Fiat to Showcase LPG Grande Punto, Panda and Bravo

Fiat today announced it will publicly show its LPG versions of Grande Punto, Panda and Bravo on January 24 and 25 as part of its “Open Doors” initiative supposed to allow customers to view and testdrive specific models. As expected, the Italian company says this is a move aimed at environmental protection and fuel efficiency as it is well known the fact that LPG technologies produce less emissions than regular gasoline or diesel engines.

More importantly, Fiat claims its LPG system provides such low emissions while remaining particularly focused on performance and engine life, two of the main aspects in today's cars.

At this time, LPG-powered models represent 3.5 percent of the Italian auto industry, with analysts forecasting a continuous grow for the next years. Fiat's new models are manufactured in collaboration with Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the Italian automaker said, and benefit from a government bonus of up to 2,000 euros valid for 2009.

Fiat says all engines passed a testing program of 400,000 kilometers, with all models providing remarkable reliability. The LPG tank capacity vary by model, as it follows: 38 liters for Grande Punto, 41 liters for Bravo and 31 liters for Panda. Obviously, all models can also run on gasoline, by pressing a special button placed on the dashboard of the updated vehicles.

All three Grande Punto, Panda and Bravo recorded impressive figures when it comes to CO2 emissions which made them eligible for government incentives of up to 2,000 euros. For instance, Panda LPG produces 116 g/km, Bravo LPG 134 g/km and Grande Punto LPG 119 g/km.