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Fiat Grande Punto X-Factor: Inspired by the TV Show, and produced for the Dutch market

March 18, 2009 at 10:28 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Fiat

Italian-based auto maker, Fiat which is being linked with BMW to co-develop platforms for small sized vehicles has released the Fiat Grande Punto X-Factor, specially for the Dutch market. And, yes, as the name suggests, its a special model inspired by the hit reality TV show, X-Factor.

X-Factor, as many of you would know is a U.K-based singing contest which has helped bring people like Leona Lewis into the music scene. She is also the voice behind the “A Moment Like This” hit number. Anyway, enough of Leona Lewis and back to the Punto Grande.

With a price tag of 14,595 Euros, the Fiat Grande Punto X-Factor comes with a number of features such as a CD/MP3 radio with 6 speakers and control commands on the steering wheel, air conditioning, alarm with remote control, seat covers with special “Sport” padding, 16 inch alloy whees, rear spoiler and fog lamps. Buyers of this model will also receive free tickets to attend the X-Factor TV show. Imagine a Proton Saga One In A Million.

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Fiat and BMW to work together on new small vehicle platforms?

March 17, 2009 at 9:08 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars, Fiat, Rumours

Words are being exchanged that Italian-based Fiat and German-based BMW are working together to develop new platforms for small sized vehicles. With this, people in the industry are indicating that BMW is planing to revive the Isetta name, while Fiat would add another super mini along side its famous 500, the new Topolino, and that both these “upcoming” cars will share the same underpinnings.

Apparently, both cars will feature rear-mounted small displacement engines, 4 seats and light weight construction with the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis and possibly even plastic bodywork. Both cars are also expected to carry premium price tags. There is also word that both auto makers might add electric versions.

If there is truth under the speculation, expect to see a concept version by BMW under the MINI brand in Frankfurt later this year. Sources also revealed that production versions of these city cars can be expected by 2011. Lets just keep things as speculation for now, and play the waiting game.
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Fiat reveals a new engine technology: MultiAir

March 10, 2009 at 9:56 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Fiat, Technology, Videos

Fiat has revealed a new engine technology called the MultiAir technology which significantly reduces emissions, while improving fuel economy and power delivery. This rather complicated electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation technology is implemented to the intake system. A piston is connected to the intake valve via a hydraulic chamber, which is controlled by a solenoid valve. The movement of this piston is controlled by a mechanical intake camshaft.

When the solenoid valve is closed, the oil in the hydraulic chamber behaves like a solid body and transmits the lift schedule to the intake valves. The lift schedule is imposed by the mechanical intake camshaft. When the solenoid valve is open on the other hand, the hydraulic chamber and the intake valves are de-coupled; the intake valves do not follow the intake camshaft anymore and close under the valve spring action.

The final part of the valve closing stroke is controlled by a dedicated hydraulic brake, to ensure a soft and regular landing phase in any engine operating conditions. Through solenoid valve opening and closing time control, a wide range of optimum intake valve opening schedules can be easily obtained. Continue reading to view more images and to watch a video.
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Chrysler and Fiat model synergy plan

February 19, 2009 at 9:34 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Chrysler, Fiat, International News

Chrysler Fiat Business Plan
Click for enlarged version

Chrysler has unveiled their business restructuring plan for submission to the US government in order to quality for the rest of their bailout money. The total money asked for us now US$9 billion, up US$2 billion from the original US$7 billion amount, of which they have already received US$4 billion. Anyway that is not the point, what we’re here to look at is how they plan to integrate Fiat models into their product line-up.

Chrysler will be grabbing 9 models for the US market together with Fiat’s Multi-Air engines (FIRE and FAMB), commonrail turbodiesel engine technology and a dual clutch transmission. Chrysler will be able to supply Fiat with the Dodge Journey, the GEMA world engine with displacements between 1.8 litres to 2.4 litres, and the Phoenix family 3.6 litre V6 engine. The 9 Fiat models include models that will be sold as their original brands which are the Fiat 500, the Alfa Romeo Mito, the Fiat Punto, the Alfa Milano and Giulia (149 and C-EVO based 159 replacement), and an unnamed Alfa crossover.

The other three will use Fiat underpinings but will be Chrysler-branded vehicles: a B-segment 5-door hatchback, a sedan based on the 159′s C-EVO platform, and a larger vehicle based on the D-EVO platform.

Of course whether this will all happen or not depends on whether Chrysler gets the bailout money. Fiat will only confirm its on board with a share take-up (for free!) if that happens.

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New Fiat 500C with sliding soft roof

February 17, 2009 at 6:19 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Fiat, International News

Fiat 500C

Fiat will be showing the new Fiat 500C at the Geneva Motorshow next month but has released this preview of its now topless cute little number ahead of the show. Unlike the MINI Convertible which is a full-blown cabriolet, the Fiat 500C instead uses a sliding soft top design, which means only the canvas roof slides down, while other roof structures such as the top rail and B and C pillars remain.

This ensures the 500C retains all-round protection even with the top down. Unfortunately from the shot above it looks like rear visibility for the 500C is pretty bad when the top is down as the folded roof is in the way, but there is a rear glass window for when the roof is up.

The Fiat 500C has the exact same dimensions as the base model – 3550mm x 1650mm x 1490 mm and uses the same trio of powerplants. First up is a 1.3 litre 75 hp MultiJet Turbodiesel mated to a 5-speed manual while the petrol units are a 1.2 litre and a 1.4 litre with 69hp and 100hp respectively. The Fiat 500C also gets the recently announced Start & Stop system which shuts down the engine and reignites it automatically according to usage in slow speed traffic.

Look after the jump for a few more photos of the 500C.
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Fiat Bravo 1.9 MultiJet replaced with new 2.0 MultiJet

February 9, 2009 at 2:43 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Fiat, International News

Fiat has replaced the diesel-powered Fiat Bravo 1.9 MultiJet with the new Fiat Bravo 2.0 MultiJet, which is equipped with a new more powerful greener engine that is compliant with Euro 5 standards, improved from the old engine’s Euro 4. With the help of a DPF (diesel particulate filter), the new Bravo diesel’s CO2 emissions are down from 149g/km to 139g/km. It is also more fuel efficient, rated at 53.2 mpg, up from 50.4mpg.

The new engine’s 2.0 litre displacement is thanks to a 1 inch increase in bore compared to the 1.9 litre model – 83 x 90.4 compared to 82 x 90.4. The commonrail direct injection engine’s compression ratio has been reduced from 17.5:1 to 16.5:1, but this has been presumably compensated with higher turbo boost pressure. The turbocharger used has variable geometry and is equipped with an intercooler.

Horsepower is up from 150 at 4,000rpm to 165 at 4,000rpm, while torque is up 55Nm from 305Nm at 2,000rpm, now rated at 360Nm at 1,750rpm. The increased power and torque contribute to a better 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 8.2 seconds, which is 0.8 seconds faster than the outgoing model.

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Chrysler and Fiat unveil platform-sharing line-up

January 28, 2009 at 6:38 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Chrysler, Fiat, International News

Dodge Caliber SRT-4

After the marriage and the short “family planning” course, Fiat and Chrysler have unveiled details on their new American family. 7 new cars will make their way into the US market, four with Chrysler brands and three with either Fiat or Alfa Romeo badges.

The Chrysler-badged cars could stretch all the way from the A-segment up to the D-segment. Something based on the Fiat Panda/500 platform (also used by Ford to underpin their Ford Ka) would give Chrysler the city car they need. The B-segment will be served by the Grande Punto/Mito platform. A C-segment car will utilize Fiat’s C-Evo platform, which could replace the Dodge Caliber.

Finally, a D-segment car would use a stretched version of the mentioned C-Evo platform to replace the Chrysler Sebring and the Dodge Avenger. This apparently fits well into Chrysler’s vehicle roadmap according to Chrysler executive VP Frank Klegon, as Chrysler does not have an A or B-segment vehicle and their C-segment Dodge Caliber is due to be replaced soon.

The Fiat/Alfa Romeo branded cars are likely to be hits such as the Fiat 500, the Alfa Romeo MiTo, and a new vehicle based on the C-Evo platform for the C-segment which could end up being the Alfa Romeo “149″ (successor to the aging 147).

Chrysler will also get access to Fiat’s Fire T-JET small displacement engines (1.4L to 1.8L). If I’m not mistaken, Chrysler’s smallest engine family right now is the GEMA engine, something it gained from DaimlerChrysler times. The GEMA family ranges from 1.8 litres (4B10) to 2.4 litres (4B12), and Chrysler uses these (including a turbocharged 2.4 litre) in cars like the Dodge Caliber (photo shown above).

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Fiat to take up 35% stake in Chrysler and share platforms and engines

January 20, 2009 at 7:21 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Chrysler, Fiat, International News

Fiat LogoFiat S.p.A today confirmed that it has signed a “a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance” with Chrysler and Chrysler’s majority shareholder Cerberus Capital Management. Initial details of the alliance have been revealed. It includes Fiat taking up a 35% stake in the American automaker as well as allowing Chrysler to use “competitive and fuel-efficient” vehicle platforms, components and powertrains to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing bases.

Chrysler LogoFiat will also allow Chrysler access to its distribution network in areas that are key for growth, and you could probably assume Chrysler would be the way for Alfa Romeo to get back into the American market. The word is that the Italian company plans to increase this 35% up to 55% over time. Fiat will also assist Chrysler with the viability plan it needs to support to the U.S. Treasury. And apparently the 35% deal does not involve any money. In return for the platforms and management consultancy help with restructuring, 35% of Chrysler will be handed over to Fiat for free.

The other two Detroit companies already have suitable platforms and powertrains to enter the European (Eastern Europe in particular) and Asian markets. GM has Daewoo while Ford has always built decent cars for the European market in the first place. This announcement fills that missing piece in the puzzle of how Chrysler plans its turnaround. It already has existing deals with Nissan mainly for Latin America, and a failed partnership with Chinese automaker Chery, but nothing like this new Fiat deal.

The last time Fiat and Chrysler had alliance talks was in the early 1990s, but that did not go anywhere, and many blame that on disagreements between Lee Iacocca and Bob Lutz, who is now at GM. Then a Chrysler exec, Bob Lutz had likened Fiat to “a bride lying on her deathbed.” Well Mr Lutz, Fiat has turned itself around and both the company you used to work for and the company you are looking for are going around asking for multi-billion dollar bail-outs.

I wonder what happened to the supposed upcoming merger between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat, as reported by an Italian newspaper. Are we looking at a new PSA-Fiat-Chrysler trinity in the future?

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PSA Peugeot Citroen may merge with Fiat

December 15, 2008 at 1:28 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Citroën, Fiat, International News, Peugeot

PSA Peugeot Citroen Fiat

An Italian newspaper reported on Saturday that PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat are considering a potential merger, which would make the new PSA Peugeot Citroen Fiat entity the world’s number 4 carmaker. If true, it is some pretty quick progress, coming right after Fiat’s CEO mentioned the Italian company needed to find a partner to survive the crisis brewing in the automotive industry, but such haste is needed in these times.

PSA has mentioned before in the past that it preferably did not want to add new alliances, but instead wanted to deepen existing relationships. PSA and Fiat already have current co-operations in areas like commercial vans. The Fiat Fiorino, the Peugeot Bipper and the Citroen Nemo are all derived from the same project.

The two companies also have joint ventures with other companies on their own. PSA Peugoet Citroen’s recently launched SUVs are a development of the Mitsubishi Outlander while the Fiat Sedici is a Suzuki SX4.

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Fiat eco:Drive lets you analyze your driving pattern on your computer

October 9, 2008 at 9:17 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Fiat, Videos

Fiat ecoDrive
Click to enlarge

This is something seriously really cool from Fiat. They’ve actually incorporated social network elements into their car ownership together with a very cool and gadgety way of teaching you how to drive your Fiat economically.

It’s called Fiat eco:Drive and it’s basically it’s a software that will allow you to record detailed information on your vehicle as well as your driving pattern’s efficiency and later analyze it in a software on your computer.

All you need to do is plug a USB storage drive into the Microsoft Blue&Me USB port and the data will be copied to the drive. After you’ve finished driving, just plug the same drive to your computer and let the eco:Drive software analyze it.

The software will let you know how fuel efficient your current driving pattern is and how you can improve it. It will also give you a score out of 100 – something Fiat is calling the eco:Index. Just follow the tips the software gives you and watch your eco:Index go up, hopefully. A user of eco:Drive is also part of the eco:Ville social network. Users will be able to interact, share tips, as well as watch how much CO2 and energy they are saving together as a whole.

The video after the jump shows so much more about the software. It’s really quite a cool piece of software and has quite nice graphics. It’s built on Adobe AIR so it works on both a PC and Mac. It currently works only on the Fiat 500 and Fiat Grande Punto but Fiat is working on making it compatible with the rest of the Fiat range as long as you have Blue&Me installed.

Watch the video after the jump.
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