To mark the world premier of their Fiat Croma, Italdesign-Giugiaro presented a specially tailored version equipped with a transverse-mounted Maserati V8 engine in honour of the late Gianni Agnelli. The Fiat Croma 8ttoV is a real Q-car, a wolf in sheepskin that would have undoubtedly appealed to Gianni Agnelli, known as the ‘Avvocato’ within the Fiat company.

It was the combination of space and power achieved by the Italdesign Maserati Buran prototype of 2000 that so greatly impressed Gianni Agnelli, that inspired Giorgetto Giugiaro to make a special edition of the latest Fiat production flagship model. The Croma 8ttoV is therefore a fitting tribute to the Italian motor industry’s most influential and charismatic figure. It is also a fabulous method of showing how the new production Fiat Croma can be optically transformed into a truly desirable luxury vehicle.

As a result of the desire to produce a no-compromise luxury vehicle, the Croma’s already appealing (yet affordable) design was somewhat modified. The metallic smoke grey Croma, without optional roof racks, has received dark-finish front headlights, different front and rear bumpers, together with meaty side skirts and wheelarch extensions. Despite the larger engine, the redesign of the front bumper has curiously resulted in a smaller air intake area.

The exterior has also received unique chrome finishing touches, which includes a new grille, window profiles, sill finish and inlays of the front and rear bumpers. Set-off by the handsome smoke grey paint, these chrome touches help define the elegance of the Fiat Croma as two cars in one: an executive saloon and a practical family ‘estate’.

The rear of the car has also received new lighting units with clear lenses and LED technology, together with a neat twin tailpipe exhaust system.
 

The handsome five-branch Inox Silver 8.5 x 19” ATP Tecnoforming wheels, shod with Pirelli 245/40 R19 tyres, are also non-standard and show off the uprated Brembo brake calipers and drilled disks well.

However, it is the interior of the car which has received most attention stylistically. The seats have been retrimmed in Poltrona Frau leather, with the rear bench having been totally replaced by two individual seats. Between the two rear seats is an upright minibar, an armrest, fold-down work table and an extra storage holder for cups, glasses and other objects.

There are also two LG monitors and DVD players concealed into the front seatbacks, which at the touch of a button swivel out, similar in style to those fitted in high-class aeronautical interiors. The backrests of the front seats have also been modified by carving away 50 mm to gain more rear legroom. The wood finish available on the production Croma has been replaced with lighter briarwood inlays and the instrument binnacle has also received ivory-coloured dials.

One of the most important interior modifications made, is the pane of glass which separates the passenger compartment from the boot. As this unique Fiat Croma 8ttoV concept has been converted into a no-compromise executive saloon, Giugiaro wanted to conceal all possible sources of unwanted noise pollution and draughts. The added pane of glass ensures this comfort requirement when the tailgate is opened.

Despite all of the modifications made, a number of the car’s most striking features are also available on the production Fiat Croma, and this includes the full-length ‘sky window’. The ATP wheels and Brembo brakes presented on the concept, could also be fitted to the production Fiat Croma using aftermarket suppliers to further enhance the already handsome car.

by Edd Ellison in Geneva