Fiat Ecobasic

Fiat Ecobasic
An example exhibited by FCA Heritage
Overview
ManufacturerFiat
Production1999–2000
AssemblyItaly
DesignerRoberto Giolito at Centro Stile Fiat in collaboration with Zagato[1]
Body and chassis
ClassConcept car
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
PlatformFiat Mini platform
RelatedFiat Panda
Powertrain
Engine1.2 L JTD Multijet 16v common rail
Transmission5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length3,480 mm (137.0 in)
Width1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Kerb weight750 kg (1,653 lb)

The Fiat Ecobasic is a concept car designed by the Italian manufacturer Fiat and presented in December 1999 at the Bologna Motor Show and exhibited in March 2000 at the Geneva Motor Show.[2]

The purpose of this concept was to prove that it was possible to design and build a car capable of transporting four adults in a structure made of fully recyclable composite materials and whose production and operating costs were ultra-low.[3][4]

Overview

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The Ecobasic has been homologated according to Euro NCAP standards; moreover, the materials that cover the structure are all recyclable.[5] The design of the concept has been studied in the wind tunnel, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.28.[6]

The front grille included a sort of transparent hatch that gave direct access to the coolant and oil reservoirs, as well as the positive and negative battery terminals.[7] After manufacturing 10 units of the Ecobasic, the brand decided not to put it into production.[7]

Rear view
Front grille

References

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  1. ^ "The Fiat Ecobasic prototype by Zagato". carrozzieri-italiani.com. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  2. ^ Ronan Glon (April 19, 2020). "1999 Fiat Ecobasic concept previewed the city car of the future". Autoblog. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  3. ^ "Fiat Ecobasic - Per saperne di più: 2. la vettura". Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press (in Italian). November 29, 1999. Archived from the original on 2017-04-12.
  4. ^ "ECOBASIC". Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press (in Italian). September 26, 2000. Archived from the original on 2016-08-09.
  5. ^ "ARCHIVIO PROTOTIPI | FIAT ECOBASIC". www.archivioprototipi.it (in Italian). Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  6. ^ Luca Ciferri (December 6, 1999). "Ecobasic, il futuro secondo Fiat". la Repubblica.it (in Italian). Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  7. ^ a b Mario Nogales (October 28, 2018). "Fiat Ecobasic, el prototipo centrado en la eficiencia y el bajo coste". Coches.com (in Italian). Retrieved 2024-06-23.