VW Golf Tops European

Despite the heavy competition from the new Ford Fiesta that increased its sales in Europe by a hefty 34.2 percent to 243,340 units in the first half of 2009, VW's Golf continues to dominate the sales charts in the Old Continent with sales up 12.7 percent to 254,023 units in the same period, according to data released by Jato Dynamics. The rest of the top five list was rounded out by the Peugeot 207 with 193,778 units (-20,6 percent), the Opel - Vauxhall Corsa with 181,751 units (-14.1 percent) and the Renault Clio with 144,512 units (-28.0 percent).

Notably, the first ten places were occupied exclusively by European automakers - okay Opel / Vauxhall (at least for the time being) and Ford are controlled by their American parent companies.

Volkswagen was also Europe's top-selling car brand in the first half of the year with 842,787 vehicles sold, up 0.7 percent over the same period in 2008. Ford finished in second place with 666,548 units, down 3.6 percent over last year, followed by GM's Opel - Vauxhall division with 557,739 units (-16.8 percent), Fiat with 542,115 units (-1.4 percent) and Renault with 520,763 units (-18.4 percent).

Data: Jato Dynamics

VW Boss Piech to go and Fix SEAT Instead of Eyeing Alfa Romeo

According to Automotive News Europe, Marchionne also took a shot at VW, saying that the group's Chairman Ferdinand Piech should try to turn around Seat, its struggling Spanish brand, instead of eyeing Alfa.
“I'm not the one who bought Seat. He's the one who bought it. I don't know if he can [fix it], but he needs to try”, the Italian official commented.
We’ll remind you that selling Alfa Romeo has been a hot topic for the past year or so, but Fiat never confirmed the rumors, periodically stating that it prefers to revitalize the Milanese company. Prior to Marchionne’s latest remark, it was Fiat Chairman John Elkann who also said that Alfa is not for sale.
“We would not sell Alfa even if we were offered tons of money”, Elkann told reporters on the sidelines of last month’s Detroit Auto Show, adding that the brand will be relaunched in the U.S. in 2012.

Geneva Preshow: Fiat Publishes New Photos of Freemont Crossover

The star of Fiat's exhibition area at the Geneva Motor Show and the first Fiat-branded vehicle to come out of the partnership with the Chrysler Group is the new Freemont 7-seater crossover. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the Freemont is a re-badged 2011 Dodge Journey, but if for whatever reason you weren't satisfied with the first batch of official photos, the Italians have just released a more comprehensive set that includes pictures of the interior as well.

We'll remind you that the Freemont is due to go on sale in Fiat dealerships across Europe from the second half of 2011. The Italian firm's newcomer will initially come with front-wheel drive and a Fiat-sourced 2.0-liter turbo with 140HP and 170HP, linked to a manual gearbox. By the end of the year, Fiat will also offer two four-wheel drive versions fitted with the 170HP 2.0 MultiJet diesel, and Chrysler's 276HP 3.6-liter V6 petrol unit. For more details on the Freemont, check out our previous story here.

Geneva preshow

Abarth Scorp-Ion Sports Coupe Concept

Even though Fiat executives have been coy on a stand-alone sports car for the Abarth brand, the Italian firm went ahead and collaborated with the Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin (IED) for the creation of design study that will receive its grand premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in about a week's time.
The sports coupe is named Abarth Scorp-Ion and it was designed by seven IED students who worked under the supervision of designers Luca Borgogno from Pininfarina, and Luigi Giampaolo from Maserati.
The goal was to design a bespoke compact-sized sports car with lines that evoke the scorpion (the official symbol of Abarth) without any references to the Fiat brand, with which Abarth is often identified.

The result is a futuristic looking two-seater coupe that measures 4,010 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, 1,192 mm in height, and rides on a 2,350 mm long wheelbase.
The Scorp-Ion is motivated by four electric motors, one on each wheel, but that's about all Abarth had to share with us for now. Further details are to be released at the Geneva Motor Show.

New Jeep 3.0-liter V6 Turbo

Given that over forty per cent of all cars sold in Europe are diesel-powered, any brand that wants to be successful in the market must have diesel options in its range. Following the presentation of its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel on the Chrysler 300's European clone, the Lancia Thema the Fiat Group is now introducing the oil-burner to Jeep Grand Cherokee the range for Europe and other diesel markets around the world.
The new V6 diesel engine is built by VM Motori and has been developed together with Fiat Powertrain, which is a subsidiary of the Fiat Group. The 3.0-liter unit features Fiat's MultiJet II system which enables up to eight injections per cycle, with the possibility of managing the two main injections in a single modular profile (IRS – Injection Rate Shaping). It is also fitted with a single Garrett VGT 2056 turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.

In the Grand Cherokee, the 3.0-liter V6 diesel is offered in two guises, the most powerful of which produces 241HP at 4,000 rpm and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of peak torque at 1,800-2,800 rpm, with the company claiming a 10 percent gain in power and eight percent more torque than the engine it replaces.
Despite the improved performance, Jeep said fuel economy for the 241HP version returns 8.3 lt/100km (equal to 28.4 mpg US) on the combined European cycle, an improvement of 17 percent over the prior diesel engine. CO2 emissions (are also reduced by 17 percent, now at 218 g/km.
Jeep will also offer a lower-output version of the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel rated at 190HP at 4,000 rpm and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of peak torque available from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. The low-output version of the turbo diesel engine will be standard on Laredo models and optional on the Limited

The new 3.0-liter turbo diesel variants of the Grand Cherokee will receive their world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and be available in Europe by the end of the first half of 2011.

2011 Fiat 500 Coupé Zagato Concept

This year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show is buzzing with concept models of all sorts of sizes and shapes. The one you see pictured above is based on the popular Fiat 500 mini and is the result of the collaboration between the Fiat Group Automobiles' Centro Stile and the Zagato design house.
Showcased at the Fiat stand, the "500 Coupé Zagato" is said to have been inspired by the namesake predecessor built in the 1950 by the famous Italian bodyworker on the chassis of the original 500.

From the window line and below, the 500 concept is identical to the standard three-door hatchback model. However, the concept gets a completely new top with a sloping coupe-like roof featuring Zagato's trademark double-bubble design.

Other features include the burnished chrome exterior elements, 17-inch chrome shadow alloy wheelss with a brand new double spoked shape and synthetic inserts wrapped in 205/40 R17 tires and 4 perforated brake discs.
The concept is 3,550 mm long, 1,630 mm wide and 1,490 mm high, with a 2,300 mm wheelbase. Inside, Fiat says the 500 Coupe gets a 2+2 seating layout and a bespoke interior with sporty "diamond" seats trimmed in black and yellow two-tone leathers and other unique features.
Power for the 500 Coupé Zagato is provided by Fiat's turbocharged two-cylinder gasoline unit with 105 HP at 5,500 rpm and 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) of peak torque at 2,500 rpm, which promises reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 95 g/km.

Fiat Spider - Classic Car

Fiat Spider - Classic Car

Beautiful car. 1980 Fiat Spider in gorgeous Cappuccino Bronze with a tan convertible top, tan interior, and factory alloy wheels. Original West Virginia car with only two owners since new, only 30,143 actual miles, and recently checked over by Boffo Jaguar with $3263.32 in receipts. The original twin-cam 2.0 liter fuel-injected engine is 100% factory stock. Starts immediately and settles into a smooth quiet idle. Runs perfectly on regular gas and there are no issues; no smoke, no leaks, no noises. Pulls strongly through the gears and the 5-speed manual transmission (with overdrive) shifts perfectly & allows relaxed highway cruising. Rack & pinion steering and power four-wheel disc brakes for safe fun driving. Lovely tan bucket seat interior with the wood dash and factory leather steering wheel. No wear on the seats, no wear on the carpets, no cracks in the dash, no sunfade on the instruments. All of the gauges works correctly and even the clock keeps accurate time. Dealer installed stereo with power rear antenna (sounds great). The front seats recline, have the factory headrests, and the rear seat is appropriate for small children or parcels. Incredibly nice interior. Excellent body with no signs of corrosion repair, collision damage, and all panels are factory original. Very nice paint in factory correct Cappuccino Bronze Metallic base/clear. This is an outstanding color that literally glows in bright sunlight with its gold basecoat. There are several small scratches too minor to show in photos and too minor to have addressed; they cannot be seen unless under scrutiny. Excellent glass and all windows operate smoothly. Excellent window whskers, weatherstripping, and trunk molding. The original tan canvas convertible top is in good condition and the rear window is clear. The top operates easily and the parade boot is also in excellent condition. Excellent brightwork and front & rear bumpers. The trunk contains the original spare tire, original jack assembly, original tool kit, and a car cover. Beautiful factory alloy wheels (never curbed) fitted with brand new Yokohama P185-60-14 radials. Documentation includes the original window sticker ($10,348), all of the factory pamphlets, sales brochure, consumer information, and the maintenance records. The US Naval Academy decal is still in the window and the car has just passed rigorous state safety inspection.

Fiat Spider - Classic Car

Fiat Spider - Classic Car

Beautiful car. 1980 Fiat Spider in gorgeous Cappuccino Bronze with a tan convertible top, tan interior, and factory alloy wheels. Original West Virginia car with only two owners since new, only 30,143 actual miles, and recently checked over by Boffo Jaguar with $3263.32 in receipts. The original twin-cam 2.0 liter fuel-injected engine is 100% factory stock. Starts immediately and settles into a smooth quiet idle. Runs perfectly on regular gas and there are no issues; no smoke, no leaks, no noises. Pulls strongly through the gears and the 5-speed manual transmission (with overdrive) shifts perfectly & allows relaxed highway cruising. Rack & pinion steering and power four-wheel disc brakes for safe fun driving. Lovely tan bucket seat interior with the wood dash and factory leather steering wheel. No wear on the seats, no wear on the carpets, no cracks in the dash, no sunfade on the instruments. All of the gauges works correctly and even the clock keeps accurate time. Dealer installed stereo with power rear antenna (sounds great). The front seats recline, have the factory headrests, and the rear seat is appropriate for small children or parcels. Incredibly nice interior. Excellent body with no signs of corrosion repair, collision damage, and all panels are factory original. Very nice paint in factory correct Cappuccino Bronze Metallic base/clear. This is an outstanding color that literally glows in bright sunlight with its gold basecoat. There are several small scratches too minor to show in photos and too minor to have addressed; they cannot be seen unless under scrutiny. Excellent glass and all windows operate smoothly. Excellent window whskers, weatherstripping, and trunk molding. The original tan canvas convertible top is in good condition and the rear window is clear. The top operates easily and the parade boot is also in excellent condition. Excellent brightwork and front & rear bumpers. The trunk contains the original spare tire, original jack assembly, original tool kit, and a car cover. Beautiful factory alloy wheels (never curbed) fitted with brand new Yokohama P185-60-14 radials. Documentation includes the original window sticker ($10,348), all of the factory pamphlets, sales brochure, consumer information, and the maintenance records. The US Naval Academy decal is still in the window and the car has just passed rigorous state safety inspection.

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.