NEW FIAT DUCATO – 30 YEARS IN THE MAKING
One of Europe’s most popular commercial vehicles has just become even more attractive. After three decades and five generations, the new Fiat Ducato goes on sale in October 2011.
With an extended range of completely new engines, the latest Ducato is cheaper to run than the model it replaces. A new interior gives it a much more car-like cockpit while retaining the Ducato’s trademark functionality. And with more versions than ever before, Fiat is offering the commercial vehicle buyer huge variety.
The three power outputs from the previous Ducato’s three engines will be replaced by four outputs from two engine capacities on the new model. With a range of 110, 130, 148 and 177bhp engines, buyers have the opportunity to specify one that’s exactly suited to their requirements.
Whichever engine they choose it’ll benefit from Fiat’s latest MultiJet technology and comply with strict Euro 5 emissions legislation. It’s also more powerful than the engine it replaces and more economical, produces fewer CO2 emissions and has longer service intervals.
The new Ducato’s upgraded interior employs the sort of high quality materials that up until now have been alien to the commercial vehicle sector. New seats mean it’s comfier while a complete re-design of the dash makes it more stylish to look at.
With this new sense of panache comes improved practicality. The re-designed dashboard now has a slot to accommodate the Blue&Me TomTom LIVE satellite navigation unit. The integrated radio/CD and MP3 player not only looks smart but can accommodate the latest generation of Blue&Me. Vehicles specified with Blue&Me can also have eco:Drive Professional, a version of Fiat’s award-winning eco:Drive Fleet. This lets drivers and fleet managers monitor how vehicles are being driven and alter habits accordingly to improve economy and lower costs.
There will be eight different capacities of van ranging from eight to 17 m3. But the Ducato isn’t just a van. The various lengths and Gross Vehicle Weights of the chassis combined with the new engines give converters an enormous choice of base vehicle for anything from a minibus to a motorhome or even a flatbed truck.
When sales are combined with its stablemates from PSA, the Fiat Ducato was the best-selling commercial vehicle in its segment in Europe last year.
NEW ENGINES IMPROVE ECONOMY AND FLEXIBILITY
The latest Ducato benefits from a significant improvement in engine performance. The new power units make it cleaner, cheaper to run and more economical than the model it replaces. And the engines, which are all Euro 5 emissions compliant, offer a choice of four power outputs enabling buyers to choose the unit best suited to their budget and business.
Available with a capacity of either 2.3 or 3-litre, these engines use the latest generation of Fiat Powertrain Technology’s MultiJet to achieve better economy and carbon dioxide emissions than their already impressive predecessors. But saving money at the pumps isn’t their only benefit. They have longer service intervals so the vehicle spends more time on the road earning its keep and less time in the garage. They’re also relatively light in weight enabling commercial vehicles to carry heavier loads without having an impact on overall tonnage.
All engines have four cylinders in line, with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts. The 2.3-litre engines have the latest MultiJet II technology that employs faster injectors with a new servo valve and balanced shutter allowing them to operate at 1800 bar of pressure compared to the 1600 bar of the previous generation. These new injectors allow faster, more flexible and therefore precise injection strategies including Injection Rate Shaping where two consecutive injections come so close together that there is a continuous, modulated flow of fuel into the cylinders. This improves the combustion process, making it quieter with reduced particulate and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions.
The previous Ducato’s entry level 2.2-litre 100bhp engine is replaced by an 110bhp 2.3-litre. The new unit features an aluminium alloy cylinder head on a cast iron block and uses a fixed geometry turbocharger with an intercooler.
Compared to the engine it replaces, the 110bhp unit is 10 per cent more powerful, and with 300Nm, has 20 per cent more torque, yet is 10 per cent more economical and has 11 per cent less emissions. Perhaps more crucially for business users, the improved economy means the range between fuel stops has been increased while service intervals have also been lengthened from 25,000 to 30,000 miles. So the latest Ducato will spend more time on the road earning its keep, and less time stationary at the pumps or in the garage.
The 130bhp version of the 2.3-litre generates a healthy 320Nm of torque at just 1800rpm making it flexible in traffic and responsive even when the vehicle is heavily laden. Compared with its predecessor it has eight per cent more power, ensuring it’s relaxing for longer journeys, yet emissions and consumption are down by nine per cent.
The engine is characterised by details designed to make it as efficient as possible. The turbocharger’s wastegate valve enables the gradual outflow of some exhaust gases at more than 2200rpm, optimising torque delivery throughout the rev range and making the vehicle easier to drive. The glow plugs are located inside the combustion chamber to reduce cranking and pre-heating time, and to limit the stress put on the engine when starting from cold in low external temperatures.
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve helps reduce emissions sufficiently for the Ducato to meet strict Euro 5 legislation. The gases are cooled using a heat exchanger before being re-injected into the combustion chamber and the system is now electronically rather than pneumatically controlled for more accurate measurement.
The 150 MultiJet II version achieves its power boost courtesy of a variable geometry turbocharger. This makes the 2.3-litre engine a viable alternative to the previous generation 3-litre. Power is 148bhp and it’s only six per cent lower than the much bigger engine, yet maximum torque is a healthy 350Nm at 1500rpm while consumption is reduced by 19 per cent, CO2 emissions by 20 per cent and weight by 40kg.
The most powerful engine in the Ducato range is the 3-litre 180 MultiJet Power unit. This appropriately named MultiJet Power engine achieves its maximum output of 177bhp at 3500rpm and is 13 per cent more powerful than the engine it replaces, making it the best-performing four-cylinder diesel engine in its class. It has the same 400Nm of torque as its predecessor but it’s available from 1400rpm instead of 1700.
This high performance doesn’t come at the expense of either economy or comfort. The early availability of maximum torque makes it a relaxed travelling companion no matter what weight it’s carrying. And consumption is nine per cent better than the engine it replaces.
As with the Ducato’s other engines, service intervals have been increased to 30,000 miles and the timing chain has been designed to last the life of the vehicle. Like the 2.3-litre, the glow plugs are located inside the combustion chamber and the engine has a cast iron block with integrated bearings and a dual-mass fly wheel that softens engine vibrations and greatly reduces noise.
Each engine is available with a six-speed manual gearbox while the 3-litre can be specified with the six-speed Comfort-Matic Manual Transmission Automated. This is a traditional manual transmission except there is no clutch pedal and the manual linkage to the gearbox is replaced by actuators controlled by a Transmission Control Unit. The shift is either performed automatically or the driver can use the gear lever to prompt changes by pulling backwards or pushing forwards.
CAR-LIKE QUALITY FOR THE COMMERCIAL DRIVER
Fiat has given the interior of the new Ducato a thorough overhaul. Understanding that for many owners the cockpit of a van is an office as well as a driving environment, its existing attributes of comfort and functionality have been improved during the makeover.
The dashboard design has the kind of car-like quality and style that’s never been seen before in a commercial vehicle. It features an integrated radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility as standard and glossy black surfaces surrounding it. These combine with chrome effect plastic that makes elements such as the air vents, gear stick and ventilation controls stand out.
The controls for the sound system are mounted high up on the dashboard so they can be easily reached by the driver and passengers and there are buttons on the steering wheel. The system features the Radio Data System (RDS), Traffic Announcements (TA), and PTY which allows the device to select a specific genre of music automatically. The volume adjusts according to speed, sound settings can be customised using one of seven equaliser bands, and the radio can store up to 30 stations.
Blue&Me TomTom LIVE
The sound system can be controlled hands free using the optional Blue&Me. It can also be connected to Bluetooth devices, an MP3 player and even a text reader. The intuitive Blue&Me user interface allows drivers to connect their mobile phones and MP3 players and control them and the sound system using either steering wheel or voice controls.
Usability is further improved thanks to new hardware. This enables better noise filtration and therefore voice reproduction, ensures full compatibility with Apple products, full playback of iTunes files and minimum indexing time so music will start immediately after connecting an iPod.
The upper central part of the dashboard has been redesigned to create space for the TomTom ‘my port’. With this specified, Ducato owners can then order the Blue&Me TomTom LIVE satellite navigation system.
This is the result of a collaboration between Fiat and TomTom, Europe’s leader in portable navigation devices. It’s based on the popular TomTom Go1000 and sits in a purpose-built cradle that slots into the dashboard. This ensures the device is always fully charged when in the car but means it can also be removed for security reasons or for the driver to use it away from the vehicle.
The TomTom LIVE is controlled with a practical touch screen that allows the driver to use the satellite navigation, sound system and access traffic information which provides real-time updates on traffic jams and road closures.
eco:Drive Professional
Fiat’s award-winning eco:Drive and its application for commercial vehicle drivers, eco:Drive Professional, are available on any vehicle fitted with Blue&Me and help drivers learn to use less fuel, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and saving up to 15 per cent in running costs.
Drivers download eco:Drive to their computer. Then plugging any USB stick into the Blue&Me port allows acceleration, deceleration, gearshift and speed information to be saved onto it automatically. When the USB is plugged back into a computer, eco:Drive converts the data into facts and figures such as mileage, CO2 emissions and money saved.
A development of this is eco:Drive Fleet which allows fleet managers to monitor all the data from the vehicles they supervise via an on-line dashboard. It automatically updates the database with management costs and the mileage count for maintenance intervals. As well as enabling fleet managers to reward efficient drivers, it allows them to see how well their fleet is performing according to an overall eco:Index.
Eco:Drive Professional builds on this further by allowing commercial vehicle drivers to enter various parameters such as the load they’re carrying and the frontal area of the vehicle. The software allows the driver or fleet manager to analyse the impact of the load on the vehicle’s efficiency and suggests the most appropriate behaviour to get the best economy.
New interior
In addition to this new technology, basic practicality remains one of the core attributes of the Ducato’s cab. The glove box gets a new lid with a sturdier lock on it. There’s a clipboard to stop those important bits of paper getting lost; the central compartment is big enough to store a lap top computer; and it can be locked with a key. The refrigerated compartment will hold a 1.5-litre bottle and the drinks holder can also be used to take a mobile phone or ashtray.
The door panels have been remodelled to bring them in line with the rest of the cabin but they retain the practical bottle holder, a place to store the optional Fix&Go tyre repair kit and the mid-height pockets for smaller easy-to-lose objects.
The oval instrument panel, now sitting beneath a more pronounced anti-glare hood, has been redesigned to make it even easier to read. And there’s a Gear Shift Indicator available in combination with Start&Stop to tell drivers the most efficient point to change gear.
Driver comfort is a core feature of the new Ducato. Excellent noise insulation puts it top of the class for quietness thanks to the sort of refinement you’d expect in a medium category car, and a great deal of care has been taken over the seats. These are covered in a new red fabric, have a more luxurious head restraint and the driver’s seat can be adjusted six ways, including up and down. Combined with an adjustable steering wheel and a movable arm rest, these allow drivers of all shapes and sizes to find a comfortable position at the wheel. Climate comfort is assured by manual or automatic air conditioning systems, an additional unit for the rear on passenger versions, all available as an option. In addition to these, a windscreen with reflective glass to keep the heat of the sun at bay is available as an option.
For passengers there’s a choice of a standard two-seat bench featuring a central backrest that can be folded down to make a table if required, or an optional single seat. Both driver’s and passenger’s seats feature handy storage compartments beneath. And all front seats have seatbelts with pre-tensioners and a head restraint.
The full-size two-phase driver’s airbag is standard; those at the side, over the windows and for passengers are an option. The ABS anti-lock braking is also standard and works in conjunction with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. This uses sensors to ensure the braking action is divided over all four wheels to prevent locking and guarantee maximum stopping power. The braking system employs discs all round, with those at the front ventilated for consistently high performance.
MORE VERSATILE THAN EVER
The Fiat Ducato has always been a byword for versatility and the new model is no different, with more versions than ever before now available. This diverse range means there will be around 2000 chassis/engine/mechanical variations which will allow for a huge range of vans, minibuses and conversions.
There are two basic mechanical architectures allowing Gross Vehicle Weights (GVW) between three and four tonnes. On 15-inch wheels, the GVW is three, 3.3 or 3.5 tonnes, while on 16-inch wheels the GVW is 3.5 to four tonnes. The Ducato sits on MacPherson front suspension with a rigid-axle and leaf springs at the back. This ensures optimum stability, excellent use of the loading area and cab space, reduced weight and a huge variation of uses.
Payloads can vary between 1000 and 2000kg including the driver, and van buyers have a choice between four lengths, three wheelbases and three heights. Vans will also be available with eight different load area volumes fromeight to 17 m3.
There are three different sizes of robust and practical sliding side doors while the rear doors can be opened to either 90, 180 or even 270 degrees. Inside it remains class leading in terms of maximum volume (17 m3), width between the wheel arches (1422mm), maximum height of the loading area (2.17m), rear door height (2.03m), and load height limit (46cm with the optional self-levelling suspension).
Between the cab and load area the partition can be fully panelled and upholstered in sound-proofed material for extra refinement, or have a sliding glass window to enable communication between the two areas. In the back there are load hooks with fastening rings that fold into the floor and waist level side hooks. The walls of the load area are protected by thermoformed panels up to waist height.
The body structure of the new Ducato is hugely versatile. Not only does it permit a GVW of up to 4000kg, it also allows the track to be increased to 1980mm for motorhome applications. All models can have self-levelling pneumatic suspension. This is controlled via buttons on the dash and makes for easier loading and unloading, improves performance over ramps and makes clearing obstacles easier.
The conversion base range which includes cabs, flatbeds and double cabs will have four wheelbases and five lengths. Maximum permitted loads over the front axle will be up to 2100kg and 2400kg on the rear axle.
The Ducato isn’t just versatile in the load area, and as the basis for a wide variety of vehicles it’s also got a comprehensive range of optional extras including the Blue&Me TomTom LIVE satellite navigation. The 2.3-litre engines (110, 130 and 150) are additionally available with Start&Stop. When the Ducato comes to a halt and is put in neutral, the engine cuts. Releasing the brake or pushing the clutch re-starts it automatically. It’s estimated this can reduce consumption by 15 per cent around town.
Traction+
Other options include the Traction+ system. This uses the engine’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) computer to simulate the behaviour of a self-locking differential. When one of the driven front wheels spins on a slippery surface or over poor terrain, the brakes are applied to that wheel as simultaneously engine torque is transferred to the wheel with better grip.
The system is operated by a button on the dash, can be engaged at speeds of up to 19mph and ensures the best possible traction is maintained over the roughest terrain. And the combination of Traction+ with winter or all-season tyres gives Ducato owners the versatility to drive their vehicle over a wider range of terrains than rival commercial vehicles can cope with.
Traction+ includes ESP, which is also available as a stand-alone option. This important safety device uses information supplied by various sensors to check whether a vehicle is cornering safely or not. If the ESP computer believes the car is going to skid, it brakes the appropriate wheel or reduces engine power. However, ESP incorporates a host of other technologies. There is Load Adaptive Control (LAC) which identifies the size of the load and the vehicle’s centre of gravity to enable the systems to work at peak effectiveness. Hill Holder makes starts on slopes easier by holding the brake on momentarily after the driver’s foot has released the pedal. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) increases braking pressure under emergency conditions, while Motor Schleppmoment Regelung (MSR) ensures torque remains at the wheels following a sudden downshift on an incline.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which have the Ducato’s parking lights turning on automatically with the ignition, will also be available as an option.
THREE DECADES OF SUCCESS
In 2011 the latest Fiat Ducato to be launched will incorporate the experience gained over 30 years of being at the cutting edge of van development. During that time, the Ducato has picked up international awards and sold more than 2.2 million examples worldwide. It’s also seen service across a huge variety of business sectors, functioned as the basis for countless motorhomes and been transformed into specialist transportation such as minibuses, ambulances and insulated freezer vehicles.
Even when it was first launched in 1981 the Ducato was a practical and solid machine that majored on flexibility, reliability and economy. It was restyled in 1990 before the third generation was launched in 1994. To accommodate the varying demands of vastly different customers, this model had a family of 500 versions if you take chassis, size and tonnage into account. This innovation was warmly welcomed by customers and it was voted International Van of the Year 1994 as a consequence.
Rather than a radical reinvention, the fourth generation launched in 2002 used the looks and philosophy of its predecessor as a basis and built on those. Just four years later the fifth generation hit the streets and turned the van world on its head. It was more stylish, comfortable, practical and driveable than any van up until then. And it combined safety, reliability, economy and versatility as well ensuring the Ducato became one of the foundation stones for successful businesses all over Europe.
The Ducato is built in the Sevel plant in Val di Sangro between Atessa and Paglieta in the Italian province of Chieti. It’s the largest commercial vehicle factory in Europe covering an area of more than 1.2 million square metres. The bodywork part of the plant creates 300 different types of chassis, paintwork uses around 120 colours, while the assembly line produces more than 6000 versions of commercial vehicle for both Fiat and PSA.

New 2012 Fiat 500 “Pink Ribbon” Edition Proceeds Benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®
FIAT Brand teams up with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to produce 250 “Pink Ribbon” limited-edition Fiat 500 models
Committing to a $50,000 minimum donation, Fiat Brand will donate $1,000 per Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon limited-edition vehicle sold to BCRF to support the foundation’s mission of achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime
Available at FIAT Studios beginning October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September 27, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The FIAT Brand is excited to announce the introduction of the 2012 Fiat 500 “Pink Ribbon” limited-edition model. Produced in partnership with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF), the collaboration allows breast cancer awareness advocates to express their support for the cause in modern iconic Italian style.
“We are honored to partner with an upstanding organization like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation that supports a cause so important to our consumers and our company,” said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT North America. “The Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon edition offers our FIAT consumers a unique and stylish way to express their support, help fund breast cancer research and ultimately drive change.”

Through the partnership, 250 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon limited-edition vehicles will be available at FIAT Studios in October. Through the sales of the Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon model, FIAT will donate $1,000 per purchase, with a minimum of $50,000 contribution to BCRF. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

“At The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, we are constantly looking for ways to further breast cancer awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month and beyond,” said Myra J. Biblowit, BCRF President. “The partnership with FIAT is especially exciting as it allows breast cancer supporters to literally drive awareness for the cause year round. We are extremely appreciative of FIAT’s collaboration in this effort as the brand’s contributions will help fund innovative research that will advance the fight against breast cancer worldwide.”

About the 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon Edition
Designed exclusively for FIAT Brand’s partnership with BCRF, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon limited-edition model features several exclusive design elements that highlight the Cinquecento’s iconic silhouette.

Based on the highly stylized 2012 Fiat 500 Lounge model, the Pink Ribbon limited-edition is available in Argento (silver) and Bianco (white) exterior paint colors and features a signature dark pink bodyside stripe with “500″ logo and an accenting “ribbon” in light pink.

The interior of the Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon adds to the 500 Lounge model’s already stylish interior with unique pink accents contrasting the Nero (black) interior. Highlighting this limited-edition model are Nero leather front and rear seats with pink accent stitching on the perimeter and signature “500″ logo embroidered on the front seatbacks and a pink ribbon embroidered on the floor mats. For added detail, pink accents are hand-stitched through the Nero leather steering wheel and provide additional contrast in front of the body-color instrument panel bezel.

And to match this specially appointed Cinquecento, a pair of uniquely designed Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon key fobs provide customers with a personal reminder of the FIAT Brand and BCRF’s partnership to find a cure.

Only 250 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon limited-edition models will be available at FIAT Studios nationwide in October. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of the 2012 Fiat 500 Pink Ribbon is $22,500 (including $500 destination). For more information, visit www.fiatusa.com/500PinkRibbon.

About the 2012 Fiat 500
With beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, fuel efficiency and innovative technology – the same attributes that made the original version an icon – the 2012 Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.

The 2012 Fiat 500 offers a multitude of safety features, fuel efficiency, world-class quality and advanced technology. With its city-friendly four-passenger size, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir® engine with eco:DriveTM Application, state-of-the-art TomTom® Navigation with BLUE&METM Handsfree Communication technology and seven standard air bags, the new Fiat 500 offers a unique driving and ownership experience. This package is further enhanced with new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new six-speed automatic transmission.

Every 2012 Fiat 500 includes FIAT FORWARD CARETM – a standard four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, four years of unlimited roadside assistance and a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance program that includes wear-and-tear items.

The reintroduction of the FIAT brand in North America is led by the modern generation of the Fiat 500, now joined by the Fiat 500 Cabrio.

Fiat Punto 2012, international debut

The New Punto Model Year 2012 is making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It will go on sale at the beginning of next year across Europe. The model confirms the aspects that destined the previous editions for success in all the European markets and intensifies the distinguished personality with an important aesthetic change, together with the new exterior colours and the seat upholsteries, not to mention significant technological progress with the introduction of the 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir turbo and the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 Multijet.

In detail, on the outside the Punto 2012 model presents a new front distinguished by a bumper entirely painted in the same shade as the body, with the direction indicators positioned alongside the air intake in a single perimeter that surrounds them. On the rear section a shape in relief describes a zone that divides the area dedicated to the number plate from that in which the auxiliary functions of the lights are positioned. Inside, brand-new fabrics upholstering the seats and original inserts of the dashboard that emphasize its stylistic elegance are distinguishable. The new style innovations of the Punto 2012 are completed with a new design of the 15″ alloy rims and new three metallic bodywork colours: Turquoise, Ruby Red and Graphite Grey. In addition, as for the 500 model, the TwinAir name on the Fiat Punto 2012 will indicate not only the revolutionary two-cylinder engine, but also a new trim level with a unique and recognisable look.

Therefore, with this new 2012 edition Fiat Punto reaffirms the values that have always distinguished the model: the dynamism and elegance of its lines, a perfect synthesis of Italian style and the technological innovation that since its launch has been a winning feature of the car. The model counts among its records that of being the first car of its class equipped with an advanced infotainment system (Blue&Me) or useful instruments for the customer so he can analyse his driving style in real time (eco:Drive info) and receive tips on how he can reduce environmental impact and optimising fuel consumption. The Fiat Punto also continues to be a constant point of reference when it comes to engine innovation. They are increasingly livelier and thrifty both with diesel (MultiJet) and petrol (MultiAir) supply, combining innovation with eco-friendliness every single time. Evidence of this lies in the methane or LPG engine, in addition to extending the Stop&Start with Gear Shift Indicator technology to all the Euro 5 engines. This system automatically cuts out the engine and prompts the best gear in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15% for an urban route. This long tradition of records today is reinforced with the Punto MY 2012 following introduction of new two engineering gems to the range: the 85 HP TwinAir turbo and the evolution of the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet.

85 HP 0.9 TwinAir turbo

The unprecedented TwinAir, which has won numerous awards in the industry – including “International Engine of the year 2011″, “Best New Engine 2011″ and “Best Green Engine 2011″ – has now been placed on the Segment B top-of-the-range model of Fiat Group Automobiles.

The TwinAir project combines all the most modern technology designed by Fiat Powertrain (MulitAir) with the “downsizing” concept and is manifest in a small, low-weight engine that ensures excellent performance with low fuel consumption. The special engine tuning and its combination with a 6-speed gearbox confers to the car a perfect balance between eco-friendliness (98 g/km CO2) and driving pleasure (85 HP at 5500 rpm of power and 145 Nm at 2000 rpm of torque). The ECO button is also available. With a specific engine control calibration, it reduces fuel consumption to guarantee truly eco-friendly driving.

The Punto Twin Air customer therefore can choose between two driving modes: “normal”, with full engine performance to enhance driving liveliness and vivacity, and “eco” for driving more attentive to economy.

85 HP MultiJet

The 85 HP 1.3 16V Multijet (with a torque of 200 Nm at 1500 rpm) – already today on the cutting-edge thanks to the IRS (Injection rate shaping) technology of the MultiJet II and to the special eco turbo-matching of the turbocharger assembly – takes a further step forward with the introduction of two new technologies (Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow) that let it reach the level of 90 g/km of CO2 emissions. The first technology optimizes the recharging battery strategy during the “engine cut-off” phases, while the second is obtained through an oil pump with variable displacement and optimisation of the cooling circuit. These technologies, together with the use of low-viscosity gearbox oil, make the Punto one of the diesel cars in its segment boasting the best CO2 emissions.

The 2012 range

The Punto 2012 is also revamped in its range structure, made clearer and slimmer, optimally epitomizing the editions currently on the market – the Grande Punto and Punto Evo – with the goal of giving the Punto model only one identity with a single styling and enhancing the winning combination of “style and technology”.

In detail, the range comprises 3 trim levels (Pop, Easy and Lounge) available on the different engines, plus a dedicated trim level combined with the TwinAir engine, each featuring a different offer of contents with the goal of satisfying different needs.

The Pop trim level represents the entry level, offered as an accessible, essential, simple and functional version. The second trim level (Easy) is the “feature model” of the range thanks to its wealth of equipment, and it offers an outstanding price to accessories ratio. Available in 3 different combinations of interior fabrics (red, blue and grey), this version is the expression of a colourful, youthful, casual, modern, contemporary and technological soul. The top-end is on the other hand represented by the Lounge trim level, which offers both rich and high-tech equipment to provide both ultimate comfort and a strong personality combining elegance and sportiness in an expert aesthetic union.

Finally, the TwinAir trim level was created to enhance the introduction of the 2-cylinder engine by reflecting its lively and agile soul, as the bright and vivid launch shade of Verde Lime combined with the glossy black roof demonstrates. Added to this exclusive body shade are other distinctive styling features such as the burnished alloy rims with dedicated design and diamond treatment, glossy black pillars and mirrors and burnished headlights. The version is also immediately recognisable thanks to the TwinAir logo on the rear tailgate.

Internally, the car is personalised with new interiors featuring grey and black “Sportex” fabric and a grey embroidered TwinAir logo on the front headrests. Another TwinAir logo is placed on the dashboard near the climate control system.

New Fiat Panda, international debut

Fiat presents the new Panda at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. It is a consistent evolution of a successful city car that in its 31-year history has always been a synonym of functional design, manoeuvrability, space, reliability and comfort.

The Panda is all this and something more: a brand rich in strong rational and emotional value, which has won over more than 6.5 million drivers by supplying simple but smart solutions for the real necessities of everyday mobility. Everything is a whole lot easier on board the Panda. It is easier to move, park, have the right amount of space and modulate it to your liking, feel at ease and relate with others. Important solutions that are expressed in a philosophy of life.

What’s more, before being a car the Panda is an idea that has generated another way of experiencing a car in total freedom. That’s because today as always, whoever chooses a Panda is free from the conventional mould, fashions and classifications. In a sense, you could say that it is an unconventional car, which from its very first generation was able to astonish with simple yet not obvious solutions.

Indeed, it is precisely its vocation of structural and constructive simplicity that now allows it to further evolve without ever losing its true nature of revolutionary car. Suffice it to say that it was the first car of its segment to bear the prestigious title of “Car of the Year 2004″. It was the first compact (less than 4 metres in length) to feature a diesel engine (1986) and it was the first to offer both four-wheel drive (1983) and a range of eco-friendly engines designed to limit fuel consumption (the Panda Elettra was introduced in 1990, one of the first electric cars). It was the first 4×4 city car to reach Everest’s high-tech base camp at an altitude of 5,200 metres (2004).

With the third generation, the Panda has reached full maturity, making a further qualitative leap in terms of comfort, technology and safety equipment, and making its appearance with a new, modern and harmonious look. But without giving up that “roguish” and ready-for-anything soul that has always distinguished it.

Starting from the concept that every one of us has different requirements, the new Panda makes maximum use of the interior space, minimising the obstructions. Although continuing to be a very compact car, the Panda has grown just a few centimetres to ensure the attainment of the highest standards of safety and improve the generous level of passenger room and capacity of the boot still further. With a length of 365 centimetres, a width of 164 and a height of 155, the new Panda can comfortably accommodate up to five people and is equipped with one of the roomiest luggage compartments in its segment. In addition, modularity is enhanced thanks to the numerous storage compartments and the different front and rear seat configurations.

Besides, every one of us has our own lifestyle, a personal relationship with our own objects, our own way of distributing them in space. And of finding them. So in this sense the new model is a place to fill in an entirely personal way, but at the same time it is a place that you are glad to share with others.

Once again, Fiat is raising the bar to prove that it is leading the evolution of the super-compact segment, where a large part of history carries its name: from the first 600 to the 500, from the 126 to the first Panda, from the Cinquecento to the Seicento, from the second generation Panda (2003) to the new 500 launched in 2007. There has always been a Fiat city car near the people, and now it is the Panda’s turn once again. Its production will begin in the last quarter of 2011.

Renewed style in the spirit of functionality

The new Panda has been created drawing inspiration from the most up-to-date trends. It proposes an elegant restyling of the exteriors with smooth and rounded lines on a volume of regular form and of great spatial efficiency. Its front has a strong personality, where the slightly convex bonnet joins with the elegant horizontal grille and the new front headlamps with a rounded shape, underlined by a separate supplementary element with Daytime Running Lights function.

The side view has also been updated, where several distinctive features of the second-generation Fiat Panda have been reinterpreted starting with the third window, now with softened angles in harmony with the softer shape of the exteriors, which creates the effect of an uninterrupted glazed surface up to the vertical rear light clusters. Smooth and rounded shapes also distinguish the bumper strips on the bumpers and side panels that not only pay tribute to the first generation Fiat Panda, but also accentuate the “all-terrain” look of the model also accompanied by the marked wheel arches. Finally, as on the current model, the lower section of the tailgate protrudes with respect to the rear window. Combined with the side line, this gives a distinct impression of a roof panel resting on the bodywork.

The interiors consistently continue the stylistic choices of the exteriors and provide a spacious, functional and comfortable passenger compartment, which can bear comparison with that of higher category cars. What’s more, flexibility has always been one of the strong points of the Panda model, as proven by the rear seat, which can be split and sliding, and the front passenger seat backrest, which can be folded to form a table. This equipment, exclusive for the category, combined with the cargo box option for the boot, offers a nearly flat loading area so full use can be made of the entire length of the interior.

The new dashboard was designed as a practical multifunctional shell, inside of which a large storage “pocket” was made, just like the first version of the model. The shell is wrapped up in a colourful frame, without interruptions, which serves as a single perimeter to the steering wheel, radio and main controls, and that houses the vents and passenger airbag. Also in this case there is a return to the first generation Panda, where the elements were tightened to the fabric “pouch”, which constituted the main part of the dashboard.

In short, it is a car destined to continuously surprise us owing to its ability to transform itself according to the situation and adapt to the needs of whoever uses it, driver or passenger as the case may be. What’s more, offering original style, advanced technology accessible to everyone, and smart solutions that simplify and improve life on board is in Fiat’s DNA.

Quality and reliability at the highest levels

A project that from the very beginning had a single goal: to improve – in the “evolutionary” sense – a successful model and prove that Fiat is the undisputed leader of the city-car class. For this reason Fiat set its sights on top quality through the entire product development process and its engineering.

To welcome the new Panda, a new production line in the “Giambattista Vico” plant in Pomigliano D’Arco (Naples) was built. It is an advanced industrial showcase that fully applies World Class Manufacturing principles and methods. This is a series of processes implemented in Fiat Group plants and those of its suppliers that are aimed at reducing inefficiencies and at achieving “zero accidents, zero faults, zero stock, zero break-downs” goals.

The operational innovations introduced in the various departments ensure modularity and flexibility that, when combined with the improved ergonomics and assembly operation sequence, have the purpose of optimising construction quality and the model’s reliability.

In detail, the Sheet metalwork department contains a production backbone with automatic and flexible lines created for the direct supply of the sub-groups (“zero forklifts” logistics), the Open Gate for forming the body, made up of 14 robots that simultaneously execute 84 welding points and automatic plating (“hanging line”), that is application of the mobile parts (doors, tailgate and bonnet) to the bodies by using 603 state-of-the-art robots.

The innovations continue at Assembly, where we find the “trim line” with variable height skillet, the “flex decking” for automatic vehicle body fitting and the revolving hooks in various stations of the production backbone.

Finally, in the metrology room a series of gauges and measuring machines check that the parts comply with the design by measuring, for the body for example, about 2000 points for the existing pieces and up to 3000 points for the pressed pieces. Then with the “Meisterbock” and Installability Master equipment it is possible simulate the assembly of all the body and bodywork elements by perfectly analysing all the coupling zones.

In addition to its quality of construction, the new Panda is also distinctive in the care devoted to selecting materials, the matching and choice of colours, and the interior trims. The result is a quality passenger compartment where everything seen and touched is always pleasant to the eye and touch.

Roominess and comfort at the top of the segment

Offered with five doors only and with roominess worthy of a higher segment, the new Panda proves that it is a real super-compact. Its smaller exterior dimensions in relation to its interior volume are an invaluable feature for a car principally intended to be used in urban areas.

But the new Panda is able to do more. In fact it has all the properties of dynamism and comfort that allow it to easily tackle longer and tougher extra urban routes: driving ease, functional and ergonomic layout of controls and furnishings, a large number of storage compartments, and use of seats with “thin” backrests that improve accessibility and comfort for the rear passengers. Finally, the position of the gear lever in the centre of the dashboard, the raised seat base and the large windows guarantee driver and passengers excellent visibility and mastery of the road.

The diving dynamics are supported by a tried and tested suspension configuration: MacPherson independent wheel up front and interconnected wheels (semi-independent) with a torsion beam in the rear.

Cutting-edge engines and eco-friendly systems

Functional and reliable, the Fiat Panda is a car rich in substance that boasts cutting-edge engines in terms of both performance and fuel consumption and emissions.
Standing out in the range are the brand new two-cylinder engines: the 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, named “International Engine of the Year 2011″, and the 65 HP 0.9 Aspirated TwinAir, both equipped with the Start&Stop system as standard, which temporarily cuts out the engine and restarts it in order to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The renewed 69 HP 1.2 Fire completes the range of petrol engines available at the launch.
The engineering excellence of the new Panda continues with the 75 HP 1.3 Multijet II with Start&Stop supplied as standard. Belonging to the second generation of the MultiJet family, the engine is equipped with faster injectors capable of multiple injections in rapid sequence. Specifically, the system can now perform a main modulated injection of fuel in several distinct phases and anticipate the ones that follow. The servo valve with balanced plunger of the MultiJet II system enables it to manage up to 8 injections per cycle, offering greater speed, flexibility and precision in the various phases of operation.
Then the bifuel 80 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo Natural Power (petrol/methane) and 69 HP 1.2 EasyPower (petrol/LPG) will follow. They are proof of the constant attention Fiat Automobiles focuses on environmental issues through research and development of easily accessible solutions.

In perfect harmony with the “eco-friendly” spirit, the new Panda also offers the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI), a genuine “co-pilot” that discreetly prompts drivers to change gear, leading to more efficient use of the engine and to reduce fuel consumption.

A Panda for everybody

At its launch, the new model will be available with front-wheel drive – and later the Panda 4×4 will make its debut – and will offer a range made up of: 4 engines, 3 trim levels, 10 body colours, 4 interiors, 2 hub caps and 2 14″ and 15″ alloy wheels for a total of over 600 combinations.

To ensure the safety of the driver and passengers, the new model has 4 airbags (front and window), ABS complete with BAS (Brake Assist System), front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiter, Isofix attachments for child seats, anti-whiplash front headrests, rear headrests and headlamps with Daytime Running Lights, all supplied as standard.

In addition, the new model offers devices which are exclusive in its category: from the brand new “Blue&Me-TomTom LIVE” and the large transparent electric “Skydome” sun roof to the Hi-Fi system with CD/MP3 player and Dualdrive electric power steering with “City” function as standard.
In particular, to drive in city traffic with total peace of mind the new Panda offers the “Blue&Me TomTom LIVE” device that combines the advantages of an infotainment system which is integrated and connected with those of a portable navigator, opening the doors to connectivity.

“Blue&Me TomTom LIVE” will allow Panda customers to use mobile phones and media players in total safety without ever removing their hands from the steering wheel, and provides an absolutely unique and distinctive navigation experience, built into the dashboard and offering the most accurate traffic information updated in real time.

The automatic Dualogic robotised transmission, in combination with the TwinAir engine, will become available after the launch. In addition, during the first year of sales, an innovative braking system will also become available which, at speeds below 30km/h, is able to detect obstacles at close range and stop automatically.

Lots of versions rich in content will then make it possible for every customer to choose their own made-to-measure Panda, and to then add an additional distinctive and personal touch by choosing packs and Lineaccessori articles from a long list of optional extras.

These features make the new Panda a “big” car that, moreover, has a very high product value thanks to the combination of high contents and reduced running costs.