It’s Official. BMW and Fiat will join hands and develop a small car platform which both the manufacturers will use for its next-gen small cars due for the start of the next decade.
The duo are also likely to ink a pact for developing a range of gasoline and diesel engines. The idea behind these deals is simple to understand- cost savings on the money spent on R&D and the blend of these two spearheads would yield better results compared to work done individually.
This is not the first time two manufacturers have shook hands over a platform or an engine. Two big hit SUV’s the Audi Q7, and the Porsche Cayenne share the same platform while Fiat’s Multijet engines are used worldwide by several manufacturers like GM, for example.
Last year Mercedes was looking for a partner to work on its future small cars but eventually though, talks with both Fiat and BMW failed and it decided to go all alone.
The new platform developed will be used on the next-gen Fiat Grande Punto and BMW’s 3rd gen Mini small car, both cars carry launch dates in 2011. So expect some fireworks without much emissions or noise!
Poland is emerging as one of the world’s leading places from where green and fuel efficient engines are born. Toyota’s 1-liter engine which is presently performing duties on the Aygo small car, won the International engine of the year award a while back. That engine was also developed in Poland giving us strong hints that Poland should be one of the best countries for developing and manufacturing small engines.
Italian manufacturer Fiat has put its hand up and decided to manufacture a low emission 900cc gasoline engine in Poland. Unlike any of the engines present in European cars today, this one would be the smallest of the lot with only 2 cylinders. The new engine will give life to Fiat’s new microcar, the Topolino, when launched late next year for European markets.
Sufficient engine options will be on offer for the Topolino, ranging from a 65hp normally aspirated version to a turbcharged 110hp version equipped with Fiat’s Multiair adjustable valve timing (110hp from a 900 c.c engine?!) which promises to be powerful yet frugal. I guess there are more reasons for Mercedes and Toyota to worry about as the Topolino is likely to be another massive hit.
One can expect to see this engine in cars like the 500, Grande Punto and Panda a few years from now on, especially with the emission norms getting tougher, the idea of a 2-cylinder and sub-100 gram per kilometer of CO2 emission engine is definitely a bright one.
Fiat Topolino Design Picture Gallery
A while ago we reported that Fiat’s next big project will be the revival of the classic Topolino. And after some renderings from AutoExpress, today we bring you a design interpretation by Paolo Martin.
The Topolino Concept is part of a series of concepts inspired by classic cars. The series includes the Citroen 2CV Concept published back in June.
New Topolino will be launched in 2010 and will compete with models like Toyota IQ, Smart Fortwo, and future Volkswagen Up!
C’est http://www.autosdz.com, un nouveau site Web pour les annonces gratuites de vente et location de véhicules automobiles toutes carrosseries neufs ou d’occasion à travers le territoire national algérien. Réalisé par l’agence Web & IT http://www.webitech.net (enregistrement de nom de domaine et hébergement, structure architecturale, design, tests, mise en ligne et gestion générale).
Origine de l’idée : Sans rupture avec son prédécesseur http://www.engindz.com spécial engins, le site est né du (...)
>> read 
Fiat announced today that the company will unveil three new sports cars by 2010: a RWD Lancia and Alfa Romeo and a stand-alone Abarth two-seater inspired by the Lotus Elise.
The future Abarth ’Elise’ will be a mid-engined and ultra-lightweight like that of the Elise. It will be powered by a small turbocharged engines, perhaps the 1.4 as in the 500 and Grand Punto Abarth.
The Lancia sports car will be inspired by the Fulvia concept unveiled in 2003. A coupe-cabriolet body-style has been rumoured, and although there’s no word the underpinnings, it could well be rear-wheel-drive. The same platform will be used for an Alfa Romeo coupe, too, which could revive either the Giulia or Giulietta names.
It is a bit strange for one of the most cheapest cars in the world to be sold with £200,000, nearly $400.000, but it happened! A Fiat 500 has been auctioned for charity last week in London and this is the incredible amount for which it was sold.
Generous donors from the ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) charity raised an incredible £25 million for children at a gala reception in the Royal Naval College, Greenwich on Thursday (5 June) with an auction which included the iconic Fiat. It wasn’t just any 500 though. This was one of four specially designed and painted examples of the supermini which took the art world by storm last year, designed and painted by acclaimed English artist Tracey Emin.
The work, entitled ‘Dark, Dark, Dark’, was among lots which included diamonds, a safari holiday, a speaking role in actress Uma Thurman’s next film, Eloise in Paris, use of a luxury yacht, fashion pieces and other works of art.
Fiat 500
>> read
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.
>> read 2008 Fiat Grande Punto Picture Gallery
.
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.
Fiat confirmed that a convertible version of its 500 city car will go into production in the summer of 2009. According to styling chief Roberto Giolito, the car will be simple, affordable and "aimed at bringing maximum customer enjoyment".
What does that mean? That a heavy folding hard-top will never happen. Instead Fiat will use a light-weight retractable canvas roof, which is in keeping with the 500’s retro appearance.
The car will have space for four. The compact canvas top has allowed designers to squeeze in a pair of rear seats, which will ensure the cabriolet is a match for its MINI Convertible rival.
Under the hood there will be a choice of 69bhp 1.2 and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol engines, plus a 75bhp 1.3-litre Multi-jet diesel. A 135bhp Abarth variant has yet to be confirmed.
Fiat 500
Fiat announced its intention of selling the 500 mini-car in USA by 2010. The USA version could come from the North American plant that Fiat Group is scouting for Alfa Romeo.
"I am convinced the 500 with a full range will be a smash (in the United States) if we do it right," Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said last week on the sidelines of the Automotive News Europe Congress here.
Marchionne also said selling the 500 in the United States will not mean the Fiat brand will return to the United States because the 500 is a brand in itself.
Answering reporters’ questions, Marchionne said the 500 should be produced in North America to be cost competitive.
The 500 debuted as a three-door hatchback. A soft-top cabriolet version will follow in 2009. In 2010, Fiat will add a long-wheelbase, wagon-looking 500. Fiat also is considering an SUV-looking variant that could feature all-wheel drive.
2007 Fiat 500
Pages: 
Post a comment
Picture Gallery
RSS -
Webmaster free news |
Linux Server Management