Fiat presents five concept cars for the electric future
Officially, these are “the next steps in the creation of the Brand’s product line-up”, which Fiat CEO Olivier Francois has now presented. From a technical point of view, it is a (logical) departure from the course that Fiat had chosen with the 500 electric: to develop an independent platform. All five concept cars and upcoming series models are based on a multi-energy platform from Stellantis for electric, hybrid and pure combustion engines. These will most likely be the STLA Small and STLA Medium. Whether Fiat will also use the STLA Large or STLA Frame for very large cars and pickups with ladder frames (primarily for the US market) is not mentioned, but also not ruled out.
The first of these new Fiat models is due to be presented in July 2024. This is likely to be the Pandina small electric car. With the announcement that the multi-energy platforms from Stellantis will be used, it is also clear that the Pandina will not utilise the technology of the electric 500. This had already been hinted at, as Stellantis will probably base the Pandina on the CMP Smart Car of the Citroën ë-C3. Serbia, Morocco and Brazil are already being discussed as production locations.
Not much is revealed about the ‘City Car’ in the press release. It is to be larger than the current Panda; there is talk of a “Mega Panda”. The interior should offer plenty of space with compact external dimensions and be ideal in urban environments. “But, at the same time, it offers roominess and versatility for family weekend trips and holidays,” says Fiat.
As a second vehicle, Fiat has announced a pickup – which is certainly unusual for European customers at first. Many people do not realise that Fiat has a widely used model in South America with the Strada pickup. “Fiat is confident that this type of vehicle will be able to repeat its success on a global scale in the future, even in Europe,” the press release states. However, there is no information on the powertrains of this vehicle – so it remains to be seen whether it will also be offered as a battery-electric or only as a combustion engine or hybrid. However, as the vehicle is also to be offered in Europe and Fiat has set itself clear electrification goals here at least, a purely electric drive is likely, but not confirmed.
Fiat also wants to repeat its regional success globally in the future with the fastback – which has so far been widespread in Brazil, the Middle East and Africa. However, neither the fastback nor the fourth concept, an SUV in the style of a ‘Giga Panda’, provide any information on the drive variants on offer. This also applies to model number five, a campervan with certain off-road ambitions.
Stylistically, all models are standardised: At Fiat, edges and sharp angles will probably characterise the design in future, as will headlights with pixel graphics. In typical electric style, the vehicles are characterised by long wheelbases and short overhangs in order to position the batteries well in the underbody. However, the steep front of the angular design is not exactly aerodynamic.
“We are excited to share this glimpse into our future; a very near future, actually, since the first car will be presented in 4 months during the brand’s 125th anniversary celebration. That car will then be followed by 1 new model every year,” says brand boss Olivier Francois.
0 Comments