Tested on 20.11.96
With a powerful five-cylinder engine blown to match its stunning design penned by Chris Bangle, the revised Fiat Coupé was the rage at Autocar.
The 2.0-liter modular five-pot added 25 bhp using a new low-inertia Garrett turbo. A viscous coupling was used to control the driven front end, while the ECU limited boost in the bottom two of the five gears for the same reason. Alfa Romeo GTV’s quick steering rack was added and Brembo brakes were upgraded.
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The anti-lag turbo helped produce spectacular performance from the sonic engine, including 30-70 mph in just 5.4 seconds. Low-speed wheel spin could be a problem, even in the dry, but the gearbox itself was smooth and the brakes effective.
The feel of the new steering impressed, despite some torque-induced wobble, and the handling was polished enough to be fun, if best enjoyed at a higher gear than you’d normally choose to keep the front end from getting too much. irregular. The ride was just OK, though.
A high seating position was the only real interior gripe. We loved the body-color dash stripe, and the cabin space was decent for a 150-mph coupe.
For: Junior supercar pace, minimal turbo lag, price
Vs: Rough handling at the limit, rough driving, wheel spin
What happened next : A naturally aspirated 20v coupe was also produced but only offered 154 bhp. The 1998 Limited Edition introduced a sixth gear that later became standard on the Turbo, along with exterior addenda, chassis reinforcements and special Recaro seats. The Coupé was phased out without a replacement in 2000. Used prices start at around £1000, but the cleanest are few.
Information sheet
Price £21,244 Motor 5 cylinders in line, 1998cc, turbo, petrol Power 220hp at 5750rpm Couple 228 lb-ft at 2500 rpm 0-60mph 6.0s 0-100mph 14.5 sec standing quarter 14.6 sec, 100 mph Top speed 149mph Economy 23.9mpg
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-04 04:01:23
