The 2003 Geneva Motorshow sees the launch of several new products from the Fiat Auto brands.
Here you can see the first official images of the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia cars plus links to the photo galleries of the models at the motorshow.
Fiat @ Geneva 2003 click on any of the pictures to enlarge
Two completely new production models, the new city-car and Punto-MPV, were launched, whilst a new concept based on the Mini-car, the Marrakech, was also presented. The Stilo Abarth is also shown, with the same 170bhp 2.4-litre engine but now coupled to a manual transmission.
The new Gingo, or project 169, is designed to replace both the Panda and the Seicento. Initially launched only in five-door, two-wheel-drive form, both three-door and four-wheel-drive versions are expected later. It adopts a style with many design cues from off-road and MPV vehicles, and inside aims to be more spacious, comfortable and versatile than most competitors. Despite being only 3540mm long it can swallow five passengers and their luggage. Engines include the much acclaimed 1.3 16V JTD whilst the new automatic gearbox will also be available. ABS, CD player, six airbags and other content usually associated with larger cars should make it the best equipped vehicle in its class.
There is also a screensaver of the Gingo free to download from our screensavers page.
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The Idea, a Punto-based MPV (project 350), is designed to create a new segment, a car with small external dimensions (1.70m long) but with a versatile and spacious interior. Central instruments, three way split-folding and sliding rear seats, a centre-console mounted gearstick, dual-zone climate-control, 1.4 16V and 1.3 16V JTD engines and both a manual and automatic gearbox are among the features available.
There is also a screensaver of the Idea free to download from our screensavers page.
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The Marrakech is a concept car based on the 169-project and is effectively a modern version of the classic 'Jolly' beach cars of the 1960's. It adopts a roofless, doorless body and a four-wheel-drive layout. The 'Simba', already seen at Bologna, will also be on show.
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Fiat also had on display all its current production models, including the Stilo Abarth in its new manual transmission form (complete with new aggressive bodykit), the yet to go on sale facelifted Barchetta, the Punto Abarth and their other models.
Alfa Romeo @ Geneva 2003 click on any of the pictures to enlarge
One completely new model, the 156 based GT Coupé, was released, whilst the facelifted GTV and Spider showed off their significantly changed front designs. A 147 variant, the ti was also introduced.
The GT Coupé, long awaited as the 'Sprint' finally sees the light. Designed by Bertone it uses a combination of 156 and 147 underpinnings and a very pretty all new body. A true four-seater with a generous luggage space, the GT Coupé will include engines from the 1.8TS with 140bhp up to the 250bhp 3.2-litre 24V V6 unit in a GTA variant.
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The Kamal, the long awaited SUV/MPV from Alfa Romeo promised not to disappoint. Combining the off-road capability of an SUV, the interior versatility and functionality of an MPV and the driving characteristics of a comapct Alfa, the new concept car is packed with innovative ideas. The 3.2-litre 24V V6 engine (with 250bhp) drives through a six-speed Selespeed gearbox to all four wheels. Suspension is by wishbones all round, and incorporates a speed sensitive ride height, 20" wheels, VDC and ASR. The lower centre of gravity of the vehicle compared to conventional off-roaders is claimed to result in a better drag coefficient. Designed in-house by Centre Stile at Arese, it is not a small vehicle, at 4350mm long, 1860mm wide and 1620mm high.
There is also a screensaver of the Kamal free to download from our screensavers page.
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The 147-style corporate grille has been very successfully adapted by Pininfarina to fit the GTV and Spider, whilst they also receive the 2.0JTS engine with 160bhp and a 3.2-litre V6 unit with 240bhp. Another sporting variant of the 147, the ti, is also introduced as a stepping stone to the more potent GTA. Featuring a sportier suspension setup and improved braking, it is easily recognised by the lower stance, skirts, wheels and sporty interior unique to that version.
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Elsewhere on the Alfa Romeo stand were exhibited the GTA versions of both the 147 and 156, the ETCC race version of the latter, the 166
and standard 147 and the Cup version of the latter.
Pictures of the 147 GTA & 156 GTA and of the 147 Cup & 156 ETCC at the show.
Lancia @ Geneva 2003 click on any of the pictures to enlarge
Lancia will present just one new production car, the new Ypsilon, although at least one concept car is also expected.
The new Ypsilon follows Lancia's tradition of building luxury supermini's and adds to that a stunningly modern and beautiful design. Based on the Punto platform it also adopts the new 1.3JTD 16V engine. Dualzone climate control, a long glass sunroof, automatic transmission, BOSE HiFi system and a beautifully trimmed interior will ensure that the Ypsilon stays well ahead of its competitors in terms of content.
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Ferrari @ Geneva 2003 click on any of the pictures to enlarge
Ferrari presented their new 360 Challenge Stradale, both in race and road trim. A single Enzo was a big crowd puller, whilst the rest of the range was also on display.
Maserati @ Geneva 2003 click on any of the pictures to enlarge
Maserati presented their current Coupé and Spyder as well as the Trofeo. A couple of historic racers plus some interesting technology stands (engine, cockpit and chassis) completed their display.
Fornasari @ Geneva 2003
Fornasari presented their RR450 in both road and rally trim.
All the images on this page and in the galleries are copyright © 2003-8 CarsfromItaly