2011 Fiat Strada Sporting

Fiat's Brazilian division recently released the new Strada Sporting, a special version of the popular pick-up customized with multiple sporty accessories that improve both the exterior and the interior of the car. Pickups are fairly popular in Brazil and Italian carmaker Fiat tries to take advantage of this fact by offering local buyers the possibility to choose a more aggressive version of the Strada, already a best-seller in the country.

The exterior design is all painting in the same color as the body, it is distinguished on the outside by the new aero kit, which comprises of a front spoiler, side skirts and wheel arch add-ons as well as the 16-inch alloy wheels dressed in 185/55 tires. Other styling cues include the smoked headlamps and the silver trim on the mirrors, front fog lights, roof bars and the rear bumper.

Inside, there's gloss black trim, a leather steering wheel (with red stitching) and rubber-studded aluminum pedals. For more flavor, options include a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system.

While the Strada broadened Cab are powered along the Italian firm’s 1.8-liter 16v four-cylinder flex-fuel locomotive acquiring 130 horsepower and 18.4 lb.-ft. By torsion when keeping going gasoline and 132HP and 18.0 lb.-ft.

The truck will go on sale early next year with a base price of $46,270 BRL ($27,580 USD / €20,820).

via: carscoop

2011 Fiat Bravo Hatch Receives Minor Updates

Fiat Bravo arrives with two potent motorizations – the national 1.8 16V E.torQ with mechanical transmission or Dualogic, and the imported 1.4 T-Jet with 6-gear transmission – and three finishing versions – Essence, Absolute and T-Jet – very well equipped.

Fiat Bravo, for example, can be equipped with up to seven airbags – two frontal, two front sides, two for the protection of occupants’ heads, besides one for protection of the driver’s knees. With Dual Drive® electric steering, it arrives with avant-garde technology like fog lights with cornering system, NAV™ Radio, Xenon headlights, front parking sensor, folding external rearview mirrors and a new Skydome sunroof.

The two available motorizations for the new Fiat Bravo offer excellent performance, fuel economy and low emission levels. Both are compact and modern.

The E.torQ 1.8 16V engine puts together high performance and economy, with excellent torque at low rotations. Driving only with gasoline, its power is 130 hp at 5,250 rpm; with ethanol, 132 hp at the same rotation. And the maximum torque of 18.4 kgfm with gasoline and 18.9 kgfm with ethanol, is reached at 4,500 rotations. But at 2,500 rpm, the engine already produces 93% of its torque.

It equips the Essence and Absolute versions of the new Fiat Bravo.

Now the 1.4 16V T-Jet engine equips the sportive version of the hatchback. This compact gasoline turbo engine produces no less than 152 hp of power and 21.1 kgfm of torque at 2,250 rpm.

Small engines with performance of large engine are a strong trend in Europe. Their advantage is that, when not required, they are so economical as any other motor of the same capacity. To obtain this formula, an especially developed turbo compressor is employed to overfeed the engine with lesser capacity.

The T-Jet engine comes coupled to a 6-gear mechanical Italian transmission.

Get to know below the hatchback versions:

* Essence 1.8 16V Flex with transmission mechanical
* Essence 1.8 16V Flex with transmission Dualogic
* Absolute 1.8 16V Flex with transmission mechanical
* Absolute 1.8 16V Flex with transmission Dualogic
* T-Jet 1.4 16V Turbo with transmission 6-gear mechanical


Fiat Bravo Essence. Very well equipped, all Bravo versions bring ISOFIX, universal hook for setting of child seat. The Essence version also includes standard items like double airbag, manual air conditioning, electric steering with “City” function, 16″ light alloy wheel, fog lights with cornering system, disc brakes in the four wheels, automatic pilot, CD radio with MP3, electric external rearview mirrors, Safe Lock, front and rear electric windows with one touch system and anti-crash, steering wheel with height and depth regulation, fuel tank cap with electric opening, driver’s seat with height regulation, visors with mirror and lighting, illuminated glove compartment and trunk, 1/3 and 2/3 bipartite rear seat, five headrests with height regulation, hood for engine and transmission, hooks for fixing of load in the trunk, key with remote control for windows, locks and trunk, among several others.

For both Essence versions, the list of optional equipment includes brakes with ABS, Dual Temp® automatic air conditioning, Hi-Fi sound with subwoofer, Blue&Me™ or Blue&Me™ NAV + leather upholstered steering wheel with radio controls, Skydome electric sunroof, electrochromic internal rearview mirror, twilight sensor, rain sensor, rear and front parking sensor, electric folding of external rearview mirrors, front armrest with refrigerated span, rear armrest, besides partially leather upholstered seats in black or brown. The Dualogic version offers, even, the transmission control on the steering wheel, or butterflies.

Fiat Bravo Absolute. The version has the same standard items of the Essence version plus: Dual Temp® automatic air conditioning, Blue&Me, ABS in the brakes, Night Design, rear parking sensor, leather upholstered steering wheel with radio controls, front armrest with refrigerated span, besides the passenger seat central armrest , 17″ light alloy wheels, knobs and linings under the chromate windows, rags on carpet with Absolute embroidered, more exclusive fabrics and finish details.

Fiat Bravo Absolute Dualogic. Besides all standard equipment of the Absolute version, this also has Dualogic® Automatic transmission and transmission control on the steering wheel.

The two Absolute versions offer, as optional equipment, Skydome electric sunroof, tire pressure sensor, Hi-Fi sound with subwoofer, Blue&Me™ NAV, NAV™ Radio, front parking sensors, external rearview mirrors with electric folding, electrochromic internal mirror, twilight and rain sensors and partially leather upholstered seats, plus the airbags: kneebag, sidebags and windowbags.

Fiat Bravo T-Jet. The list of standard items includes all equipment present in the Absolute version, and even 6-gear transmission, ESP (stability control system) + Hill Holder, 17″ exclusive light alloy wheels, Overbooster button on the panel, darkened front headlights, double chromate exhaust, steering wheel, red painted brake calipers – for the first time in the Fiat series -, hand brake and leather upholstered level knob with red seams, pedal system and sportive footrest, spoiler, mini-skirts, besides diverse finish details that differentiate the sportive version from the new hatchback.

The customer can equip even his Fiat Bravo T-Jet with xenon headlights, tire pressure sensor, Skydome electric sunroof, NAV™ Radio, Blue&Me™ NAV, electrochromic internal mirror, twilight and rain sensors, Hi-Fi sound with subwoofer, 18″ light alloy wheels + tire 225/40, partially leather upholstered seats, plus the airbags: kneebag, sidebags and windowbags.

Fiat Rounds Out the Year of Art Cars at Exhibitalia

The Fiat became the canvas as renowned Italian artists used the new 500 as both inspiration and the canvas itself.
December 03, 2010

Exhibitalia is a 15,000-square-feet exhibit featuring a selection of Italian art, design, fashion and culture. Curated by renowed art critic and director of Italy's Lu C.C.A. Center of Contemporary Arts Maurizio Vanni, the pavilion showcases more than 200 artworks, 40 artists and 150 yards of mobile walls, a platform for video art and a bar lounge.

The exhibit is made possible due to the support from FIAT North America, Ducati Miami and SEA Milano Airports.

The Fiat 500 is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011.




Press Release

The Fiat 500 Inspires Artists at Exhibitalia in Miami

December 3, 2010 , Miami - The new Fiat 500 serves as inspiration for artists participating in Exhibitalia, a four day live exhibition that features a selection of Italian art, design, fashion and culture and that takes place at the Art Basel in Miami. Renowned artists, as well as two student art teams from the University of Miami, use the new Fiat 500 as both inspiration and canvas. Christian Balzano takes his design inspiration to the entire body of the Fiat 500.

Fiat has unveiled the 500 Bicolore at Bologna Motor Show this week. The 500 Bicolore features a two-tone paint scheme, unique alloy wheels, and chrome interior trim.

The Bicolore is powered a turbocharged two-cylinder 0.9-liter TwinAir, which puts out about 85 horsepower and emits up to 30% less CO2 than an engine of equal performance. That’s enough power to get you around the city, and while doesn’t put a dent in your wallet. All Fiat 500 models now come with a Start&Stop system as standard equipment.

Details are limited, but as its name implies, the Bicolore model features a two-tone paint scheme in candy-apple red and white. Fiat finishes off the changes to the Bicolore by fitting it with unique alloy wheels and trimming the interior with some chrome accents.


Source: Fiat




Press Release

Fiat at the 2010 Bologna Motor Show

"The world I would like" is the concept of the Fiat stand at the Bologna Motor Show this year. Seen through the eyes of children, the Fiat area appears to be completely imagined and designed by children as confirmation of a brand projected into the future and more attentive to eco-friendliness.

In this light and happy place where houses sit on clouds and a rainbow welcomes visitors to then serve as their guide in the world of Fiat, previews and new products abound, starting with this year's star: the 85 HP TWIN-CYLINDER TwinAir engine.

A true gem of technology and progenitor of a new family of twin-cylinder FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies engines, the small power unit uses the revolutionary MultiAir system combined with specific fluid dynamics optimised for maximum combustion efficiency. Delivering from 65 to 105 HP, it emits up to 30% less CO2 than an engine of equal performance. These results make the TwinAir a brand-new concept on the worldwide motoring scene and confirm the leadership of the Fiat Group in this field.
At the stand the TwinAir can be admired both on several coloured windmills to emphasise the exhilarating lightness of this compact, hi-tech, high-performing engine and on board 4 versions of the Fiat 500 on show, all equipped with Start&Stop system as standard.

The first 500 is the brand-new TWO-TONE WHITE AND RED VERSION, an unprecedented combination that recalls the retro world of '50s American cars and pop art.

Colour is a universal language for expressing emotions and personality, and in particular for the 500 it is an integral part of a product philosophy whose constituent elements include personality, style and the widest possible array of customisation options. This is the first of a two-tone series that will be launched in the upcoming months, and that celebrates the car's more eco-friendly and sporty spirits.
The spotlights are also on another two Fiat 500 versions: a LOUNGE and a 500C BY DIESEL, the result of a joint venture by the Fiat creative team and the world-renowned Italian label.

The original MATT BLACK VERSION will also take a star turn in the area, featuring an exclusive black body shade with opaque treatment enhanced by certain features in satinised chrome (whiskers, handles, mirror fairings and license plate holders), opaque black 16" alloy wheels with hubcaps featuring a red central frame and, in the case of the 100 HP 1.4 engine version, red painted brake calipers.
The same attention to detail is evident inside where the totally black environment is underscored by details in satinised chrome and silver top-stitching on the steering wheel and gear lever, seats available in red Frau leather or black, combined with the opaque black band of the dashboard. The stand features a 500 configurator like some sort of high-tech toy, where visitors can customise their own car with buckets of paint and needle and thread.

The Bologna Motor Show also provides the perfect opportunity to take a close look AT THE NEW "MYLIFE" VERSION OF THE PUNTO: a 77 HP pastel white 1.4 and a 69 HP pastel red 1.2, both equipped with the Euro 5 petrol engine with Start&Stop system as standard. The Fiat Punto "MyLife" is designed for customers attentive to technological innovations, driving pleasure and environmental issues, without giving up on design, which is made even more unique by the inserts painted glossy Pianoblack that match the body colours available.

And in perfect harmony with this new way of seeing the relationship between technology and ecology, the Fiat stand is displaying two show cars. The 95 HP EURO 5 FIAT QUBO 1.3 MultiJet with Start&Stop system as standard show car is distinguished by the three-coat red body colour with glossy black mouldings, grille and rims with inserts, and two special packs: Style with privacy windows, 16" alloy wheels and longitudinal roof rack bars, and My Blue with MP3-CD Radio, leather steering wheel and knob, steering wheel controls and Blue&Me-TomTom device.

The 120 HP EURO 5 FIAT BRAVO 1.6 MultiJet show car stands out in the crowd thanks to its exclusive three-coat white body combined with glossy black elements (grille, post, 17" rims with diamond finish, rear with Bravo logo and chrome-plated exhaust tailpipe), in addition to the on-board Blue&Me system and Instant Nav satellite navigation system.

The stand at Bologna underscores Fiat's commitment in the field of environmental protection and of making drivers more aware that they should use their cars in a more responsible, eco-friendly manner. It is not by chance that Fiat has the most eco-friendly fleet in Europe. After a good three years, this leadership was confirmed also during the first six months of 2010, with an average emission value of the entire range of 123.5 g/km, more than 4 g/km less than the closest competitor.

eco:DriveGP will come to a conclusion precisely at the Bologna Motor Show. It is the first eco-friendly driving competition based on objective driving data provided through eco:Drive, the innovative Fiat system which helps to increase driving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
A unique initiative for Europe, it selected the top two eco:Drivers (one man and one woman) of each country from all of the participating owners of Fiats equipped with Blue&Me residing in Italy, France, Germany, Spain and England. And for the Motor Show, the 10 national champions have been invited to take part in the final competition to determine Europe's most efficient, eco-friendly driver.

eco:Drive represents a unique way of using technology to bring about long-term changes in driving behaviour. It is simple to use and install on a Fiat as it is a free software application that can be downloaded from the website www.fiat.com/ecoDrive. It collects the journey data through the Blue&Me interface of the car and analyses them to give the user handy personalised tips to cut travel costs and the environmental impact of his driving style.

It was an immediate success. In just two years it was downloaded more than 140,000 times. Every day more than 50,000 drivers use it and about 10 million journeys have been logged and analysed on the Fiat database. Considering the contribution of the drivers of eco:Ville, the online Community of all Fiat eco:Drivers, it is possible to calculate an overall saving of approximately 3,500 tonnes of CO2. But there's more. For the first time, thanks to eco:Drive, research on driving styles was based on a scientific, statistically representative method of analysis. And starting from 4 November the eco:Drive "WHITE PAPER", a study on more than 400,000 trips by European Fiat eco:Drivers, is being presented in Europe in a roadshow in the major European countries.

Lastly, visitors can become familiar with the products of FGA CAPITAL, a finance company (joint venture between Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole) that specialises in the automotive segment. The company operates within Italy - with the Sava and Savarent brands - and across Europe supporting the sales of Fiat Group Automobiles and Chrysler brand vehicles by offering innovative financial complete with high added value services dedicated to the dealership network, private customers and companies.

Fiat to Build Combo for Opel

Based on a new agreement between Fiat Group Automobiles SpA and Adam Opel GmbH, the successor to the Opel/Vauxhall Combo model will be based on the Fiat Doblo, and will also be built by the Italian manufacturer. Fiat will supply vehicles comprising several variants to Opel/Vauxhall commencing December 2011. They will produce these cars at their Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey.

According to Fiat, the Tofas-built vehicles will be badged as Opel and Vauxhall and sold from 2012 onwards on the markets in Europe and several others outside of NAFTA. The models built by Fiat for Opel will continue to wear the Combo designation and will be available in several body variants, including Cargo Vans, Combi, Passenger Vehicles and chassis Cabs.

Fiat said in a statement Monday that the vehicles based on the Fiat Doblo platform will replace the Opel Combo Light Commercial Vehicle. They will be produced at the Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey, where the Doblo is made.


It will be sold in Europe and other markets except those in North America.
Deliveries in 2011 were put at 6,000 rising to at least 250,000 in time while Tofas will make 1.3 million of the vehicles.

via:carscoop




Press Release

• Supply of derivatives of Fiat’s Doblo model
• Successor to the Opel/Vauxhall Combo model
• Produced at Tofas in Turkey
• Production of more than 250,000 units to start in 2011

Turin/Russelsheim. The Automobile Sector of the Fiat Group (Fiat Group Automobiles SpA, Turin, Italy) and Adam Opel GmbH (R?sselsheim, Germany) have signed a contract agreement whereby Fiat will supply vehicles comprising of several variants to Opel commencing December 2011.

The model will replace the Opel Combo light commercial vehicle, which reaches the end of its lifecycle in the fourth quarter 2011. The new vehicles, based on the same platform as the Fiat Doblo models, will be produced at the Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey where the Doblo is manufactured. They will be sold by Vauxhall and Opel dealers in Europe and other markets outside of North America starting in January 2012.

Opel and Vauxhall will retain the Combo name for this vehicle range which will include a number of derivatives, including cargo vans, passenger vehicles and chassis cabs. The Opel/Vauxhall design team in R?sselsheim, Germany is actively involved in the development of the new models and works in cooperation with the Fiat Group Automobiles’ Engineering and Design Group in Turin, Italy.

The project calls for an initial supply of up to 6,000 vehicles in 2011. The program is planned to cover the supply of at least 250,000 units. This will extend the total lifetime production of this vehicle platform in the Tofas plant to 1.3 million units. Tofas is a joint venture between Fiat Group Automobile and Koc Holding of Turkey and was established in 1968.

Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth

Italian Tuner Novitec released an upgrade package for new Fiat 500 Abarth

The Novitec Abart 500 features the 3,016 Euro NT4-Corse power kit which increases power by 77hp. It's got a new turbocharger, new intake with sport air-filter cartrige, high performance exhaust, new injectors, and a Novitec Powerjet engine tuning module. Add the NT4-Corse tuning kit and engine output from the 1.4-liter inline-four climbs to a perfectly reasonable for a tiny car, 212 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.

Extra power from Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth comes from a special turbocharger, an optimized intake, clean air box with sport air filter cartridge. The Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth is also equipped with high-performance exhaust system, larger injection nozzles and fuel pressure control system specially. With the additional power under a small tent, which Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth able to get from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 223 km / h. To handle the “fun” Additionally, Novitec Fiat 500 Abarth comes with a sport springs lower center of gravity by 35 mm, and height adjustable, stainless steel, sport suspension.

Novitec also ups the sport with lowered suspension, one piece Novitec N10 alloy wheels available in either 17 or 18 inch sizes (with 215/35R18 tires) and Novitec carbon front lip spoiler and black side turn signals.

Pricing for the Novitec Abarth 500 power kit is 3,016 Euro.




Press Release

Brand-new from NOVITEC: 212 HP and Sporty Accessories for the Abarth 500

Engine tuning with up to 212 hp / 156 kW and an extensive range of sporty accessories for the Abarth 500 are now available from NOVITEC, the worldwide leader in customizing the cars from Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Stainless steel sport exhaust systems,

17- and 18-inch tire/wheel combinations and matching suspension modifications are also part of the program.

The NOVITEC engine specialists developed various performance kits for the 135 hp / 99 kW Abarth 500 which boost power in different stages between 164 hp / 121 kW to 212 hp / 156 kW. They unleash the true power of the 1.4-liter T-Jet four-cylinder engine without compromising durability.

The NOVITEC NT4-CORSE power kit costs 3,016 Euros and delivers an increase in power output of 77 hp / 57 kW. It consists of a special turbocharger, a more efficient fresh air supply, an optimized air-cleaner box with sport air-filter cartridge, the NOVITEC CORSE high performance exhaust system, larger injection nozzles and a special fuel pressure control. In addition the engine electronics is upgraded with the NOVITEC POWERJET 2 auxiliary control unit.

The NOVITEC NT4-CORSE tuning kit boosts power of the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine to 212 hp / 156 kW. Maximum torque grows from standard 206 to 325 Nm at 3,400 rpm. Thus equipped the tuned Abarth 500 will accelerate in just 6.8 seconds from rest to 100 km/h and will reach a top speed of 223 km/h.

With or without engine tuning: the NOVITEC stainless-steel sport mufflers and high performance exhaust systems, available with one or two tailpipes in various shapes, lend the Abarth 500 a more exciting rear appearance, a more powerful engine sound and optimized performance.

NOVITEC also adds even more sporty character to the suspension of the turbocharged model: Abarth 500 customers can choose between NOVITEC sport springs, which lower the ride height by some 35 millimeters, and the height-adjustable NOVITEC sport suspension made from stainless steel. The latter includes somewhat stiffer gas-pressure shocks and gives the top-of-the-line model of the 500 range even more agile handling characteristics.

Perfectly matched to the sportier suspension settings are custom-tailored one-piece NOVITEC N10 light alloy wheels with 17- or 18-inch diameters. The 7.5Jx17 wheels can be fitted with low-profile
tires in sizes 215/40 R 17 in front and rear. The wheels are optionally available as silver polished or matte black painted versions. A NOVITEC set of wheels with tires is available starting from 1,106 Euros.

Especially extravagant requests can be fulfilled with NOVITEC N10 8Jx18 wheels and 215/35 R 18 tires which make full use of the available space in the wheel wells. The rim design with eight double spokes is available in different colors or polished versions.

The Abarth 500 will soon look even more sporty with the NOVITEC front spoiler lip made from Carbon which attaches to the underside of the standard front fascia. In addition to the more pronounced passing image the front spoiler also offers aerodynamic advantages: The refined shape reduces lift on the front axle and improves directional stability at high speeds.

Black-tinted lateral turn signals complete the sporty look of the Abarth.

Further NOVITEC tuning options for the Abarth 500 are in preparation. NOVITEC also offers an extensive customizing program for all Fiat 500 versions.