Teenager Sinks Fiat Punto In The Beach

An 18-year-old college student from Bolton, UK had the bright idea of taking his Christmas present, a used first generation Fiat Punto for a spin on Blackpool beach. A few minutes later Sam Hamilton’s Punto got stuck in the sand. Despite the youngster’s attempts to save the car, it was completely destroyed when the high tide came in.

The college student said: "I decided to go onto the beach because I thought it could be driven on like Southport. Then I realised the car had sunk." Sam tried calling recovery firms but a shortage of cash meant no private company would come. "I contacted one firm who said it would cost £60, but we only had £25 between us. They told me they might be able to help me but no-one came. We tried to move the car but couldn't. I phoned my mate from Bolton to help but by the time he arrived it was too late." Next time mate, stick to building sandcastles on the beach…

Via: Daily Mail

Fiat Launches Limited Edition Panda & Grande Punto

Fiat has released two limited edition versions of its best-selling models in the UK. The Panda Special Series 360 and the Grande Punto Special Series 360 feature higher levels of standard equipment at a reasonable price -but that’s about it. -Details after the jump

Based on the 1.2-litre Panda Dynamic, the Panda 360 is distinguished by a special series sticker on the B-pillar, metallic paint and 14-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the car is given a special interior trim which includes the new company logo on the front seats. Air conditioning, a Bluetooth phone system and spilt folding rear seating are also fitted as standard.

This extra equipment has a retail value of £1,600, but the Panda 360’s on-the-road price of just £7,195 is actually £400 less than the price of a Panda Dynamic.

Similarly, the Grande Punto 360 is based on the 1.2-litre Grande Punto Active and is available in 3- and 5-door specification. Recognizable from the outside by the special series sticker, metallic paint, 15-inch alloy wheels and body coloured mirrors, the vehicle also gets a unique interior trim with company logo, air conditioning, Fiat’s Blue&Me™ hands-free media system and a split folding rear seat.

Despite the fact that it gets £1,700 worth of added equipment, the Grande Punto 360 costs £8,495 (3-door) and £9,095 (5-door), which are £55 less than the respective Active versions.

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Driving Video

Here’s the second (and far more interesting) episode of the Grande Punto Abarth Videos were you get to see and hear the 155Hp 1.4-litre turbocharged GTi on a twisty Mediterranean mountain route. Abarth will rollout the Grande Punto in Italy during September 2007 with plans to expand to additional European markets in early 2008. US? you wish...

Links: Exterior & Interior Video , Press Release & Images , 180 Hp “Esseesse” Version

Video: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Part I

Our second video of the day (see the ’08 Mercedes C-Class Estate here) concerns Fiat’s new compact GTi, the Grande Punto Abarth. Equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit delivering 155 Hp, the Abarth will hopefully revive the Uno Turbo and Punto GT heritage. We intentionally skipped the Punto HGT with the normally aspirated 130Hp 1.8L engine, as we’d rather forget we ever drove it. This video includes still exterior and interior shots. Later on the day we'll add the driving video.

2008 Grande Punto Abarth "esseesse": Official Details

The Grande Punto Abarth “esseesse” kit or SS for short, was officially revealed at the IAA 2007 last week. Available exclusively from authorized Abarth dealers in early 2008, the sport kit includes a number of visual and mechanical enchantments. With the “esseesse” kit, the Abarth’s 1.4-litre turbocharged engine delivers 180 hp @ 5,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 272 Nm (201-lbs/ft) compared to the standard model’s 155 Hp and 206 Nm (152-lbs/ft) of torque. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the enhanced engine raises the Abarth’s top speed from 208 km/h (129 mph) 215 km/h (134 mph) while acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) drops from 8.2 sec to 7.7 sec. -Click “Read More…” below

Other mechanical modifications include the special suspension set up (both the front and rear suspension has been lowered by a further 20 mm compared to the Grande Punto Abarth), and the enhanced braking system (the front discs are perforated and fitted with high-performance pads).

Since being faster isn’t enough for most people, the “esseesse” pack also includes a very aggressive bodykit that adds new bumpers, side sills, large twin-exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler, plenty of stickers and 18-inch alloy wheels. For the moment at least, Abarth hasn't announced any accesories for the interior so we added the photos of the standard Grande Punto Abarth's cabin.

According to Fiat, the “esseesse” kit is reserved especially for the Grande Punto Abarth, and can only be installed at official Abarth dealers. The car can be converted at the time of sale, up to 1 year after purchase, or after 20,000 km on the road. Once the work has been done, the tuner will deal with the administration required to have the vehicle approved.

Frankfurt Show: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS 180Hp

Just as the Grande Punto Abarth went on sale in Europe this month, Fiat announced that it will unveil the Grande Punto Abarth SS (Super Sport) prototype at the forthcoming Frankfurt Show. The SS is basically a stock Grande Punto Abarth with more horsepower and a highly aggressive bodykit kit that Fiat names “essesse”. The bodykit adds among other things, new bumpers, side sills, large twin-exhaust pipes, bigger wheels and a roof spoiler. The kit also includes suspension and brake upgrades along with an extra 35Hp, boosting the 1.4L Turbocharged engine’s overall output to 180Hp. Though we’ll have to wait until the opening of the Frankfurt Show on Sep. 13 to learn more details, expect the SS or “essesse” kit to be available in early 2008. -Press release and pics after the jump

Press Release

The legendary Abarth ‘Scorpion’ returns

After the official presentation in March this year, Abarth now makes its return at the Frankfurt Motor Show. One of the most prestigious brands in world motorsports. Abarth has always been synonymous with aggressive cars, competitiveness, passion and excitement, and it now returns with a new range that will appeal to all lovers of motor racing.

The stand will focus on two important concepts linked to the brand’s revival, which represent the most characteristic aspects of its identity: on one hand, the racing world, and on the other, conversions and boosted performance achieved by the application of highly technological solutions in a simple, intuitive package.

The first concept is presented very effectively with the display of a Grande Punto Abarth S2000, positioned on a large steel platform in the shape of a scorpion, to underline both the power and the unique nature of the technical features of this car.

The second concept is expressed on the stand in two different ways. First of all, there is a large photo-quality configurator, that allows visitors to appreciate and examine hands-on the elements that are important in the conversion world. But the real novelty at the show is the Grande Punto Abarth “essesse” (Super Sport) prototype, exhibited on a large glass platform, under which are a number of 3D monitors. These sophisticated screens project the components of the conversion kit which have made the basic version of the Grande Punto Abarth even more powerful and aggressive, in the best tradition of the Scorpion.

The Grande Punto Abarth went on the market this month, equipped with the 1.4 petrol Turbo engine that delivers 150 bhp at 5500 rpm (boosted to 155 bhp if 98 RON petrol is used) combined with a mechanical 6-speed gearbox that takes it to a top speed of 208 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. This is the Abarth’s first interpretation of the Grande Punto, but the initiative will soon be extended to other models.

Grande Punto Abarth “essesse” prototype (Super Sport)

The absolute star of the stand is the Grande Punto Abarth “essesse” (Super Sport) prototype. A jewel of assertiveness and elegance, the car is offered with a booster kit that almost doubles its power output with relation to the basic model (up to almost 180 bhp). The ‘“essesse”’ kit also envisages a number of specific elements that accentuate both the sporty look of the Abarth model (for example adhesives with the ‘essesse’ logo or a chequered flag) and its dynamic behaviour, with a particular low stance or a more powerful braking system. This is a feature that maintains a brand tradition: for example, the Fiat 500 of 1958 delivered 13 bhp at 4000 rpm and a top speed of 85 km/h, while the Fiat 500 Abarth of the same year, produced 26 bhp at 5000 rpm and a top speed of 118 km/h.

The Grande Punto Abarth and the Grande Punto Abarth with the ‘essesse’ kit aim to revive the thrill of those cars, offering an opportunity, addressed to the young in particular, of entering the racing world in total safety and at an accessible price.

Grande Punto Abarth S2000

The public in Frankfurt will also be able to admire the extraordinary Grande Punto Abarth S2000. This is a racing car designed for racing stables, and under the management of Abarth Racing Operations, it is competing in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship, with Giandomenico Basso and his navigator Mitia Dotta, and the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with drivers Anton Alen, Andrea Navarra and Umberto Scandola.

Powered by a 2000 cc aspirated engine that delivers 270 bhp, with 4-wheel drive, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is the heir to the version that won the 2006 European title and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge with Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta, and took the 2006 Italian Rally Championship winning 7 races.

We must underline that the approximately 25 cars built so far have been ordered by several racing stables in Europe and elsewhere, to compete in domestic and international rallies. And now, thanks to this technological superiority, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 tackles these two championships as the title-holder, with the same determination.

The head of Racing Operations for Abarth & C. Spa is Claudio Berro, who can draw on a staff with a great deal of experience in the racing sector as well as a team of outstanding drivers.

Fiat Grande Punto Sporting 1.4 T-Jet Hits UK Shores

Fiat has expanded its Grande Punto UK line-up with the addition of the 1.4 T-Jet Sporting version. Equipped with Fiat Group’s new turbocharged 1.4-liter petrol unit that delivers 120Hp and a maximum torque of 152 lb ft, the Grande Punto Sporting manages to sprint from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 8.9 seconds while it achieves a top speed of 121mph (195km/h). According to Fiat, the Sporting 1.4 T-Jet features an avg. consumption of 42.8mpg (UK) on the combined cycle, while the engine emits 155g/km CO₂. We’ve driven the specific version of the Grande Punto and despite its gorgeous looks and promising 1.4 T-Jet engine though, unfortunately it doesn’t live up to expectations in terms of driving dynamics - if you’re looking for an economic mini GTi, then you’re definitely better off with the Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S. -Continued after the jump

Recommended retail prices for the 1.4 T-Jet 120 in the UK are £11,995 for the three-door model and £12,595 for the five-door with standard equipment including: 17-inch alloy wheels, Air conditioning, Sports seats, Leather steering wheel, Chrome tailpipe, Spoiler and sideskirts, ESP, Six airbags and Fiat’s Blue & Me, a voice-activated music and communications system, developed in conjunction with Microsoft.

1.4 16v T-Jet 120 Hp

• Capacity: -1368cc
• Type: -4-cylinders, 16 valves
• Power: -120 Hp @ 5000 rpm
• Torque: -152 lb ft @ 1750 rpm
• Top speed: -121mph
• Acceleration (0-62mph): -8.9 secs
• Fuel consumption (UK mpg)- Urban: -32.5mpg , Extra urban: -52.3mpg, Combined: -42.8mpg
• CO2: -155 g/km

Rendering: Fiat Grandissimo Punto

This week’s proposal from Informotori’s design team transforms the Grande Punto 5door hatch into a mini station-wagon intended to compete against cars like the upcoming Peugeot 207 Break (SW). And that’s about all we can say about the Italian website’s proposal, not because we can’t translate the article but because we seriously doubt that Fiat is even considering to add a SW version to the Grande Punto line. Apart from the fact that in several markets Fiat already offers the low cost mini-SW, Palio Weekend, the Italians also have a mini-mpv (Fiat Idea) in their line-up.
Pics via: Infomotori

Technorati: Fiat+Grande+Punto, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth 1.4T 150Hp: Geneva Show marks the rebirth of the Abarth Brand

Fiat’s calling upon its rich history in motorsports to launch a new line of sports models that’ll wear the iconic “Abarth” logo whose emblem features a scorpion. The Grande Punto Abarth which will make its debut at the Geneva Show along with its rally version, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 (it will be entering the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with Giandomenico Basso and navigator, Mitia Dotta) are the first models of this series. Later on Fiat will enrich the Abarth range with the 500 Abarth and the Bravo Abarth.

Back to the Grande Punto Abarth, Fiats answer to the Peugeot 207 GT 1.6T and the VW Polo GTI is equipped with the 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that premiered on the Bravo. It delivers 150Hp at 5500 rpm, (boosted to 155Hp if you use 98 RON petrol) and a maximum torque figure of 230Nm at 3.000 rpm. Fiat also announced that latter in the year they’ll present a more powerful version of the Grande Punto Abarth. The latter, thanks to a booster kit will deliver 180Hp. We have no idea of how the sporty Fiat will handle on the road, but we sure as hell dig its unique design elements like the nostalgic 17’’ rims (reminiscent of the Cromodora Abarth alloys), the red pin stripes and the rally-inspired air intake on top of the windshield. –Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the press release and a high-res image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: FIAT ABARTH

The legendary Abarth “Scorpion” returns

A great project will be launched at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show: the rebirth of one of the most prestigious brands in world motorsports. Its symbol is a scorpion, and its name is Abarth.

Abarth has always been synonymous with assertive cars, competitiveness, passion and excitement, and it now returns with a new range that will appeal to all lovers of motorsports. Abarth’s first interpretation of the Grande Punto will be on the “catwalk” at the Geneva Show, the first step in an initiative which will later involve other models.

This new adventure starts in the familiar, uniquely emotional context and exclusive setting of the Geneva Motor Show. A striking stand has been prepared, in line with the philosophy of Abarth’s rebirth, an innovative space with a fresh, contemporary, technological language and great attention to every detail. The new elements that will publicise the Abarth brand are displayed with all their strong, original personality: the revamped version of the famous Abarth racing stripe has been rendered with LED tiles, while the new logo, the scorpion and the wording are all large, three-dimensional elements in polished, satin-effect aluminium.

The Abarth values and tradition on the other hand are underlined discreetly and technologically: refined materials and precious finishing details in aluminium, carbon fibre, enamel and lacquer decorate the exhibition area, and draw attention to the true stars of the stand: the Grande Punto Abarth S2000, a car that has been type-approved for racing and is proving to be highly successful, and the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a concept car making its world debut.

These are the two souls of the Abarth world: racing and standard production.

Visitors to the Geneva Show will also have an opportunity to discover a third field in which the brand operates; a multimedia configurator will illustrate the whole concept of the ‘Abarth Kit’, and the flexibility and wide range of combinations that the brand will offer customers in its conversion kits. Some of these solid wooden boxes, inlaid with satin-finished aluminium trims, are on display inside glass cubes, with the historic mechanical and stylistic components from the conversion kits.

And finally, by means of exclusive LED technology and plasma screens, the walls of the stand propose historical photographs and films, alternating them with a reproduction of the new Abarth racing stripe, underlining the fine link between the past and the future, as well as the energy and personality that are inherent in the Abarth brand.

The Grande Punto Abarth Preview

The absolute star of the stand is the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a true jewel of assertiveness and elegance. The car will be marketed in September, to enhance the sporty, youthful positioning of the Grande Punto.

The car on show in Geneva is equipped with a 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that delivers 150 bhp at 5500 rpm, boosted to 155 bhp by the adoption of 98 RON petrol. What is more, thanks to a booster kit, a version with twice as much power as the basic version (180 bhp) will soon be available. This is a revival of a tradition from the past: for example, the Fiat 500 of 1958 delivered 13 bhp at 4000 rpm with a top speed of 85 km/h, while the Fiat 500 Abarth of the same year delivered 26 bhp at 5000 rpm and a top speed of 118 km/h.

The Grande Punto Abarth aims to revive the feats of these entertaining performance cars, offering young drivers in particular an opportunity to enter the racing world in complete safety and at an accessible price.

The Grande Punto Abarth S2000

The public in Geneva will also be able to admire the extraordinary Grande Punto Abarth S2000. This is a racing car designed for racing stables, which the Fiat Racing Department will be entering in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with Giandomenico Basso and his navigator Mitia Dotta. Davide Gatti, winner of the 2006 Fiat Abarth International Trophy, will compete at the wheel of an official Fiat Grande Punto R3D with a diesel engine. On the international scene, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will compete in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with drivers Andrea Navarra, his navigator Guido D’Amore, and young Umberto Scandola and Anton Alen.

The Abarth & C. Spa racing team will be managed by Claudio Berro.

Powered by a 2000 cc aspirated engine that delivers 270 bhp, with 4-wheel drive, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is heir to the version that took the 2006 Italian Rally Championship title with Paolo Andreucci and Anna Andreussi, winning 7 of the 11 races on the programme. Nor must we forget the excellent season of their team-mates Andrea Navarra and Guido D’Amore who took third place. Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta won the European title and the International Rally Challenge.

Since its debut last season, the racing version has proved unbeatable, whatever the type of route or terrain. And we must underline that the 15 cars built so far have been ordered by several racing stables in Europe and elsewhere, to compete in domestic and international rallies. And now, thanks to this technological and competitive superiority, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is ready to compete in these two championships with the same determination and assertiveness.

And finally, as well as a successful car and an outstanding team of drivers, the new Abarth & C. company can also boast a staff with a great deal of experience in motorsports: a total of 113 experts, 26 in the engineering field, 43 on the manufacturing side and 9 dedicated to racing.

Spec sheet of the Grande Punto Abarth

Engine
• 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc;
• Power output: 110 kW (150 bhp) at 5500 rpm, boosted to 155 bhp by adopting 98 RON petrol;
• Peak torque of 206 Nm at 2000 rpm, but 230 Nm can be obtained at 3000 rpm by activating the
SPORT mode;
• ‘Drive-by-wire’ accelerator control, without mechanical connections;
• Turboboost by Garrett IHI RHF3-P10.5 fixed geometry turbocharger.
Transmission
• 6-speed gearbox
• Dual hose external gearbox drive.
Suspension and steering
• MacPherson layout at front with anti-roll bar;
• Torsion axle at rear;
• Ground-hugging sporty trim;
• Electrical power steering with SPORT mode.
Brakes
• Fixed M4x40 Brembo calliper at front, with double piston;
• Front brake disc ø 305 mm x 28 mm, ventilated;
• Rear calliper, piston ø 54 mm;
• Rear brake disc ø 264 mm x 11 mm.
Bodywork
• Wider front and rear wings.
Wheels
• 7” x 17” aluminium alloys;
• Tyres: 215/45-17.

Technorati: Fiat+Grande+Punto+Abarth, Abarth, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Fiat Grande Punto Linea Race

In cooperation with MS-Design, Fiat Germany developed two sporty versions of the Grande Punto hatch dubbed Linea Race. The first pack, which includes a sporty bodykit, costs 1.900 EUROS while the second one, which adds black stripes, 215/40 tires with 17’’ rims and a “Linea Race” plaque in the interior, will cost you 3.250 EUROS. Although there are no mechanical changes, we remind you that according to Fiat Group’s plan, Fiat will add an all-new 120Hp 1.4 Turbo engine to the Grande Punto’s range in early summer. Via: Autoblog.it & Fiat.de

Technorati: Fiat+Grande+Punto, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, images, pictures, 2007

Europe’s Top 10 best selling cars in 2006: GM’s Opel Astra knocked the VW Golf off the top spot!

GM might be having serious issues here and there but in Europe, things are starting to look promising to say the least. GM’s subsidiary Opel, not only swerved pass Renault to take the second place overall in the European market for 2006 –despite a 2,3% drop in sales, but its Astra model also managed to knock VW’s Golf off the top spot and become Europe’s best seller for 2006.

While rival VW must be pleased not only for maintaining first place but also for broadening the difference with the competition, I’m sure that they are quite unhappy with the fact that the Golf slipped from 1st place to 4th. On the contrary, Renault must feel very proud for its new Clio hatch (+28,0%) but not for its overall performance as sales dropped by 12,6%.

Fiat on its behalf recorded the largest increase in sales from the top 10 group with an 18.7% rise in sales, mainly due to its well-received Grande Punto hatch, which saw its sales double in 2006.

Finally, even though Toyota managed to rank 9th overall, there’s not one Asian model in Europe’s Top 10 best sellers list. In my opinion that won’t happen neither in 2007, but don’t be surprised if Toyota surpasses Citroen or Fiat (though less probable due to the introduction of the Bravo) at the end of the year.Via: Jato Dynamics

Technorati:business+news, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007