Cult-classic motor discontinued in the 90s set to RETURN as 4×4 with brand teasing ‘next chapter'
A CULT-classic car which was dropped in the 1990s is now set to make a comeback as a modern-day 4x4, as the manufacturer hints at the 'next chapter'.
The original Fiat Panda was seen as a go-anywhere supermini and became a hit with its loyal band of fans.
Advertisement
4
The Fiat Grande Panda looks set to get a 4x4 version
Credit: Supplied
4
Fiat has so far released few details about the model but it will be part of the manufacturer's Smart Car platform
Credit: Supplied
Now, with the Italian firm's fast-growing line-up the dinky motor is being turned into the Fiat
The original Panda 4x4 first hit our streets in 1983 and thanks to its raised height and rugged styling elements it soon became a cult classic, seen as an affordable off-roader.
The new Grande Panda forms the base of the revived concept and is being offered with both 111bhp electric and 108bhp 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol powertrains.
It will be part of Stellantis's new Smart Car platform, designed to appeal to cost-conscious drivers.
Advertisement
Read More on Fiat
Fiat hasn't yet officially confirmed its production intent but has billed the Grande Panda 4x4 as 'the next chapter' and a 'potential true symbol of versatility, reliability and freedom'.
Fiat Europe boss Gaetano Thorel hasn't officially confirmed the machine would reach production, but said: "Surely we will have this car on the road in the future – but not tomorrow,' reports
Mr Thorel did add that there had been demand for a 4x4 version since the Grande Panda was first unveiled and that the company wanted to meet that demand.
Full details about the vehicle's powertrain haven't been revealed, Fiat has referred to it as offering an 'electrified innovative rear axle'.
Advertisement
Most read in Motors
Fiat engineers are still working on the potential four-wheel-drive powertrain and refused to give details on whether any production 4x4 would be electric or combustion-based.
Fiat insiders have hinted it would have an electric motor powering the rear axle and use the Smart Car platform, reports the motoring magazine.
I test drove the discontinued Fiat 500's electric replacement - it's quick but flaw means you can only use it in a city
Details of that unit's size though have yet to be confirmed.
There is speculation it could be a smaller e-axle which adds supplementary
power
, when needed.
Advertisement
The car's rival, the Dacia Duster 4x4, uses a similar mild-hybrid arrangement.
Fiat's Grande Panda 4x4 concept also incorporates several bespoke design cues, such as dark red paint which hints at a special edition of the Panda 4x4.
It also
features
steel wheels, special graphics on the doors which underscore the stamped Panda lettering and hint at traditional off-roader body cladding.
There's also a protective underbody skidplate and a roof rack.
Advertisement
Fiat has also hinted that any production model would 'most likely feature other accessories'.
The intention is to eventually position the Grande Panda as a global car and to manufacture it in factories on three continents.
In order to meet those global requirements, it can utilise a number of powertrains including a manual pure ICE, a hybrid, full electric and even LPG.
The manual ICE is set to launch in
Europe
later this year but it is not expected to be available in the UK at first due to the extra costs of right-hand drive conversion.
Advertisement
4
The Grande Panda 4x4 is being billed as 'the next chapter'
Credit: Supplied
4
Fiat's Grande Panda 4x4 concept also incorporates several bespoke design cues, such as dark red paint which hints at a special edition of the Panda 4x4
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Shocking moment ‘idiots' tip over ‘pride & joy' vintage car – as owner says they should ‘pick on someone their own size'
THIS is the shocking moment two "drunk idiots" tipped over a prized vintage car in the middle of the night. Two men can be seen approaching the pristine 1972 Fiat 500, painted in a colourful orange, shortly before 4am on Friday, May 2, in Old Street, London. Advertisement 7 The two 'drunk idiots' can be seen approaching the vintage Fiat 500 in the dead of night, with one even trying to open its door Credit: Supplied 7 After failing to get in, the pair then lift up the car, raising it high above the tarmac Credit: Supplied 7 After the vandals lose control, the vehicle tips over entirely, slamming into the road Credit: Supplied As the pair stumble to the vintage motor, described by the owner as his " pride and joy", one of them can be seen attempting to open the car's door. Discovering it locked, he appears to then motion to his pal to come over to try and lift the classic car. The pair then grab the tiny motor from its side and begin lifting it until it reaches what appears to be a 45 degree angle. They hold it there temporarily before the car's weight begins to shift further away, pulling it down towards the street. Advertisement Read More on Motors News Losing control of the vintage motor, the vandals step back and let go, sending the "characterful" vehicle tumbling onto its side, slamming straight into the tarmac. As it crashes into the road, the cowards can then be seen fleeing towards the camera and away from the Fiat, which gently rocks back and forth in the middle of the street. The car remained there until later in the morning, when the heartbroken owner discovered his beloved motor had been vandalised. Speaking to The Sun, he said: "I was blissfully unaware of anything untoward until I opened my front door to take my dog out for his early morning walk. Advertisement Most read in Motors Breaking Exclusive Exclusive Breaking "I couldn't believe my eyes, instead of seeing my lovely vintage orange Fiat 500 I came face to face with the chassis. "I was totally shocked, it was a totally surreal experience." 7 The distressed owner came face to face with the underside of their beloved motor when they walked down later that morning Credit: Supplied 7 The tipped motor suffered from minor dents and scratches and a broken door handle Credit: Supplied Advertisement 7 The owner of the motor has slammed the cowardly vandals, saying they should 'pick on someone their own size' Credit: Supplied He said the vehicle was blocking traffic on the "narrow street", despite the car's small stature. Thankfully, some nearby builders came to his assistance to help put the motor back on its four wheels. The distressed owner also told of how he "feared for the worst" when the motor was brought back upright. Advertisement He said he was concerned his "sweet little car" could have "sustained a lot of damage". Fortunately, upon flipping it back up, the owner discovered no broken glass, and just a broken door handle, as well as some dints and scratches on the There was also a pool of oil that had formed after the fluid leaked from the motor. Venting his frustrations, he said: "I just couldn't understand how anyone would want to vandalise such a sweet little car. Advertisement "I still feel very emotional, it's my pride and joy. "People often stop to take photos my little characterful car, [but] no one has ever hurt it." 'DESPICABLE' AND 'DISGUSTING' VANDALISM In direct response to the heartless vandals, the owner berated their cowardice, adding: "They should pick on someone their own size". The owner had shared the shocking footage on social media of the "two drunk idiots", drawing in sympathy from viewers. Advertisement One commented: "What was the point of that? What did they gain from doing that except shame? "Running away from something you did proves you are ashamed of what you did." Another added: "Absolutely gutted for you, man. "Such a disrespectful thing to do. Hope the damage isn't too bad." Advertisement A third said: "Hope they will be found to pay for the damage," while a fourth added: "That's despicable - that's someone's pride and joy". Echoing other comments, one user slammed the "disgusting" behaviour of the vandals, adding: "What's wrong with people?" 7 The vintage Fiat 500 resting on the road the morning after it was tipped over Credit: Supplied
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
String of UK car dealerships to SHUT in weeks with dozens of jobs up in the air after being ditched by huge brands
TWO major car brands are set to stop trading with one of the largest dealerships in the UK. Staff at affected branches were left fuming after being informed of the decision earlier this week, putting dozens of jobs at risk. Advertisement 5 Staff at the affected dealerships were informed of the decision earlier this week Credit: Marshall Vauxhall 5 Marshall Motor Group is set to cull several of its 138 stores across the UK Credit: Marshall Peugeot 5 It comes after six branches were shut earlier this year Credit: Marshall Peugeot Stellantis UK, who own huge brands including Peugeot and Vauxhall, confirmed it had terminated its contract with Marshall Motor Group by mutual consent. It means that Marshall, which represents 25 manufacturers, is set to close several of its 138 stores across the country. Six branches were Three Peugeot stores have been culled, with locations in Gatwick, Cambridge and St Neots set to be shut down by the end of June. Advertisement Read more in Motors And one Vauxhall garage in Ipswich is also set to close its doors for the final time by the end of next month. Staff members at the affected shops were informed of the shock decision earlier this week following an internal announcement. Speaking to The Sun, a source said: 'Staff at all four branches have been told the exact same thing. 'There is a lot of purposefully confusing jargon being thrown around, but essentially they are not renewing the contracts with Stellantis. Advertisement Most read in Motors 'There are roughly 60 people at each location, so we're looking at dozens of jobs being put at risk. 'They didn't give staff any particular reason, it doesn't seem to make much sense to them.' Japanese giant unveils its new bargain EV with quirky 'bug eye' headlights It is not known whether The motor firm declined to comment on the closures. Advertisement Stellantis confirmed they would continue to sell cars in the same areas with new investors. In a statement, the firm said: "Stellantis UK confirms that, by mutual agreement, our retailer agreements with Marshall as a group has ceased at all their sites. "We have appointed new investors to represent our brands in the majority of these locations, therefore offering our customers continued representation for sales and service." It comes after Marshall confirmed in March it was "downsizing" its relationship with Stellantis. Advertisement The firm axed It also shut a Vauxhall store in Peterborough, with all four closing on March 31. 5 The Marshall Peugeot Gatwick store is set to close at the end of June Credit: Peugeot 5 Marshall confirmed in March it was "downsizing" its relationship with Stellantis Credit: Peugeot Advertisement Employees at these locations were reportedly "blindsided" by this shocking news, according to Staff were reportedly told about the sad news on February 28. An employee claimed: "We were blindsided by it to be honest, we just didn't see it coming. "When the directors came down to tell us last week, they said it wasn't linked to performance and it's because Marshall is downsizing its number of Stellantis sites." Advertisement Marshall Volkswagen Horsham and Aylesbury were also culled at the end of March. A statement on its website read: "Further to a strategic review, Marshall Volkswagen Aylesbury and Marshall Volkswagen Horsham will close. "Its sales, service and parts operations, including the customer base will transfer to Marshall Volkswagen stores." Why are so many car dealerships closing down? By Summer Raemason According to Business Rescue Expert there are multiple reasons why car dealerships are folding across the UK. The first major factor is rising online car sales which are beating in-person sales at dealerships. With an extensive range of comparison and second-hand sites to chose from, may car buyers don't even step foot into a dealership anymore. Secondly, the actual cost to physically run the sites has soared. Rent, wages and energy bills have all been increasing for roughly the past five years, putting many out of pocket. Car manufacturing across the globe was also hit by a semiconductor chip shortage in 2022 which made it difficult to produce new motors. The high demand with limited supply created a backlog, which although has eased, is still having an impact on the industry. A third reason for recent closures is the shift to electric cars. They are becoming more popular, given the Government initiative to be Net Zero in 2050. The industry is also affected when companies merge or are bought by rivals. This may lead to some independent names falling victim to the ongoing spate of closures.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- RTÉ News
Stellantis names Italian Antonio Filosa as its new CEO
Italian-Franco-US automaker Stellantis has today named Antonio Filosa, the Italian head of its North American operations, as its new chief executive, effective from June 23. Filosa, 51, will be expected to focus on the challenging task of reviving Stellantis' fortunes, especially on its key US market, after it suffered a 70% drop in net profit and a €6 billion cash burn in 2024. "The board selected Antonio Filosa to be CEO based on his proven track record of hands-on success during his more than 25 years in the automotive industry", Stellantis said in a statement. Filosa will also need to rein in Stellantis sprawling 14-brand portfolio - with analysts and experts thinking the automaker should terminate or sell some of them - and complete a process to restore the group's fraught relations with dealers, unions and governments. He succeeds Carlos Tavares, who quit the group in December after sharp drops in profits and sales raised questions about his management. Since then, the automaker has been provisionally led by its Chairman John Elkann, a scion of the Agnelli family that founded Fiat, now part of Stellantis. The Agnellis are Stellantis' single largest investor through their family holding company Exor. The group's other brands include Peugeot and Jeep. Having exceeded €27 early last year, Stellantis's Milan-listed shares shed over two thirds of their value in the following 12 months. Stellantis was created in early 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot's owner PSA, with Carlos Tavares, the former PSA head, as its first CEO. Filosa has been leading Stellantis in North America since October. In 2023 he was also appointed global head of Jeep, one of Stellantis key brands, a role he quit this year when, as part of a wider management reshuffle, he was also given the additional role of Stellantis global chief for quality. An Italian national, Filosa was born in the southern city of Naples, spent his youth in the region of Puglia in the south, and graduated in engineering from Milan's Polytechnic. Married to a Brazilian architect, he is the father of two sons and has a passion for water polo. He joined Fiat Group in 1999, where he covered several roles, predominantly in Latin America, becoming Fiat Chrysler chief in the region in 2018. He then served as Stellantis COO for South America. Despite his Fiat background and Italian nationality, he has hardly ever worked in Italy and can offer the global profile that the Stellantis board had been looking for to address issues at the multinational carmaker. His recent years as head of Stellantis' North American business can also prove an asset in dealing with President Donald Trump's administration and respond to its tariff policies.
