Centro Ricerche Fiat reveal clues to one of their latest development projects, showcasing innovative creations in terms of safe and functional vehicle architectures.

Illustrated by a detailed CAD model, including full interior trim and a professionally designed exterior, the project introduces several new ideas due to be revealed on future Fiat cars. The focus of the project centers around safety, with interior packaging playing a dominant role. 

Perhaps the most innovative feature of the design package is the combination of sliding rear doors, and the absence of 'B' posts. The combined area of the front and rear doors is thus available as a loading gate, allowing relatively large objects to be positioned within the constraints of the vehicle body. Naturally, the lost strength of the B-post has been replaced in the structure of the doors, and the increased thickness of the sills. 

To further exploit this feature, the front passenger seat can be 'unclicked' with ease, increasing the load space further.

The transport of bulky objects such as bicycles is made far more convenient, eliminating the difficulties traditionally associated with loading such items in the boot. Considering the small size of the vehicle used in the project, a car with dimensions comparable to a Fiat Punto, this feature hugely increases the versatility and value of the product. 

This particular feature was also developed with safety in mind. Breaking up bulky objects to fit in the boot, such as removing wheels from bicycles, creates a safety hazard, with the possibility of loose parts entering the passenger compartment during impact.

Entering long items, after a visit to the local DIY shop for example, including splintered wooden poles, and sharp metal extrusions, is also made safer. There is no need to rest such items over the seats, or to have them poking through side windows with this design. 

The rear parcel shelf has also been designed with safety in mind, incorporating a deep indentation to prevent objects rolling off, thus distracting the driver of the vehicle. To assist this feature, the rear head rests have been combined into one long part, extending the full width of the rear bench, which acts as a buffer at low speeds.

Advanced technology that will feature on future Fiat cars includes fly-by-wire steering, expressed in this model by a steering wheel located around a static steering column. 

Benefits of fly-by-wire steering, a project that CRF have already developed into a second stage, include increased sensitivity and variable steering angle travel depending on vehicle speed. 

Various electrical systems are also under development at CRF, aimed at improving the safety of travel. These include communication systems between cars, to assist the driver in providing whereabouts of other vehicles in the direct environment.

Another object is the so-called Risk Evaluation Module, a system that uses sensors located around the vehicle, and other input devices, to provide the driver with a real-time risk level. Factors including driving conditions and driver activity are taken into consideration with this system.

With these innovative technologies, packaged together into a safe, functional, and stylish vehicle architecture, Fiat look set to continue delivering a top quality product line-up in the future.