Fiat unveiled its Panda Aria concept during last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, but we think its green intentions are worthy of another look. Following the “green” theme that has been prevalent at the past several auto shows, the Panda Aria features several eco-friendly technologies both inside and out.
Power for the Panda Aria is sourced from an 800cc turbocharged two-cylinder engine producing 80 horsepower, which puts the Panda Aria’s CO2 emissions well under the coveted target of 100 g/km at 69 g/km.
The engine, which can run on either gasoline or a methane-hydrogen mixture, is equipped with start-stop technology similar to that found on hybrid vehicles. Its lighter weight — the two-cylinder engine is 20% lighter than a four-cylinder with comparable output — also helps to reduce fuel consumption.
The Panda Aria also uses a number of ecological materials, from the upholstery to the body panels, most of which is recycled or recyclable — not to mention the great looking organic paint job.
Although it’s doubtful a two-cylinder vehicle will ever be sold in the U.S., some of the Panda Aria’s technologies could show up on our side of the pond thanks to stricter CAFE regulations.
