Engine upratei at Turin show
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(Id THE first Turin commercial notor show since Italy )ermitted higher gross :ombination weights, nactically all exhibitors of Leavy vehicles presented ngiiies rated at 259 kW (352 dip) or higher to comply with he new 8 hp/tonne requirenent.
A number of makers have arried out modifications to Ting existing power units to he required value for laximum weight vehicles.
These include Volvo — ,hose Italian debut of the F eries introduced the TD 120 D p from 330 bhp to 352 bhp — nd Mercedes-Benz with a mger-stroke type 403 V-10 7.4 litre engine. The latter roduced the same magic gure of 352 bhp at 2,300 rpm.
Fiat's introduction of the 30.26 and 190.35 models (the itter with a 352 bhp V-8 -igine) is designed to help the omestic marque retain the ad in Italian registrations.
Although the total number vehicles introduced in Italy the first eight months of )77 was almost 18 per cent ier the corresponding period ' last year, there are more cent indications that emand is now falling off. at/OM however, continues take a market share of 87 ncent.
The Fiat car division troduced at the Turin Show new minivan based on the !st selling 127 saloon.
Unlike other car-derived ins recently revealed by flume producers, the new at 127 Fiorino does not tam n the shape of the well town car but, to the rear of e driving compartment, has ngh-roof/pressed-steel body, oviding a load space of 2.3 m (80 cuft).
The cargo space, accessible rough two hinged rear doors th deep glazing, is 1.44m (4ft 83Ain), 1.40m wide and s a headroom of 1.30m.
Mechanically the Fiorino Ters from the 127 car only in spension rates to cope with 3 higher gross weight and to iintain ground clearance.
Designed to carry a payload 360 kg (7951b) the new van aimed at the market sector Lich in Italy so far has been gely met by three-wheelers. Df the planned annual Auction on around 10,000 units 50 per cent will be exported and it is expected that the Fiorino will be introduced in the UK in mid1978.
Another Fiat van exhibit demonstrated the factoryfitted LPG option, which will become available shortly on the 238 van, one of the most widely used vehicles of this • class in Italy.
The Weber installation allows instant changeover between petrol and LPG and the gas tank is neatly accommodated over the offside wheel arch.
It is in the light van sector that UK makers have already scored a notable success with both Bedford CF and Ford Transits a familiar sight on Italian roads.
The show introduction of the Leyland Sherpa attracted considerable attention fro the large sector of potenti users of vehicles in this class Inevitably, comparisoi were drawn with the ne Mercedes-Benz 207/307 ranl which was also beir premiered at Turin, and it felt that the slightly narrow width of the Leyland van cou be a major plus point in ti congested streets of Itali$ towns and cities.