This prototype of an Autobianchi sports car entirely designed by Fiat Styling Center (Pio Manzù design) is the evidence of a new trend: a renowned car manufacturer developing research on design for a special model outside the car-body designers’ elite.
(…) The application of aerodynamic principles has been of great importance to this project. A characteristic of the car body is the extremely edged section of the front. By eliminating all front surfaces perpendicular to the penetration axis, a very efficient shape for aerodynamic penetration has been reached.
(…) The design of the rear was inspired by the aerodynamic principle of the cut off tail without taking theory to extreme consequences, as in the case of some prototypes with the surface of the cut off tail corresponding to that of the widest section.
(…) In the design of the interior special care has been devoted to the study of elements contributing to passive safety. The dashboard, the doors, the roof panel, the door-posts and the whole interior are paneled with foamed polyurethan”.
Design at FIAT
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- 18 June 2001