Fiat Ecobasic

Last updated
Fiat Ecobasic
ECOBASIC (cropped).jpg
An example exhibited by FCA Heritage
Overview
Manufacturer Fiat
Production1999–2000
AssemblyItaly
Designer Roberto Giolito at Centro Stile Fiat in collaboration with Zagato [1]
Body and chassis
Class Concept car
Body style 5-door hatchback
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform Fiat Mini platform
Related Fiat Panda
Powertrain
Engine 1.2 L JTD Multijet 16v common rail
Transmission 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length3,480 mm (137.0 in)
Width1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Height1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Kerb weight 750 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

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 Fiat ecobasic 4 (cropped).jpg
Rear view
Front grille -01 Fiat logo Ecobasic.jpg
Front grille

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References

  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. 1 2 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.