Autobianchi A112
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| Autobianchi A112 | |
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| Manufacturer: | Autobianchi |
| Production: | 1969–1986 |
| Predecessor: | |
| Successor: | Autobianchi Y10 |
| Class: | Supermini |
| Platform: | |
| Body style: | 3-door hatchback |
| Engine: | 903 cc I4 OHV 965 cc I4 OHV 1050 cc I4 OHV |
| Length: | |
| Width: | |
| Height: | |
| Weight: | |
| Aka: | Lancia A112 |
| Fuel economy: | |
| Fuel capacity: | |
| Related: | Fiat 127 |
| Similar: | Innocenti Mini |
| Designer: | |
The Autobianchi A112 is a supermini produced by the Italian automaker Autobianchi. It was developed with help from Lancia, and using the mechanicals of the Fiat 127. It was introduced in 1969, as a replacement for the Bianchina, and was built until 1985, when it gave way for the more modern Lancia Y10. Over 1.2 million units were produced in Autobianchi's Milan factory.
The A112 was available only with a 3-door body. It had two OHV engines with 903 cc and 965 cc, capable of attaining 42 PS (31 kW) for the A112 Junior and 48 PS (35 kW) for the A112 Elite. This version featured higher-grade trimming and equipment, as well as a 5-speed gearbox, later in life.
The most interesting version was the A112 Abarth, introduced in 1971. It was prepared by the motorsports division of the Fiat Group, at first with the 965 cc engine, coupled to an over head cam and a twin carburetor. In 1975, displacement was increased to 1049 cc, while power climbed from 58 PS (43 kW) to 70 PS (51.5 kW) at 6600 rpm, for a weight of only 700 kg (1540 lb). The 1975 model was also the first A112 to use a 5-speed manual gearbox. These changes turned the A112 into a nervous machine, much admired by young performance enthusiasts. The car was entered in various rallying events throughout Europe and even spawned a one-make Trophy.
Engine
The A112 was available only with a 3-door body. It was offered with the OHV engine of 903 cc from the Fiat 850 capable of attaining 42 PS (31 kW). The Autobianchi represented the first appearance of this engine in a front-engine, front-wheel drive configuration which would later become familiar to a wider range of drivers in the top selling Fiat 127 and its derivatives.
Developments
In November 1977 a "Nuova A112" (new A112) was introduced: Autobianchi also at this time introduced an upmarket version branded as the "A112 Elegant" (or, in some export markets, the "A112 Elite") which featured improved seats, higher grade trimming and equipment, as well as a 5-speed gearbox, later in life. Most importantly the Elegant package included an engine enlarged to 956 cc promising 48 PS) and improved torque.
The 903 cc engine of other A112 variants remained unchanged.
A112 Abarth
The most interesting version was the A112 Abarth, introduced in 1971. It was prepared by the motorsports division of the Fiat Group, at first with a 982 cc engine, obtained increasing the stroke, coupled to a sportive exhaust, a twin carburetor, a different camshaft. In 1975, displacement was increased to 1049 cc, while power climbed from 58 PS to 70 PS at 6600 rpm, for a weight of only 700 kg. The 1975 model was also the first A112 to use a 5-speed manual gearbox. These changes turned the A112 into a nervous machine, much admired by young performance enthusiasts. The car was entered in various rallying events throughout Europe and even spawned a one-make trophy.
Starting from 1982 this car was also badged as Lancia A112 and it was also marketed by Saab in Sweden alongside the Saab-Lancia 600.
Popular Culture
In the video game Gran Turismo 4 for the Playstation 2, the Autobianchi A112 was included as a prize car for the sunday cup.
image:1975 Autobianchi A112 Abarth
External links
See also
| Models - Bianchina | Stellina | Primula | A111 | A112 | Y10 Founding partners - Bianchi | Fiat | Pirelli | ||||
| Parent brand - Lancia A brand of the Fiat group | ||||
| Abarth | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Models - Abarth 204A Berlinetta | Abarth Bialbero | Abarth 2000 Formula | Abarth 207A Spyder | Abarth Simca 1300GT | Abarth Corsa Periscope 2000 | Abarth Sport Spider Tubolare | Alfa Romeo Abarth 2000 Coupe | Autobianchi A112 Abarth | Abarth OT 1300 | Abarth Monomille | Abarth 695SS | Abarth 1000 SP | Fiat Abarth 595SS | Fiat Abarth 850TC Berlina | Fiat Abarth OT2000 Coupe | Fiat Abarth 1000TCR Berlina | Fiat Stilo Abarth | Fiat Punto Abarth | Fiat Ritmo 125 TC Abarth | Fiat Ritmo 130 TC Abarth | Fiat 124 Abarth Rally | Fiat 131 Abarth Rally | Fiat Punto Abarth (rally version only)
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