We posted
preliminary info on the new Meta city car by Garage Italia Srl back in November. Well, following its debut at the
Bologna Motor Show, the company has its website up, with lots more
information, pics and video.
The Meta is offered in five models: Sport, Top, Electric, Safari and Basic.
According to the Director of Garage Italia, Giovanni Galvano, “Meta is a synthesis of the best of ‘Made in Italy.’
The whole project has been aimed at creating an extremely safe, small vehicle to be used alternatively to a car for
individual transport in our congested cities reducing both the need for parking space and running costs.” Small is
an understatement – the Meta measures 4 ft 6 in wide, and just over 8 ft in length.
The car will be launched
in Italy in 2006, with export to other Mediterranean countries to follow.
More pics and specs after the
jump. [The company’s website is in Italian. Italiaspeed has an an english
overview.]
Engine and chassis:
- front wheel drive
- 505 cc
gas, 505 cc diesel, or 15 kW electric - continuously variable transmission
- suspension: double
A-arm front, independent horizontal swing arms in the rear - 14- or 15-inch wheels
Interior:
- passenger seat folds flat to increase storage
room - removable side windows
- digital instrument panel located in center of steering wheel,
which automatically adjusts display brightness to suit ambient light