Fiat Grande Punto has just changed its name into Punto Evo, a name that symbolize a new level of technology, design, driving pleasure and environment respect. The new Punto Evo will make its official debut in two weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new Fiat Punto Evo comes with a wide choice of Euro 5 engines, including a 1.3 second generation Multijet diesel and a 1.4 petrol engine with the revolutionary MultiAir technology. Compared to a conventional petrol engine of the same size, a MultiAir engine develops more power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), less particulates (up to 40%) and less NOx (up to 60%).
In the area of safety, the 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. Other innovative safety systems are also available, including Hill-Holder to help with hill starts, adaptive ’cornering’ front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering, and Fiat’s tried and tested ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) systems.
We always comment about how hot Italian cars are, but this is not what we had in mind. Looks like this Grande Punto didn’t like the facelift Fiat was giving it (this 2010 update was out testing). No one was hurt, so we get to make fun.
Fiat likes to add extra spice to their cars, even after their in-house tuner Abarth gets its hands on them. A good example is the 500 "essesse" shown in Paris last year. Now for the Geneva Motor Show, Fiat will come with another hotter Abarth: the Grande Punto Abarth "SuperSport".
The 16-valve 1.4-liter turbocharged engine now delivers 180 hp (up 25 hp from the standard Grande Punto Abarth). With this amount of power the Grande Punto Abarth SuperSport’s top speed is raised 4 mph to 133 mph and makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 7.5 seconds (shaving about half a second off Grande Punto Abarth’s time).
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.
Fiat launched today the Grande Punto Natural Power, a model powered by new dual fuel (gas/methane). Same methane-petrol dual fuel system will be offered for the following models: Multipla Natural Power, Punto Natural Power, Panda Panda Natural Power, Panda Panda Climbing Natural Power and Doblò Natural Power.
When running on methane the car is able to cover 310 km with the tank filled to its full capacity of 84 liters. This record-breaking figure is increased by the 45 liter fuel tank capacity: this means that the Grande Punto Natural Power can be driven for more than 1000 kilometres without refueling.
The new model also offers a 1.4 8v Fire unit that is already compliant with the EURO5 emissions directive and offers low CO2 emissions (115 g/km) that allow customers access to the maximum state incentives.
This car will likely stay Euro-only because although the Fiat Group has announced Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S., it has not yet announced any Fiat cars are coming. A low-volume natural gas powered car would probably not be a wise first entry compared to the 500.
On 14 and 15 June, a Fiat dealer network open door event will be held in Italy devoted to the Grande Punto Model Year 2008. The model has consistently played a leading role in all international markets (sales of over 850,000 since the launch, of which half outside Italy) and has now been revamped to offer customers significant new exterior features, a new range designed to appeal even more to the young, higher value due to the addition of major features as standard such as the sophisticated latest-generation ESP system with built in Hill Holder and, last but not least, new product packages based on the innovative Blue&MeTM entertainment and communications system.
To make it easier for customers to choose their version, the Grande Punto 08 range is made up of two families: the first known as “ConfortLife”, includes the Dynamic and Emotion versions and is designed for customers who are seeking comfort, style and practicality.
Those who seek a car with an out-and-out sporty temperament will be more attracted by the second family “SportLife” – that includes the versions Sport and the brand new Fun. Last but not least, the Active completes the new Grande Punto MY 2008 range. All specifications are available in 3 or 5 door configurations, apart from the Emotion that comes in a 5 door version more consistent with its mission of a car offering top motoring comfort.
The South American division of Fiat, called Fiat Automoevis unveiled its latest creation: the Fiat Punto Turbo. What you see is in fact the Punto Abarth, but under another name.
Powered by a 155 hp T-jet engine from Abarth, the car comes with a new suspension kit, upgraded brakes, new body kit containing new front lip spoiler, side skirts, re-designed rear bumper and rear roof spoiler, but also a set of 17” alloy wheels. The car is set to enter production by the end of the year and will be available exclusively on the Brazilian automarket.
The Grande Punto Abarth Esseesse (Super Sport) was announced just a while before the Frankfurt Motor and will go on sale in early 2008. It is powered by a tuned version of the 1.4 liter 16v engine that delivers 180 hp. It makes the 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and hits a top speed of 215 km/h.
A competitive car with a racing destiny, through the Racing Division the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is taking part in the Italian Rally Championship 2007, driven by Giandomenico Basso, with co-driver Mitia Dotta. It is also taking part in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with Anton Alen, Andrea Navarra and Umberto Scandola behind the wheel. > More
The launch of the Grande Punto Abarth is a tribute to the army of little Fiats from days gone by, that were given a tough, dynamic and sporty edge by the “magic hands” at Abarth: scorpions with a real sting in the tail, igniting the passion of thousands of drivers with a taste for challenge, speed, and Italian flair. Today, the Grande Punto Abarth is aiming to evoke the former glory of those high-performance vehicles by offering the public, especially younger drivers, the chance to enter the world of competitive racing in complete safety, at affordable prices > More
Early in 2008, the Grande Punto Abarth range will be completed with the “esseesse” (Super Sport) kit.
The “esseesse” kit is reserved especially for the Grande Punto Abarth, and can only be installed at the official Abarth service centres. The car can be converted at the time of sale, up to 1 year after purchase, or after 20,000 km on the road. Once the work has been done, the tuner will deal with the administration required to have the vehicle approved: a small service, but one that provides (...) > More
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