Jalopnik: fiat panda

What Would A Chrysler-Fiat Future Look Like?

The Auto Insider — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT

A Chrysler bankruptcy will more than likely be filed today, with Fiat picking carrion-bird-like at the automakers remains. That got us thinking about what a re-badged Fiat future would look like. The answer? It's grim.

You might be asking yourself why there are two re-badged Pandas in the group, but we think Fiat would send one of it's cheaper utilitarian vehicles to the Chrysler folks for some brand cross-pollination, while the nicer, sweeter-tuned Bravo would take the helm as a sub-300C Chrysler. Why the lack of a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep branded hipster Fiat 500? Mark our words; there is no way Fiat is dumb enough to dilute the 500's image by re-badging it. If we'll ever see the little MINI-fighting Cinquecento, it'll be branded as a Fiat. And that's that.

What are some of your ideas for this proposed American-Italian love fest? Feel free to drop some ideas into the comments below. We know you're itching to do it.

FIAT Gives Us A Nuanced Critique On The Auto Show Experience

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST

When one thinks of great Italian directors, artists like Rosselini, de Sica and Fellini immediately come to mind. To this list we must add the cinematic genius behind this subtle yet humorous take on the auto show. It combines the camera work of the neorealists with the carefully constructed mise en scene of the magical realists. At the surface, it's just an unnecessary closeup of someone from Fiat explaining the new Fiat Panda Aria. Delve deeper and you'll see the models unable to stay still, representing the ennui and discomfort of the public, shielded by the talking head. The best moment, though, is reserved for the end. The director chooses to pan away, for no discernible reason, in the middle of this guy talking. Benissimo!

[Source: FIAT]

Fiat Panda Aria Concept Teases Us With Green Possibilities

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST

We're big fans of the Fiat Panda, which manages to combine the most desirable attributes of an MPV and a 4x4 hatchback in a reliable package. It's no wonder then that Fiat has repeatedly used this platform to debut new technologies. The Fiat Panda Aria pictured here sans cover is the second generation of the eco-concept car. The original Panda Aria debuted at Frankfurt last year and featured a small-displacement two-cylinder turbocharged engine that could run on gasoline or a methane-hydrogen mix.

We'll wait for the official debut before we speculate on the powertrain of the newer Aria. [Source: Fiat]