Italian Automotive Technology of the Year 2006

Voters gave the thumbs up to the new Blue&Me (2,480) system, developed by Fiat Auto and Microsoft, putting it just ahead of the efficient new Fiat Starjet engine (2,338) and the very advanced Fiat Panda Multi-Eco (1,637) in the Technology of the Year category.

Fiat Blue&Me

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, Blue&Me is a sophisticated system based on Windows Mobile technology, that was developed jointly by Fiat Auto and Microsoft, which changes the communications, information and entertainment paradigms in the car, improving the comfort and quality of the time spent on board. The device is extremely simple to use, and incorporates a hands-free system with voice recognition that allows you to make/receive telephone calls and to listen to music simply and safely as you drive.

Fiat Panda Multi-Eco

The Panda Multi-Eco is an insight towards low environmental impact cars of the future. It represents the most advanced frontier achievable in terms of emissions and consumption, combining technologies that exist or are ready for production. The Multi-Eco combines an innovative "powertrain" architecture - an engine with dual petrol/methane fuel supply, MTA transmission and BAS device - with the use of eco-compatible materials for the exterior and interior. Furthermore, the aerodynamics and weight reduction of the Panda were also signifacantly improved.

Fiat Panda Hydrogen

The Panda Hydrogen, driven by a hydrogen Fuel Cell, was introduced in February. It is a true prototype hydrogen car, with a sturdy, reliable drive system. Most importantly its interior space and performance are similar to those of its convential fossil fuel counterparts. Unlike other Fuel Cell prototypes, the Panda Hydrogen incorporates a full power system, which offers higher generating efficienies. The Panda Hydrogen delievers 60 kW, a top speed of over 130 km/h and range of over 200 km for the urban cycle. Refuelling time takes less than 5 minutes.

Fiat Panda Terremare

An experimental amphibious vehicle, the Panda Terremare was designed and produced by Maurizio Zanisi. Based on a production Panda 4x4, the Terremare marked the London Motor Show by crossing the Channel, starting from Folkestone in Kent and reaching the French shore at Cap Gris Nez after a trip lasting 6 hours and 15 minutes. The doors on this Panda are welded, the roof is open and the interior has been stripped to its essentials. A belt, which can be inflated in minutes, girdles the Panda and a large support at the rear holds the hydro jet power unit.

Fiat Palio Eletrico

Developed by Fiat Automòveis, the Brazilian arm of Fiat Auto, and the Turin-based Centro Ricerche Fiat, the zero-emission Palio Eletrico is Fiat's latest commitment to sustainable motoring. This initial zero-emission vehicle will become a mobile laboratory to push sustainable technological ideas towards market realisation. The car is 100% electric-powered, and posses a 20 bhp engine with 50 Nm. Maximum speed is a very respectable 105 km/h, while weight is 600 kg. A nickel battery in the bottom of the boot provides the Palio Eletrico with a range of 200 km.

Fiat Siena Tetra Fuel

The Fiat Siena 1.4 Tetra Fuel, which offers a choice of 4 fuel types, is now available as a production model in Brazil. It represents the first production car in the world to use 4 different fuel types mixed, offering the choice of either gasolone, gasohol, pure alcohol and CNG or combinations of them. A chip within the ECU smoothly controls the optimum use of the petrol and gas mixtures, omitting any manual adjustments. This automatic choice of fuel required for each driving scenario reaches the optimal compromise between performance and fuel economy.

Fiat Powertrain StarJet

Launched on the Fiat Grande Punto in March this year, the Starjet engine incorporates controlling of port deactivation (PDA) which operates in conjunction with a variable valve timing (VVT) procedure, and the recycling of the exhaust gases (EGR). The engine's development focused on the integration of a combustion system with port deactivation results in lower fuel consumption, and attains a high exhaust gas recovery rate. The new Starjet thus maximises efficiency and carefully controls emissions to comply with legislation.