Emphasising the strength and continuing diversity of the Fiat Panda model range, a second new version - the Panda Tanker - is on the Fiat stand alongside the show-stopping Panda Dakar 2007. The new Panda Tanker concept has been realised by Frank Stephenson's design team at Fiat Centro Stile working in conjunction with leading outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer Dainese; and it is firmly aimed at those involved in the many areas of outdoor pursuits.

The Panda Tanker sits in its own enclosure on the Fiat stand at the Bologna Motor Show, along with several example of the equipment it can carry, such as skis and rucksacks, as the little A-segment Panda model really takes to the centre stage. The exciting new Panda Dakar 2007 rally machine, on the occasion of its world debut, has been the compelling exhibit at the show, while the Panda 100HP is making its Italian motor show première, with one example perched astride the huge Ducato "Truckster" concept vehicle with a second located right in the middle of the whole stand. Meanwhile the environmentally-conscious Panda Panda, due on the market next month, and the Panda in 'Model Year' 2007 specification also feature.

The most striking visual aspect of the Panda Tanker though is that it has only three doors, while the rear C-pillar glass window area has been replaced with a large new titanium fibre cover which is embossed with the familiar Dainese logo. The car is closely based on the petrol-engined Panda 4x4 and the simple mission of its creation was to develop a vehicle that would be prefectly suitable for anyone involved in outdoor adventure sports. The obvious benefits provided by the Panda, such as its compact nature, nimble nature and the advantages of its well-proven four wheel drive system have been retained, but everything else superfluous has been removed to make way for equipment necessary to its new role.

From the outside, the Panda Tanker is painted in a satin-effect matte grey that gives the appearance of it being 'naked', setting the visual tone for the whole car. The embossed oxidised titanium fibre C-pillar covers are carefully complemented by a similar treatment which is given to the hubs caps (they are in turn fitted to simple matt-black steel wheels shod with Michelin tyres) which also bear the Dainese logo, a symbol today synonymous with Italian clothing that can withstand the toughest of challenges. For example, MotoGP bike star Valentino Rossi wears a Dainese made race suit.
 

The idea of the titanium sections, which also wrap up the front and rear bumpers in vertical strips and horizontally behind the registration plate, is both practicality and to give the car a sense of style, and emphasise is tough and sturdy nature. Other exterior changes include the new large rectangular door mirrors, which angle on a simple rectangular titanium pin and the huge tubular roof storage rack which extends down the rear door, and is pivoted within itself so it smoothly hinges upwards when the tailgate is raised. A fixed storage case is attached to the rack while the roof is covered in a soft material, a theme extended to the wheel arches and the door rubbing strip areas. An alloy flush-fit petrol cap is also incorporated.

Inside the Panda Tanker shows the Dainese imprint in its redesign. New sporty seats feature (just the front seats are retained) and they have been designed for comfort and practicality in an 'adventure sports' situation and have the Dainese logo imprinted on their Kevlar sections. The titanium main frames also incorporate a hydro-pack. Anything not required for its new role has been removed from the Panda Tanker's interior, with flexible securing straps fitted to the dashboard in front of the passenger to stop items carried in this area becoming loose, while  simple hard-wearing mats are fitted in the foot wells.

The rear loading area has been maximised by the removal of the rear seats allowing surprisingly large objects to be stowed in the little car, all of which are able to be firmly anchored to a tubular aluminium frame (which when in operation divides the rear compartment) using the plethora of elastic securing straps on the frame itself or mounted on the car's side sections. This chunky frame, which hinges on large pivots at the base, can also be folded away completely. There are three aluminium containers which are flush fitted into the floor of the luggage compartment, to hold oddments, materials and liquids; they can be easily accessed while the securing frame is in full operation. Meanwhile, the variable density foamed used in the side panels contain Dainese accessories for a wide range of uses. Other features include snow chains, which were demonstrated on the Panda Tanker in Bologna.