In the 'New Stilo' debate (as it turned out) Stuart DemonD said:

"What should we start on next?"

Well here is my idea.

I think the Stilo Abarth is a great car (although I have not driven one, but they do sound nice and I like the look of them). But I think old Carlo Abarth would be turning in his grave if he knew what Fiat were putting his name to (it goes for the Punto Abarth too).

Carlo was into light weight, maximum horsepower from a small high-revving motor, agility and no fripparies.

The Abarth models in the Fiat range do not even get close. By all means call them the GT or HGT (as a GT I think the current 'Abarth' hits the spot), but a Stilo Abarth should be a car in the mould of a Civic Type R, and a Punto Abarth a CRS Clio 182 competetor. 6-speed manual box, direct steering, 2.0 normally aspirated engine in the 180-210bhp bracket (at over 7000rpm) and no compromise in ditching the useless goodies (climate, cruise, sat-nav, bulky seats etc. etc.) in order to acheive a good power to weight ratio. A modern-day 306 Rallye if you like.

Lets see if we can have a discussion without it turning into a insult-fest

lol....we have had this before!

nevermind, personally I think that Fiat should concentrate on some performance diesels in the mould of VW Golf GTTDI, Seat Cupra, Skoda VRs Fabia etc. Fiat created the whole diesel revolution and should start heavily pushing high performance diesel variants, if only to regain its market share.

Just speak to Angel Tuning - they'll sort ya diesel out.

The potential is already there in the existing engines - they just need to be taught what to do properly by Mr ECU

The Negotiator said:

lol....we have had this before!

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Sorry. I'll get back in my box

Shall I lock this thread as well

I agree that Fiat should concetrate on some high power diesels. Something that no other make has so it can get some of it's good name back. I also agree that the Abarth should be more powerful (given the current competition) but i don't agree on the fact that it should have less goodies; the selespeed, nav+, climate control are all part of the Abarths greatness over the rest of cars!

Stuart DemonD said:

Shall I lock this thread as well

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Good idea Stu, before the inevitable happens

I'd just like to say that I thought Fiat were releasing a 2.4 jtd. They should do & call it a JTD abarth, mind you they should do a fire breathing turbo 2.4 20v abarth with about 250bhp & 260ft/lbs of torque as well. Just thought I'd get this in before Stu locks the thread lol.

Make that 350BHP.....

& 4 wheel drive & 6 speed selespeed box?

Sod it, diesels rule !! quickly lock it!

flashman said:

Sod it, diesels rule !! quickly lock it!

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Nice one lol!
Cheers Stu

How about a Stilo GTA - 2.6 V6 PETROL, with twin turbos, six speed selespeed box and 4WD, so all 4 tyres can be eaten at once

Personally I prefer the inline 5 I think it has more character Still we can all dream can't.

I would like a 4 litre or so V10.... DIESEL!

bennyboy66 said:

Personally I prefer the inline 5 I think it has more character Still we can all dream can't.

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Good point - I love that burble everytime I turn the key

The Negotiator said:

I would like a 4 litre or so V10.... DIESEL!

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Buy a VW toureg then.

Or the Phaeton, got to be lighter? So much torque it had to be detuned to prevent ripping the car into pieces!

Where do you think I got the engine idea from

The Negotiator said:

Or the Phaeton, got to be lighter? So much torque it had to be detuned to prevent ripping the car into pieces!

Where do you think I got the engine idea from

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Amazingly, I think the Toe-rag is lighter than the Phaeton. The Phaeton is rediculously heavy, although it has a lower centre of gravity and aerodynamics of a car rather than a house-brick