Fiat celebrates 50 years in Brazil in 2026. The author of the article expresses great appreciation for the Italian brand, citing its early cars, such as the 1995 Mille ELX and the 2008 Mille Way, defending Fiat's ability to produce compact, affordable, and pleasant-to-drive vehicles.
Besides popular models, the text mentions conceptual Fiat cars launched in Brazil that did not receive the deserved recognition. The Tipo, which faced fire problems; the Marea, whose mechanics were considered too complex for the national market; and the Bravo, which, despite being beautiful and competent, arrived late in a declining category are cited.
Although some argue that current Fiat models have lost their former charm in favor of commercial success, the focus of the article lies in the vast universe of notable cars produced by Fiat internationally. In allusion to the brand's fiftieth anniversary in the country, a specimen classified as 'Half-Lost Find' is highlighted: a third-generation Fiat 124 Sport Coupé, manufactured between 1972 and 1975, which represents the peak of Italian design and engineering before the brand arrived in Betim.
The Fiat 124 was introduced in 1966 to succeed the Fiat 1300/1500 line, which, although reliable, was aging quickly. The goal of the 124 was to redefine the segment of Italian family sedans, surpassing the competition in terms of weight, efficiency, and dynamics.
One of the greatest innovations occurred in the chassis. Unlike its predecessor, which used semi-elliptical leaf springs on the rear axle—a robust configuration, but more geared towards utility use and with less roll control—the 124 implemented a rear suspension with coil springs, anchored by longitudinal arms and a Panhard rod. This more responsive rear end, combined with a light structure, rigid body, and four standard disc brakes (something unusual for a high-volume vehicle in the mid-60s), resulted in a safe, neutral, and enjoyable compact sedan to drive.
The architectural excellence of the 124 allowed it to evolve into a modular family of models. From the same chassis came the Familiare station wagon, the desired 124 Sport Spider convertible, designed by Pininfarina (which became legendary in the WRC with Abarth), and the 124 Sport Coupé, which offered the practicality of a four-door coupe with high engineering quality.
Globally, the sedan project was licensed to the Soviet Union in the early 70s, giving rise to the VAZ-2101/Zhiguli, precursor to the Lada Laika, which was widely used in Brazil in the 90s. Thus, the 124's base became one of the most durable platforms in automotive history, as the Laika remained in circulation in Russia until 2010 and in Egypt until 2015.
Focusing on the coupé, the 124 Sport Coupé enhanced the sedan's base in both design and performance. While the Spider had its design commissioned externally, the Sport Coupé was conceived at the Fiat Style Center by Felice Mario Boano, the same designer responsible for the iconic Ferrari 250 GT Boano. Boano maintained the original wheelbase of the sedan (2.42 m), ensuring adequate space for four adults without compromising the sleek and sporty lines of the notchback coupé.
The model was launched in 1967, in the AC series, featuring simple headlights, a dashboard with wood imitation finish, and a 90 hp 1.4 engine. This engine was historic for being the first mass-produced global DOHC (double overhead camshaft) engine to use a rubber timing belt instead of a chain. Its taillights were identical to those used on expensive sports cars of the time, such as the Lamborghini Espada and the Iso Rivolta.
In 1969, with the BC phase, there was a front-end redesign with dual headlights and taillights again inspired by a Lamborghini (in this case, the Jarama). The dashboard became darker and sportier, including a tachometer reaching 9,000 rpm. Mechanically, the car received the 110 hp 1.6 engine, fueled by two dual-body carburetors, characterized by its square dimensions (80x80 mm) and strong propensity for high RPMs.
The maturity of the project was reached in 1972, with the third and final generation, the CC. In this phase, Fiat modernized the front end with new chrome details, installed vertical taillights, and increased the trunk depth for greater load capacity. Internally, the wood coverings were replaced by brushed aluminum and new materials.
The mechanical highlight was the coveted 1.8 engine (1,756 cm³) from the Lampredi family, developed by Aurelio Lampredi. This four-cylinder, double overhead cam engine with a dual-body carburetor and electric pump generated approximately 122 hp, providing substantial torque at medium revs that drastically altered the vehicle's behavior. When coupled with the five-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, the setup replicated the successful formula of icons like the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT and GTV of that period: lightness, powerful sound, and great presence.
The specimen in question is a 1975 model, corresponding to the last year of production of the 124 Sport Coupé, and belongs to the desirable 1800 Climatizzata version. This means it left the factory equipped with air conditioning, which, according to the advertisement, is in perfect working order. Finding a 70s Italian sports classic with operational air conditioning in Brazil is considered an extremely rare occurrence.
Internally, the coupé maintains its four-seater functionality. The cabin has been carefully restored in the seats and door linings, but preserved the original factory trim on the front headrests, which are in excellent condition. Components such as the steering wheel, dashboard instruments, buttons, and turn signal key are original, maintaining the atmosphere and patina of the era.
Currently owned by Adriano Griecco, the car is advertised for R$ 105,000. This price is seen as quite advantageous in the current market for those looking for a European classic with rear-wheel drive and pure mechanical pedigree, being favorably compared to a similar condition Alfa GTV. Furthermore, the vehicle's documentation is impeccable, registered in the owner's name, without pending issues, and already possesses a Mercosul plate, eliminating bureaucratic concerns for the future buyer.
The history of Korean brands in Brazil is about to change significantly, as Kia Motors' headquarters negotiates with the Federal Government to assume direct control of its operations in the national territory. This move concludes a 34-year period during which representation was managed by the Gandini Group.
This transition goes beyond a simple administrative change; it involves forgiving a billion-dollar debt inherited from Asia Motors, Kia's former subsidiary, which had received federal incentives in the 90s to build a Topic and Towner factory that was never realized. In return, Kia's headquarters proposes a real productive investment, aiming to build a second industrial complex, possibly in Piracicaba/SP or Sorocaba/SP, with the potential to generate 5,000 direct jobs.
Kia's new structure, scheduled to operate starting in 2028 using the K3 modular architecture, is crucial for the group. It will allow not only the nationalization of Kia models but also unlock the production of new generations of Creta and i20, in addition to supporting the future development of pickups and compact cars in collaboration with General Motors. Currently, the Hyundai factory in Piracicaba is already operating at the limit of its annual capacity of 215,000 vehicles.
Historically, Hyundai and Kia entered Brazil in the 90s as separate entities, with the Gandini Group responsible for Kia (with models like Besta and Sportage) and the CAOA Group for Hyundai. After Hyundai acquired Kia in the global market in 1998, Brazil maintained a fragmented structure, while operations were unified elsewhere in the world. In 2024, Hyundai began organizing this scenario by taking control of its sales and imports from CAOA, paving the way for complete unification under the headquarters.
Additionally, Fiat officially confirmed that the Brazilian version of the Grande Panda will be named Argo X. Although the name suggests a link to the Fiat Argo, which has been on the market for almost ten years and is based on the Punto platform, the Argo X will use an entirely new platform called Smart Car, shared with other Stellantis vehicles, such as the Citroën C3 and Basalt, and the future Fiat Grizzly. The brand positions it as a hatchback with compact SUV characteristics.
Herlander Zola, Stellantis CEO in Latin America, justified the name choice, explaining that it aims to capitalize on the familiarity of the Brazilian public with the Argo, while the X suffix reinforces the 'mini-SUV' image. Zola also mentioned that this strategy helps reverse the perception that Fiat quickly discontinues its vehicles, which could affect resale value. By naming the new model Argo X, Stellantis protects the resale value of the current Argo and establishes the model as part of a product family.
Despite popular desire for a name like Uno, Fiat opted for Argo X because it believes associating the new vehicle with the popular Brazilian car could harm the brand's image, positioning the Argo X one step above the Argo, which will serve as the entry-level model.
On another front, Ford Racing revealed the first sound of the Coyote V8 engine that will be used in its Hypercar/LMDh for Endurance competitions, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and WEC, starting in 2027. Unlike the EcoBoost 3.5 V6 biturbo used in the Ford GT, Ford developed a naturally aspirated 5.4 V8, derived from the Mustang's Coyote, optimized for the rigor of endurance races. The engine was developed in Michigan, USA, and according to Dan Sayers, the choice of the naturally aspirated engine aims to simplify the setup, minimizing failure risks.
Testing of this prototype will begin at various European circuits next month, preparing it to compete alongside major names such as Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, and Cadillac. Meanwhile, the McLaren F1 GTR belonging to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in August in California during Monterey Car Week. The car is estimated to sell for over US$ 35 million, which would make it the most expensive McLaren F1 in history. Finally, Chevrolet launched the S10 Trailboss in Argentina, an off-road version with raised suspension and Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain tires, and there are expectations that it will arrive in Brazil soon.
The Fiat Topolino electric microcar was officially launched in the American market with an initial price of US$ 13,995, establishing it as the most affordable vehicle from the manufacturer in the United States and the most economical electric car available at dealerships in the country.
However, the Topolino cannot be used immediately on public roads. This is because, initially, it was certified under the same classification as golf carts, limiting its maximum speed to approximately 30 km/h, a level below the minimum federal requirement for street travel. For this reason, its use is restricted to private areas, such as condominiums and resorts.
Fiat assures that this limitation is temporary. Later this year, before the end of summer in the US, the manufacturer will provide a free conversion kit. This kit allows the model to be classified under the federal Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) category, raising its maximum speed to 40 km/h (25 mph) and adding mandatory items required by legislation, such as an interior rearview mirror, a backup camera, and a pedestrian audible alert.
After modification, the Topolino can drive on roads with a limit of up to 56 km/h (35 mph), according to the standard of most states, although it remains prohibited on highways and interstate roads. The final cost will also change: adding the mandatory shipping fee of US$ 990 to the base value of US$ 13,995, the initial price rises to US$ 14,985 (approximately R$ 77 thousand). For comparison, the direct competitor, the GEM e2, is already available for road use for about US$ 18,990.
Derived from the Citroën Ami—whose platform has surpassed 75 thousand units in Europe and is manufactured in Morocco—the Topolino has dimensions of about 2.5 meters in length, accommodates two passengers, and weighs just under 490 kg. It is equipped with an electric motor of approximately 8 hp, powered by a 5.4 kWh battery, which provides a range of up to 74 km. A full charge takes about five hours using a 2.3 kW outlet. Basic equipment includes LED lighting, seat belts, windshield, defroster, and cell phone holder, while air conditioning, sound system, and airbags are omitted in this LSV category.
In the United States, the vehicle is marketed in two versions, both in Vita Green and equipped with 14-inch retro wheels. The conventional version features a glass panoramic roof and asymmetrical doors, while the Dolce Vita innovates by replacing the doors with ropes and adopting a retractable canvas roof, inspired by Mediterranean style.
