Fiat has taken the wraps off the Fastback concept at
the Sao Paulo Motor Show 2018. The new model features a coupe-crossover design
with a steeply raked roofline, which gives it a silhouette similar to that of
the Renault Arkana.
Speaking at the Sao Paulo Motor Show, Antonio
Filosa, President, FCA Latin America, revealed the company's plan to invest 8
billion Brazilian Real into local operations by 2023
for new models, powertrains, and infotainment systems. The company plans as
many as 15 vehicle introductions in Brazil in the next five years. The
production version of the Fastback concept will be one of the future models and
is expected in or before 2020.
While the Fastback concept's front-end features
styling cues similar to that of the Toro pick-up, the rest has a distinct
styling. The interior is said to feature a futuristic look with three
transparent digital screens - one displaying various vehicle-related
information, one for the infotainment unit, and another to control the aircon.
The steering has a flat top and bottom while the seats are upholstered in
leather. The conventional outside rearview mirrors have made way for cameras,
while the concept features a handle-less doors.
The company has not revealed specifications of the
new model. That said, powertrain options for the production-spec version should
include 2.0-litre Tigershark Flex and 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel motors. The
gasoline motor will use a 6-speed automatic transmission while the oil-burner
will be paired with a 9-speed automatic unit. Rumours are abound that Fiat
could also offer a 1.8-litre E.torQ motor.
The flex-fuel motor outputs 159 hp along with a peak
torque of 195 Nm firing petrol, and 163.66 hp and 201 Nm firing ethanol. The
oil-burner outputs 170 hp and 350 Nm whereas the E.torQ motor develops 135 hp
and 182 Nm of peak torque.
