twinair – Automobiles Review

An Adventure: Fiat Panda 4×4 Antartica From Turin To Sochi

Fiat-Panda-4x4-Antartica-To-Sochi-shadow The “Panda to Sochi” project is happening right now as we speak. Fiat, in collaboration with Vice Media and a couple more sponsors, is sending a team of four to Casa Italia, Sochi (Russia) in a Panda. That is, Fiat Freestyle Team riders Stefano Munari – star of Italian snowboarding – and Stefan Lantschner, a BMX talent from the Alto Adige area, together with Markus Keller, the famous Nitro team rider who will take turns with Dmitri Sartor during the trip. Gersin Livia Paya, editor of Vice completes the quartet.

Before their final destination, the team will stop by in 16 different European locations. They will shed some light on the diverse cultures along the way. A team of photographers and videomakers will also join in, immortalising the crew’s tricks and manoeuvres at characteristic landmark sites such as Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, the Potëmkin Stairs in the Ukraine, or Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

The Fiat used is no ordinary Panda as well. It’s a 4×4 Antartica special edition. It carries a TwinAir Turbo 0.9 petrol engine which yields 85 hp. Antartica specific features include a white and black roof, 15-inch alloy wheels in grey diamond finish, orange hub caps, fog lights, tinted rear and back windows and a badge on the cnetral pillar that serves as an identifier. 175/65 R15 84T M+S Winter Snow Flake tires go on all four wheels as standard – good not only for snow and ice but also dirt roads and general low-grip surfaces. A lot of software also ensure save travels: a torque on demand drive system, an Electronic Stability Control, and an Electronic Locking Differential

Inside, the Antartica showcases an overwhelming theme of orange and grey fabric (most of it eco-leather). A 3-seater rear seat with 60/40 folding backrest and height-adjustable driver’s seat offers adequate comfort and versatility.

The team team should also arrive in Sochi with their spines intact since the Antartica sits on a revised MacPharson independent suspension at the front and a interconnected wheel with torsion beam at the rear.

Source: Fiat

January 21, 2014

1970’s Style Fiat 500 range

Fiat has announced the new Colour Therapy range, which is designed to bring back the spirit of the 1970s with a collection of vibrant colours and retro white detailing. The Colour Therapy is positioned between the highly popular 500 Pop and Lounge specifications.

“The special colours and stylish new touches will make the Fiat 500 an even more attractive proposition for our customers,” commented Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

“Tasteful features such as the white door mirror covers and ‘poolball’ design gear knob in matching colour, take the popular 500 to a new level, showing just how timeless this classic city car really is.”, she added.

Available in both hatchback and convertible versions, and with 0.9-litre TwinAir and 1.2-litre petrol engines, the cars come in five special paint colours: New Age Cream, Countrypolitan Yellow, Pasodoble Red, Volare Blue, and Tech House Grey.

The mid-range Colour Therapy includes AC, special paint, white mirror covers, white wheel covers, a ‘poolball’ design gear knob and specific key cover as standard. It costs £800 more than the entry-level Pop, but adds more than £1000 worth of extra equipment.

The Fiat 500 Colour Therapy range starts at £10,760 for the 1.2 Colour Therapy and goes up to to £14,510 for the 500C 0.9-litre Colour Therapy TwinAir.

$1970\'s Style Fiat 500 range$

Source: Fiat

August 10, 2012

Alfa Romeo at Geneva

Alfa Romeo might not have much cars to show on the 2012 Geneva Auto Show (they have only two production vehicles at the moment) but they are betting on technology and choice. There will be four Giulietta models and three Mitto cars taking the stand. Some of them will feature the Fiat group 0.9 TwinAir Turbo “International engine of the year 2011”, many will be coupled with the Alfa TCT (double clutched transmission) and will also feature Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde trim levels.

Alfa Giulietta

Thanks to the TCT feature, a 1.4 TB MultiAir 170 HP Giulietta has the best efficiency-performance ratio in its category. It is basically a twin clutch automatic gearbox setup which allows downshifting or upshifting with either a gear lever or paddles behind the wheel. On top of that, one can further optimize the Giulietta’s road manners with Alfa’s DNA dynamic selector – a master switch of all the systems in the car. Have it on Dynamic and get ready to cut some apexes with vigor. Normal mode on the other hand provides you with an everyday driving set up and All-weather mode is for rainy or snowy surfaces with poor grip. Despite being capable of reaching 100km/h in 7.7 seconds, the Giulietta TCT MultiAir returns 5.2 l/100km in the combined cycle and emits 121 g/km of CO2

Props also go to another Giulietta TCT which harbors a 170 HP 2.0 JTDM diesel engine. It does the 100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds but offers even more economy – 4.5 l/100 km and 119 g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. To prove highlight the role of the TCT in these figures, Alfa say that the same car with a manual does 4.7 l/100 km and 125 g/km.

A somewhat less powerful 120 HP Giulietta Distinctive 1.4 Turbo will also be present to restore equilibrium after the fury that will be the fourth Giulietta – 235 HP 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde. That flagship trooper can shred its own tires with 340 Nm of torque as early as 1,900 rpm.

Alfa Mitto

The Mitto niche will be represented by three member – the 0.9 TwinAir Turbo that has only two cylinders yet delivers a maximum of 85 HP at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 145 Nm at 2,000 rpm. Basically this drivetrain, thanks to its cleverness, is capable of producing more torque and be cleaner and less thirstier than any other engine rated with that same power. This little bumble bee also comes with the Alfa DNA system and a Stop & Start function which helps with the urban frugality.

The not-so-conscious about fuel economy can find paradise somewhere else. Why not start with the Mitto Quadrifoglio Verde with Alfa Active Suspension? It is all very complicated underneath – The suspension interacts with the braking system and steering to obtain more effective control of the dynamics of the vehicle or in other words it is a damn good fun this car. Only Alfas capable putting a smile on one’s face go under the Quadrifoglio Verde name. Noticeable differences from a stock model hide in and out. For example the rear-view mirror covers, the headlight and light cluster frames and the handles come with an exclusive satinised chrome material; a new sporty seat with a central part made of Alcantara. Things on the options list include 18” alloy wheels and sporty Sabelt seats with carbon fiber woven backrests.

Under the hood, a 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo works its magic while we need to remember that this is the light and nimble Mitto we are talking about – 6.7 kg per a single horsepower, 0 to 100 km/h is done in just over 7 seconds.

Last but not least, there will be a Mitto fitted with the same TCT equipment that comes with the Giulietta models. The engine is still 1.4 but with reduced power output and a Stop & Start system – a well rounded mid-range car with some extraordinary technology inside.

Source: Alfa Romeo

February 22, 2012

Lancia at Geneva

Lancia will be bringing a touch of luxury and elegance to the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show with six vehicles at their booth. It is a sort of a reincarnation for the company as it has had a glorious history, then a bit of a decline and now it’s back. Highlights deserve the B segment Ypsilon, the flagship Thema, the Voyager MPV and the not yet released Flavia Cabrio.

Lancia Flavia Cabrio

Yes, the Geneva Show will be a debut for the production version of the Flavia Cabrio – For now the setup destined for this convertible is a 175 HP 2.4 l unit mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It will be generously equipped with an electronic stability control system, traction control, ABS (naturally), climate control and much much more in the sole trim package offered, baring the name “all inclusive”. At the show, the Flavia Cabrio segment will be represented by two models: one distinguished by a sophisticated Bright White body with interiors in two-tone black/white fine leather and the other characterized by an exterior Mineral Grey paint with black leather interiors.

Lancia Thema AWD

The Thema AWD is basically a Chrysler 300C underneath but is that a bat thing? It has a clever four-wheel drive system and is driven by an aluminum, 286 HP Pentastar V6 3.6 engine. Throw in an 8-speed automatic transmission developed by ZF and you have yourself a perfectly good executive saloon. What image does the Thema radiate? That is pretty much up to the buyer – the car can be customized with several exclusive products, among which are the 18” and 20” rims and three grilles having different colors and treatments.

Lancia Ypsilon

A refreshed 2012 Ypsilon will also be present there – we are talking about new equipment and styling enhancements. The now 5^th Ypsilon meets the “Blue&Me–TomTomLIVE” and “Smart fuel” system”. Furthermore it has Magic Parking, a 500 W 360° Hi-Fi Music system, Xenon headlights and LED taillights.

As a car and not a Playstation, the Ypsilon will also feature a range of drivetrains which come with TwinAir technology or MultiJet II and Start & Stop. All very green stuff really.

The Ypsilon presentation will also foresee the arriving of the Black&Red trim level in all European markets. Again, we have a wide range of drivetrains – a 69 HP 1.2 Fire EVO II, a 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir and a 95 HP 1.3 Multijet II turbodiesel engine. The Black&Red is targeted to the younger generation which will be enchanted by the 360° Hi-Fi Music system, 15″ alloy rims and the tinted windows. Body colors are said to be four but they are frankly shades of black and red while inside we have one choice…. black and red.

Lancia Voyager

At the show, the Lancia Voyager will get two new trim levels – Silver and Platinum. Two new colors (Cashmere Pearl and True Blue) will also be made available. The Premium one displayed at the boot will boas some Alcantra from the inside and it will harbor a 163 HP 2.8L turbo diesel.

Source: Lancia

February 22, 2012

Fiat Punto MY2012

The MY2012 Fiat Punto range offers unrivaled diversity that is intended to fit every need a customer might have. New trim levels, exterior revisions, paint finishes and ten engine choices among which the brilliant TwinAir “International Engine of the Year 2011” are all in store for us in the coming year.

Yes, the legendary 2 cylinder TwinAir drivetrain is set to join the lineup that Spring. Despite being only 0.9L big it develops 85 hp (supercharged) and 145 Nm of torque. The cost in carbon dioxide emissions for all of that stands at 98 g/km. But it’s not green just because it’s small. A clever button on the dashboard (it says Eco on it, It must be clever) allows the driver to change the switch the engine’s mode of working between normal and Eco with the latter one restricting torque output and thus becoming super economical. Stop&Start with Gear Shift Indicator technology is used in every single EURO5 engine throughout the Punto range. With it one can save up to 15% fuel in an urban area. Even more feats of greenness can be seen in the 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2 unit where two innovative systems (Intelligent Alternator and Intelligent Flow) work together along with the use of low-viscosity transmission oil to achieve stunning emission figures ( 90 g/km of Carbon Dioxide). The Intelligent Alternator system optimises the battery recharging strategy during the “engine cut-off” phases, while the Intelligent Flow represents an oil pump with variable displacement and it also does optimisation of the cooling circuit. Other than these, the list of engines goes on and one is unlikely to make a mistake no matter the choice:

Petrol

69 HP 1.2 8v E5 (with and without Start&Stop)

77 HP 1.4 8v E5 Start&Stop (mechanical or Dualogic gearbox)

105 HP 1.4 MultiAir 16v E5 Start&Stop

135 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo 16v E5 Start&Stop

Diesel

75 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2 16v E5 (with and without Start&Stop)

95 HP 1.3 MultiJet 2 16v E5 Start&Stop

Bi-Fuel

70 HP 1.4 8v petrol-methane E5

77 HP 1.4 8v petrol-LPG E5

In Italy, the Fiat Punto is sold in three lines: Comfort, Sport and Fun to Drive. Those lines have sub-levels. The Comfort splits into Pop, Easy and Lounge trim levels – dedicated to the traditional customer focused on comfort and style. The Sport line has the Racing and Sport trim levels – the Puntos are more dynamic and performance oriented. Then there’s the Fun to Drive which has the TwinAir trim level that is a sort of a tribute to the TwinAir engine. The trim is distinguishable by the glossy black pillars and mirror covers, special alloy wheels, 13 exterior colours, one of which is dedicated, Energetico Green, the exclusive glossy black roof option and special “Sportex” seat fabrics.

Further on, throw in some revised front and rear bumpers with body coordinated finishes. Reposition the turning signals, refurbish the interior in some new upholstery and add to that two pairs of 15” alloy wheels and you have a MY2012. It still gets the heart pumping as if it is an absolute debut. We want one please.

Source: Fiat

February 8, 2012

Fiat 500L Premiere

Big news! No really, the Fiat 500L (L for “Large”) will be making a debut on the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show and today we have the first official images of it. Supposedly it will be targeted at people who want an SUV with MPV passenger space in a B car segment of restrained dimensions and efficiency (picky). The 500L, which complements the 500 Abarth and Cabrio versions, is Fiat‘s best shot at that.

Dimensions stand at 414 cm of length, 178 cm of width and 166 cm of height while inside the single-volume cabin offers seating for five. It is a further development of the concept of ‘cab forward’ introduced by Fiat with the 600 Multipla, a precursor to the concept of the compact people carrier.

The 500L wont hit the European showrooms until the last quarter of 2012 with three engine choices: the TwinAir (2011 international engine of the year), a 1.4 unit and a turbo diesel, 1.3 Multijet II. Although the MPV/SUV/Estate Fiats 500 will hold the latest of Fiat Group’s technology, production will be based in a Fiat factory in Kragujevac, Serbia.

Source: Fiat

February 2, 2012

2012 Fiat 500 TwinAir

Fiat has announced TwinAir version in the popular 500 city car line-up. The TwinAir cars will attract new customers to the Fiat 500 family with their sporty and assertive appearance.

2012 Fiat 500 TwinAir includes black alloy wheels, burnished metal effects on dashboard and front and rear mouldings, spoiler, chrome exhaust pipe and sports seats.

The engine is the well-known 0.9 litre TwinAir with 85HP and a 95g/km of CO_2,which means that is one of the few cars entitled to travel across London without incurring the capital’s congestion charge.

The TwinAir range will come in both 500 (hatchback) and 500C (convertible) versions and will only be available in vibrant colours such as Pearlescent Red, Tropicalia Yellow and Electroclash Grey. A special colour, Midnight Black, is available only on the TwinAir Plus model.

The new range starts at £11 600 OTR for the TwinAir, rising to £12 700 for the TwinAir Plus.

2012 Fiat 500:

TwinAir:

Sporty looking mouldings and metallic effect dashboard

Sport kit (chrome exhaust pipe, spoiler)

Sport seats

Black interior surround

15-inch matt black alloy wheels

Air conditioning

TwinAir Plus:

Adds the following specification over the TwinAir trim:

16-inch matt black alloy wheels

Automatic climate control instead of air conditioning

Blue&Me

Sport leather steering wheel with eight commands

Leather gear knob

Dark tinted windows

Body coloured door mirrors

2012 Fiat 500 TwinAir

Source: Fiat

June 30, 2011

2011 Lancia Ypsilon

Lancia has unveiled the new Ypsilon at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and now the manufacturer released full information about the 5-door hatchback. The car has a nice design with interesting grille, LED rearlights and hidden rear door handles. The dimensions are 384 cm long, 167 cm wide and 152 cm high, with a wheelbase of 239 cm. Although, it is not from the big ones in the segment, Ypsilon offers great comfort and enough interior room.

The interior boasts a center-mounted instrument cluster and metallic accents. There are also three trim levels – Silver, Gold and Platinum as the most expensive features leather upholstery, a premium audio system and Blue&Me-TomTom. The customization is practically unlimited.

The engine range includes a 1.2 liter EVO with 69PS (51 kW) and 102Nm (75 lb-ft) of torque. The performance is poor – 0 to 100 km/h in 14.5 seconds and a top speed of 163 km/h (101 mph). However, the power unit is extremely efficient 62.8mpg (4.5 litres per 100 km) with just 115 g/km of CO2.

The second power unit is the 0.9 liter TwinAir two-cylinder, which powers Fiat 500. It develops 85PS (63 kW) and 145Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 11.9 seconds and the top speed is 176 mph (109 km/h). The average fuel consumption is 4.2 liters per 100 km (67.3mpg) and it goes sub 100 g/km of CO2 (99 g/km, exactly).

2011 Lancia Ypsilon

The third engine is a powerful 1.3 liter MultiJet II with 95PS (70 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds and top speed of 183 km/h (114 mph). The fuel consumption is amazing 3.8 liters for 100 km (74.3 mpg) and CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.

Afterwards also the 1.2 Fire EVO II Bi-fuel engine (petrol and LPG) will be available.

The safety is at very decent level: electronic stability control complete with ASR and Hill Holder, ABS with EBD, from 4 to 6 airbags (front, window-bags and side), in addition to the ISOFIX attachments.

Price list is not announced, yet. 2011 Lancia Ypsilon will hit the market in June.

Pricing information hasn’t been released, but the new Ypsilon will be launched in June. A Chrysler variant will follow in September for the United Kingdom.
2011 Lancia Ypsilon

Source: Lancia

May 26, 2011

Fiat 500byGucci Price – £14 565

Fiat 500 by Gucci is a creation of two of Italy’s most respected brands, which represents the perfect combination of craftsmanship and style.

The small city car is priced at £14 565 OTR for the 1.2 litre engine and the masterpiece 0.9 litre TwinAir is tagged at £15 765 OTR.

The Italian manufacturer has released a very interesting program – selling vehicles online. It turned to be very successful for cars such as the special edition Fiat 500 Pink and Fiat 500 Matt Black. The program offers fully automated on-line sales scheme, which allows customers to configure a 500byGucci, pay a deposit, order it directly from the factory, track the car’s progress, make a final payment and even arrange special delivery of the car to their home.

Practically, you can sit in your comfy sofa at home behind the laptop and to purchase a brand new special edition car, which will be delivered to your door. Nice!

“The 500byGucci will enlarge the audience for the already successful Fiat 500, reaching those fashionista customers who want to have a unique car to distinguish themselves,” commented Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK.

“And the on-line sales process adds another dimension to the individuality of this special model, creating an even greater sense of exclusivity and exceptional customer service.”, she finished.

Fiat 500 by Gucci

Source: Fiat

May 19, 2011

Fiat with Best New Engine at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

Fiat scooped Best New Engine award at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards. The small 875cc two-cylinder TwinAir engine impressed judges with its extremely low emissions, high fuel economy and impressive power of 85BHP.

“Fiat has now produced one of the all-time great engines. Who would have thought that a two-cylinder unit could have won the International Engine of the Year title when we launched the Awards in 1999? Its triumph is a clear signal that less is more: people want low-emission, fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, and just two cylinders certainly seems to provide a comprehensive solution!”, commented Dean Slavnich, editor of Engine Technology International and co-chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards.

The TwinAir has also taken the awards for Best Sub 1-litre and Best Green Engine. It even managed to beat zero-emission pure electric vehicle engines from Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Check out the other winning engines in the table, below!

Fiat with Best New Engine at the 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

The category winners are:

Best New Engine 2011
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Best Green Engine 2011
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Best Performance Engine 2011
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia 570bhp)

Above 4-liter
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia 570bhp)

3-liter to 4-liter
BMW 4-liter V8 (M3 420bhp)

2.5-liter to 3-liter
BMW 3-liter DI Twin Turbo (135i, 1 M Coupe, 335i, 535i, X3 35i, X5 35i, X6 35i, Z4 (306bhp, 340bhp), 640i (320bhp), 740i (326bhp))

2-liter to 2.5-liter
Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo (Audi TT RS, RS3 340bhp))

1.8-liter to 2-liter
BMW Diesel 2-liter Twin Turbo (123d, X1 (204bhp))

1.4-liter to 1.8-liter
BMW 1.6-liter four-cylinder Turbo (Mini Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Countryman Cooper S (184bhp), Mini Works, Clubman Works (211bhp))

1-liter to 1.4-liter
Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger (VW Polo 180bhp), Golf, Scirocco, Eos, Jetta, Tiguan, Skoda Fabia RS (180bhp), Touran (140, 170bhp), Seat Ibiza/Cupra (150bhp, 180bhp), Alhambra (150bhp), Audi A1 (185bhp))

Sub 1-liter
Fiat 875cc two-cylinder (Fiat 500 (85bhp))

Source: Fiat

May 18, 2011

Fiat 500 Blackjack Limited Edition comes in September

Fiat is going to release Limited Edition ot its famous 500 model. „Blackjack” is finished in a matte black paint with glossy door handles and mirror housings. Furthermore, it features new 16” wheels with matte black frame and red brake calipers.

The black theme is present inside the car, too. It features matte finish combined with silver elements on the steering wheel and gear knob. The seats are upholstered in fine leather.

Blackjack Edition comes with a choice of four engines. (more…)

July 21, 2010

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