untapped opportunity = new Lancia Fulvia

This is another topic that came up during the discussion of the "front engine X1/99" being the only financially feasable approach at this time, the breathtaking new Lancia Fulvia.

I never realized just how DESPERATELY Fiat had REALLY TRIED to make that car a production reality (so for all you Lancia buffs out there who figure they sh*tcanned the Fulvia concept because they just "didn't feel like it" THINK AGAIN!)

They went extra mile after extra mile looking for any possible way to make that car fly, all this parts sharing with the production Barchetta, all this engineering tap dancing, desperately juggling everything any way they could, and in the end, even a car THAT rich with promise ended up being dumped from production consideration because Fiat just "could not afford" to run with it. Many a Fiat employee probably wept on their desks the day that news came down... these guys are REAL enthusiasts.

If FIAT had a fat bankroll, you would be amazed the cars they would be selling

I think our only hope as Fiat fans is that they pull that company back to solid profits in as few years as possible. If they can get profitable again, stand back and just watch the cars that come out THEN!

If I could have one wish now, it would be that they WAIT on an X evolution until they can AFFORD to do a mid engine, but as badly as they need a money maker, it's probably here comes the front engine X1/99

Peace, -Mac