This Auto Show edition is special to Fiat: in 2011 it will celebrate its 35 years in Brazil. And, before this important milestone in the company’s history, there is nothing fairer than to show the success of its models, its futures launchings and its new projects, in almost three thousand square meters occupied by Fiat in this Auto Show. Thirty (30) automobiles are in exhibit. Among them, the highlights are: the concept cars – FCC III, Uno Cabrio and Uno Ecology -; a new version of the New Uno, the Sporting, which is arriving at the dealers; and the preliminary presentation of Fiat Bravo.

As it forms part of Fiat’s philosophy to maintain kindled the discussion on the automobile’s future and how to be part of this future in a more and more innovative and efficient way, the brand presents at the Auto Show its third concept car developed at the Giovanni Agnelli Development Pole (Betim/MG), the Fiat Concept Car III, which was idealized by the consumer through the web portal www.fiatmio.cc. This shows the company’s creativity and capacity in assimilating what the worldwide consumer has in mind as the future automobile, that is, the model that will be conceptually ideal for his needs.

FCC III or Fiat Mio as it was baptized brings elements that laud the sustainable view, besides items that assure man’s connectivity to the automobile and the universe, which encompasses world urban mobility. Besides the Concept Car there will be at the stand multi-touch monitors where everything about the product, its conception and realization will be presented. In a closed auditorium, the public present will also see a film about this Concept and immediately afterwards it will be invited to answer an interactive quiz about Mio.

Along the same line of the FCC III, Uno Concept Ecology and Uno Concept Cabrio will be shown. Concept Ecology was presented in the launching of the New Uno and then it was one of the highlights of the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2010. The model that carries on its structure the successful design of the New Uno is directed towards solutions that transform an automobile more ecological, more sustainable and with below average environmental impact.

Concept Cabrio is another example of Fiat’s involvement with new solutions, even though they are only exercises of creativity. Using the two-door body, the convertible model is an example of infinity of alternatives that can be generated from the New Uno platform. The result is a sports automobile, young and at the same time, sophisticated.

The company also reserved an outstanding place to present the New Fiat Bravo. With its design characterized by Fiat’s “family feeling”, it affirms the brand as world reference in design. Bravo will also be reference in new technologies in the national market. Sportiveness, comfort and safety are some of its characteristics. Without mentioning the excellent performance that Bravo reaches with the E.TorQ 1.8 16V Flex and 1.4 16V Turbo engines, which carries the Downsizing concept and today equips Fiat Punto and Fiat Linea.

Still under the impact of a great launching, and an unprecedented public acceptance, the New Uno, which has been breaking sales records and contributing decisively towards maintenance of the brand’s leadership in Brazil, has highlighted at the stand the launching of Uno Sporting, synonym of sportiveness and exclusivity.

This new version that is arriving at the market is another example that New Uno is versatile, malleable, moldable to the most varied intentions and needs. Sporting brings together all good qualities and contents of the New Uno, with spontaneity, efficiency and beauty of the more sportive versions. Equipped with the new and modern Fire 1.4 Evo engine, Uno Sporting arrives with new contents, technology, and exclusiveness in customization, besides adoption of suspensions that reinforce its quality of sportiveness and of an automobile that provides great pleasure to be driven.

Distributed throughout the Fiat space as well are the models that maintain the brand’s presence in the Brazilian market. Among them is Punto that made its debut with the new E.TorQ 1.6 and 1.8 16V engines of FPT – Powertrain Technologies, which offer low noise levels, emissions of contaminants and internal energy consumption, with excellent torque at low revolutions.

After Fiat Punto, these new engines also equip models of the Palio family – like Siena’s new special Sporting series, which carries the E.TorQ 1.6 16V engine -, Fiat Doblò and Linea, the latter recognized for its elegant lines, its quintessence, comfort and for its technological resources.

Present at the stand as well the new design of Idea, developed in Brazil by the Fiat Style Center for Latin America, which gave the model a more sophisticated look. At the rear, it bears new LED lighted lamps – Fiat Idea is the first national automobile to offer this technology. The new Idea has also received the new family of E.TorQ 1.6 16V and 1.8 16V engines.

An especially prepared space shows evidently the particularities of the Adventure line. Under a more encompassing view, the company associates technology of the products to sustainable thoughts. Just as how the mind of whoever proposes to take advantage of the locomotion properties of the Adventure models must be.

The decoration of the ambience is done with recyclable materials and reforestation wood. Another care taken by the company in the idealization of this space involved the construction of a river with LEDs – synonym of economy, consumption, energy and durability – thus emphasizing the new Idea, which made its debut with this technology in national automobiles.

There as well is the charming and irresistible Fiat Cinquecento. A model that is not merely a product of its time. Its well thought forms tell more than half a century of history in every line. 

Visiting the stand the public can see closely Fiat’s competition model that participates in the Trofeo Linea [Linea Trophy] at the Racing Festival, the newest national motor sports attraction. The Trofeo Linea brings high technology automobiles within the category of stock car, with competition automobiles based on line vehicles and with acclaimed pilots in national motor car racing.

In Trofeo Linea important national motor car racing pilots are at the wheel of a Fiat Linea T-Jet with the 1.4 turbo engine from FPT – Powertrain Technologies equipped with the renowned Italian Abarth competition kit. With this preparation, Linea’s turbinated engine gains a high performance Racing profile: the original power of 152 hp leaps up to incredible 215 hp.

Besides various models exhibited, interactivity at the stand is also great, besides a quiz directed towards the FCC III, visitors can play in games with simulators and look for information at the Totems with complete contents about each of the models in exhibition. And more: the artists of the program “É Tudo Improviso” [Everything is Impromptu] will have the mission of interacting with the visitors at its providential irreverence and unusual jokes. The stand will even have a reserved space for Radio Fiat Jovem Pan, which will transmit its daily programming inside Anhembi to all of Brazil, nationwide: between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The portal Terra will also be at the stand with live broadcast. All these activities emphasize the brand’s young, fun and irreverent spirit. In closing, the store Fiat Fashion brings various fashion options and present in its collection for the brand’s fans from all ages.

FCC III, custom-made

Fiat shows in this edition of the Auto Show the result of a world creation developed from interactivity through the portal www.fiatmio.cc. The new concept car was built with the opinion of internet navigators, from the theme and conception of the design, up to the choice of materials, innovations and diverse resources for the vehicle, inspired in the discussion about the automobile’s future and the future automobile. From August 2009 to October 2010, more than two million people, from 160 countries, visited the portal, where 17 thousand were registered and more than 10 thousand ideas were posted, thus helping in the construction of a new Fiat concept car in Latin America.

The Fiat Concept Car III (FCC III), christened as Fiat Mio, is the third concept car developed totally at the Giovanni Agnelli Development Pole (Betim/MG), and unique worldwide developed from suggestions from internet navigators from different corners of the planet. This is the true world automobile, which satisfies the yearnings of the consumer in general.

Developed on an open platform, which uses Creative Commons licenses, the project is more flexible with respect to authorial rights. This concept car is a study free from necessities and ideas of all project participants, which go from the common citizen up to unconditional automobile lovers.

Fiat Mio maintains the Fiat tradition in presenting innovative solutions in concept cars created by its engineering and design teams in Latin America, as the antecessors FCC I and FCC II, presented in the 2006 and 2008 editions of the São Paulo International Auto Show, the largest in Latin America.

The conception of an automobile along with internet navigators broke paradigms. Mainly for an industry like the automotive industry, where secret can mean a lot of market share percent points. It was the first time that a world manufacturer left its development process so transparent.

Project development also required total modification of the company’s internal parameters. The established collaborative process virtually asked interactivity among various sectors of the company. And it provoked a revolution in the manufacturer’s internal systems, since many sectors, on a routine basis, do not work with so much closeness to the end user. Research and intelligence, Style Center, engineering, marketing, communication, training, human resources and product were some of them. It was a totally new experience; it was “learning again how to make an automobile”.

After compilation of the virtually obtained data, what consumers imagined as the ideal automobile began to be defined. It should be an urban vehicle, compact and economical. In terms of sustainability, it should use clean energy and ecological materials. In dealing with information, it should have, at least, cell phone integration, media player, GPS and other gadgets through its own operating system. To complement, touch screen control display, head-up display (HUD) and self-diagnosis.

The diversity of ideas and suggestions obligated Fiat to work on two different fronts in the development of the design of the FCC III. They were called Precision and Sense, precisely for them to be able to give orientation and portray the duality of the suggestions.

Precision was oriented for more exact lines, emphasizing the automobile’s futuristic character. This current opinion had configuration and design closer to the consumer’s understanding. On the other hand, the though line, Sense, observed more organic lines, based on nature, with freer and bold design. Having analyzed both propositions, the direction indicated by internet navigators led to the choice of the line, Precision, which predominates in the concept car present at the Auto Show. But since the two lines were very well accepted, the concept, Sense, was not entirely discarded. So much so that some of its solutions were transferred to the version Precision.

The resulting Precision characterizes externally the model by a clean, functional, almost minimalist design, where the highlight is on account of the large glass-furnished areas, with excellent visibility and intelligent windows that control the incidence of light. The dynamism of the waistline collaborates to extend its profile, and the rear part accentuates its robust impression. At the front part, the sides and headlights form an assembly that creates an image of strength. Customization also includes modularity, which makes alterations of the automobile’s configurations possible.

The FCC III, Fiat Mio, has wheels covered by large hubs, in a clear evidence of search for aerodynamic improvement. Lamp and headlights were positioned so as to simplify its forms without, however, compromising the beauty of its lines.

Its interior also observes a new design experience. Inspired in a lounge, it has architectonic and innovative ambience. Interfaces and gadgets are ergonomically placed and accessible. The seats were inspired in sofas and the steering wheel gained a new format and new functions, becoming a command center. The architecture of its interior obeyed the concepts that provide larger space and comfort to up to two users. Everything was designed for a world where the driver can be simply a passenger and can have the vehicle controlled through intelligent means.

The dimensions of Fiat Mio are: 1,560 mm wide, 1,530 mm high and 2,500 mm long.

But the portal directed towards collaboration from internet navigators remains open. The portal www.fiatmio.cc will continue to receive ideas and to show solutions for the future of the automotive medium. Consumers, opinion makers, specialists, academicians, any person in any part of the world can contribute.

New Uno Sporting

Fiat is launching in this Auto Show edition a new version of the successful Uno, model that arrived at the market in May of this year and revolutionized the automobile industry. Uno Sporting arrives to contribute even further with the product’s image: strong and decisive as customizable, economical, reliable, durable and excellent performance vehicle.

The new Uno Sporting does not concern a personalized model, but rather a new version, which was conceived in details to satisfy the consumer’s longings. Uno Sporting, which bears under its hood the new Fire 1.4 Evo engine, associates sportiveness and joviality, bringing new contents to the model and exclusivity to its user.

Its external appearance was strongly mirrored on the high performance sports model, both in colors and in items of personalization and efficiency of use, as well. The headlights with black mask, red aesthetic rings of the anterior grill and the spoiler for the front bumper, form part of its personality.

The lateral bands convey sportiveness, joviality, performance, as well as the lateral miniskirts. The muffler tip is double as it is proper for a sports automobile, and the tail lights have a leaden finish. Following the example of the front bumper, the rear also brings an aerodynamic supplement. On the trunk hood, an airfoil with black finish was incorporated.

Still on the decorative part and functionalities, the edges of wheelhouses and the covering of the door columns, also received treatment in black. The model also received exclusive model and version plates. To conclude, the light alloy wheels with 15-inch rim give the automobile a sportive look.

Internally it is distinguished by the panel with exclusive covering, as well as the adoption of details with colors that identify the version. The instrument panel has also their own characteristics for the Sporting version, bringing instruments with new orange serigraph and visor with red illumination. It also has as basic accessory on board computer and leather steering wheel. Now the seats received an exclusive cloth with stylized seams plus magazine holder bag and “Sporting” embroidery.

The New Uno Sporting arrives with an intelligent rear window washing system, that is, it functions automatically with the activation of spouts from the squirts. When the front window cleaning mechanism is functioning, the rear is also automatically activated if the rear drive is engaged.

Its suspension was also adjusted to satisfy the requests for the new version. Compared with the one that equips the other New Uno versions, it was designed and calibrated to allow better drivability, besides transmitting greater sensation of sportiveness and safety. The new suspension is about 20 mm lower in relation to the Vivace and Attractive versions, and its springs were more rigid. They are helical and were designed with the side-load technique to optimize the operation of the suspension. They reduce the radial forces on the piston of the shock absorber and the internal frictions, which results in better absorption of the roughness of the ground.

The shock absorbers also received specific characteristics for the new performance requirements. The front stabilizing bars have larger diameter, and the rear axle has greater torsional stiffness. The light alloy wheels, with 15-inch diameter rim, are propped up with 185/60 R15 tires.

These solutions were idealized so that the suspensions of the Uno Sporting might have lesser response time and lesser body inclination at curves. They also provide greater progressivity and linearity of responses in maneuvers performed at the limit of adherence. Its dynamic behavior is an example, with neutral behavior in any situation, besides providing a good level of comfort – mainly dealing with a version with a sportive appeal.

Comfort is also assured through the adoption of passive hydraulic pads for the engine’s sustentation. The basic idea of the component is to use highly elastic rubber for good acoustic behavior, and serves as hydraulic component to generate the shock absorbing effect at the engine’s work frequencies.

This results in the obtainment of high stiffness at low frequencies and low stiffness at medium and high frequencies. These are requirements that cannot be found simultaneously in conventional pads.

Besides the differentiated and exclusive elements, the Sporting version arrives well equipped with basic accessories offering, besides the aforementioned items, hydraulic steering, fog headlights, electric front lock and windows, among others. In terms of safety the New Uno Sporting can come, optionally, with HSD (High Safety Drive – double airbag + brakes with ABS system), more items of comfort and entertainment like air conditioner and radio CD MP3 Connect with hands-off Bluetooth + USB.

The New Uno Sporting also offers the consumer the option of an exclusive personalization. From the plant, there are two Kits for this version. Sport which brings adhesives for the mudguards and rear hood plus badge for column C. While the Exclusive Kit is composed of exclusive leather steering wheel with orange details, fabrics for seats also with orange details and internal gray paintings, besides the exclusive mat tapestry.

If the customer prefers he has the option of personalizing his Uno Sporting at the dealer. There he can find rearview mirror covers, external door knob cover, shift stick knob, hand brake finish, instrument panel frame, decorative bands and sportive pedals. Also on the list of accessories, items like alarm, anti-theft screw of the wheels and crankcase protector.

Available in eight different colors, the Sporting version of the new Uno counts on three exclusive paint alternatives: Indianópolis Yellow, Modena Red and the new Nemo Orange, all solid colors. The rest are already traditional of the brand, the solid Banchisa White, plus four metallic paints: Bari Silver, Chrome Gray, Scandium Gray and Vesuvius Black.

Uno Cabrio: freedom at its reach

The convertible model, even though only for studies, is the first that experiences the two-door body of the new Uno, which shortly will be at the market’s disposal. This flexibility in terms of conception points towards innumerous possibilities that an advanced project, like the one of the New Uno, can allow.

With the removal of the roof, and consequently the rigid part of the body, the prototype had to receive reinforcements in various parts of its structure. It was a detailed work developed by Fiat Automóveis engineering, in the sense of avoiding torsional movements of the body causing discomfort and unsafeness.

Following the aesthetic proposal defined by the project, Uno Cabrio received bumpers with new design, which provided a sporty look. The front was characterized by large air intakes and the presence of a pronounced spoiler.

All these cares with the aesthetic change suggests that the automobile has potent engine, which offers high performance. But, at the same time, which continues with the irreverence of the set of blocks that characterize the New Uno. The tail lights and brake lights – positioned at the posterior part of the headrests – are illuminated by LEDs, complementing the automobile’s look.

Inspired in the vintage concept, Uno Cabrio’s interior received a series of specific components, like speaker screen, weather controls, air vents, pedals and a chrome-plated fire extinguisher. Likewise allusive to the classic race car models, the steering wheel has three radii, the shift stick knob brings metallic rod and the seats have shell format with four-point safety belt, which sustain better the body of the occupants in situations of sportive driving.

Still internally, the frame of the panel and the central console were adapted to incorporate new measuring instruments: a turbo pressure reader, positioned together with the instrument panel, and two gauges for marking of the oil and fuel pressure, located on the central console. All received new text designs.

Moving between the contemporary desire and the vintage concept, the solution of the interior with sophisticated and punctual aluminum elements and elegant finishes like the new special bicolor leather coverings with quilting stitches and application in matelassé gave the model the merging of sportiveness, velocity and sophistication.

The engine chosen to propel the convertible is the same one as of Punto T-Jet, the Turbo 1.4 16V engine, with 152 hp power, which is capable of carrying it to a maximum speed close to 200 km/h.

To make the new look compatible with the great efficiency, the model received wheels with 17-inch rim and profile 40 tires. The suspensions idealized for Uno Cabrio are inharmony with the sportiveness suggested by the potent engine and by the set of wheels and tires of a high performance automobile. An invitation to fun and leisure.

Uno Ecology: sustainability is the order of the day

Simultaneously to the launching of the New Uno, Fiat Automóveis presented Uno Ecology. A study model that shows the brand’s concern with sustainable technologies and that can be in the models as basic accessory. Uno Ecology also has the incumbency of never ceasing to evolve; it will be a laboratory permanently at the service of sustainable solutions.

Its first version, which innovates a series of items. Let us begin with the 1.0 engine, a prototype developed by FPT – Powertrain Technologies, calibrated to consumer only Ethanol (E100), that is, pure alcohol, with no mixtures. This was done by looking for the maximum performance from the point of view of ethanol’s energetic efficiency. It brings the advantage of providing lower CO2 emissions, if compared with an engine that uses gasoline.

The next step was the development of plastic parts by using sugarcane bagasse. The product is the result of sugarcane processing in ethanol and sugar production, and provided prototypes of parts with weight 8% lower than the conventional ones. Besides the full energetic recovery, when at the end of its lifecycle, the materials used are renewable and recyclable.

The seats were molded in coconut fiber and latex, which are of renewable origin. They are permeable to air, antifungal, recyclable, biodegradable and of strong social feature for using the work of cooperatives. This avoids the use of approximately seven kilos of polyurethane (material proceeding from petroleum) in the vehicle. Uno Ecology also have seat covering and mats with fabrics made from recycled PET – about 30 bottles per vehicle.

Another novelty introduced in Uno Ecology was the Photovoltaic Sunroof, aesthetically similar to the Fiat Punto’s Sky Dome. It has photovoltaic cells at the rear panel, which helps in battery loading. This reduces the need of power generation on the part of the engine and, consequently, economized fuel. The roof was designed to generate an electrical power of 35W, considering an eight-hour daily exposure to the sun for 30 days.

So that the air conditioner may be activated with lesser intensity it gained an anti-infrared film (rays that transmit heat). This can mean an estimated economy of up to 1% in fuel consumption. At the example of the more advanced models in the world, it comes equipped with the start-stop system, technology that turns off the engine whenever the automobile is immobilized for any reason. Just by stepping on the clutch pedal is enough so that the engine may be activated again. Studies show that fuel economy generated by this procedure can reach up to 5% in urban traffic.

Another item that results in fuel waste is poorly calibrated tires. TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) indicates to the driver, through a luminous signal, if any of the tires has pressure below what is specified. Poorly calibrated tires mean up to 5% more in fuel consumption.

source: Fiat