Autoblog

Frankfurt 2009: Fiat Punto Evo gets re-hatched

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat Punto Evo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ah, the Fiat Punto: never quite what it pretends to be. Supposedly designed to look like a Maserati in hatchback form, the existing model was called the Grande Punto when it was anything but. And now the Italian automaker has launched an updated version and dropped the Grande tag for the vaunted name Evo... for a budget hatchback. Set aside the aspirational naming scheme, though, and what you have is a strong-selling vehicle that's put Fiat back on the map.

Visually, the updated Punto Evo gets new bumpers and lights front and rear, a new grille, and a handful of modern touches. Under the hood, Fiat Powertrain Technologies has slotted in its latest MultiAir engine range (showcased in the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde), while the interior has been extensively updated to the inclusion of a new Blue&Me infotainment system developed with Microsoft and Tom Tom.

While the new Punto Evo hardly ranks among the myriad of European hatchbacks which - Chrysler or no Chrysler - we wish would make the journey across the Atlantic, it's sure to flood the streets abroad in no time. We stopped by to have a look and snap some photos of the new model and the models adorning it at Fiat's comically childish show stand here in Frankfurt, which you can check out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Fiat Punto Evo

Frankfurt 2009: Fiat Punto Evo gets re-hatched originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fixed It Again, Tony: Fiat previews new Frankfurt-bound Punto Evo

Noah Joseph — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Fiat Punto Evo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mention the name "Evo" around any car nut, and the first car to come to mind will undoubtedly be the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. But before the Japanese got their hands on the term, the Italians used it to distinguish some seriously fast variations on some already seriously fast cars. The Evoluzione tag has been slapped on everything from the gravel-munching Lancia Delta Integrale to the track-bound Ferrari FXX, the supercar-breeding 288 GTO, and various hotted-up iterations of the Mercedes-Benz 190 E to name just a few. Now, Fiat has unearthed the performance handle for the latest revision of its core product, the Grande Punto.

Unfortunately, the new Punto Evo is no fire-breathing Abarth version, it's just a humble revision of Fiat's bread-and-butter. Visually, the Punto Evo is distinguished from the Grande Punto it replaces by revised bumpers and lights, growing barely an inch in length while the other dimensions stay the same. The interior, however, has been thoroughly revised, and it features a new touchscreen info-tainment system made in collaboration with both Microsoft and Tom Tom.

And while the Punto may not be getting any new Evo-worthy powerplants, the engine range has been updated to include the company's new Multiair engine (also featured in the Alfa MiTo) that directly controls airflow and combustion rates in each individual cylinder to optimize power delivery, emissions and fuel consumption. We'll be on hand to bring you the new Punto Evo live from the Frankfurt Motor Show where it's set to debut next month, but in the meantime, you can check out the press releases after the jump and the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Fiat Punto Evo

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fixed It Again, Tony: Fiat previews new Frankfurt-bound Punto Evo

Fixed It Again, Tony: Fiat previews new Frankfurt-bound Punto Evo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Seat of Power: Abarth Corse by Sabelt

Noah Joseph — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Fiat

Abarth Corse seats by Sabelt - Click above for high-res image gallery

We sure hope that when Fiat makes it to North America, they bring the Abarth performance brand along. With their Scorpion sub-brand, Fiat has created an intriguing formula that bridges the gap between factory performance models and aftermarket components. Buy a Grande Punto Abarth or 500 Abarth, for example, and you can always upgrade later to the even faster "esse-esse" spec later on with dealer-installable kits available from the factory.

As if we needed another reason to love the Italian hot hatches, Fiat has now inked a deal with their kindred spirits at Sabelt to offer a set of special sport seats. The buckets are crafted on lightweight frames and are available in either a grippy technical fabric or sumptuous Frau leather with Alcantara inserts. Both feature glossy white shells and come in black with red top-stitching, the Abarth name embroidered on the headrest, the Scorpion logo on the tilt knob and slots to accommodate a racing harness. Sure, by themselves a pair of seats are nothing to get all riled up over, but installed in an Abarth hot hatch, they make for a compelling package...and one more reason to anticipate Fiat's return to these shores. Details in the press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Abarth Corse by Sabelt

[Source: Abarth]

Continue reading The Seat of Power: Abarth Corse by Sabelt

The Seat of Power: Abarth Corse by Sabelt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Punto with a backpack - 2009 Fiat Fiorino

Dan Roth — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Work, PSA, Fiat

Fiat's new car-derived utility truck, the Fiorino Mk IV, has been revealed in all its Chiclet-colored glory. These small car-based working vehicles are just right for businesses that don't need the heft of the ubiquitous pickup-based cargo van here in the states, or larger Continental vehicles like the Sprinter. Horsepower will be around 75 whether buyers choose the 1.4 liter gasoline or 1.3 liter turbodiesel, plenty to haul all those tiny die-cast Eiffel towers down from port to the Champs Élysées. Continuing on the French tip, it's worth noting that the Fiorino was co-developed with PSA, which means there's also Peugeot and Citroen variants of the little van. If you don't want people to laugh at you when you tell them what you drive, you'd be best to stick with the new Fiat, though. The Citroen is named Nemo, ever so cute. Peugeot picked a moniker that sounds possibly lewd: Bipper. Call it whatever, the Fiorino blends utility, more style than you'd expect in a commercial vehicle, and a comfortable interior with carlike dynamics. Coming soon on the heels of the Fiorino will be the announcement of the "Adventure" package, which will outfit the small wagon for duty on less-improved roads in rural areas. The closest thing we've got to this in the States is the HHR Panel, cool in its own right, but alas, no feisty Italian.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Punto with a backpack - 2009 Fiat Fiorino originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Alfa Romeo Junior sketches surface

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport has unearthed sketches and renderings of the upcoming Alfa Junior. Yet another car they get over there, that we wish we could have over here. Automakers usually counter hatch lust with the party line that they're not popular in America, so we'll see what Alfa puts on the US bound boats.

Based on the Fiat Grande Punto's platform, the Junior will launch in 2008. The tightly-wrapped hatch bodywork will cover power units ranging from 95 to 230 horsepower, with all wheel drive also making an appearance on the option list. There's a tinge of Gremlin in the C-Pillar, in a very stylish manner that only the Italians (and maybe the French) could get away with. Since they're targeting the 18-30 year old buyer, look for the style to remain high while Alfa attempts to hold the price down to about $16,000. Should the Junior closehaul its way westward across the Atlantic, we'll have another stylish and affordable car to mix it up with the MINI.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Official Alfa Romeo Junior sketches surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS

John Neff — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

UPDATE: Official Press Release and engine details added

click on either image to enlarge

Back in February, Fiat previewed the look of its Grande Punto Abarth, a high-performance version of its popular hatch wearing the storied Abarth name and scorpion badge. At the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the automaker will unveil the Grande Punto Abarth Super Sport, or 'essesse'. From what we can tell, the Abarth SS version of the Grande Punto will add a more aggressive body kit to the car on which it's based, including wider fender flares to accommodate a larger wheel/tire package, three large air intakes in the front bumper, new side mirrors, a rear spoiler that integrates with the body and a new rear bumper that wraps around two big tailpipes.

Of course, the new body kit presupposes more power, and Fiat tells us that the SS will have nearly double the power of the base model Grande Punto, which puts out around 90bhp. The SS will produce 180bhp then, around 25-30bhp more than the standard Abarth. Commensurate upgrades to the Abarth's suspension and brakes are included, as well. While Fiat is officially calling the Grande Punto Abart SS a prototype, our boys from Autoblog Spanish indicate that it's likely to see production, if only in limited numbers.

[Source: Fiat]

Gallery: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS

Gallery: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Preview Concept

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS

Frankfurt Preview: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat prepping Grande Punto Brutale based on Super 2000 rally car

Alex Nunez — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat

Click image for a gallery of the Fiat Grande Punto Super 2000 car

We like Super 2000 rally cars, as they demonstrate just how much you can do with a normally-aspirated 2.0L engine. Fiat's Grand Punto Rally is built to S2K specs and it certainly delivers the goods: 270 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, to be exact.

Now comes word from Britain's 4Car that the Italian automaker is readying a limited-run (250 units) special road car based on the Super 2000 called the Grand Punto Brutale, in what's said to be a nod to the Lancia Delta Integrale (shown at right).

"Based on" is an apt description, because 4Car reports that the Brutale will be turbocharged, which is a no-no in Super 2000. We're guessing the real similarity will be in the looks department, as the Brutale will apparently get the S2K car's bodywork and a stripped-down, racy interior. It'll also have AWD, just like the rally car. Sounds cool. Too bad we'll never see it here.

Follow the jump for a vid of the Grand Punto Super 2000 car in action, as well as a breakdown of the racer's tech specs.

[Source: 4Car]

Gallery: Fiat Grande Punto Super 2000

Continue reading Fiat prepping Grande Punto Brutale based on Super 2000 rally car

Fiat prepping Grande Punto Brutale based on Super 2000 rally car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Abarth is back with Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Preview

John Neff — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback

click above image to view high-res images of the Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Preview

Before Abarth was the inhouse tuning and racing division of Fiat, it was an independant automaker and racing team. Fiat purchased the company in 1971 and, if our research proves sound, the last Abarth model by Fiat was the 1984 Ritmo 130 TC Abarth. The rebirth of the Abarth name and a new "Scorpion" logo will be spearheaded by this car, the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a production version of which will go on sale in September. The show car that will be unveiled in Geneva features a turbocharged 1.4L petrol engine producing 150 bhp, which is 50bhp less than what we originally thought. At some point later, however, an even more powerful version with 180bhp, twice as much as the base Grande Punto, will be released.

No word on pricing or any deeper details than we've already discussed are available, so you'll have to wait until we touch down in Geneva to learn more. Also on the stand with this car will be the Grande Punto Abarth S2000, a racing version of the production model that will be entered in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship and the Intercontinental Rallye Challenge. It's powered by a much more potent 2.0L engine producing 270bhp and driving all four wheels. Both cars can be viewed in our high-resolution gallery.

[Source: Fiat via Autoblog Spanish]

Gallery: Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Preview Concept

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Abarth is back with Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Preview

Geneva Preview: Abarth is back with Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wild Fiat concept car debuts at Istanbul Auto Show

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Misc. Auto Shows

A star of Fiat's display at the Istanbul International Auto Show this week is this extreme show car version of its popular Grande Punto, appropriately named the Grande Punto "Radicale." Looking for all the world like a cross between a World Rally Championship contender and a DTM racecar, the Radicale exhibits every aero-tweak known to man, including a coffee table-sized front splitter, huge vented fender flares, a rooftop air intake, and a massive rear diffuser - all topped off with a huge roof-mounted wing.

More pictures here.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Wild Fiat concept car debuts at Istanbul Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat Grande Punto goes 1st class... on a stamp

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback

The Grande Punto has been a runaway success since it was introduced to the European market last fall. The Fiat supermini quickly became the best selling vehicle in Europe, helping Fiat Auto and the Fiat Group post impressive profits. The success has been particularly notable in the UK, where some 20,000 Grande Puntos have found new homes since the car was released at the beginning of the year. So what could possibly bring this little spitfire to a halt?

Britain's Royal Mail apparently has what it takes to make the little powerhouse get stuck in its tracks. In cooperation with Fiat Auto UK, they just released first class postage stamps bearing the front view of the Fiat. Now admirers and competition alike will have what they need to lick this diminutive Fiat. Available in sheets of 20, this limited run of 6,000 sheets might sell just as quickly as the real thing.

The U.S. Postal Service has also offered auto related stamps. It issued some classic '50s inspired stamps at Pebble Beach a couple of years ago. While the Grande Punto might not have the same impact as a 1953 Corvette or 1955 T-Bird in the hearts of auto enthusiasts, that rare crossover of philatelist/car crazies will certainly see that all 6,000 soon find good homes.

[Source: Fiat Auto UK]

Fiat Grande Punto goes 1st class... on a stamp originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat posts another profitable quarter, raises forecast

Stuart Waterman — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:54:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials

With second quarter results made all the more remarkable by the overall weakness in the European auto market, the Fiat Group blew by analysts' forecasts to post a $831.9 million quarterly profit, up 83 percent from last year's results in the same period.

More important than the group result is the fact that the automotive business, Fiat Auto, posted its third consecutive quarterly profit, a healthy $111.1 million. In the same quarter a year ago, the then-struggling auto group posted a loss of $111 million. Massive restructuring of the automotive operation and the introduction of successful new models led by Fiat's Grande Punto (at right), are credited with the turnaround.

Fiat Group also raised its yearly profit forecast for 2006 Monday, to $2.3 billion.

[Sources: Reuters, Fiat Group]

Fiat posts another profitable quarter, raises forecast originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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