Very happy and very proud

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Fernando Alonso, just announced as the new official Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver, who will drive next to Felipe Massa as of the 2010 season, spoke to Ferrari.com: "I’m very happy and very proud to become a Ferrari driver. Driving a single-seater from the Prancing Horse is everybody’s dream in this sport and today I have the opportunity to make this dream come true. Above all I want to thank Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who really wanted this 3-year contract. We already had an agreement this summer starting in 2011, but then, the last days, the picture changed and we decided to anticipate my arrival in Maranello by one year.

The years at Renault were fantastic: together we won four World Titles (two Drivers’ and as many Constructors’ Championships) until this day, 21 Grands Prix. I wish the team all the best and let’s hope we gain some good results in the last races this year.

After this season I will put all my effort in the next season: I’m sure that, together with Felipe, we’ll offer Ferrari and the fans from all over the world some great satisfaction. I can’t wait to start working with my new team.”

Domenicali: "Alonso, the right choice for the future"

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As of 2010 Fernando Alonso will be an official Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver as it has been confirmed by today’s press release from Maranello. We spoke to Stefano Domenicali about the choice.

"We’re happy that we made this agreement with Fernando, who is not only a driver of great talent, but also victorious, as he has shown many times throughout his career, also under difficult conditions. His contribution will be very important to bring Ferrari back to the level where it has to be, to fight at the top.”

"How did you come to Alonso?"

“As Chairman Montezemolo said recently, all the great champs want to come to Maranello sooner or later. With Fernando we started talking about a prospective for 2011, but then there were the conditions to anticipate the start of our relationship already as of the upcoming championship, we preferred to take the opportunity.”

“What will the Scuderia’s official formation look like next year?“

“Next to Fernando we’ll have Felipe Massa, who is recovering very quickly to his best physical condition, with Giancarlo Fisichella as the surrogate driver. We believe that this is the best possible couple for a team like ours: Fernando and Felipe are two victorious drivers and they integrate very well with each other and with the team.”

"And Raikkonen? What’s the situation?”

"We spoke with Kimi and agreed to end our contract one year ahead of schedule. The three years together were very intense and successful, culminating with the extraordinary win of the World Championship in 2007 and the decisive contribution to conquering two consecutive Constructors’ titles. This year, although with a car not part of the best on the track, Kimi has shown especially in the second half of the season, what he is able to do: he has given a lot to Ferrari and he received a lot. I’m sure that he will remember this time together with us as one of the most beautiful times in his career, just like we will remember him with affection and admiration as a driver with such extraordinary talent and such an honest, transparent and loyal man deserves.

"What’s the spirit you are going into this last part of the season?”

“We are on the third place in the Constructors’ standings, but we know that it will be difficult to keep it. We’ve seen that there are many teams still developing the cars, while we are putting all our energy in the project for 2010. Furthermore, more than in any other season before, there are many teams fighting for the win, while there are only so many places on the podium. Kimi and Giancarlo have the right stimuli to give it everything in the last three races.

Alonso second Spanish driver in the Scuderia's history

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The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro chooses for the second time in its history a Spanish driver. The first Spanish Scuderia driver can be found in the years 1956 and 1957 when Alfonso De Portago was called to race for the Prancing Horse together with Peter Collins and Jose Froilan Gonzales.

Now it's the time of Fernando Alonso, born in Oviedo (Asturia) on 29 July 1981. After starting racing karts in Spain he became Minardi test driver. In the year 1999 he debuted in the Formula 3000 and two years later in the 2001 Australian Grand Prix in Formula 1, still with Minardi.

The following year he became Renault test driver and official driver in the year 2003, gaining his first pole position (Malaysian GP) and his first victory (Hungarian GP).

With Renault Alonso became World Champion in the years 2005 and 2006.

At the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Alonso will find Marc Genè, test driver since 2005.

Ferrari's connection with Spain has a victorious history: 11 in the history of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, 12 pole positions and 14 fastest race laps as well as 30 places on the podium.

Abarth 500 for rallies launched in Sanremo

Abarth introduced its latest racing gem at the 51^st Sanremo Rally. The new Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

For Abarth, this marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit.

The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm³ in capacity. This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard.

The Abarth 500 power unit is 1368 cm³ with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm.

The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles.

Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver's individual driving style. The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance plus special shims to adjust the caster and camber angles.

The 7” x 17” OZ asphalt rims are designed for 19/62-17 tyres.

The Brembo brakes are all disc, ventilated at the front with 4 callipers, solid disc at the rear with brake distributor and governor. The handbrake is hydraulic.

The Abarth 500 is equipped with a special welded roll-bar integral with the body, the required safety devices and FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points.

The weight is the lowest set by the regulations for this category: 1080 kg unladen.

Great care has also been taken over the details, beginning with a livery that is most decidedly in keeping with tradition, complemented by a lovingly crafted interior and instruments.

The Abarth promotional trophy regulation and timetable will be circulated in the coming weeks.

Fiorino Metano joins the eco-friendly Fiat Professional range

Fiat Professional introduces Fiorino Metano, a new dual fuel (methane-petrol) version of the model voted “International Van of the Year 2009”. The Fiorino Metano is available in two versions (van and Combi) and two outfits (base and SX). It is equipped with a 70 HP Euro5 1.4 Fire power unit and is the only vehicle in its segment with a factory-fitted methane system.

Fiat Professional has been a pioneer of this technology for more than 10 years and now adds the New Fiorino Metano to its range of commercial vehicles factory-fitted with a methane system (OEM). This range is the most extensive on the market with 7 models: Panda Van 1.2, Punto Van 1.2, Grande Punto Van 1.4, Multipla Van 1.6, Doblò Cargo 1.6 and Ducato 3.0. A range as extensive as this means the brand can consolidate its leadership of this market too. As evidence of this, in 2008 Fiat Professional sold approximately 5,100 new natural gas commercial vehicles, amounting to a share of 72.5%. During the first 8 months of 2009, Fiat Professional's methane vehicle sales also recorded an increase of nearly 50% in Italy compared to the same period in 2008, confirming the success of its eco-vehicle oriented strategy.

Methane: the best technological solution

The new Fiorino Metano confirms the brand's commitment to the field of environmental protection and sustainable mobility. Methane power systems are currently the most appropriate technological choice to help limit pollution in urban areas and they are also a very advantageous buying choice. First and foremost, from a strictly ecological point of view, methane is the cleanest fuel currently available. Unlike diesel vehicles, methane-driven vehicles do not discharge particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions are about 90% lower. When compared to petrol, methane engines guarantee a 50% decrease in nitrogen oxide emissions, a reduction of nearly 75% in unburned hydrocarbons and 25% less CO₂, helping to reduce the greenhouse effect and allowing vehicles to drive around town and city centres where traffic restrictions apply.

The choice of methane is also a valid alternative to conventional fuels from a financial viewpoint. If we imagine a trip from Milan to Rome on board a Fiat Fiorino: it will cost EUR 53 to travel 600 km if the vehicle is running on petrol (1.4 8v 73 HP), EUR 30 if running on diesel (1.3 multijet 75 HP) and only EUR 22 if the car is methane-driven.

Another important aspect is safety: according to the standard published by EPA (the US environmental protection agency), methane is one of the safest fuels, second only to diesel. This is because it is not a toxic gas: the methane molecule does not tend to form compounds with other substances in the atmosphere. It is also associated with a lower risk of fire: because it is less dense than air, it tends to become volatile in the event of accidental leaks and rise up without building up to dangerous concentrations. For this reason, vehicles with these fuel systems are allowed to park in all garages, even underground garages and can also be carried on ferries.

It is also increasingly easy to refuel with natural gas because the network of service stations is continuously expanding (the number of service stations in Italy currently stands at 692 and another 48 are about to open).

A special section devoted to methane on the Fiat corporate website (www.fiat.com) provides an extremely useful search engine that will display your nearest refuelling station with phone number and days and times of opening if you simply key in your address.

All the strengths of the New Fiorino Metano

The new minimum environmental impact vehicle is ideal for transport around town due to its compact size and a turning circle of just 9.95 m. It is powered by an Euro5 1.4 Fire engine that returns low CO₂ emissions (just 119 g/km).

The Fiorino Metano offers a dual methane and petrol fuel system with two independent circuits. The vehicle normally runs on methane. Only start-up always takes place using petrol: the vehicle switches to the natural gas system automatically. In this way, the petrol fuel system remains efficient and is only required when the gas in the cylinders is about to run out. It is, however, always possible to change from methane to petrol and vice versa at will by pressing a button on the dashboard.

The power unit on this particular version was developed and produced by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies and is a 1.4 Fire – teamed with a five-speed manual gearbox - equipped with a phased sequential Multipoint system. This engineering feature allows the engine to obtain all the benefits of a petrol engine from a methane engine. When it runs on natural gas, the Fiorino Metano guarantees outstanding handling - due partly to maximum power values of 70 HP (51 kW) at 6,000 rpm and a torque of 10.6 kgm (104 Nm) at 3,000 rpm - plus good performance: its top speed is 149 km/h while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in 17.5 seconds. The performance of this lively engine with superlative performance is aided by the adoption of an electronic “drive by wire” throttle valve control system.

It should be noted that a vehicle with a factory-fitted (OEM) methane system offers numerous advantages over an aftermarket conversion. For example, the use of specific materials and components and the application of dedicated technologies allows customers to benefit from the Fiat contractual warranty with the first service at 30,000 km. Because changes to the chassis and body are made directly in the factory, the vehicle also boasts the highest standards of comfort and safety.

Another strength of the new model is its extraordinary range: when driving in methane mode, the Fiorino Metano is able to cover 300 km due to the total capacity of its two cylinders (77 litres, equal to 13.2 kg of gas at a pressure of 200 bar) and it costs in Italy just EUR 11 to refuel with methane. What is more, because the vehicle is also equipped with a 45 litre petrol tank, its overall range touches 1000 km over a combined cycle.

It should also be remembered that, due to the specific arrangement of the cylinders, which are built into the floor pan (one at the level of the central tunnel and the other in the rear floor pan area), the Fiorino Metano benefits from an optimum, regularly-shaped load compartment that is perfectly flat along its entire length (2.1 m³ in volume, rising to 2.4 m³ when the front passenger seat is folded flat). A cargo box in the form of a liftable trim panel also provides access to storage compartments of various sizes beneath the load platform.

As far as its load capacity is concerned, van versions of the Fiorino Metano offer a payload (including the driver) of 500 kg while the Combi can carry 5 people plus 140 kg.

New Maserati GranCabrio at Frankfurt International Auto Show

The open-top GranCabrio is pure Maserati with an unmistakable Pininfarina design, spacious interior, handcrafted details, driving pleasure and high performances. The Maserati GranCabrio touches all five senses in an open-air experience that retains all the typical comfort and performance brio. Like all Maserati’s open-top models, the GranCabrio is a special car intended for true connoisseurs. It is powered by a 4.7 liter V8 engine paired with the fluid 6-speed automatic transmission. In Sport mode, the V8 gives the driver and passengers the full power of its 323kW, with a thrilling roar that becomes even more exciting with the top down, as it becomes one with its surroundings.

The CEO of Maserati, Mr Harald J. Wester, gave a speech focusing on the debut of the GranCabrio. He called it the third prong of the Maserati Trident, saying it is a unique alchemy between the car, the all-around Maserati driving emotion and its surroundings. The GranCabrio presents an enhanced sensation of driving combined with two signature traits of Maserati, craftsmanship and technology. During his talk, Mr Wester also introduced the Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo model that will be the star of the Maserati Trofeo mono-marque racing series.

Ferrari 458 Italia Movie

Alfa 8C Competizione and Alfa 8C Spider

The German event would not have been complete without an area for Alfa Romeo's exclusive limited edition supercars: the Alfa 8C Competizione and Alfa 8C Spider. These two sports cars have enchanted collectors and aficionados the world over, both pulling in thousands of applications in just a few days. The cars were designed at the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile and 500 of each were manufactured. Their fully carbon fibre exteriors perfectly embody Alfa Romeo's motoring and mechanical excellence: a slender line that expresses all the beauty of a veritable piece of poetry in motion that harks back to the brand's glorious past while also carrying forward its values of technology and emotion into the future.


Style and aerodynamics embracing tradition and innovation

The marked dynamism of the car is imparted by the horizontal ridge cut into the side extending from the front wheel arch. The big wheels and the mighty "muscles" of the rear wings emphasise the model's personality and strength, without taking away the elegance of the soft flowing lines, almost underlining the exquisite beauty of the exterior's individual parts: the drop-shaped headlights set like precious stones in the front wing, the taillight LEDs embodying technology and functionality, and the classic door handle. Furthermore, the front end has the trademark Alfa Romeo stylistic features, with a new interpretation of the 'whiskers' and the badge. Not forgetting that this innovative line gives us a glimpse of the parts and proportions of future Alfa Romeo cars, while always sticking to the brand's heritage.
It should be noted that for maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, the solutions adopted for the Alfa 8C Spider and 8C Competizione are not limited to shape. In fact, all the surfaces and profiles of the pillars and windows, as well as the shape and the position of the wing mirrors, were optimised either through computer calculations or tunnel and road tests. In this way, the air wraps around the car and continues its natural course without being obstructed by uneven or rough edges.
Of course, the unique feature of the Alfa 8C Spider is the Z-fold soft-top, a key design choice for limiting weight and optimising weight distribution. To make opening and closing operations simple and easy, moving the soft-top is entrusted to an electrohydraulic system controlled by a button on the dashboard, while the manual lock and release ensure the system's smoothness. In particular, the roof on the Alfa 8C Spider is characterised by a fabric made with two overlapping materials: the outer fabric is multi-layered with high resistance to atmospheric agents, while the inner fabric has high-capacity soundproofing for the passenger compartment. Also, the soft-top, which is available in several colours, was designed with aesthetics, aerodynamics and acoustics in mind as well as functionality, with moving parts specifically developed to make deployment easy, fast and safe.


Interior: personality and technology

The two cars are highly sophisticated on the inside thanks to the broad use of composite materials to make the dashboard and the interior panels, as well as the ultra-light carbon fibre ergonomic seats, made in partnership with Sparco, which can be adjusted according to the driver's body shape (a feature reserved until now for race cars). Furthermore, by focusing on customising the interior trims as much as possible, the customer can choose from different environments and aesthetic solutions, all hand-crafted and based on close attention to detail: from contrasting or 'ton sur ton' stitching to unique colour combinations. The valuable Frau Pieno Fiore leather upholstery (using an innovative weaving process in which the hide is bound to a natural fibre fabric creating a very profound and strong look) is particularly noteworthy.
Similarly to the interior, great care has been put into making the external parts: from alloy wheels to brake calipers, every detail can be customised because each Alfa 8C Spider or Alfa 8C Competizione is unique. An unmistakeable car that reflects its owner's personality. To sum up, the unique and one-off style of the exclusive Alfa 8C heralds the pleasure of a sporty drive fully in keeping with the brand's tradition.


Solid but lightweight structure

A solid but light structure is a pre-requisite for making a good high-performance car. It is also the inspirational principle behind the two cars. The floor panel is steel to get maximum torsional rigidity and ensure a drive that is always precise and safe, while the bodywork is made from carbon fibre. This is a choice motivated by the requirement to reduce weight as much as possible but also to optimise the car's centre of gravity for better agility and handling on more challenging journeys.
An innovative carbon fibre monolithic windscreen frame was designed in order to ensure high rigidity on the Alfa 8C Spider while maintaining a low roll centre.


The sweet-sounding 8-cylinder 4.7 engine

Still focusing on the most sophisticated technology, the two Alfa Romeo supercars use the new 90° V8 engine with a capacity of 4691 cm3 which has been designed with a precise objective: to ensure exceptional performance without sacrificing driving fluidity and the enjoyment of any road situation. This creates a powerful and progressive engine that develops a maximum power of 450 hp at 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 480 Nm at 4,750 rpm with maximum revs of 7,500 rpm. A sequential six-speed gearbox has been added to this engine, with gear selection via ergonomic triggers located behind the steering wheel and with a self-locking differential.
In more detail, the internal fluid dynamics and the cooling system cylinder heads are designed for high duct permeability, as well as effective cooling of the intake load to maximise volumetric efficiency and engine performance. Furthermore, the harmonisation of the intake and exhaust geometry together with the adoption of continuous variable valve timing units on the intake camshaft, the optimisation of the combustion chamber and the calibration of the engine mean that 80% of torque can be obtained from 2,000 rpm.
In sporty driving conditions on different road surfaces, you will welcome the engine's exceptionally short response times due to high intake permeability and low inertia of the two-disc clutch/flywheel system.
The crankshaft with counterweights at 90°, fully balanced with the best arrangement of rods and pistons, ensures that the engine operates with few vibrations. The crankcase/lower crankcase unit is aluminium with five main bearings to ensure the structure is very rigid with low friction losses, just like the cylinder heads are made from an aluminium alloy. Furthermore, all the piping (water, oil, secondary air) is directly in the engine's castings, thus making the system very sturdy, unhindered and safe; in short, extremely reliable.
The integration of the accessory systems with the engine's main castings and the very solid design of all the big-sided parts ensures low noise levels coming from the engine and high component reliability. Even the engine's longitudinal packaging has received special attention, as demonstrated by the adoption of a single chain timing control that ensures exceptional reliability for life.
Lastly, particular attention has been paid to the acoustic definition and intonation of the intake and exhaust in search of a tone that would enhance the character and render the car unmistakable. The result is a characteristic and full sound, emphasised by a high permeability intake system and an exhaust system with electronically activated valves that enhances the sound of the car in full compliance with regulatory and environmental constraints.

Transmission, sequential gearbox and self-locking differential

Just like the legendary race cars, the Alfa 8C Spider and Alfa 8C Competizione have the transaxle system which ensures the best balance of weight distribution: in fact, the engine is located further back while the gearbox is arranged at the rear in a block with the differential and the hydraulic actuator. The transaxle structure provides for the rigid connection between the engine and the gearbox casing, which also contains the self-locking differential. The two units are joined by a tube inside turned by the drive shaft: in this way, the load is optimally distributed between the front and rear axle assemblies.
The six-speed gearbox, with gear selection by means of triggers located behind the steering wheel, has been developed to ensure very quick gear changes and can be used in Manual-Normal, Manual-Sport, Automatic-Normal, Automatic-Sport and Wet modes. Lastly, the self-locking differential enables acceleration and stability to be managed with extraordinary efficiency in any situation.


Suspension, wheels and braking system

The two cars are Alfa to the core, with an uncompromising sense of control and driveability. Alfa Romeo cars have always been known for drive comfort and dynamic behaviour: in the case of these supercars, they become real strong points. This is partly because of the four-sided suspension with forged aluminium uprights and supports, shaped to best control the trajectory of moving wheels.
The tyres with 20" rims also contribute to excellent road hold, and they have been specially developed to ensure excellent performance: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, mounted on spoked wheels and made from flowing aluminium to ensure lightness and the best possible brake ventilation.
Ensuring the best possible suspension and tyre setup has maximised comfort while maintaining a sporty performance. The result is excellent dynamics: classic handling so typical of the Alfa Romeo brand, direct steering, responsiveness, clean transitions, and a linear understeer gradient.
On the 8C Spider, it is actually extremely easy to combine accelerator and steering wheel usage, with the maximum longitudinal and transverse accelerations reached at the same time. This is noticeable by excellent responsiveness during sporty driving and easy management of oversteer.
Lastly, both cars have the latest version of the Alfa Romeo VDC, a state-of-the-art system for controlling stability and traction, to give the driver the best possible control over the car. The driver can limit system intervention by driving safely and alertly. Such a system has to be backed up by excellent brakes. That is why the 8C Spider comes with Brembo's F1-inspired carbon ceramic (CCM) brakes as standard. In a first for a car in this class, and in order to ensure an incredible feeling from the very first time you brake, the system is broken in with a brand new process that guarantees reliability - and it comes as standard on the Alfa 8C Spider.
On the 8C Competizione, the braking system has floating-type drilled discs with an aluminium bell. These solutions ensure powerful and effective braking, even under intense use. Finally, the calipers are monobloc to ensure maximum rigidity and less warpdue to the high loads generated by pressure from the pistons on the pads.

MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, world premiere

Available following the launch of the 105 and 135 hp MultiAir engines, the world premiere of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi takes place in Frankfurt. The exclusive trim brings back a legendary symbol that over the years has appeared on some of Alfa Romeo's sportiest cars. Having always been synonymous with heritage, racing and victory, the “Quadrifoglio Verde” (four-leaf clover) now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities.
Bearing the Quadrifoglio Verde is this MiTo with the most powerful 170 hp MultiAir engine and innovative solutions that accentuate the existing qualities of the model: hold, agility, active safety and driveability are heightened by an engine with one of the highest specific power values in the world and a chassis with features hitherto unthinkable for a car in this class.
This engine's best feature is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo's success on the road and the racetrack. The class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg/hp is almost 10 per cent better than the already excellent performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBi. At 124 hp/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the Alfa MiTo.
This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, it is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) are closer to what you would expect from an economy car than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.
On the back of these exceptional power qualities and the unbeatable performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty and technological feel to this Quadrifoglio Verde version with high-quality finishes, attention to detail and a raft of features. One example is the 17" satin titanium-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar). The same colour is used for the headlight frames and the wing mirrors, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black environment that ensures no reflections or distractions while driving. The technological aspect of this car is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.
It should also be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrade to further emphasise the dynamic qualities of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.


Dynamic Suspension

Competitive racing has always been a testing ground for new technologies, which have found their way from the world's most famous racetracks to standard road cars. One example of this passage between two seemingly very different worlds is dynamic suspension. This system, which actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers, was developed by combining Alfa Romeo road testing with the latest engineering techniques from Magneti Marelli.
So, using experience gained on the racetrack, the system allows the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to excel even further in terms of agility and handling, giving it exceptional driveability and unparalleled safety. The driver gets three benefits from the Dynamic Suspension system: comfort, safety and agility. Above all, the electronic shock absorbers adapt to the road conditions and control all the car's movements. This guarantees maximum comfort and ensures that the unevenness of road surfaces is fully absorbed. In addition, the Dynamic Suspension system always ensures maximum grip and safety by actively responding to all road conditions. Finally, because roll and pitch are more restricted in all conditions, there is better stability and cornering that adds to the undoubted agility of the Alfa Romeo MiTo.
The suspension interacts perfectly with the three different control strategies of the Alfa DNA system. In “Normal”, agility is combined with a higher level of comfort, whereas in "All Weather", the safety features are enhanced by continual interaction between the Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, the steering and the suspension. Finally, in “Dynamic”, the MiTo becomes a true sports car clinging to the ground and fit for any road: it is no coincidence that the system was developed at the historic Balocco test track and round the corners of the Nurburgring. So, thanks to the hard work of Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, the car is responsive and reliable when you turn the steering wheel or put your foot on the accelerator.
The innovative Dynamic Suspension system is made up of four electronically controlled shock absorbers, five accelerometric sensors, a control unit and an interface with Alfa DNA for the different settings and with the other on-board electronic systems.
Its main feature is to actively and continuously control the response of the shock absorbers, which adapt depending on the movement of the car and the road conditions, as well as the driving style. To sum up, the Dynamic Suspension system better protects passengers from uneven road surfaces thanks to an effective filtering and optimises comfort by recognising an obstacle (such as a bump or a hole) and adapting suspension behaviour accordingly. The system also ensures better cornering by altering damping distribution of the four shock absorbers, enhancing handling and hold thanks to advanced lateral dynamic control. What's more, the Dynamic Suspension system manages longitudinal dynamic control by adjusting the movement of the chassis during acceleration, braking and gear changes, and by integrating perfectly with the Vehicle Dynamic Control, steering and braking systems.

The new six-speed C635 gearbox

The technological qualities of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde are further enhanced by the next-generation C635 gearbox. Developed by FPT and manufactured at the Verrone factory in Italy, this groundbreaking mechanical unit is the first result of a design philosophy aimed at improving driveability, consumption levels and production flexibility.
As far as driveability is concerned, the new gearbox ensures clean and swift changes with very short selection movements, uniform activation pressures, no noise and no vibrations. In addition, modern design and construction techniques help to significantly reduce consumption levels thanks to less friction and the best possible gear ratios.
Its appearance in the Alfa MiTo 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi marks the debut of a modern family of gearboxes adapted for a broad range of models.

Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 “MultiAir”

Alfa Romeo, always a byword for sophisticated engineering and high-performing engines, proudly presents the revolutionary MultiAir system, developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies.
The forerunner of this revolutionary family is the MultiAir 1.4 engine, first introduced to the world on the Alfa Romeo MiTo model and offered with 3 different power levels (105 HP, 135 HP and 170 HP), all Euro5-ready.
At the launch, the first two MultiAir power units fitted to the Alfa Romeo MiTo are the 135 HP 1.4 and the 105 HP 1.4, available in all the current range outfits. Their launch will be followed by that of the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbobenzina, which will complement the Alfa Romeo MiTo petrol engine range and be available on the brand new and unique “Quadrifoglio Verde” outfit.
This broad product range will enable the MiTo to meet the needs of an increasingly extensive and smart audience, who are rewarding the Alfa Romeo mini with excellent sales results.
In detail, the 135 HP 1.4 Turbobenzina guarantees the Alfa Romeo MiTo all the performance and temperament of a sporty, well-balanced car designed for customers who are concerned about driving satisfaction and good fuel economy. The torque delivery of the 135 HP engine is optimum under all conditions and ensures outstanding pick-up performance and vigorous thrust at all speeds, marking a new benchmark in the petrol engine scenario. The new 135 HP power unit's top speed and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h are at the very top of the mini category.
This brand-new power unit, designed to work in conjunction with the Alfa DNA device, allows the excellent dynamic attributes of the Alfa MiTo to be exploited to the full. This makes long trips satisfying and comfortable but also guarantees plenty of thrills on more demanding stretches of road, the natural terrain of any Alfa Romeo, due to the well-balanced weight/power ratio and the excellent speed of response to the driver's commands.
Excellent performance is combined with the quality known as respect for the environment and good fuel economy. This excellence is reflected in particularly low CO2 emissions, equal to 129 gr/km, with a combined fuel consumption of just 5.6 litres every 100 km.
Balance and temperament are also attributes of the 105 HP 1.4 power unit. This engine takes its place in a market band central to the relevant segment, where it represents the best choice. The 105 HP MultiAir engine respects Euro 5 regulations and is up at the top of its reference market band in terms of maximum power and driving satisfaction.
The 105 HP 1.4 power unit also ensures full involvement at the wheel, making the Alfa MiTo an indisputable star of town traffic, ensuring full safety and ease of driving under all conditions.
The MiTo also achieves excellent performance with its 170 HP MultiAir power unit version available in the exclusive “Quadrifoglio Verde” outfit. This marks the reappearance of one of the historical symbols most dear to Alfa aficionados throughout the world, who are passionate about the glorious past of a brand that has made a trademark out of racing and motorsport.
The 170 HP 1.4 MiTo unit exemplifies a new concept of sportiness, combining superlative driving satisfaction with eco-awareness. The winning features of this car include its outstanding weight/power ratio (6.7 kg/hp), guaranteeing record-braking agility, plus an exceptional specific power of 124 hp/litre, a real first for this category. This is also the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the Alfa Mito.
The 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbobenzina, combined with a new 6-speed gearbox guaranteeing fast shifts with short travels, is an excellent example of the philosophy of downsizing: producing very hi-tech turbocharged engines to increase performance while slashing fuel consumption and emissions. The results achieved by following this strategy are interesting by any standard (139 g/km of CO2 and 4.8 l/100km over the extraurban cycle), closer to what you would expect from a mini than a sporty hatchback capable of speeding from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo “Quadrifoglio Verde” is also equipped with a new active suspension system that controls the shock absorbers to redefine the vehicle's dynamics, reduce car oscillations under all driving conditions and raise levels of safety, comfort and handling still further. The system, developed as a joint venture between Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, is able to call on the extraordinary experience both companies have accrued in motorsport throughout the world.
The new MultiAir engines are built in Termoli (CB) in the FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies plant and designed from the development stage to further enhance the Alfa DNA selector, the device that allows the personality of the Alfa Romeo MiTo to be adapted to the driver's needs and different road conditions. The “Start&Stop” system, making its debut combined with MultiAir engines for the first time on an Alfa Romeo, temporarily turns off the engine and then restarts it (when waiting at a traffic light, for example) to guarantee reduced fuel consumption and low noise levels in the passenger compartment when the device is at work.
The sound performance of the MultiAir engines can be appreciated to the full, with a sporty, unmistakeable Alfa Romeo timbre.
The introduction of the new MultiAir engines has also brought fresh colours to the MiTo, a winning model that is already sold in 34 countries throughout the world and 5 different continents. It can already be ordered in the new metallic shade Tornado Blue, which will complement the already extensive array of exterior colours.
The model's level of engineering can also be appreciated due to a series of improvements that have further increased the quality of the Alfa Romeo MiTo. The improvements affect the interior finish, car outfit combinations, gear manoeuvrability due to shortening the lever to 2.5 centimetres and also the steering and suspension system, which benefits from a new setting, in addition to some changes to the braking system.

Alfa Romeo at the 63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show

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Alfa Romeo is back at the Frankfurt International Motor Show with world premieres and models currently in production, highlighting the uniqueness of the brand in the global car industry.
The star of the show is the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde - an exclusive version with a powerful 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi which will be brought to market after the launch of the other MultiAir engines.
Once a symbol of some of Alfa Romeo's sportiest cars, the “Quadrifoglio Verde” (four-leaf clover) now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities. This is shown by its outstanding weight/power ratio (6.7 kg/hp), ensuring top-class agility, and an exceptional category-leading specific power of 124 hp/litre. In addition, as far as the typical reduction in emissions and fuel consumption of downsizing is concerned, the 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi records 139 g/km of CO2 and 4.8 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle: figures you might expect from an economy car rather than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds.
Alongside the main attraction, the rest of the Alfa Romeo range will also be on display: the MiTo, the Brera, the Spider, the 159 (saloon and Sportwagon) and the 8C Competizione Coupé and Spider supercars. The cars on display feature the latest Alfa Romeo engine technology: the revolutionary 135 hp MultiAir 1.4 TBi, the powerful 200 hp 1750 TBi and the brilliant 170 hp 2.0 JTDm.
Designed to interact with the public, the exhibition area moves away from trade show traditions in favour of a more poetic stand. At the centre of it all are children, their world and their hopes for the future; a forward-looking brand knows how important it is to listen to its customers of tomorrow. So, there is a unique setup at Frankfurt that, while retaining Alfa Romeo's classic values of design and technology, takes shape through the eyes of a child engineer building the future with a heightened sense of creativity.
Inspired by Meccano, the stand takes the form of a racetrack full of scale model cars where engineering games are combined with traditional Alfa Romeo themes such as asphalt and red paint. Huge plates of Meccano with lit-up holes - built to resemble the houses of a futuristic city - serve as a backdrop to the whole exhibition area. The enchanting scene is completed by huge mechanical lights hanging down to represent projects in the pipeline and the dreams yet to be realised by budding engineers. As a tribute to Meccano, the stand will feature the crane that appeared in the original 1908 set designed and patented by Frank Hornby.
The innovative exhibition area lets you admire the latest Alfa Romeo technology from a different perspective - a recreational and poetic dimension that looks to the future through the eyes of the next generation of Alfisti.
Finally, the public will be introduced to the products of FGA Capital, a financial joint venture between Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole specialising in the automotive sector. Promotional material will be handed out and there will be customised display stands. The company, which works alongside major car makers, operates in Italy and Europe with a single purpose: to support the sales of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat Professional and Abarth branded cars by offering innovative financial products incorporating high-added-value services that are aimed at the dealer network as well as private and business customers.

Abarth Grande Punto “SuperSport”

Powered by a 180 HP 1.4, 16v engine that develops 270 Nm of torque at only 3,000 rpm, the Abarth Grande Punto “SuperSport” reaches a top speed of 215 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. This superb performance confirms the car’s true racing spirit.
Further contributions to performance come from the modified suspension (one of the features of the “SS” kit), which includes new, more rigid and lower springs, 215/40 R18 tyres and specially designed 7.5 J X 18 alloy wheels. Thanks to this new kit the car has gained a far sportier setup and a roll centre some 20 mm lower. On top of this, the braking system has been equipped with perforated discs front and rear and performance brake pads at the front.
Inside, the Abarth Grande Punto “SuperSport” boasts “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” leather seats (homologated and lightened in keeping with the car’s racing spirit) and an Abarth Blue&MeTM MAP satellite navigation unit with a telemetric function developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli. In all there are four functions that make this innovative device stand out. The first function, called “monitoring”, displays the main acquired in-car parameters (engine rpm, vehicle speed, gear engaged) that are transferred from the Blue&MeTM to the PND (Portable Navigation Device) via Bluetooth. The second function, “Track”, accessible if the driver is on one of the circuits present in the device’s SD memory, displays a set of additional information such as the car’s position on the track (ascertained by GPS) and lap time. The third function, “configuration”, makes it possible to store telemetric data for a track and associate it with a personalised session (identified by the driver’s name, circuit, date). The information recorded may be retrieved easily and also analysed at a later stage using the fourth “analysis” function.
In addition to the characteristic Abarth colours, the Grande Punto “SuperSport” comes in the historical Airfield Grey (typical of Abarth racing models) and a livery inspired by motor sport.
The new model will go on sale starting from the weekend of the 12th and 13th September, when an open house event will be organised for Abarth’s entire network.

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” makes its world debut at Frankfurt. This new performance version of the Abarth 500 confirms the link between Abarth and Ferrari based on shared values that include a passion for performance, a racing soul, attention to detail and Italian style.
Abarth and Ferrari are two great names that have contributed, with conviction and dedication, to the legend of Italian racing that is known around the world. The legendary men behind both marques followed very similar careers: first drivers, then tuners and finally heads of companies that command genuine respect in the world of motor racing. These extraordinary men were associated in the past: in 1953, for example, a unique Ferrari-Abarth was born, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international trophies including the legendary Mille Miglia. The tie between the two companies has been reinforced above all by the exhaust systems designed by Abarth specifically for the cars built at Maranello: numerous exhaust systems have been made for various Ferrari models, some of which have won World Championship titles.
The two brands have recently renewed their collaboration. The first result of this was the supply of a limited and numbered series of Abarth 500’s to Ferrari’s European dealers in recent months for use as “courtesy cars”.
Now, attention turns to the new Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”, an exclusive vehicle that not only enables Abarth to extend its range by entering into the luxury sports car market, but also offers Ferrari customers a small but exciting small car for all their mobility needs, including practical urban mobility.
The new Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” is distinguished by a number of stylistic changes, but more importantly by substantial modifications developed by Abarth and Ferrari engineers. The engine, for a start, is a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop over 180 HP. This is combined with an MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) electromechanical gearbox with race-inspired paddle gearshift that makes full use of the engine’s performance by reducing gearshift times.
To improve acceleration, the car is fitted with performance tyres on 17’’ alloy wheels featuring a design inspired by Ferrari wheels. The suspension and braking systems have also been strengthened to cope with the extra power: 284 mm multi-section discs with fixed four-piston calipers, both by Brembo, and special shock absorbers let you enjoy performance in total safety.
And of course there is a “Record Monza” variable back-pressure “dual mode” exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3,000 rpm.
On the outside, the car is finished in Scuderia Red, with carbon fibre door mirrors and with details like the wheels and rear air intakes in Racing Grey. This new Abarth is equipped with Xenon headlights with dipped and main beam functions for improved light emission and excellent efficiency under all weather conditions. Made by Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, these elements deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights.
The interiors are also personalised and demonstrate the attention to detail and the sporting style that are common to both brands. “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” seats are fitted and finished in black leather with a shell and seat base in carbon fibre. These seats offer a perfect blend of racing characteristics – light weight (10 kg less than the standard seat) and the ability hold the body steady against lateral and longitudinal forces, thanks to body support elements filled with crush-resistant foam – with the ergonomics and comfort of road seats.
The black leather steering wheel is characterised by red leather inserts and a tricolour hub on which the MTA gearshift paddles are mounted, while the instrument panel is specially made by Jaeger, and inspired by typical Ferrari instrumentation. Attention to detail has gone into the floor too: the foot wells are covered entirely in non-slip aluminium and the racing pedals are personalised with the Scorpion logo. The interior is embellished with other details too, like special kick plates and a plate bearing the vehicle series number.

Abarth at the 63rd International Motor Show in Frankfurt

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Inspired by the world of racing, Abarth’s original stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show will be displaying all the winning products – standard cars, performance kits and race ready cars – that have helped Abarth achieve commercial success in Italy and abroad. One of the stand’s protagonists will be the brand-new Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”, a special, limited and numbered series celebrating the Italian racing tradition, passion for performance, attention to detail and technical innovation that both brands express. Abarth and Ferrari are two great names that have contributed, with conviction and dedication, to the legend of Italian racing that is known around the world.
The car on display “races” on a platform coated with a special resin that evokes the atmosphere of the racetrack, the natural habitat of Abarth cars. After all, it is from the world of motor racing that Abarth takes the technology and values that it transfers to the production of its road-going cars and performance kits.
The same philosophy has led to the development of the other two cars on display at Frankfurt: the new Abarth Grande Punto “SuperSport” and the Abarth 500 “Assetto Corse”, the small supersport designed for racetrack competitions, built directly by Abarth, and sold "race ready" to drivers via the “Abarth Racing” network that also provides technical assistance and transport services. The technical characteristics of the Abarth 500 “Assetto Corse” and the race formula itself have been carefully selected to facilitate participation in competitive racing at an extremely low cost. This is yet another practical application of Abarth’s mission to “democratise” motor racing.
This practical approach confirms Abarth’s racing spirit and applies the same philosophy that has identified Abarth for fifty years: the transfer of racing experience to the market in order to facilitate access to the world of racing. In less than two years, this strategy has led to the introduction of two cars – the Abarth Grande Punto and the Abarth 500 – as well as two performance kits. The same spirit has gone into the creation of an exclusive sales network, staffed by experts capable of providing ideal solutions to an informed and demanding public. In keeping with this philosophy, Abarth has increased its involvement in motor sport competitions and entered into agreements with partners of excellence.
Proof that the direction taken by Abarth is the right one comes from the statistics. These announce quite clearly that the brand is experiencing continuous growth. From 2008 to the present day, Abarth has sold over 15,000 cars, with 6,300 Abarth 500’s and 2,100 Grande Punto’s sold in 2009 alone, to say nothing of 2,500 performance kits, proving that one Abarth 500 in three is fitted with an SS kit. On top of these extraordinary sales figures, the number of dealers and official performance centres is also growing rapidly, improving distribution on existing markets and continuing expansion into strategic markets like Germany, France, the UK and Japan. The Abarth distribution network is already unique, boasting 120 showrooms, 132 official performance centres and 220 service centres in Europe. On top of this, a new level called “Abarth Racing” has been introduced into the Abarth performance network. Abarth Racing centres offer customers exclusive assistance via the “Racing Service” that provides a privileged entry to the world of Abarth motor sport.
Visitors to the Frankfurt show will also be able to see the latest additions to the “Abarth Car Accessories” catalogue, developed in conjunction with prestige partners. New accessories include the “Record Monza” exhaust systems developed with Magneti Marelli and “Abarth Corsa by Sabelt” seats. In the area of collaboration with other companies, two unique and exclusive products will mark Abarth’s entry into two areas that share the same racing spirit: boat racing, with the development of the first Powershore Abarth SP (Sport Prototype), and motorcycle racing, with the Yamaha FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corse concept bike.

Fiat 500C: much more than a "window to the sky"

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With its soft roof, the Fiat 500C pays clear homage to the style of the original 1957 Fiat 500. At the same time, the new car comes packed with the latest solutions in terms of build, engines and passenger comfort. All this is in line with the most authentic Fiat tradition of giving people access to segment firsts in content and technology.
Using a typical open-source approach (i.e. continually evolving a successful product thanks to contributions from its users), the Centro Stile Fiat design centre created the 500C by interacting with the many communities of Cinquecento enthusiasts - notably the 500 Wants You website - and reinforcing the position of the model as "a car for the people, by the people".
Starting from the saloon version, the introduction of the soft top has not changed the winning characteristics of the model, such as the space for four comfortable seats or the boot capacity, but it has added new functions that heighten enjoyment. Among others, the luggage compartment - thanks to a clever system of parallelogram hinges - gives an easier access even when the stop top is fully open.
Another strong point of the original cabriolet version is its exceptional climate and acoustic comfort. Thorough aerodynamic research means that the turbulence experienced with the roof open has been reduced to a minimum, allowing full enjoyment of the fresh air and the company of fellow passengers.
The decision to create a modern interpretation of the original with the electric sliding roof and the stylistic design that retains the shape of the car makes the Fiat 500C less of a seasonal product and one that can be enjoyed the whole year round. In short, all these features make this new vehicle one of the most successful examples of the convertible in the city-car segment today.
A true object of design, the soft top of the Fiat 500C stands out for its elegant electrically controlled movements and its impressively finished and carefully administered technical features: from the glass rear window to the third brake light built into the soft top itself. Available in three colours (ivory, red and black), the original soft top matches numerous body colours including three ad-hoc creations: pearlescent Ragamuffin Red, Tech House Grey so typical of sporty supercars, and Goth-Metal Blue (the latter is available for the whole range).
The Fiat 500C has an exclusive feel to its interior, which is embellished with high-quality desirable fabrics, including Frau leather upholstery, and a long list of market-dependent standard and optional features: from automatic climate control to the innovative Interscope HiFi System, from the Blue&Me Map portable navigation unit to the Start&Stop system, and from the new collection of customisable options to the original wind-stop. The wind-stop is easily positioned behind the rear head-rests and fixed to the parcel shelf, and does not need to be removed in order to operate the roof (a unique feature for this segment).
A free and emotive expression of the automobile, the Fiat 500C retains the same dimensions as the base model (355 cm long, 165 cm wide and 149 cm high) and shares all three of its power units: the 75-CV (horsepower equivalent) 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine combined with a five-speed manual gearbox and the two 69-CV 1.2-litre and 100-CV 1.4-litre petrol engines, both available with manual or Dualogic robotised gearbox.
The Frankfurt show will also see the debut of a new version of the 1.3 16v Multijet engine that improves still further the already excellent performance of the previous generation small Diesel. Available from November, the engine introduces a new variable geometry turbocharger that enables it to deliver up to 95 HP at 4000 rpm and 20.4 kgm of torque at only 1,500 rpm. The new engine improves the car's performance, taking its top speed to 180 km/h, reducing a 0-100km/h standing start to only 10.7 seconds, and reducing consumption to 3.9 l/100km and emissions to 104 g/km of CO2 in the mixed cycle. The new engine, obviously homologated Euro5, further improves the car’s vocation for ecology. It incorporates the acclaimed “Start&Stop” system that reduces consumption around town, and integrates a DPF particulate filter inside the engine compartment for improved efficiency and effectiveness from the moment the engine starts running after a cold start.
Each engine has different qualities though all the three are characterised by generousness, lively behaviour, high performance and sophisticated technology. Among their common qualities are great reliability and respect for the environment (they are all Euro5-approved). To confirm Fiat Automobiles' commitment to environmental protection and sustainable mobility, the 500C includes the innovative “Start&Stop” system, which temporarily cuts out the engine and restarts it again. When the vehicle stops, putting the gear stick in neutral and releasing the clutch will switch off the engine; to restart, simply put the car back into gear.
Structurally derived from the saloon version (the first car under four metres to receive the five-star Euro NCAP rating), the Fiat 500C retains the same safety components and features (active and passive) that justifiably place it among the market's best in class.
Depending on the market, the Fiat 500C range offers a choice of 9 body paint finishes, 3 versions (Pop, Lounge and Rock) and 3 interiors in a choice of fabrics and leather, plus over 100 accessories created especially for the 500. The new cabriolet offers all the devices you could expect from a modern automobile, including many that until recently were the reserve of models in higher segments, such as parking sensors, Frau leather upholstery, Xenon headlights, the innovative Interscope Hi-Fi System and the Blue&Me MAP portable and multifunctional navigation unit.
With the commercial debut of the new cabriolet, the Fiat 500 continues to attract critical acclaim and confirms its role as a genuine Italian style icon, capable of winning over the public at large and international experts, as proven by 30 awards collected from around the world and 11 million visitors to its website (and a total of 200 million page visits). These figures are all the more impressive when you consider that more than half the sales have been recorded outside Italy (50% elsewhere in Europe and 8% in the rest of the world). In each country where it has been launched, the Fiat 500 has generated enormous interest: in Japan, for example, there have been more than 5,000 orders. It should also be highlighted that 80% of Fiat 500 clients select the most expensive features and 90% ask for the Blue& Me system.
In short, as an expression of Italy's finest automotive design, the 500 is not merely a super-compact city car, but a real platform upon which Fiat Automobiles is building a whole family of cars with advanced technology and high attention to detail. And now, the new 500C represents another step forward.

Fiat Punto Evo

The Fiat Punto Evo is here. The Punto Evo is the evolution of the Grande Punto that is destined to repeat the success of its predecessor and become the new pacesetter for innovation, safety and style, thanks to its many innovative features.
The epithet “Evo” identifies a level of car design that is capable of satisfying even the most demanding customers in terms of technology, driving pleasure and respect for the environment.

Technical innovation
The Punto Evo expresses its technical excellence first and foremost through a wide choice of engines, including petrol units equipped with the revolutionary MultiAir system and second generation Multijet diesels.
Developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – MultiAir technology will gradually be adopted by all engines fitted to Fiat Group cars. The heart of MultiAir is a new electrohydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle). MultiAir reduces emissions (thanks to improved combustion control) and also improves performance by boosting both power and torque.
Similar results have been achieved in diesel versions by adopting second generation Multijet units across the range. These engines incorporate new common rail injectors that, thanks to a balanced hydraulic servo-valve, control the quantity of fuel injected into the combustion chamber with improved precision, and in a faster and more flexible sequence than in the past.
The choice of engines available for the Punto Evo is the most complete and ecological in this market segment, and even includes two alternative fuel engines, a methane and an LPG unit.
The new Punto Evo is even equipped with the latest version of the Blue&Me system. “Blue&Me–TomTom” is a fully integrated infotainment system that lets you manage telephone, navigation and information functions on a practical colour touch-screen. The system is the result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, European leader in portable navigation systems, and integrates with the car’s other systems thanks to the Blue&Me system developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli.
“Blue&Me–TomTom” is fixed in an easily accessible and safe position (without awkward cables), from which it can nevertheless be removed for other purposes. The system can also be operated from controls on the steering wheel and by voice recognition. The system incorporates an exclusive “Car Menu” to let you display information on the car and all connected devices:
“eco:Drive Info”: real time information on your driving style and suggestions for reducing environmental impact and optimising consumption by changing gear and using the accelerator to suit the nature of the route;
all trip information on a single screen: distance travelled, consumption and autonomy;
fuel reserve warning and directions to the nearest service station;
places of interest, Fiat Group service centres and methane and LPG filling stations;
information from the mobile linked to Blue&Me, (e.g. phonebook and current call).

Respect for the environment
At Fiat, innovation means greater respect for the environment too. In fact, the environment is one of the main issues driving product development, and ensures that the Fiat range is the greenest in Europe. The Punto Evo is no exception to this rule.
The new MultiAir engines prove the point. Compared to a conventional petrol engine of the same size, a MultiAir engine develops more power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), less particulates (up to 40%) and less NOx (up to 60%).
In the same way the second generation of Multijet diesel engines also offers more accurate combustion, with benefits for consumption, emissions, NVH and drivability. This has been achieved through a new common rail injector that modulates fuel injection into the combustion chamber and gives, for the Euro 5 engines, an improvement of around 2% in consumption and CO2 emissions on the homologation cycle, and a reduction in NOx emissions of up to 30%.
Still with reduced consumption and emissions in mind, the new Punto Evo will also offer Start&Stop, the system that switches off the engine when you stop and restarts it for you to move off again (at traffic lights for example). Start&Stop will be standard on all Euro5 petrol and diesel engines.
The methane-fuelled engine is not only the most ecological dual fuel engine in segment B, producing only 115 g/km of CO2, but is also the most economical thanks to record running costs of under 4 Euros per 100 km. Among other advantages, methane-fuelled engines benefit from the highest government incentives in Italy: 5,000 Euros if combined with a contribution for scrapping your old car.
Then there is the LPG-fuelled version, developed using Fiat’s longstanding experience in alternative fuels to respond to the extraordinary growth seen in this market. The Punto Evo GPL boasts record autonomy of 1,500 km in the extra-urban cycle, and running costs up to 50% lower than a petrol equivalent.

Safety
The Punto Evo is designed and built to achieve the highest levels of safety. The model boasts a large number of safety systems (standard or optional depending on market and version) starting from those dedicated to passive safety: 2 front airbags, 2 front side airbags, 2 window bags and a driver knee airbag (the Punto Evo is one of the few cars in this segment on which this device is standard on all versions).
The Punto Evo is also one of the few cars in its class equipped with adaptive 'cornering' front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering. And don’t forget that the new Punto Evo also guarantees constant and reliable road holding thanks to electronic dynamic control systems for braking and steering. The ABS system that is available across the complete engine range incorporates EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill-holder to help with hill-starts.

Style and comfort
The Punto Evo is more stunning than ever thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. In particular, the interiors of the new model have been completely redesigned to represent the most evolved expression of Italian style, with top quality materials and superb attention to detail. The result is a bright and elegant cabin with completely renewed fascia, seats, storage compartments and instrumentation.
On the outside, both the front and the rear have been thoroughly restyled, as shown by the attractive lines of the new bumpers and the incorporation of innovative and original headlights and taillights. The latest design has also “stretched” the car to a total length of 406 centimetres, so that its winning characteristics of driver and passenger comfort remain unchanged. The other external dimensions remain the same, with a width of 169 cm, a height of 149 cm and a wheelbase of 251 cm.

Fiat at the 63rd International Motor Show in Frankfurt

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Fiat Group Automobiles will have a separate stand for each of its brands at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, with each stand featuring a design in net contrast to convention.
Though differentiated to reflect the specific nature of each brand, all the group’s stands will share the common concept of “The World I’d Like” as seen through the eyes of children. An industry that is projected towards the future must listen to the wishes of the children of today, because today's children will grow up to make tomorrow’s world a great place to live.
For the Fiat brand, the children chose a green, open-skied city, represented by their own large-scale paintings arranged as scenery. Clouds, flowers and houses project visitors into a huge paper world on which the children have expressed their hopes and desires for a future that is ever more respectful of the environment. Between the houses and parks of the kids’ imaginary city there is also space for the latest developments in automobile technology, in the form of cars that have taken a giant step towards sustainable mobility. It is no coincidence that the Fiat range is the most ecological of Europe’s ten best-selling automotive brands with the lowest average value for CO2 emissions for the second year running: 133.7 g/km for vehicles sold in 2008 (137.3 g/km for vehicles sold in 2007).
Various new models will be on display at Fiat’s stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show. For a start, the event will see the world debut of the new Punto Evo, the evolution of the Grande Punto that is destined to repeat the success of its predecessor and become the new pacesetter for innovation, safety and style, thanks to its many innovative features.
The epithet “Evo” identifies a level of car design that is capable of satisfying even the most demanding customers in terms of technology, driving pleasure and respect for the environment.
The Punto Evo expresses its technical excellence first and foremost through a wide choice of Euro 5 engines, including a 1.3 second generation Multijet diesel and a 1.4 petrol engine with the revolutionary MultiAir technology developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and eventually to be incorporated in all Fiat Group engines. Fiat’s innovative and conventional powerplants are also joined by dual-fuel methane and petrol units to create the most complete and ecological range of engines in the segment. With reduced consumption and emissions in mind, the new Punto Evo also offers Start&Stop, the system that switches off and restarts the engine in stop-and-go traffic. Start&Stop is being introduced as standard on all Euro5 petrol and diesel engines. Another system making its first appearance on the Punto Evo is “Blue&Me–TomTom”, the new portable satellite navigation unit that lets you manage telephone, navigation and information functions on a practical colour touch-screen.
In the area of safety, the Punto Evo sets new standards thanks to 7 airbags, including a driver knee airbag. The Punto Evo is one of very few cars in its segment with a driver knee airbag fitted as standard on all versions. Other innovative safety systems are also available, including Hill-Holder to help with hill starts, adaptive 'cornering' front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering, and Fiat’s tried and tested ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) systems.
Finally, the new Punto Evo is even more attractive thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. The interiors (fascia, seats and instrumentation) have been completely renewed to become even more prestigious and elegant, and the outside has been given a thoroughly restyled look too.
The Fiat Punto Evo goes on sale in the second half of October with the precise objective of consolidating its role as one of Europe’s market leaders in the highly important compact segment.
In addition to the latest entry in the Fiat range, the Frankfurt Motor Show will also be focusing on the 500C. This original cabriolet version of the 500 pays homage to the 1957 soft-top but comes packed with advanced solutions in build, engines and passenger comfort. Presented in July, the Fiat 500C has already attracted 13,000 orders, repeating the success of the 500 on all markets where it has been introduced.
The spotlights will also be focusing on the stylistically and technically renewed Fiat Sedici. The introduction of two new engines (a 120 HP 1.6 16v petrol and a 135 HP 2.0 16v Multijet diesel that emits only 129 gr.CO2/km) has made the new Sedici the most ecological of all Euro 5 SUV’s. The new Fiat Sedici therefore represents the ideal vehicle for the environmentally aware customer in search of a compact SUV that is capable of tackling off-road routes and is also practical to drive around town.
Finally, Frankfurt will also see the arrival of the Qubo Trekking, the latest version of Fiat’s “free space” vehicle for nature lovers, outdoor sports and leisure enthusiasts, now equipped with “Traction +”. “Traction +” is an innovative electronic system that improves traction and grip to help you out of difficult situations and let you negotiate even the most challenging surfaces (snow, mud, etc.).

Musa Poltrona Frau

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The theme of affordable luxury continues with the Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau. This top-of-the-range version of the "city limousine" that has been the best-selling MPV in Italy for two years is equipped with the new 120 hp 1.6 Multijet engine. The exclusive configuration, available in 11 exterior colours (of which four are two-tone) and three interior shades (grey, natural leather and red), also offers seats and a dashboard upholstered entirely in Pelle Frau® leather as well as a wealth of standard equipment including:Granluce sunroof, ESP system, radio and CD player, 16" alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, six airbags and fog lights.
This special series of the Lancia Musa, featuring the Poltrona Frau logo on the central pillar and embroidered on the leather dashboard, is a unique car that combines two renowned names of Italian design. The style, attention to detail and crafted two-tone paint finish typical of Lancia cars are combined with the exclusivity and sophistication of leather and the craftsmanship of Poltrona Frau. For an automotive manufacturer such as Lancia, attention to detail and top-quality materials is crucial. Because the interior environment of all its vehicles is an emotionally involving space featuring great craftsmanship, Poltrona Frau is the ideal partner. Poltrona Frau offers a wealth of knowledge and tradition, superlatively expressed through the way the leather has been worked to preserve its softness, colour and feel. Attention to quality, a quest for the most innovative materials, exclusive manufacturing processes and compliance with specific resistance standards ensure the leather is suitable for use in the automotive industry.
Let us not forget that the partnership between Lancia and Poltrona Frau goes back a long way. It began with Vincenzo Lancia, who in the 1920s asked Renzo Frau to ‘dress’ the cars he built for VIP customers, and continued in 1984 when Poltrona Frau and the Lancia Centro Stile produced the interior of the Thema 8.32, the saloon with a Ferrari engine. More recently, the partnership has extended to the entire Lancia range: from the Dedra to the Y10, and from the Thesis to the Musa and the brand new Delta. The new Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau version is also fitted with the new 120 hp 1.6 Multijet, a cutting-edge turbodiesel engine with Multijet, multivalve technology that underlines the technological excellence of the Fiat Group in the field of diesel engine design and development.
The new engine perfectly combines the best features of Multijet turbodiesel engines with tax breaks and other advantages deriving from the new downsizing philosophy. It is therefore the ideal solution for those who seek an effective compromise between respect for the environment and low running costs, without sacrificing power and flexibility, for real driveability. Compared with the tried and tested 100 hp 1.9 Multijet, the 1.6 Multijet offers better performance, comfort, emissions and running costs, in addition to considerable benefits: torque is nearly 15% higher at the same power (300 Nm at 1,500 rpm) and fuel consumption is 6% lower (measured over an NEDC cycle). All this comes with much improved driveability, due above all to useful torque values at low speeds. These aims have been achieved through a comprehensive optimisation of combustion that exploits the potential of the engine's new injectors to the full.
The 1.6 Multijet delivers an excellent absolute torque, especially considering the cubic capacity: the figure of 300 Nm puts it right at the top of the performance charts for engines of 1.8 litres and below. If we then consider specific torque (i.e. divided by the cubic capacity), the 1.6 is the highest performing engine in the category of power outputs up to 200 hp, with the sole exception of supersport power units. That is not all. If we take into account that the maximum torque is delivered at just 1,500 rpm, we are able to immediately appreciate the extent to which the 1.6 Multijet represents a revolutionary advance on present-day diesel engines: no other, not even a next-gen engine, can deliver such high torque at such low revs. All things considered, the new 1.6 Multijet offers exhilarating driveability that is difficult to match. This is proven by the acceleration (from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds) and the top speed (190 km/h).
Combining the new injection system with next-generation variable geometry turbochargers completes an absolutely outstanding technological picture. In the same way, the 120 hp 1.6 incorporates the most advanced exhaust gas treatment technologies, namely a Close Coupled Diesel Particulate Filter and a built-in EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system that improves control of temperature and gas flow, simultaneously guaranteeing lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption. All this put together enables the engine to comply with Euro 5 standards: this is the best example of the great commitments made throughout the Fiat Group to ensure environmentally friendly motoring.
A Lancia Musa Poltrona Frau with the new 1.6 Multijet engine does not need its first service until 35,000 km, cutting 25% off the costs of ordinary servicing (calculated for distances of 90,000 km or 100,000 km, which are most common for long-term hire contracts).