Fiat unveiled a new concept yesterday: the Grande Panda 4×4. At first glance, there's nothing revolutionary about it: it's the Fiat Grande Panda we already know, but in a version with an adventurous look and, above all, four-wheel drive. But behind this off-road design.., how does all-wheel drive work?
An electrified rear axle
According to the official press release, the prototype is based on "an innovative electrified rear axle. This technology is intended to give the Grande Panda 4×4 solid performance, both in town and on rougher roads".
But this detail raises an essential question: the Fiat Grande Panda is based on the STLA Smart platform, and until now, this architecture has not allowed all-wheel drive. So how did Fiat get around this limitation?
The key may well lie in an approach already used by Jeep and Alfa Romeo. In fact, this solution of an independent electric motor at the rear is very reminiscent of that found on the Jeep Avenger 4xe and Alfa Romeo Junior Q4. Both models combine a combustion engine at the front with an electric motor (eMotors M2 eRad) at the rear, activated as required.
So it won't be a true permanent 4×4, but rather an intelligent hybrid system, where the rear axle is electrically activated to provide traction when needed.
Technically, it remains credible. Although the STLA Smart is presented as a new platform, it is often accepted behind the scenes that it is a "low-cost" evolution of the eCMP platform, already used for the Jeep Avenger and Alfa Romeo Junior. If these two models were able to accommodate a 4×4 transmission via partial electrification, the Grande Panda could do the same.
Hybrid or electric... or both?
A visual detail raises doubts: the illustrated version of the concept features a charging hatch on the front, an obvious sign of an electric model. In contrast, the physical prototype on display had none, suggesting that it was a hybrid version.
There are two possible options:
- Either Fiat has recycled hybrid technology from Jeep and Alfa Romeo, with an internal combustion engine at the front and an M2 eRad at the rear.
- Either Fiat goes further and prepares an electric Grande Panda 100 % with two motors: an M2 at the front, an M2 eRad at the rear, as suggested by the charging hatch on the visuals.
The Fiat Grande Panda 4×4 may well be more than just a styling exercise. Behind this adventurous look lies a real technical reflection, based on intelligent hybridization or a dual-motor electric system. What if Fiat finally applied to its popular range a technology hitherto reserved for more premium models?
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