FIAT

In 1979 FIAT Brasil made history with the launch of the world's first series-produced ethanol-powered car

In 1979, more precisely on July 5th of that year, FIAT do Brasil made history with the launch of the first series-produced ethanol-powered car in the world, the FIAT 147. Affectionately nicknamed 'Cachacinha', due to the odor characteristic exuded by the exhaust, the model is an important milestone for Brazilian automotive engineering, which intensified the focus on developing technologies for more efficient and less polluting vehicles.

“The FIAT 147 is an icon that marked the lives of thousands of Brazilians. More than that, it made the history of the automotive industry by being the first series-produced model with an ethanol engine in the world. Its legacy continues to this day with flex engine technology, which is present in the majority of the Brazilian fleet of light vehicles. Ethanol has established itself as a protagonist in the decarbonization process in the country as it is an extremely efficient fuel in terms of emissions when considering the complete life cycle of the car”, highlights Alexandre Aquino, vice-president of the FIAT Brand for South America.

Recognized for its pioneering spirit in the automotive industry, the FIAT 147 was the first model manufactured at the Betim Automotive Complex, in 1976. At the time, it brought a series of innovations, such as a transverse engine, retractable steering column, radial tires, laminated glass windshield and the spare wheel inside the engine compartment, making better use of space.

The history of the ethanol-powered FIAT 147 began in 1976, when research and development of the engine began. With the first oil crisis, which began in 1973, governments and car manufacturers around the world began searching for solutions to reduce the consumption of petroleum derivatives, such as gasoline. In the case of Brazil, the Federal Government established the ProÁlcool program (National Alcohol Program) in 1975 with incentives for the production of ethanol from sugar cane.

Still in 1976, the first participation took place at the São Paulo Motor Show, when the brand displayed a prototype of the 147 powered by ethanol with tens of thousands of kilometers driven. The following year, the technical improvement of the product was carried out and new units were produced, which were subjected to various tests.

In September 1978, a FIAT 147 carried out what would be the definitive test for the creation of the first Brazilian ethanol engine: a trip lasting 12 days and 6.8 thousand kilometers across the country, with an average of more than 500 km per day, three thousand kilometers per day. land and climate variations greater than 30 degrees.

Autonews