2008 Fiat 500 PUR-O2

Press release

The Paris show hosts the world premiere of the new PUR-O2 line that will be available on the 500, Croma and Bravo from November. This select group of versions is at the cutting edge of the international automotive scenario due to their high-tech content, low fuel consumption and low CO2 emission levels. The result has been achieved by the introduction of special systems and devices such as the innovative Eco Drive, the new ‘Start&Stop’ device developed by Bosch and special Eco Packs that include green tyres, low-viscosity fluids, aerodynamic packages and gearboxes with modified ratios.

The new PUR-O2 line confirms Fiat’s wish to develop more and more new products as part of its quest for innovative solutions to contain polluting emissions and CO2 levels. Fiat is incidentally one of the motoring brands providing the best response to the need to limit the impact of transport on the environment. The company JATO – world leader in automotive research and consulting, set up in 1984 and present in more than 40 countries – recently announced that, out of the ten biggest selling automobile brands in Europe, Fiat Automobiles is the brand that achieved the lowest average CO2 emissions value for the cars it sold in 2007, i.e 134.6 g/km. And more, again in 2007, the CO2 emissions of no fewer than 23% of the cars sold by Fiat were lower than 120 g/km and 67% of Fiat cars achieved a level of less than or equal to 140 g/km.

Heartened by this result and irrespective of what will be decided in Europe, Fiat Automobiles is aiming to achieve the lowest average adjusted level of CO2 emissions for its cars by 2012. Fiat intends to pursue its goal by introducing a targeted campaign on its engines, transmission and cars and also the structural use of the Start&Stop system.

The Stop&Start system was developed in conjunction with FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies and includes a special reinforced starter motor produced by Bosch in addition to a particularly advanced control strategy that analyses a host of engine, gearbox and climate control parameters to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while upholding the Fiat 500’s high handling and reliability standards.

Fiat 500 PUR-O2

The PUR-O2 version, built on the basis of a Fiat 500 Lounge, is fitted with the tried and tested 1.2 petrol engine and equipped with the Start&Stop system, a device that turns the engine off temporarily and restarts it during periods when the engine would be idling with the car at a standstill. In these situations, typical of congested traffic in urban areas and while waiting at traffic lights, and when control strategies permit it, the system automatically turns off the engine to allow a significant saving in fuel (more than 10% reduction in fuel consumption over an urban cycle). As soon as the brake pedal is released or a gear engaged, the system then quickly restarts the engine to ensure the user an immediate response to controls. The Start&Stop also offers further advantages in terms of passenger compartment comfort due to the lack of vibrations and noise. The system therefore represents a high-tech and smart solution to the requirement for low environmental impact cars with good fuel economy.

The PUR-O2 version of the 500 can boast the lowest emissions in the petrol range (CO2 emissions: 115 g/km), and is also equipped with the Eco Drive system.

From January 2009, it will also be possible to combine the system with a Dualogic gearbox that allows optimum management of gear shifts and offers high mechanical efficiency. In detail, the automated transmission offers a basis for smart management of engine on/off status, shaving even more off fuel consumption figures and guaranteeing CO2 emission levels even lower than 115 g/km. By controlling the clutch, the system can disengage the engine from the transmission whenever drive is not required and the engine can be turned off.