed under: Etc., Videos, Fiat, Celebrities, Humor
Fiat heir Lapo Elkann makes the Lakers' game-winning move - Click above to watch video after the jump
Lapo Elkann is the grandson of Fiat founder Gianni Agnelli and is said to be heir to several Fiat thrones. While courtside at the Staples Center in Los Angeles watching the Lakers play the Toronto Raptors, Yahoo Sports reports that Elkann interfered in a play that gave LA the win.
With the score tied and only seconds left, the Raptors' Jose Calderon (pictured) was chasing a ball headed out of bounds when Elkann swiped it away. The Lakers were given possession and Kobe Bryant did his game-winning thing. You can see a recap of the event in the video after the jump, and for you rightfully sore Raptors fans, Elkann later apologized. Thanks for the tip, Jeffrey!
[Sources: Yahoo Sports, Goal.com]Continue reading Video: Fiat heir makes game-winning assist at Lakers-Raptors?
Video: Fiat heir makes game-winning assist at Lakers-Raptors? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rumormill
Alfa Romeo says it achieved its objectives with the stunning 8C Competizione. Now the brand known for the quadrifoglio wants to make the same kind of splash - only bigger - and rumor has it that it will do so by unveiling an Alfa 4C at this year's Pebble Beach Concours.
Automobile reports that the 4C will be a "a compact, lightweight sports car concept," shorn of high-zoot and high-dollar goods like carbon fiber and a Ferrari engine. Instead, it will use a 250-horsepower four-cylinder and could be rear-wheel-drive. Price for the limited-to-5,000 vehicles is being estimated at €50,000 ($70,000 U.S.).
However, while the 8C was busy killin' it, the rest of the Alfa line has been busy struggling. Sales haven't exactly pleased parent company Fiat, so the fate of Alfa's (and, by extension, the the 4C) oft-planned return trip to North America is still in question. Unless and until the Giulietta and its variants prove they are winners and show Fiat the money, it looks like the message for the American Alfa will remain, "Please hold..."
[Source: Automobile]Rendered Speculation: Alfa 4C coming to Pebble Beach? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, Volkswagen, Fiat
Ex-Volkswagen and Ford executive Laura Soave has gone from creating the events that help sell cars to being the one in charge of selling them. Yes, Fiat has named Soave, the woman who helped put together the 50th Anniversary Barbie New Beetle in charge of reintroducing the Fiat brand to the United States after retreating from North America's shores more than 25 years ago. Of course, Soave, 37, has also done more substantive things, including being VW's head of advertising and communications for the company's large(ish) passenger cars and SUVs. At Ford, Soave held down various positions, including "Brand DNA Manager."
Soaves' official title as Head of the Fiat Brand for North America not only installs her at the top of the pyramid, it puts her name on the profit-and-loss bottom line and has her answering directly to Sergio Marchionne. You can read Fiat's press release after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Ex-VW exec named head of Fiat North America
Ex-VW exec named head of Fiat North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat
Abarth Punto Evo - Click above for high-res image gallery
Getting a lot from a little. That might as well be Abarth's official slogan, translated into Italian, of course, for that added dose of Mediterranean flair. Fiat's performance division manages, first of all, to construct an entire line-up of hot hatches based on two models. And what they turn them into are genuine giant slayers.
As we reported just last week in the run-up to this year's Geneva Motor Show, the Abarth Punto Evo takes the recently revised Fiat hatchback as its basis, and upgrades it, first and foremost, with 1.6-liter turbocharged MultiAir four-bangers in either 165- or 178-horsepower guise. Add to that upgraded wheels, brakes, suspension, interior and body kit, and suddenly this scorpion-emblazoned hatchback - a decidedly more modern alternative to the 500 - packs a real sting.
For better or worse, though, while its much-loved retro stablemate may finally make it Stateside in the near future, no such plans are known for the Punto in any form, so enjoy the live photos from the show floor in the high-res gallery below and the details in the press release after the jump.
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Abarth Punto Evo takes the next step
Geneva 2010: Abarth Punto Evo takes the next step originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Fiat
Abarth 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery
For every car, there's a prospective customer. And for a car like the Fiat 500C, a cutesy retro mini with a pseudo-cabrio sliding canvas roof, we hardly need to point out who that target demographic is. But as if to highlight what a difference the little things can make, the Abarth version is another beast entirely.
By "little things", here we mean stuff like a 140-horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a five-speed sequential paddle-shift transmission and a badass two-tone paint job. All that may not sound like much, but when applied to a little thing like the 500C, it represents the difference between the stock Fiat's potential customer and the car nut who takes her out for an evening on the town.
If the collaborative minds at Fiat and Chrysler deem us worthy, we'd enthusiastically count ourselves among the Abarth 500C's potential customers. But for now we'll just have to enjoy admiring it on the show floor here in Geneva where it's just been unveiled, and we have the photos to prove it along with more details in the press release after the jump.
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Abarth 500C blows its top
Geneva 2010: Abarth 500C blows its top originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat
Abarth 500C (above) and Punto Evo (below right) - Click either for high-res image galleries
Fiat's plucky Abarth performance division manages to do a whole lot with very little. The in-house tuning garage has based their entire lineup on two Fiat hatchbacks: the Punto and the 500. So when Fiat rolled out new versions of both, it was only a matter of time until Abarth got their hands on them, and both are slated to make their debut at the fast-approaching Geneva Motor Show.
First up is the 500C. The pseudo-convertible version of the popular (and soon to be U.S.-bound) retro mini, the 500C features a retractable roof section sliding between solid roof rails. The base Fiat version is doubtlessly a fun ride, but doesn't look much like a performance driving tool. Abarth, however, seems to have done a lot to rectify that shortcoming. First, the goods: a 
140-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo four mated to a five-speed robotized manual, complete with paddleshifters, drive the hot open hatch to 62 miles-per-hour in 7.9 seconds. Complementing the added oomph are bigger wheels and brakes, a sportier suspension, an aggressive body kit and a two-tone paint scheme that, to our eyes, does the shape some big favors in the attitude department.
The second model starts with the new Punto Evo - a recently revised version of Fiat's bread-and-butter hatchback - and gives it a shot of adrenaline, courtesy of a 165-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir four. A 178-hp Esse-Esse version of the Abarth Punto Evo will be available from launch as well, but buyers looking for the added boost in retro-cabrio form will presumably have to wait a little longer for the Abarth 500C Esse-Esse to come along. Press release after the jump, and images in the galleries below.
[Source: Abarth]Continue reading Geneva Preview: Abarth 500C and Punto Evo are pocket rockets we'd welcome
Geneva Preview: Abarth 500C and Punto Evo are pocket rockets we'd welcome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat
2010 Chrysler Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery
New products seem to be a scarce commodity at Chrysler, but a recent raft of reports emanating from Auburn Hills and, perhaps more importantly Turin, Italy, shows that storm clouds are gathering near The Pentastar's new product desert.
Chrysler brass recently gave members of the Economic Club of Chicago luncheon a sneak peak at the new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, along with information about the arrival of the Fiat 500 by the end of 2010. Now the Detroit Free Press reports that Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is talking major refresh for the Dodge Avenger and the Chrysler Sebring by the end of the year. And that's not all.
The Freep quotes Chrysler's multi-tasking CEO as saying that the Avenger/Sebring architecture has been torn apart and "You'll see a completely different animal. We're having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury is still out." The report goes on to say that it will be the Sebring that receives the name change, which makes sense considering the fact that Avenger sales have held up considerably (and relatively) better than the Sebring since both vehicles launched. Chrysler claims that the goal is to make changes where midsize customers will notice.
Stephanie Brinley at AutoPacific Group in Troy reportedly told the Free Press that Chrysler is somewhat limited in what it can accomplish with a refresh, but changes to ride and handling could be significant - and there's plenty of room for improvement. Another positive change could come under the hood of both vehicles, as Chrysler is working with Fiat on new engine technology, including the Italian automaker's Multiair tech, which may or may not find its way into the downtrodden sedans.
We have no idea if changing the name of the Sebring will wash away all the pain inflicted by a truly bad sedan, but we're thinking that at this point no changes could hurt more than the status quo. We're hoping the refresh is thorough enough to get us interested in The Pentastar's midsize offerings, but we're going to have to take a Missouri-style "show me" stance before believing it.
[Source: Detroit Free Press]That'll Fix It: Chrysler may drop Sebring name at next refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat
Alfa Romeo 159 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been 15 years since Alfa Romeo last sold vehicles in the U.S. market, but according to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, we won't have to wait much longer for a chance to own a vehicle donning the Cross and Serpent. Automotive News is reporting that Marchionne insisted that Alfa will return Stateside in the next 24 months, adding: "I'm a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada."
To make the jump to the U.S. and Canada, Alfa will reportedly need to rely on its newest sibling Chrysler for the appropriate platforms. AN sources say that the most likely Alfas to make the trans-Atlantic journey are the successors to the 159 and 166, but those vehicles could be sitting on Chrysler platforms when they make their way to production. The 159 replacement would reportedly be built in the U.S. with a scheduled 2012 arrival and it could rest atop Chrysler's "compact wide" midsize architecture. The range may eventually also spawn both a sedan and wagon. AN indicates that the 166 successor could be matched up with The Pentastar's large rear drive platform that currently underpins the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, with the vehicle being built at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario plant. The 147 replacement that is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show will apparently not be coming to North America.
We're really hoping Alfas will in fact arrive on our shores within the next couple years, but we've certainly witnessed this song and dance before. There is no question that Fiat has to do something with Alfa, though, as global sales that have gone from 203,000 in 2000 to 102,000 in 2009 won't cut it for long.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Marchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat
Late last year, Alfa Romeo previewed the all-new Giulietta ahead of its reveal at next month's Geneva Motor Show. While the five-door hatch is enough to make Stateside consumers weak in the knees - particularly in Quadrifoglio Verde trim - the impact in the U.S. figures to be much more substantial.
According to a new report by Automotive News, the underpinnings of the Giulietta are set to proliferate throughout Fiat's range in the coming years, and of the one million vehicles the automaker plans to build off the new architecture annually, the Chrysler group will account for around 700,000.
Fiat and Chrysler are currently working on a widened version of the platform - appropriately dubbed "Compact Wide" - and seven new models for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will use the new underpinnings, including the replacement for the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Caliber in 2012. And judging by Fiat's description, it's a helluva platform.
Aimed to compete with the new Audi A1 and BMW 1 Series, the platform uses 84 percent high and ultrahigh strength steel, a McPherson front and a dual-link rear suspension, both of which will use aluminum components (front and rear arms, along with the crossmember).
The platform comes in around 10 percent lighter than its predecessor thanks to the use of aluminum and magnesium, and is designed to fit a transverse engine and can be adapted for either front- or all-wheel drive applications.
On a related side note, during last week's Economic Club of Chicago luncheon in which Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO and Chrysler Group design head, dropped a a handful of interesting tidbits about the future of the automaker, he also showed a few teasers of upcoming products. Included in the presentation were images of the new 300C and Jeep Grand Cherokee, along with the the rendering above, a new subcompact product from Dodge, almost assuredly the next Caliber. Combined with the new platform and Fiat's Multiair engines, we may finally have a credible contender in the compact arena from Chrysler. And it's about damn time.
[Sources: Automotive News, AutoBird]Report: Two Fiat-based small cars to replace PT Cruiser, Caliber in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, SUV, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat
Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ralph Gilles, Dodge CEO and Chrysler Group design head, has just wrapped up an address to the Chicago Economic Club that was peppered with several choice quotes and quips. You can read the Chrysler's PR-filtered version on its Twitter feed, but here are our favorites:
From the true: "Brands and companies don't die. They are victims of homicide."
To the sublime: "Viper important to image of "my brand" [Dodge]"
To the ridiculous: "The further away you are from Detroit the less you know the facts about the auto industry."
To the more ridiculous: "I liken management to X-Men... all have special abilities."
To the funny/creepy: Ad agency interviewed him before creating Super Bowl spot. "I had to smoke a cigarette," afterwards, he joked.
To the important: "Fiat 500 on sale in U.S. at end of the year"
That last bit coincides with earlier reports that the Fiat 500 could reach the States as early as this year as a 2011 model. Although the 500's importation into the U.S. has been fast-tracked, there's still some question about whether it will meet U.S. crash and safety standards. We expect to have an exact on sale date soon, and Gilles also said that the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is due to go on sale within the next three months.
[Source: Chrysler via Twitter]Gilles: Fiat 500 on sale in U.S. by the end of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Fiat
We're not entirely sure what keeping Fiat jobs in Italy has to do with the Catholic Church - other than the fact that the Pope was given a Ducato van from the automaker last year - but we guess that's not really any of our business, right? Whatever the case, Pope Benedict XVI has urged Fiat and the Italian government to keep Italian workers employed. "Everything possible must be done to save jobs that are in danger, especially in areas in crisis such as Termini Imerese," said the Pope.
Last Wednesday, at least two-thirds of Italy's 80,000 Fiat workers (including those for Ferrari and Maserati) went on strike to protest the planned closure of Fiat's Termini Imerese plant. The company's smallest plant, the facility is located on the island of Sicily, and Fiat claims shipping parts to the remote location is too expensive.
In the end, though, it all seems for naught, as Fiat has signaled that it still plans to move forward with the plant's closure. According to the Italian government, there have been seven separate proposals to purchase the plant and convert it for another use, perhaps even as a supermarket or Ikea store.
[Source: NPR, Business Week]Report: Pope puts smackdown on Fiat, backs striking Italian plant workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Fiat, Diesel
One of the last vestiges of the aborted partnership between Fiat and General Motors is coming to a close. An engine plant in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, has been jointly owned by GM and Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT). FPT has reached an agreement with GM to buy out the American company's stake.
The plant builds the 1.3-liter Multijet diesel four cylinder that is used in an array of vehicles from both companies including the Opel Corsa and Astra and Fiat 500 and Punto.
The plant will continue building the same engine under Fiat management and GM will continue using the engine. No purchase price has been revealed for GM's stake. The press release is after the jump.
[Source: General Motors] Continue reading Fiat Powertrain Technologies to buy General Motors stake in Polish engine plant
Fiat Powertrain Technologies to buy General Motors stake in Polish engine plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat
With the unification of Fiat and Chrysler, we're been expecting major changes in the corporate structure of the two automakers and their various brands. Most recently, Lancia chief executive Olivier Francois was named head of the Chrysler division, leading to reports that the two brands - similarly positioned in the sub-luxury premium segment - will be integrated into one unit. Now similar reports place the Abarth, Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands under common leadership.
Let's get ready to play musical chairs for a moment... This news comes with the appointment of Harald Wester as CEO of Alfa Romeo. In his new role, Wester replaces Sergio Cravero, who himself was recently promoted from the brand's communications directorate to serve as a replacement for the departing Luca de Meo who will change to a new role as head of product planning for the entire Fiat Group.
Wester, meanwhile, retains not only his roles as group chief technical officer, but also as CEO of both the Abarth and Maserati brands. As a result, we can expect to see a deeper level of collaboration between these performance-oriented brands within the expanding Fiat empire. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Fiat]Continue reading Fiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEO
Fiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Fiat
2010 Fiat Punto Evo - Click above for high-res image gallery
We never really considered ourselves the Fiat Punto kind, but the 2010 Evo variant strikes a chord, and for a little guy it comes with a lot of kit. The Blue&Me interface will be available on all trim levels, providing control of all the car's major functions, along with a mobile phone, MP3 player and touch-screen navigation. On top of that will be rain sensors, ESP with Hill Holder, engine start-stop and adaptive cornering fog lights.
There will be two chassis options: Grande Punto and Sporting, which both come with a "sport chassis" and "more assertive looks;" and Comfort. There are five engines to choose from: four of the firm's new MultiAir, and MultiJet II diesel models, from a 1.3-liter, 75-horsepower MultiJet to 1.4-liter, 135-hp MultiAir turbo, and a vanilla 1.4-liter, 77-hp gas variant. A sixth engine choice, the 1.6-liter MultiJet with 120 hp, comes in October.
We could tell you more about it but Fiat has graciously composed a textbook-length press release on the car. You'll find it after the jump, and lots of pretty pictures in the high-res gallery below.
[Source: Fiat]Continue reading Fiat Punto Evo bows, looks good
Fiat Punto Evo bows, looks good originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat
Where there's smoke, there's fire. So it was natural to expect that, with the debut of the mildly facelifted Fiat Punto Evo and its smoked headlights, we might expect an updated version of the fire-breathing Abarth to go with it. And this, according to reports, is our first look at just such a hot hatch.
A revised fascia isn't the only change the new Abarth Punto Evo brings to the table. Confirming earlier reports, the new Scorpion will get a bump in power from 155 horsepower to 170, thanks to the use of Fiat's new MultiAir engine technology. But that's just the base Abarth. The even hotter EsseEsse model is tipped to have 200 hp on tap, perfect for doing battle with the recently revised Clio Renaultsport 200. The use of Fiat's new dual-clutch gearbox is also reportedly in the mix, along with some LED lighting.
In a related development, Scottish racing team If Motorsport is reported to be considering bringing the Punto Abarth into the British Touring Car Championship. The adoption of new, low-cost NGTC rules for the 2011 series is the impetus, and if recent competition-spec Abarth machines are anything to go by, the BTCC could have a real thrasher on its hands.
[Source: Cardisiac via rmpgo.com, Autosport]Fiat previews updated Abarth Punto Evo, touring car to follow? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'FIAT' Category
Saturday, March 31st, 2007
Geneva 2007: The legendary Abarth “Scorpion” returns
A great project will be launched at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show: the rebirth of one of the most prestigious brands in world motorsports. Its symbol is a scorpion, and its name is Abarth.
Abarth has always been synonymous with assertive cars, competitiveness, passion and excitement, and it now returns with a new range that will appeal to all lovers of motorsports. Abarth’s first interpretation of the Grande Punto will be on the “catwalk” at the Geneva Show, the first step in an initiative which will later involve other models.
This new adventure starts in the familiar, uniquely emotional context and exclusive setting of the Geneva Motor Show. A striking stand has been prepared, in line with the philosophy of Abarth’s rebirth, an innovative space with a fresh, contemporary, technological language and great attention to every detail. The new elements that will publicise the Abarth brand are displayed with all their strong, original personality: the revamped version of the famous Abarth racing stripe has been rendered with LED tiles, while the new logo, the scorpion and the wording are all large, three-dimensional elements in polished, satin-effect aluminium.
The Abarth values and tradition on the other hand are underlined discreetly and technologically: refined materials and precious finishing details in aluminium, carbon fibre, enamel and lacquer decorate the exhibition area, and draw attention to the true stars of the stand: the Grande Punto Abarth S2000, a car that has been type-approved for racing and is proving to be highly successful, and the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a concept car making its world debut.
These are the two souls of the Abarth world: racing and standard production.
Visitors to the Geneva Show will also have an opportunity to discover a third field in which the brand operates; a multimedia configurator will illustrate the whole concept of the ‘Abarth Kit’, and the flexibility and wide range of combinations that the brand will offer customers in its conversion kits. Some of these solid wooden boxes, inlaid with satin-finished aluminium trims, are on display inside glass cubes, with the historic mechanical and stylistic components from the conversion kits.
And finally, by means of exclusive LED technology and plasma screens, the walls of the stand propose historical photographs and films, alternating them with a reproduction of the new Abarth racing stripe, underlining the fine link between the past and the future, as well as the energy and personality that are inherent in the Abarth brand.
The Grande Punto Abarth Preview
The absolute star of the stand is the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a true jewel of assertiveness and elegance. The car will be marketed in September, to enhance the sporty, youthful positioning of the Grande Punto.
The car on show in Geneva is equipped with a 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that delivers 150 bhp at 5500 rpm, boosted to 155 bhp by the adoption of 98 RON petrol. What is more, thanks to a booster kit, a version with twice as much power as the basic version (180 bhp) will soon be available. This is a revival of a tradition from the past: for example, the Fiat 500 of 1958 delivered 13 bhp at 4000 rpm with a top speed of 85 km/h, while the Fiat 500 Abarth of the same year delivered 26 bhp at 5000 rpm and a top speed of 118 km/h.
The Grande Punto Abarth aims to revive the feats of these entertaining performance cars, offering young drivers in particular an opportunity to enter the racing world in complete safety and at an accessible price.
The Grande Punto Abarth S2000
The public in Geneva will also be able to admire the extraordinary Grande Punto Abarth S2000. This is a racing car designed for racing stables, which the Fiat Racing Department will be entering in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with Giandomenico Basso and his navigator Mitia Dotta. Davide Gatti, winner of the 2006 Fiat Abarth International Trophy, will compete at the wheel of an official Fiat Grande Punto R3D with a diesel engine. On the international scene, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will compete in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with drivers Andrea Navarra, his navigator Guido D’Amore, and young Umberto Scandola and Anton Alen.
The Abarth & C. Spa racing team will be managed by Claudio Berro.
Powered by a 2000 cc aspirated engine that delivers 270 bhp, with 4-wheel drive, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is heir to the version that took the 2006 Italian Rally Championship title with Paolo Andreucci and Anna Andreussi, winning 7 of the 11 races on the programme. Nor must we forget the excellent season of their team-mates Andrea Navarra and Guido D’Amore who took third place. Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta won the European title and the International Rally Challenge.
Since its debut last season, the racing version has proved unbeatable, whatever the type of route or terrain. And we must underline that the 15 cars built so far have been ordered by several racing stables in Europe and elsewhere, to compete in domestic and international rallies. And now, thanks to this technological and competitive superiority, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is ready to compete in these two championships with the same determination and assertiveness.
And finally, as well as a successful car and an outstanding team of drivers, the new Abarth & C. company can also boast a staff with a great deal of experience in motorsports: a total of 113 experts, 26 in the engineering field, 43 on the manufacturing side and 9 dedicated to racing.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, FIAT | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Fiat Siena (Nanya - People\’s Republic of China)
Fiat Petra (Fiat - Egypt)
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.2 16v Speedgear
1.2 16v
1.5
1.6 16v
Previous version:
Variation:
Fiat Albea Limousine 4d
Assembly Plants:
Fiat (Egypt)
Fiat (India)
Fiat (Turkey)
Nanya (People\’s Republic of China)
Info: A Siena with some modifications.
Donors:
Posted in FIAT | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Fiat Barchetta Roadster 2d
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.8 16v
Previous version:
Variation:
Holzer (Germany) Fiat Barchetta tuning
Roadster 2d
Assembly Plants:
Info: Named after a “small boat”, the Barchetta is a stylish and accomplished sports car in the mould of a Mazda MX5, BMW Z3 or MG TF. It is not produced in right-hand-drive form for the UK market.
Update 03.2003.
Donors:
Posted in FIAT | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Fiat Idea MPV
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.2 16v
1.3 Multijet 16v
1.4 16v
1.9 Multijet
Previous version:
Variation:
Fiat Idea MPV
Lancia (Italy) Musa
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in FIAT | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Fiat Multipla MPV
Sales Company:
Available version:
1.6 16v Blupower
1.6 16v
1.9 JTD
Previous version:
Variation:
Fiat Multipla MPV
(2004 - )
Assembly Plants:
Info: Revised Multipla featuring less shocking styling.
Donors:
Posted in FIAT | No Comments »
