Italy is a very small country. However, several major automotive concerns operate on its territory. The names of many of them are heard by every person - even by someone who is not fond of cars. Many Italian cars are famous all over the world. The stamps under which they are issued have a very interesting history. However, first things first.
FIAT Group
The story about Italian car brands definitely needs to start with a concern whose full name sounds like Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino. After all, it was founded before everyone else. In 1899, to be precise. Until 2014, it was an independent company, but in 2014 all of its shares were purchased in full by the American company Chrysler, as a result of which a new corporation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, was formed.
Interestingly, FIAT was the largest manufacturer of aircraft (mainly military). And in 1966, the specialists of this concern provided assistance in organizing the production of the Fiat 124 model in the USSR, which we know as the VAZ-2101.
The most memorable car can be considered the concept Abarth 2000 Scorpione, created in 1969. Its “highlight” is the unsupported body, mounted at a 180-degree angle, a glass engine cover, an open tail section, and retractable headlights. A 220-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is installed under the hood, due to which the car can develop a maximum of 281 km / h.
The model did not go into mass production, and the only copy belongs to the collection of Japanese billionaire Shiro Kosaki.
Alfa romeo
Italian cars of the Alfa Romeo brand are popular. Not surprising, because this concern, formed in 1910, is engaged in the production of premium models. In addition, since its inception, Alpha has participated in motor racing. It was possible to achieve success, so Alfa Romeo are called excellent sports cars.
A striking representative of this segment can be considered the model “Alfa Romeo 4C”, mass production of which began in 2013. This compact sports car is designed to give a vibrant driving experience. It weighs less than 900 kilograms (!) And is powered by a 240-horsepower 1.75-liter turbocharged engine.
And now everyone is looking forward to the start of Alfa Romeo Stelvio sales in Russia. What is it special about? Body! After all, Italian cars of the Alfa Romeo brand have never been produced in the form of crossovers! This is the group's debut in this segment. And successful, according to the first test drives. However, conclusions about the technical part can even be drawn on the engine - a 2.9-liter 510-horsepower monster, which allowed the SUV to accelerate to “hundreds” in 3.9 seconds (maximum is limited to 285 km / h).
Maserati spa
Now it is worth noting the attention of this company, producing exclusive Italian cars. Stamps, the list of which is not so big, can hardly boast of such a specific production. The company was founded in 1914, and from the very beginning it has established itself accordingly. Only a few thousand cars are produced annually, and most of them are bought out even before the start of production.
The most impressive models are the Maserati MC12. This hypercar was designed for the FIA GT Championship. A total of 55 models were released, worth 1,160,000 euros each (of which 5 are not for sale). Each had a 6-liter 632-horsepower V12 engine under the hood, allowing the car to accelerate to a hundred in 3.8 s. And the maximum was limited to 230 km / h.
Of particular note is the Birdcage 75th Pininfarina concept. Its “highlight” is the design, which you can appreciate by looking at the above photo. The height of the model is only 1 meter! But, however, the characteristics are also impressive. The concept is equipped with a 700-horsepower 6-liter unit, which allows to accelerate to a maximum of 350 km / h, and to “hundreds” in 3.5 seconds.
Ferrari spa
All Italian cars of the brand known as Ferrari are distinguished by their magnificent appearance and powerful characteristics. Not surprisingly, after all, the company founded in 1928 was the main sponsor of the riders from the very beginning, and now it is a regular participant in various auto competitions, and especially in Formula 1, where it was the most successful.
Many famous Italian Ferrari cars deserve attention. But the F12 Berlinetta, a tuned Mansory studio, is beyond any competition. The price of this luxury car exceeds 1,300,000 euros. His appearance, which can be assessed in the above photo, is impeccable. A 6.5-liter 1200-horsepower engine gives her the opportunity to exchange the first "hundred" in just 2.9 seconds! The maximum is limited to 370 km / h.
It is impossible not to mention the model La Ferrari. This is the company's first hybrid hypercar to be mass-produced. A total of 499 copies were produced. The last, the 500th, was sold at auction (for which it was specially released) for $ 7 million. Hypercars are equipped with a 6.3-liter engine and two electric motors. The total capacity is 936 "horses".
If we talk about famous road versions, we can note the Ferrari 488 GTB, produced since 2015. Its price starts at $ 280,000. The machine is equipped with a 670-horsepower 3.9-liter engine.
Automobili Lamborghini SpA
This concern should also be mentioned in the continuation of the topic affecting luxury Italian cars. Stamps, a list, a photo - it's all really exciting. But when it comes to the Lamborghini, you should also turn to the story.
After all, this company produces not only expensive supercars, but also ... tractors! And few people know about this. However, supercars still cause more interest.
Take, for example, the Aventador Mansory model. Its appearance is magnificent, and the 1250-horsepower engine, due to which 100 km / h of cars reaches in 2.8 seconds, is amazing. The maximum is limited to 355 km / h.
No less impressive is the all-wheel drive sports car Lamborghini Huracán. This is the first production car in the world to use an inertial navigation system. And it is equipped with a 5.2-liter engine, producing 610 "horses". The first “hundred” model exchanges 3.2 seconds after the start, and its maximum is 325 km / h.
The Veneno model, released in a limited edition in 2013, also attracts attention. All copies were sold at a price of 3,000,000 euros, and pre-orders were made long before the premiere. The Veneno body is made entirely of carbon fiber, and the model is driven by a 6.5-liter 750-horsepower engine.
ItalDesign-Giugiaro SpA
This engineering company also needs to be mentioned when talking about Italian cars (brands). The history of this brand is interesting. After all, the company does not produce machines as such. Her specialists are engaged in the development of design and construction of bodies. It was founded in 1968, and at first the company worked closely with Volkswagen.
Specialists of the company developed the designs of dozens of famous cars. Among them are Alfa Romeo Alfasud, BMW Nazca C2, Bugatti EB118, Ferrari GG50, Fiat Grande Punto, Maserati 3200 GT. And this is not even 1/15 of the projects ordered by this company!
Not surprisingly, in 2010, the vast majority of its shares (90.1%) were bought by the Lamborghini concern. However, the company still continues to fulfill orders that are not related to the tasks given by its "parent" company.
Autobianchi
This name also includes a list in which Italian cars (brands) are listed. The review must tell about this company.
It was founded in 1955, and lasted exactly 40 years. Incidentally, such companies as Fiat, Pirelli and Bianchi participated in its creation. The concern's concept was the production of small, small cars. And they were valued, by the way, higher, unlike Fiat of the same size.
Of course, the company was abolished (in connection with joining the Lancia), but the legendary Autobianchi A112 mini-hatchback is still remembered. This is a very compact car with 8 generations. The latter literally "scattered" around the country and abroad in the amount of ~ 1,255,000 copies. Of course, hatchbacks were not powerful. They installed motors with a volume of less than 1 liter, and the power did not exceed 70 liters. from. But they were charming, compact and economical. It was appreciated.
Iveco
This concern can be safely called "young" in comparison with all of the above, since it was formed in 1975. It included several well-known companies - FIAT, Magirus-Deutz, Lancia, OM and the French division of Fiat.
Within a few years after the formation of Iveco, many more car factories from various countries joined it. Even the English division of Ford, engaged in the production of a truck, became part of it. And the Italian company producing dump trucks (Astra).
Of course, Iveco does not own the best Italian cars. The brands listed earlier have succeeded more. But on the other hand, Iveco released the multi-purpose army armored car LMV! The maximum mass of towed cargo can reach 4,200 kilograms, and overcoming a 0.85-meter ford will not make this a car of labor. If you carry out preliminary preparation, he will be able to go through 1.5 m. But it is much more important that it is really possible to install a variety of machine-gun weapons on this model.
Trailing list
Well, there are only two concerns of all that exist in Italy. And one of them is private. This is De Tomaso Automobili, which was founded in 1955, and abolished in 2012. The concern was successful, engaged in the production of sports cars. It was even designed a famous car for the participation of Frank Williams in Formula 1. The company was making progress, but in 2003, unfortunately, its founder, Alejandro de Tomaso, passed away. The company began to experience a recession. Her “revival” was planned in the early 2010s, but in the end it all ended with the liquidation of the company.
And finally, the last company is Lancia, which has been around for 111 years. The concern produces vehicles of almost all categories, from micro-vans and business class to trucks, trolleybuses and commercial vehicles. Even a rally model has been created. At Lancia Fulvia, the company won the last World Championship for Automotive Manufacturers (1972). And in the team event, she won 10 times.