Family of Four Receive Free Paint Job after Crashing their Paint-Filled Car

It may look a scene from a slapstick comedy with an in-your face humor made for teenagers, but what you see here is the real deal. According to the reports, a family of four were carrying some 7 gallons (about 27 liters) of white paint in their Fiat Palio hatchback when they were involved in a mild fender-bender somewhere in South Africa.

While no one was hurt as a result of the accident, unfortunately, the laws of physics that state an object that is in motion will not change its velocity, were not suspended and the family of four received a well deserved lesson in safety procedures.

Via: Wreckedexotics

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Fiat Takes TV Show to Court for Defamatory Statements on Alfa Romeo MiTo

The Fiat Group has decided to take legal actions against the producers of the AnnoZero television show, which is hosted on the Italian state owned public service broadcaster, RAI, for statements made on an episode that aired on December 2.

The company alleges that the show's hosts made comments that were "highly defamatory and damaging to the image and reputation of the company, its products and its employees and based on a fabricated comparison."

Always according to the Turin-based automaker, the broadcasters referred to an article from Italian car magazine Quattroruote, which compared the Alfa Romeo MiTo QV with the Citroën DS3 THP and Mini Cooper S, to state that the MiTo was "technically inferior".

Fiat claims that not only was the magazine's overall evaluation in favor of the Alfa Romeo, but the producers mislead viewers by connecting their assumptions to an earlier test with different vehicles - or so we understood from the slightly confusing press release, which you can read for yourselves below.

Since we haven't seen the TV show, we can't take sides or form an opinion on the matter, but something tells us that Fiat would have accomplished much more if it had issued a simple statement leaving the lawyers out of this.

FIAT PRESS RELEASE:

Fiat to seek damages from the producers of AnnoZero

Fiat Group Automobiles announces that it has instructed its lawyers to initiate legal action against the producers of the television show AnnoZero for statements made on air on December 2nd that were highly defamatory and damaging to the image and reputation of the company, its products and its employees and based on a fabricated comparison.

In particular, Fiat Group Automobiles takes issue with the manner in which AnnoZero portrayed the performance of three cars, one of which was an Alfa Romeo MiTo, claiming that the "test", apparently conducted in the Autumn, demonstrated the overall technical inferiority of the Alfa Romeo MiTo, on the basis of speed alone.

The broadcast sought to give the appearance that it was connected to a test actually conducted in the Spring, using different vehicles, by the monthly publication Quattroruote – the results of which were published in the magazine’s June issue.

Incredibly, what the broadcast did not state is that Quattroruote's overall evaluation of the Alfa Romeo MiTo (1,368 cc Quadrifoglio version) – based on a comparison of technical performance, safety and comfort – was higher than for both the Citroën DS3 THP (1,598 cc) and the Mini Cooper S (1,598 cc).

Fiat therefore intends, motivated also by its desire to protect the thousands of employees that contribute daily to producing safe, technologically-advanced products, to seek damages (to be donated entirely to charity) as a defense against conduct which is both unwarranted and prejudicial to the truth.

Turin, 7 December 2010

Fiat Banking on Natural Gas Engines in the US, Thinks Hybrids and EVs Present Too Many Obstacles

Fiat’s comeback to the U.S. with the 500 is just the first piece of a larger puzzle. The company’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, may give the green light for natural gas-powered cars to be sold in the Land of the Free, as they offer a cheaper way to cut emissions. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Mr. Marchionne noted that electric cars, favored by GM and Toyota, present “too many obstacles” with long recharge time for batteries being one of them.

Another company official, Constantinos Vafidis, who oversees transmission and hybrid development for the Italian maker, said that “natural gas is very suitable for the U.S., especially for public services and goods transportation, where vehicles are refueled from a central base”.

That’s why Fiat wants to target the commercial vehicle segment. The automaker has separated the Ram and Dodge brands last year, thus creating a standalone truck division. In 2012, the range could encompass various vans based on Fiat/Iveco platforms and brought over from Europe.

Natural gas is less expensive to produce, transport and distribute, which makes it an ideal solution for fleet operators. Currently, it costs about $1 less on average than a gallon of gasoline. Also, the additional cost for an engine running on natural gas is $3,000. For a diesel, this amounts to $3,300, while hybrids cost automakers a whopping $8,000.

Having an edge in production costs and the U.S. being the world’s number one provider of natural gas means that Fiat could become a major player in the eco-friendly niche. The Turin-based maker is Europe’s market leader in manufacturing methane-powered cars delivering some 127,000 units last year.

The only problem is that in America, natural gas refueling stations are vastly outnumbered by gasoline stations. There are only 1,300 stations providing natural gas for 110,000 vehicles, compared to 160,000 stations selling conventional fuels. However, this problem could be circumvented if Fiat can convince government agencies and corporate fleets that natural gas is the way to go.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Bloomberg

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Chrysler Confirms 2013 Dodge Viper, Says It’s Not Going to be Based on Alfa's 8C Competizione

When the last Dodge Viper rolled off the assembly line in July, there were only rumors about a new generation. A couple of months later, new information leaked about a possible successor, said to have been an “Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione with a Viper face”, much to the dismay of Viper fanatics. Some even went as far as to speculate that the Viper could be based on the Alfa's platform.

Now, The Detroit News reports that Chrysler officials confirmed that next summer we will see the 2013MY Viper adding that it won't be based on Alfa’s supercar. In particular, Dodge CEO, Ralph Gilles, said that the new Viper “is not based on anything else” and any similarity with the Alfa is accidental, as the two cars have different proportions.

“Where the cabin is, relative to the wheels, is unique” said Gilles. “The Viper cabin is very rearward and the hood is very long. Few cars in the industry are designed with those proportions anymore” he added.

Mr. Gilles also reassured that “there won’t be a part of the car that’s untouched” and that the 2013 Viper will be “a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people”.

Indeed, the previous generation was an unforgiving beast, without any electronic gizmos, bent on destroying those who treated it with disrespect. Granted, this accounted for much of its appeal, but a more drivable Viper is not such a bad idea - or at least it isn't for some.

The extent to which Dodge plans to dilute the sports car's much character is not known at this point. We just hope that Chrysler will keep a fine balance between the ingredients.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: The Detroit News

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Alfa Romeo Sale to VW Rumors Surface Again

Back in April, the Fiat Group announced yet another round of plans to revive its money-losing Alfa Romeo brand, which included the development of new models and a re-launch in the U.S market. At that time, this seemed possible as the Italian maker intended to make good use of Chrysler and its RWD platforms to expand the model range.

However, at the end of August, Alfa Romeo was rumored to be hemorrhaging about €200 million (US $261 million) annually. The brand-hungry Germans over at Volkswagen felt Fiat's need and offered to take over the historic Milanese company. After much unrest, in October, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne put an end to the rumors and reiterated his turnaround strategy, while Alfa estimated losses climbed to €306 million or about $400 million.

Now, Automotive News [AN] claims that in the past months the two companies have been discussing the sale of Alfa Romeo, but Marchionne is still undecided. So, what will happen next?

Inside sources told AN that the decision is not only about money, even though Fiat could use the cash and Volkswagen has plenty of it (http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/11/vw-group-to-invest-516-billion-in-its.html). But this is a classic case of the door swinging both ways. If Fiat can survive the next couple of years, which will be the most difficult period of the turnaround plan and keep Alfa Romeo, then it could count on the premium brand to spearhead its next move.

The other scenario sees Fiat earning some quick cash, but still struggling in two year’s time, so, yes, the pressure is really on Mr. Marchionne’s shoulders.

My take on the matter is that Alfa should not be sold. Fiat has the opportunity to use platforms sourced from Chrysler, so rear-wheel drive Alfa’s could make a much anticipated come-back. Not taking this step doesn’t make sense.

Furthermore, if the Volkswagen Group acquires Alfa, it will have a tough time fitting the Italian company in a portfolio that includes brands like VW, Audi and Seat. In any case, only time will tell. In the meantime, take a look at the list below, in which Automotive News reasons the benefits of keeping or selling Alfa Romeo.

By selling Alfa, Fiat could:

• Cash in between 1.5 billion to 2 billion euros. Then the post-spinoff Fiat Auto would be virtually debt-free;

• Slash product development expenditures of at least 1.5 billion euros, since Fiat no longer would have to launch five new Alfas from 2012 through 2014;

• Boost profits in 2011 and 2012, since the company would be rid of Alfa's annual losses projected at about 200 million euros;

• Reintroduce Dodge as a sporty brand in Europe, positioned above the mainstream Fiat brand. A sporty Dodge would not overlap Lancia-Chrysler, which will focus on comfort.

And here are six good reasons why Marchionne should keep Alfa Romeo:

• If Fiat can fight through the next three years, it will emerge in 2014 with fatter profit margins and a nearly debt-free balance sheet, according to Mediobanca Securities;

• Fiat can raise as much as 2 billion euros by selling Magneti Marelli, Comau and Teksid, which produce auto parts, production tooling and engine blocks. Then Fiat wouldn't have to sell Alfa, and it could focus more closely on the auto industry. Investors would like that;

• A relaunched Alfa eventually could command profit margins of 10 percent or so. That would help Fiat to generate the 3.5 billion euro annual operating profit that Marchionne has promised by 2014;

• Fiat will save money by letting Alfa Romeo and Chrysler share platforms. Moreover, Alfa could generate sales of 500,000 units a year, helping Fiat and Chrysler to achieve economies of scale. Roughly 300,000 of the 500,000 units of Alfa planned by 2014 will be based on architectures shared with Chrysler;

• Since Alfa Romeo will share its compact wide global architecture with Jeep, Fiat could produce those vehicles together in crucial growth markets such as China and Russia;

• Without Alfa Romeo, Fiat would be hard-pressed to make reasonable volumes and decent profits with mid-sized and large cars. Aside from Ferrari's handful of supercars, Fiat would be forced to eke out a profit from low-margin segments such as minicars and compact cars.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Automotive News

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2010 Fiat Concept Car Mio FCC III

The Fiat Mio Federal Communications Commission III conception automobile will come in Sao Paulo Motor Show in October 2010, Fiat Mio FCC III is ultra abject emanation so it’s get eco friendly.

2010 Fiat Mio FCC III Concept Car

There are two potential designs for the final concept car, ‘Precision’ and ‘Sense’, both based on ideas and suggestions submitted to Fiat by customers/fans through the Mio FCC III microsite.

This concept car has immense potential to be developed into a small car for the Brazilian market and naturally the whats good for Brazil is good for India too. Fiat Mio Designer show the Mio initiative last year as a way of connecting with their Brazilian consumer base.

Fiat Mio FCC III have 2.5 beats farseeing and 1.5 meters high make this car become citified street car. This car boasting unique alighting at rear and battlefront of this car with LED or soft flourescent. Inside of this car , you will find high-tech and futuristic cabin design also a unique touchscreen in the dash. FCC III can commune with other automobiles because this car accept several connectivity alternatives.

By the time October rolls around, the definitive version will have been chosen from the various ideas and possibilities that appear on the website. The Mio will most likely be an electric drive car and by the time the concept stage is complete, many of the solutions will be adopted by the Fiat Topolino, expected for 2013.

Fiat Super Sport Car Grande Punto Abarth

The new Abarth Fiat Grande Punto SuperSport will have its premiere this week at the Frankfurt Auto Show. A special Grande Punto Abarth “SuperSport” is making the scene at Geneva, garbed in Airfield Gray paintwork – the same color sported by the Scorpion’s historic racecars, and, as the story has it, taken from the planes based next to the brand’s original headquarters – enlivened by a racing-inspired livery.

Equipped with a 16-valve 1.4 liter engine pumped up to deliver 180 horsepower, with a wrenching 270 Nm peak torque at speeds as low as 3000 revs, the Grande Punto Abarth “SuperSport” racing version hits a top speed of 215 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.5 seconds. In addition, a variable backpressure dual-mode exhaust system enhances engine sound, producing a distinctive throaty roar over 4000 rpm. With performance features like these, there can be no doubt that this is a car whose whole heart and soul is in racing.

For its interiors, the car gets leather racing seats and a Magneti Marelli designed sat-nav system. Providing telemetry, the sat-nav display can show engine revs, vehicle speed and the gear engaged. By setting it to “Track” mode, the screen displays its position on the track if the car is on a circuit in the SD card’s memory. These telemetry results can be downloaded later.

The third function – Configuration – makes it possible to store telemetric data for a route and associate them with a personalized session identified by the driver’s name, circuit and date. Stored information can be easily retrieved and analyzed later with the fourth, Analysis, function.

2011 Fiat Sports Car Punto Evo Abarth 1.4 Multiair Petrol Engine

The new 2011 Fiat Punto Abarth Evo offer a choice of two different driving styles – Sport and Normal – to suit road conditions and driver preference. Fiat's tuning house has released today the Abarth Fiat Punto Evo for the UK market. The mode selector is conveniently located on the central tunnel in front of the gear lever and lets you switch between the two modes quickly and easily, simply by moving a lever.

If you are looking for a safe, relaxing drive, all you have to do is select Normal mode, while if you feel the need to enjoy the full performance of your Fiat Punto Evo Abarth, flip the switch to Sport position and thrill to the power! Sport mode makes the car more responsive, using electrical servo systems to modify handling and deliver the ultimate sporting feel. Due attention has also been paid to safety of course, so Sport mode also engages the TTC system automatically.

As in rally cars, the driver is assisted by GSI (Gear Shift Indicator). On the Fiat Punto Evo Abarth, GSI acts like an intelligent "co-driver" and provides a signal on the instrument panel to tell you when the right moment has arrived to shift up reducing fuel consumption.

The Abarth Punto Evo is powered by Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ new 165bhp 1.4 16v MultiAir engine which can accelerate the car from 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 132mph, and yet returns more than 47mpg fuel economy on the combined cycle. The 2011 Fiat Punto Abarth Evo with the same design as rally cars. The front, the bumper extended width to Incorporate the side flaps.

It’s has a 1.4 Multiair petrol engine also features Fiat’s innovative Start&Stop system. While the Start & Stop automatically switches off the engine, saving up to 10% of fuel consumption and emissions in the urban cycle and up to 3.5% in the NEDC test cycle. “And the new Abarth Punto Evo also takes forward a winning combination of its own – new technology and engineering coupled with great looks and versatility. We are very much looking forward to presenting these new cars to customers through our 19-strong UK dealer network.”

The innovative Multiair engine guarantees sports car performance plus low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Tests carried out by Abarth engineers have demonstrated that fuel consumption has been reduced despite the fact that power output has been increased. In particular, consumption is only 8.1 l/100 km in the urban cycle; only 6.0 l/100 km in the combined cycle, and 4.8 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle. The Multiair engine is also impressively clean and already conforms to Euro 5 standards thanks to emissions of only 142g/km.

2011 Fiat Sport Car Abarth 500C Convertible

2011 Fiat Sport Car Abarth 500C Convertible

Fiat has unveiled the exciting new Abarth 500C Convertible, the new Abarth 500C will go on sale first in Italy and shortly after in the rest of Europe. The 2011 Fiat 500C Abarth comes with a new body and exterior expanded by an elegant two-tone color scheme. In addition to enhancing the aggressive appearance of the 500C, the spoiler effectively boosts CZ loading and creates a smoother air flow.

The roof slides down while the pillars and structural roof line remains, providing a stronger chassis than a traditional soft top. An innovative spoiler slides down with the soft top. Power is at 140 hp which takes the car to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.

A side from the male population looking for a relatively affordable cabrio with some punch, Fiat claims that the new open-topped car was also made to appeal to women customers "who seek design and elegance but also appreciate the performance of a true sports car."

The Abarth Fiat 500C is powered by a 1.4 16v Turbo T-Jet engine developing 140bhp that can take the small open top from 0 to 62 mph in 8.1 seconds. The top speed of the Abarth Fiat 500C is rated at 127mph. The car has an official fuel consumption of 43mpg.

In detail, the engine is a 1368 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve unit (turbo charged with a fixed geometry IHI RHF3-P turbocharger) that delivers exhilarating performance. Top speed is 205 km/h while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in just 8.1 seconds. This is partly achieved by the overboost function, activated by the Sport button that modulates control unit mapping and turbo pressure in addition to load on the steering wheel. Yet this typically Abarth performance comes with very frugal fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km over a combined cycle.

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