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Geneva 2008 Preview: Fiat 500 Aria Concept Unveiled

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In addition to the 500 Abarth, Fiat is going to unveil the 500 Aria Concept in Geneva next month.

The 500 Aria is a "green" version of the 500 with its 1.3L 16v Multijet diesel engine. A particulate filter and robotic Dualogic transmission with start-stop technology improves fuel economy by 10 percent and cuts carbon emissions by 98/km.

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Geneva 2008 Preview: Fiat 500 Abarth Unveiled with 135HP


PRESS RELEASE:

The best example of this continuous commitment in the research and realization of products, with minimal environmental impact are the vehicles and prototypes displayed in Geneva. Starting with the brand new Concept car 500 Aria and the prototype Panda Aria: which are really and truly “ecological manifestos” that confirm the will of Fiat to study continuous changes in the field of researching innovative solutions for the containment of polluting emissions and CO2 levels.

Alongside these remarkable examples, other Fiat models with a level of CO2 emmissions lower than 120 g/km with be displayed. They are the best examples of Fiat’s research in the field of traditional motorizations, developed especially to reduce their environmental impact.

So here we have a Fiat 500 Sport equipped with a 1.2 litre petrol propulsion engine combined with the robotic shift Dualogic. There’s also space for a Panda Climbing, ambassador of the wide and articulated Natural Power range of vehicles with dual petrol/methane-hydrogen fuel management. Under the spotlights we also have the Grande Punto and Bravo models equipped with 1.3 and 1.6 litre Multijet propulsion. In particular the Fiat Bravo model displayed adopts the brand new 120 CV 1.6 Multijet with robotic Dualogic shift, which boasts an important supremacy: indeed, not only does it have a CO2 value below the 120 g/km threshold, it’s also the first Euro5 vehicle in it’s category (in accordance with the limits of the future Euro5 law).

The combined result of these technologies can be equated to the Fiat leadership on environmental themes, starting from CO2 emmissions. In fact, in 2007 the Fiat Group reduced the average CO2 emissions of vehicles sold in Europe by 19% in comparison to 1995. Still in 2007, as many as 23% of cars sold had CO2 emissions inferior to 120 g/km and 67% inferior or equal to 140 g/km.

Boosted by these percentages and notwithstanding the decisions taken in the European headquarters, Fiat Automobiles commits itself to obtaining within 2012, the lowest average considered level of CO2 emissions for its cars. Fiat intends to follow this objective via the introduction of an intervention plan aimed at motors, shifts, and cars, as well as the structural use of the Stop & Start system.

Comments (5)

Cheap Car Lover:

It amazes me that cars like this sell well in Europe. It makes me lose faith in my ancestry.

I'm going to reiterate my comment on an earlier photo that this car is a copy of the new bettle and the mini-cooper. At least without the 'ground effects' it appears to brandish a smidgen of it's own personality.

Jesse:

I respectfully disagree with Cheap Car Lover. The 500 follows in the footsteps of small Fiats of the past, I think it has plenty of its own personality. I just wish it would find its way over to this side of the pond so I could buy one.

Sphere:

Yes, it does remind me of the FIAT 500 of old. Those who claim this is a Beetle just don't know much about FIAT. Search google for the 1957 Cinquecento (Sp?), or even the earlier Topolino, and tell me this is not true to the FIAT heritage?

Still, this car is too small to be safe.

Kell:

Compared to a 6000lb land yacht, no car is safe, not even a Volvo. I say get rid of the 6000lb land yachts.

gm0n3y:

I don't get why people still seem to think that bigger cars are safer. Look at some crash statistics.

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