To
make the most out of these incremental changes, Fiat has improvedthe Panda's exterior by ways of material and styling. Using recyclablethermoplastics to replace standard steel body panels, lightweight seats plus carbon-fibre and steel for the fuel tanks, Fiat shaved animpressive 92 kg (202 lbs) off the curb weight ofits production contemporary.
To further enable the car to reach its claimed 350km (217 mi) range, the Panda's body spent some time in the windtunnel,yielding more aerodynamically efficient bumpers, mirrors and otherextremities. Of course, to give it a bit of glamour for its Genevadebut, the car was finished in pastel blue paint scheme with uniqueblue-tinted headlamps and tail lamps. The Panda MultiEco also rides onlow-rolling resistance tires with a new compound developed by Pirellithat reduces energy loss, but provides consistent grip in wet and dry conditions.
The
Panda MultiEco doesn't so much bring anything new to thegame of green automobiles, as it perfects existing mechanical know-how.The combined efforts of Fiat allow the MultiEco to cut its carbondioxide emissions by up to 42 percent as compared to the gasoline version,which is roughly equal to 90 g/km. For comparison, a 2.0-litre gasoline-powered compact car (e.g. a VW Golf or Ford Focus) emits around 180 g/km. Further benefits of natural gas include cleaner emissionsthan gasoline, and the reduced cost of natural gas means that theMultiEco is roughly 63 percent cheaper to run in relative costs per kilometer.
As was mentioned, the MultiEco is Fiat's concept demonstrator vehiclefor a milder, natural-gas/gasoline bi-fuel powered Panda that goes onsale later this year. Too bad that nothing like this will be available on our side of the Atlantic.
Specifications:
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| Silly looking CrossPanda is actually very capable off-road. (Photo: Fiat S.P.A.) |
To further enable the car to reach its claimed 350km (217 mi) range, the Panda's body spent some time in the windtunnel,yielding more aerodynamically efficient bumpers, mirrors and otherextremities. Of course, to give it a bit of glamour for its Genevadebut, the car was finished in pastel blue paint scheme with uniqueblue-tinted headlamps and tail lamps. The Panda MultiEco also rides onlow-rolling resistance tires with a new compound developed by Pirellithat reduces energy loss, but provides consistent grip in wet and dry conditions.
The
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| The MultiEco Panda emits 42 percent less CO2 gas, and is some 63 percent cheaper to run per kilometer than this, a regular Panda. (Photo: Fiat S.P.A.) |
As was mentioned, the MultiEco is Fiat's concept demonstrator vehiclefor a milder, natural-gas/gasoline bi-fuel powered Panda that goes onsale later this year. Too bad that nothing like this will be available on our side of the Atlantic.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 5-door hatchback
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine (est.): 60-hp, 75 lb-ft of torque, 1.2L, SOHC I-4
- Fuel Type: compressed natural gas (CNG)
- Transmission: 5-spd robotized sequential-manual
- Curb Weight (est.): 768 kg (1,690 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Cargo Volume: 206 L (7.3 cu-ft)
- Website: www.fiat.com
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