Fiat will be represented on the Vizzola test track by seven Fiat 500s (top) powered by the sparkling 100 bhp 1.4 16v engine and equipped with new “green” Pirelli Cinturato tyres. And two particularly environment-friendly models will be on display in Piazza del Duomo; the Panda MultiEco prototype (above) and the Panda Panda Climbing.

The history of Pirelli Cinturato tyres is an integral part of the history of Italian motoring and of Fiat Group brands: from Fangio’s Ferraris to Lancia flagships, a huge number of models have left Fiat plants fitted out with Pirelli tyres. Recent Fiat Group Automobiles car models that mount Pirelli tyres as first equipment include the Fiat Bravo, the Fiat 500 (in the larger size) and the Alfa 159, while the light commercial vehicles include the new Ducato. We should also point out that it is Fiat Group Automobiles policy to extend use of the new “green” tyres, to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

This is why Fiat Group Automobiles is taking part in the event organised by Pirelli from January 17 to 23 in Milan. The company will be represented on the Vizzola test track by seven Fiat 500s powered by the sparkling 100 bhp 1.4 16v engine and equipped with new “green” Pirelli Cinturato tyres. And two particularly environment-friendly models will be on display in Piazza del Duomo; the Panda MultiEco prototype and the Panda Panda Climbing.

Panda Panda Climbing

Together with the Panda Panda and Panda Panda Van versions, the Panda Panda Climbing completes the range of a model with a low environmental impact that has become a benchmark for sustainable urban mobility. The best proof of this are the approximately 30,000 new Panda Pandas registered in 2007, a figure that has certainly contributed to the total of over 50,000 registrations for the entire Fiat Natural Power range in the same period. In addition to which the Panda Panda is the ideal solution for small company fleets, because it can circulate without restrictions, as can all methane-powered vehicles.

On sale from last October (2,800 orders have been received in Italy so far), the Panda Panda Climbing (with 4x2 drive) is powered by the 1.2 petrol/methane dual-fuel engine, and inherits all the stylistic features of the Panda 4x4 Climbing: from the special bumpers to the large rubbing strips that match the mouldings on the wings. The car also comes with a vast array of equipment: from ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) to Dualdrive™ electric power steering, a Blaupunkt radio with CD player and MP3 reader, and a climate system with pollen filter. Customers can choose from nine body colours, three interiors with special fabric upholstery, and numerous options and articles from the Lineaccessori range.

The Panda Panda Climbing has plenty of content and a personality of its own, plus all the innovative features of the Panda Panda. Two separate methane tanks have been incorporated in the floorpan, which is derived from the 4x4 version, with a total capacity of 72 litres (12 kg), thus maintaining the roominess of the original car, where both passenger space and luggage space are concerned (with a single or split rear seat, luggage compartment capacity increases from 190 to 840 dm3, measured up to the ceiling). And the capacity of 72 litres guarantees a range of 270 km in the combined cycle, running on methane alone. The capacity of the petrol tank is 30 litres, the same as on the petrol version, so a “tank-full of peace of mind” is guaranteed, even in areas where there are few methane service stations (over 700 km in the combined cycle, running on methane and petrol).

With the Panda Panda Climbing, Fiat Automobiles confirms its leadership in the methane field and its unremitting effort to find solutions that reconcile the customer’s needs (the same amount of roominess, a generous range, maximum safety and the captivating styling of a City SUV), and maximum respect for the environment. Methane driven vehicles reduce CO2 emissions by about 23% compared to equivalent petrol-driven models, and particulate emissions (PM) are practically nil.

Panda MultiEco

The Panda MultiEco synergetically associates existing technologies with others ready for industrialisation. It combines an innovative powertrain architecture – comprising a petrol/methane dual-fuel engine, an MTA gearbox and a BAS device – with the use of eco-compatible (recycled, recyclable or natural) materials inside and outside the vehicle. And the result is made all the more interesting by painstakingly optimised aerodynamics, and a significant weight reduction. The Panda MultiEco is powered by a FIRE engine (running on methane and petrol) combined with a BAS device (Belt-driven Alternator-Starter) and a robotised Dualogic gearbox.

The first of these devices, which is both an electrical generator and a starter motor, makes for easier starts and more efficient power generation, while the innovative MTA gearbox (Manual Transmission Automated) ensures optimal management of gear changes and outstanding mechanical efficiency.

The automated transmission lays the foundation for “intelligent” management of the on/off status of the engine. The system controls the clutch, and allows the internal combustion engine to be cut off from the transmission whenever no traction is required and the engine can be turned off. It is restarted instantly and silently by a reversible electric device (the BAS, Belt-driven Alternator-Starter) which replaces the alternator in the belt drive and performs the dual role of starter motor and electric generator.

In addition to the exclusive built-in propulsion system, the Panda MultiEco also reveals interesting progress in the field of improved aerodynamics (Cd of 0.295) and weight distribution. Suffice it to say that the show car weighs 92 kg less than the methane version, thanks to the use of a number of components (engine bonnet and tailgate) made of thermoplastics, the adoption of a set of “light” seats that are pre-assembled in pairs on a carrier, and methane storage cylinders made of high performance steel and carbon fibre.

The combined effect of the various solutions developed by the Fiat Group (Fiat Group Automobiles, Fiat Powertrain Technologies and Centro Ricerche Fiat), and the use of proprietary control strategies have resulted in drastically reduced emissions on the show car. In particular, CO2 emissions are 42% lower than those on the petrol version in the urban cycle and 32% lower in the NEDC cycle. In terms of emissions, this result is added to the benefits of methane, which is the only realistically feasible option today, to significantly improve the quality of exhaust emissions, particularly with regard to substances that are responsible for photochemical smog and with a strong impact on human health. Additional advantages for customers are lower consumption and the lower cost of methane, which significantly reduces the cost per kilometre.