At an initial superficial glance, the Panda Terramare is not dissimilar to its conventional counterpart. But Zanisi has made many changes: the doors are welded, the roof is open and the interior has been pared to the essential. An inflatable belt - that may be blown up in a few minutes with a compressor - girdles the car and a large support at the rear of the car holds up the hydro jet power unit.

This is not the first time that Zanisi and his Fiat Panda Terramare have taken to the water. Previous outings include Lakes Como and Maggiore, the River Po, the Sardinian sea and the route from Naples to Capri. The 25 mile Channel crossing is the vehicle's most ambitious enterprise to date.



The opulent FIAT Panda Luxury starred in the Luxury Show

The 'Luxury&Yachts' show held from 25 February to 4 March this year is an international event devoted to the world of luxury, geared towards the worlds of fashion, jewellery, art, furniture, timepieces and motor cars. The fourth edition of the Veronese show features a succession of exhibition cases that set the most exclusive products produced by the best Italian and foreign companies off to perfection. Fiat chose to mark the occasion with a Panda Luxury, a one-off car based on the 4x4 version.

Outside, the gorgeous show car features dipped silver paintwork, precious metal trim and gleaming jewel-like mouldings with back-lit inset crystals. If possible, the interior is even more exclusive with dipped silver appointments, precious metal details, Jewel Alcantara upholstery and leather with mother of pearl finish. The Fiat logo is also worked on the seats with stylish studs and crystals.

FIAT Panda Luxury is a unique example of the finest Italian design from the Fiat Style Centre. It was produced in conjunction with three companies that specialise in the development and production of special conversions. In detail, Salt & Turinmodel customised some interior details, the upholstery with special leathers and Alcantara; Adm Painting created the special paints; Proint made available a wide range of special paints and special effects.


FIAT Panda Hydrogen: the future of hydrogen vehicles

FIAT Panda Hydrogen, a car prototype driven by a hydrogen Fuel Cell, was designed with the aim of safeguarding the environment, one of Fiat's basic priorities during the development of new models.

FIAT Panda Hydrogen, introduced last February, is a true prototype hydrogen car with a sturdy, reliable drive system. Most importantly, its vehicle performance and roominess are on a par with those offered by its conventional counterpart. It is the result of a joint venture between Fiat Auto, the Fiat Research Centre and Fiat Powertrain Research & Technology with the support of the Research and Environment Ministries. It was also developed in co-operation with top-quality component suppliers, almost all of them Italian.

Unlike other Fuel Cell prototype cars introduced in the past, the Panda Hydrogen incorporates a full power system, i.e. it lacks a drive battery for the accumulation of electrical energy. The new Fuel Cell System (electrical power generator) is able to deliver all the power required by the electric engine to ensure great vehicle handling. This new generation Fuel Cell System offers very high generating efficiencies. The system consists mainly of three fuel cells manufactured by Nuvera (an Italo-American company and a leader in the fuel cell field), an innovative turbo-blower to supply the cells with air, a humidification and cooling system for correct management of reagent gases and a set of auxiliary components, all developed within the Fiat Group.

On Fiat Panda Hydrogen, the Fuel Cell System is housed beneath the floorpan. The fuel cells are made up of several cells connected in series. Inside, the hydrogen and oxygen molecules are forced to react with the aid of a catalyst to produce water and heat. Electrical energy is generated with very high efficiency and zero emissions from the vehicle itself.

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