NF500 / recycled materials

Geneva hosts the global premiere by Fiat Automobiles of the Concept car 500 Aria which Fiat claim furthers the exploration of new “ecological” frontiers in the automotive sector.

Manufactured on the base of the Fiat 500 – the first model in its sector with the entire range of Euro5 Ready motors – the Concept car 500 Aria adopts all the latest generation, and indeed future technology, resulting in a significant reduction of consumption and emissions. The Fiat 500 Aria has extremely low CO2 emissions, a record value of 98 g/km.

The prototype vehicle is equipped with a Diesel 1.3 16v Multijet Euro 5 powerunit (with anti-particulate DPF filter) combined with robotic Dualogic shift (distinguished by a transmission and control box with the best containment of consumption).

In addition, the 500 Aria includes a Stop&Start system, allowing the temporary switch-off of the engine and it’s subsequent ignition, typical of urban journeys. In particular, uniting the Stop&Start system and the Dualogic shift, around a 10% (urban cycle) reduction of the consumption is obtained. Fiat predict the technology used here will make it into mainstream production during 2008. So if you’re considering a diesel Fiat 500 for its eco credentials, you may be inclined to hold of a little while before pulling the trigger on your new purchase.

The prototype’s interior foresees the use of recycled materials, for example, the recycled rubber used for the floor is composed by rubber granules deriving from used tyres, bound together with polyurethane binders. The seats have been upholstered with recycled and woven leather (called “mataleather, and supplied by the Matamata company) whilst the fabrics - guaranteed by the Ecolabel brand – are in polyester and in a design similar to the raffia palm with natural whirls (supplied by the Apollo company).

“Mataleather” is born out of the re-use of leather amalgamated with natural lattice and subsequently worked in sheets like real leather. The “DNA” Braided leather (the material used on the 500 Aria) is worked on until it forms a textile of real ecological leather, composed only by natural re-used fibres.

In regards to the textiles, Ecolabel is the European eco-quality brand that rewards the best products from an ecological point of view – the whole life-cycle is taken into account – whilst maintaining at the same time high performance standards.

Lastly, some important interior components – from the samplers to climate control and the control shield, down to the panel fittings – are made in materials composed by thermoplastics and natural fibres.

One day, all mainstream cars could be made like this.