The heart of the car was an all new 70
degree 2-litre V8 engine. Designed originally to go in a top-of-the-range
1900, it was destined to be used only in the 8V. Originally with two carburettors
and 105bhp it later got three carburettors and 115bhp or even 127bhp in
tuned form (higher compression ratio plus other modifications). The resulting top
speed of 190km/h was exceptional for its time, and was aided by the very
aerodynamic body, developed in a wind tunnel, including features such as
rear wheel spats and staggered seating The origial design, by Rapi, had two headlights
in the wings and two in the grille, but after 34 had been built the design
was changed to have both in the wings in a slanted layout. Other carrozzeria
also built bodies on the 8V chassis, including Ghia and Siata. In 1954 a version
with a fibreglass body was shown.
A total of 114 cars were built until 1954.
The
Geneva Motorshow of 1952 saw the launch of a new Fiat, the 'Otto Vu'. A
two seat coupe, the 8V was really a statement of what Fiat could do if
it wanted to, there being no realistic plans for volume production. The
entire car was new, with virtually no parts carried over from another Fiat
model (the differential was about the only exception, being from the Campagnola).
to
enable the cockpit to be as narrow as possible. The body was steel, with
the panels welded to a tubular chassis. The suspension featured the first use
by Fiat of an independent layout on all four wheels with double wishbones,
coil springs and telescopic dampers. Many of the casting for the suspension
were from light alloy, as were the diff casing and brakes.
Technical Details
| Driveline | longitudinal engine at front
rear wheel drive |
| Engine | 1996cc (72x61.3mm) 70° V8 ohv with 105bhp @ 6000rpm
or 115bhp @ 6000rpm or 127bhp @ 6600rpm |
| Suspension | front : Independent with double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers
rear : independent with double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers wheelbase : 2400mm track (front/rear) : 1290mm/1290mm |
| Brakes | drums all round
handbrake : transmission band brake |
| Gearbox | 4 speed manual |
| Steering | Worm and roller |
| Empty weight | 997kg |
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