Several 'special' versions of the new Fiat Grande Punto will be on show in Bologna, including one equipped with Blu&Me, the new device jointly developed between Fiat and Microsoft which is making its debut, while the Grande Punto Rally Super 2000 concept, and a version outfitted with the 'Need For Speed' kit will also be present. With an order book that is now over the 150,000 mark, and a position last month as Europe's best-selling car, the Grande Punto's star is in the ascendancy and this will be reflected by its dominant position in Geneva.

Blu&Me

A Grande Punto displayed on the stand in Geneva will be equipped with the sophisticated ‘Blu&Me’ device which is absolutely unique in this field. Developed jointly by Fiat Auto and Microsoft, the system, which is based on Windows Mobile technology, changes the communications, information and entertainment paradigms in the car, improving the comfort and quality of the time spent on board the car.

The device is extremely simple to use, and allows you to make/receive telephone calls and to listen to music simply and safely as you drive. And thanks to Bluetooth^® technology, you can also communicate with the outside world from the car using your own personal mobile phone or HDA. The system on offer will be supplemented in future with more evolved devices giving access to the many novelties that technological progress has in store for the coming years: from a complete multimedia system to satellite navigation. In addition to which there is a whole range of services that will make all your journeys more comfortable, safer and easier.

The ‘Blu&Me’ device offered on the Grande Punto incorporates a sophisticated hands-free system with voice recognition that enhances driving safety and respects the law because the driver can use the system without taking his hands off the wheel. The system allows drivers with a Bluetooth^® mobile phone to use the telephone even if it is in a jacket or a bag, automatically lowering the radio volume (when this is on) and routing the interlocutor’s voice through the stereo speakers. The system is also extremely compatible with all cell phones currently on the market and can be updated to comply with new standards and future telephones.

The hands-free function on the Alfa 159 Sportwagon will be built into the car and the control keys are positioned on the steering wheel for immediate, safe access to the system; the driver can find a number in his phone book by scrolling the control panel display, or ‘mute’ the call for confidentiality. One interesting feature is the fact that the mobile phone only has to be registered with the system once. It is also possible to transfer one’s personal phone book to the car, automatically updating it every time the system recognises a cell phone. Privacy is guaranteed because access is only granted to the phone book if the telephone registered with the system is actually located within the car. The number or name of the caller is shown on the display if it is in the phone book and the number can be called ‘vocally’ by dictating the numbers or pronouncing the name if it has been memorised.
 

The evolved voice recognition process means that the voice does not have to be ‘learned’, and the device is able to memorise up to 5 cell phones at the same time, allowing immediate use of the hands-free system by several users of the same car; and programming can obviously be modified whenever it is necessary. And finally, the hands-free system with voice recognition can also reproduce a ‘personal’ call tone using the radio speakers. These are the features of the hands-free system with voice recognition, but the innovative ‘Blu&Me’ on the Grande Punto offers more: it allows the motorist to listen to his favourite music when it is recorded on a mobile phone, one of the new smart phones, on an MP3 player or on a USB pen drive. This is made possible by a USB port positioned in the glove compartment, to which any digital device with a similar connection can be connected, and musical audio files (MP3, WMA and WAV) can be reproduced directly through the stereo system. And because all the information is visible on the instrument panel display, the client can scroll through the system archive (divided by type, album, artist, etc.) either vocally or using the steering wheel controls, and select the piece he wants to listen to by the controls on the steering wheel.

Grande Punto Rally Super 2000

In the Racing area of the stand, visitors will be able to admire the Grande Punto Rally Super 2000 with its four wheel drive engineering and distinctive three-coat Pearl white paintwork. The car is also equipped with a 2000 cc aspirated engine that develops a maximum power output of some 280 bhp – the Grande Punto Rally Super 2000 will be a contender in various national and international Rally Championships.

Need For Speed

The second area of the stand, dedicated to videogames, will feature a Grande Punto which has been outfitted with the special ‘Need For Speed’ kit (based on the well-known racing videogame) that includes aluminium pedals, sports exhaust tailpipe, sideskirts, special bumpers at front and rear, roof spoiler, roof bars, 17” alloys and a Hi-Fi system designed to connect to an I-Pod.

Equipped with the new 90 bhp 1.3 Multijet with variable geometry turbine, the Grande Punto ‘Need for Speed’ is the outcome of an original collaboration agreement between Fiat and Electronic Arts (EA), world leader in the videogame field. Visitors to the stand will be able to try the second version of ‘Need For Speed’, the biggest-selling car racing game in the world (version one sold more than 15 million copies) that features the unexpected participation of a Grande Punto car. And visitors will also be able to admire the real life version of the car in the game, which will shortly be available from dealers to satisfy those who want to enjoy something more substantial than a virtual racing car.