In 1969 production started of the A111, a new medium
size saloon derived largely from the Primula. Like the latter car it used
a transverse engine driving the front wheels, derived from the Fiat
124 unit. This was mounted together with the four speed manual gearbox.
This layout, still relatively new (certainly in this class of car) allowed
the designer to make a much more compact car with a good internal space
and luggage compartment. The design was very much along the lines of the
124 and 128.
Available only as a saloon with four doors it was
a full five seater and there was also a roomy boot. In its day it was complemented
for its flexible and powerful (for its size) engine. Driveability was considered
good. Criticism came from its vulnerability to sidewinds, poor soundproofing
at some engine speeds, and its handling.
Total production was 56,984 cars.
Technical Details
| Engine | 1438cc (80x71.5mm) ohc 4-cyl with 70bhp @ 5,400rpm (compression ratio 9.3) |
| Suspension | front : independent with single transverse leaf spring
rear : rigid beam with leaf springs wheelbase : 2360 track (front/rear) : 1360mm/1300mm |
| Brakes | Discs all round with servo assistance
Cable operated handbrake on the rear wheels |
| Transmission | 4 speed manual |
| Steering | Rack and pinion
3.5 turns lock-to-lock |
| Empty weight | 900kg |
 |
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Performance
| model | max speed | standing km | Braking (from 100km/h) |
| A111 (1969) | 160 km/h | 34.05 sec | 59.6 m |
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