Sep 29, 2011

Fiat Freemont AWD, world premiere



The debut in Frankfurt the new Fiat Freemont wheel drive (AWD), which will be marketed from October and combined with two engines 170 hp 2.0 Multijet diesel and 3.6 V6 280 hp, both with 6-speed automatic transmission. This is a technically sophisticated, yet easy to use that control, in total safety, the car even in extreme conditions. 

kind of "on demand", the AWD is equipped with an electronic control unit which, via sensors slip , measures the fit of the four wheels and decides when to transmit traction to the rear. The possibility of intervention are foreseen in case of slippery surfaces (mud, snow, ice ...) for added traction and no limitation of location, or if asphalt funds for additional traction and improved safety in through the corners.

In particular, the electronic system modulates the transfer of torque through the use of electronically controlled coupling (ECC Electronically Controlled Coupling). The system contributes to a good control of the fuel economy operating only on demand, thereby minimizing the friction caused on the motor. Among other things, the joint on the electronically controlled AWD system is more flexible, more precise than a viscous coupling or a Torsen ® systems. 

In addition, the controller also interfaces with the ESP and traction control system. Remember that the device does not replace the AWD traction control because it occurs only in situations where it varies drive between the two axes (for example, when the front wheels are on ice while the rear wheels on dry or on steep slopes) . Instead, in the case of adhesion on the two different sides of the car, the ESP comes into action.

How it works

The wheel drive system requires no input or control. In detail, for many driving conditions it is passive and the traction is transmitted to the front wheels only. 

The system works to optimize traction and handling using the following strategies: 

preventive control: In this phase, the system acts without considering slip wheels but looking only at the action of the driver on the pedal according to driving conditions. If the driver is asking a lot of power, AWD traction is automatically activated by transferring a high percentage of power to the rear wheels. This prevents slippage of the front wheels, the power being transmitted through all four wheels. 

slippage control: a second mode of operation uses feedback from sensors for wheel speed to determine the proper torque to be transferred. When the front wheels slip, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) activates the electronically controlled coupling in order to begin to transfer power to the rear wheels. In case of starting with the front wheels on ice (or slippery surfaces) and the rear on dry ground, the system sends more torque to the rear wheels to reduce slippage. The power to the rear wheels is modulated in the event of loss of traction at constant speed. For example, during a "acquaplanning" on a puddle of water the system is able to restructure the power sent to the rear wheels, since higher values ​​would not be necessary. 

Influence driveability at moderate speed: the AWD system is used to optimize vehicle dynamics. The Fiat Freemont, the ECU controls the torque to the rear wheels to improve handling even between 40 and 105 km / h. In this speed range, the system uses the torque to the rear wheels during cornering and acceleration to make it easier to steer, making the handling more neutral. This is achieved through the electronic control system, better than the viscous coupling transferring torque to the rear wheels only after a certain amount of slip of the front than the rear.

The model in brief

Fiat is the first Fiat vehicle Freemont result of a partnership with Chrysler Group. The name itself evokes a sense of freedom and the ability to handle any situation that presents itself in everyday life. In fact, it is a model designed to meet the diverse needs of modern families and those who are looking for a vehicle roomy, comfortable and versatile for everyday active lifestyle and leisure of the weekend. In fact, combining flexibility and functionality with a distinctive style and original. The size (489 cm long, 188 cm wide and 169 cm in height) provide excellent interior space, thanks to the generous wheelbase of 289 cm. 



In short, Fiat Freemont is "All the cars that you want": this is the slogan of the campaign that well sums up the soul of the car as versatile equipped with everything you want to be able to go where you want and with whom you want without compromise. 

Its design, strongly characterized, offers a front-lines muscular and decided characterized by innovative and rear LED lights. The interior features a modern style and soft touch materials. Stand the dashboard with wraparound chrome, the brand new instrument panel, center console with striking aesthetics and innovative infotainment system with a large color touch screen 4.3 "to 8.4". Touching it you can control many features of the vehicle, including the temperature setting of the three air-conditioned areas and the adjustment of the stereo. The system is characterized by Radio/CD/MP3, USB port, AUX input and Bluetooth connectivity. 

Freemont ensures maximum space, comfort and versatility with 7 seats as standard with a real third row of seats, spacious, easily accessible through the 90 ° opening rear doors and a sliding seat system intuitive and easy to drive. With a simple movement of the 3 rd row seats can be folded and disappeared completely under the floor, leaving the car in setting up 5 places and creating a plan and regular cargo. Not only the third row, but the second and the passenger seat is fully collapsible and thereby ensure 32 configurations. The second row is raised above the first and third than the second, allowing maximum visibility and ride comfort for all occupants. The second row also has available the innovative "child booster" which, thanks to a booster cushion, allows the correct child seat on board, optimizing the geometry of the seat belt and with improved security, convenience and comfort. This peculiarity, which makes Freemont "perfect family", allows an increase of 102 mm compared to normal sitting. 

The on-board comfort is ensured by the high seating position, spacious back seats and ergonomically designed, from the numerous storage compartments, the wide luggage compartment with double-flat load floor and a total capacity up to 1,461 liters (more than 10 travel pack). Storage facilities are more than 20 occupants and ensure a substantial additional capacity, equivalent to the capacity of the trunk of a city car. The front armrest, for example, is very deep, and for extra capacity as host to the USB port and AUX-in (for iPod) and the 12 volt socket. It is thus possible to listen to music or recharge their mobile devices without making them visible after exiting the car. In addition, the front passenger seat has a convenient compartment easily accessible under the pillow, while the floor of the second row has two spacious compartments under floor mats. 

Freemont The range includes front wheel drive version (2.0 Multijet engines coupled with 2 of the last generation, variable geometry, with 140 hp or 170 hp with manual transmission) and, in October, four-wheel drive with two engines 170 hp 2.0 Multijet diesel and 3.6 V6 with 280 hp, both with automatic transmission, both to ensure driving comfort and safety. With the exception of the powerful 3.6-liter engine family Pentastar Chrysler Group and the automatic transmission, all power units are produced and developed by Fiat Powertrain. 




FWD Diesel engines are designed to ensure best balance between performance, driving pleasure and consumption. The handling is guaranteed by a maximum torque (350 Nm) from just 1,750 rpm and constant up to 2,500 for the 170 hp (up to 2,000 rpm to 140 hp). Considering the range of common use (from 1500 up to 3000 revolutions / minute) the couple is never less than 300 Nm avoiding uncomfortable "climbing" and emphasizing the pleasure of driving. This makes the engine very flexible, with excellent acceleration from 0-100 km / h top speed: 11 seconds and 195 km / h for the 170 hp, 12.3 seconds and 180 km / h for 140 hp. This results in a safe and dynamic driving. 

Even the dynamic performance of the vehicle have been improved, thanks to Fiat engineering. As for steering, has been designed and built a special setting hours and a more direct and precise handling in line with the expectations of European customers. The dynamic features and amenities have been improved by redesigning the suspension of the vehicle to ensure an overall structure in line with the average European routes. It has intervened on several areas, including the hardening of the suspension of the attacks, improved front suspension geometry to reduce the roll angle, the calibration of the suspension and shock absorbers to optimize the balance between comfort and handling in line with European standards. 

The acoustic comfort of travel is guaranteed by a work of reducing the vibration transmitted from the engine and the application of interior soundproofing materials to reduce noise on the car. 

Security is at the highest levels with 6 airbags, the system anti-lock (ABS), complete with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill-Holder, anti-tilt system (ERM) is standard on all vehicles. But we must not forget the presence, already mentioned, the child booster and the cruise control is standard on all trim levels, to ensure the correct child seat on board and allow perfect control of the speed. 

The anti-tilt system (ERM ) uses the data received from the ESP sensors to detect potential risks of rollover and operates by measuring the braking force to individual wheels and sent by modulating the throttle position. 

Also of Fremont is an intelligent control of the towing, Trailer Sway Control (TSC). The system, once perceived sway of the trailer thanks to special sensors, intervenes by automatically applying braking action on the right wheels to maintain control and avoid dangerous oscillations. This system gives the driver the right feeling of security and confidence in carrying your load. 



To facilitate the client in selecting and purchasing, the range comes with three trim Fremont, Fremont, Urban, and All-Inclusive, each of which responds to specific needs. The first has already set up a high level of standard content: 7 seats, automatic climate Trizonia, Radio/CD/MP3 with 4.3 "Touch Screen, Trip Computer, and steering wheel audio controls, alloy wheels 17", fog, cruise control, TPMS (tire pressure sensor), keyless entry / go, child booster and anti-theft alarm. The exhibition Urban is even richer, especially in terms of urban comfort and convenience, with the addition of Bluetooth, sensor lights, steering wheel and gear knob, rear parking sensors, roof rails, power-adjustable driver's seat (6 + 4-way streets lumbar), electric folding mirrors, tinted rear glass, and electrochromic mirrors. The new layout flagship All-Inclusive, ordered by October, as the name suggests, offers a complete set which includes leather interior, alloy wheels, 19 ", a navigation system with touch screen display 8.4" the camera back and chrome roof rails.