Tomorrow morning the new Fiat Panda Monster, a very special edition version of the Panda SUV which will be limited to just 695 units and only be available in black, becomes ready for public ordering. The new model has been realised in partnership with Italian motorbike manufacturer Ducati, taking its name from the famous Ducati Monster 695, the latest in the famous 'Monster' line, which was introduced in February.

The Panda Monster was first presented in public on the occasion of the Bologna Motor Show held last December. For an exclusive model which so ably characterises the Italian design experience, being a product of two household Italian brands: Fiat and Ducati, a brand new system of purchasing has been devised by Fiat. They have set up two dedicated internet microsites: www.pandamonster.fiat.it and www.pandamonster.fiat.com. Here, the public can watch an introduction, view a photo gallery, get to know the technical characteristics of the car and "see it" tinside thanks to film clips and animations.

At this point, if the customer is interested further, they can then reserve a visit to a designated concessionaire to acquire more specific information. Due to its very limited numbers (695 units) only certain customers will be approved by Fiat, and when they visit the showroom the price, which is confidential, can be discussed directly with the dealership's sales staff. Anyone buying the Panda Monster will also receive a gift inviting them (valid for two persons) to "Mad for Motors", the large Ducati event which takes place from 9 to 11 June at the circuit Santa Monica di Adriatic Misano.
 

The "stylistic assertiveness" of the powerful Monster motorcycle is immediately obvious on this special series, starting from the characteristic "black livery" and other stylistic details that have been painted black: the shanks, the mouldings, the roof-top bars, the air inlet, and the headlight and rear light surrounds. The rear side windows, rear window and rear quarterlights are also darkened. The grill and the shield on the bumpers, on the other hand, are metal coloured, while the aggressive design of the alloy wheels offers a glimpse of the gold-painted brake callipers. This sporty imprint is repeated in the black leather upholstery inside the car.

The new Monster version is powered by the 70 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet engine, the best that mechanical engineering has to offer in the small turbodiesel market. And having been the first to introduce engines with Multijet technology in the compact car segment, Fiat is now the first to make this engineering heritage available on compact 4x4 models. It is an excellent solution for use around town or on longer distances, and complies with Euro 4 emissions standards. The 1.3 16v Multijet delivers a maximum power output of 70 bhp (51 kW at 4000 rpm) and torque of 14.8 kgm (145 Nm at 1500 rpm), and is combined with a compact mechanical five-speed gearbox, that has a gearshift which is extremely easy to manoeuvre.  With this equipment, the Panda Monster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 18 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 km/h. And finally, torque delivery is excellent even at low speeds, and fuel consumption is minimal (5.3 litres for 100 km on a mixed route), guaranteeing an excellent ratio between performance and consumption.