Fiat
has asked Franco Sbarro to design a vehicle to transport
people during the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin. These
"minibuses" will be built on the basis of the Fiat Multipla,
first and second series.
The three
versions of Sbarro's MultiMultipla, ordered by Fiat for
the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin.
The Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is a Fiat MPV that
competes with the Renault Scenic and Citroën Picasso. Often
criticized for its peculiar "physique", particularly its
"snout", it is nevertheless a very well-designed car. Six
people can fit on board, three of them in the front (like on
a Simca Bagheera or a McLaren F1!). In 2004, Fiat had just
presented the restyled version, with a restyled front end
that made the MPV more commonplace.
Three versions
For Franco Sbarro, it was a
matter of transforming the Multipla so that it could
accommodate eight people, three in the front, three in the
back and two in a third row of seats. Curiously, Sbarro
worked on a first-generation Multipla (dark blue) and a
second-generation Multipla (gray).
First version
based on the first-generation Multipla. Probably a
prototype to test the new doors.
The first version is
a production model that now features six doors. Two small
doors have been added at the rear, opening from front to
rear to provide ample space for passengers. The whole thing
isn't very graceful, admittedly. I think it's more of a
prototype to try out the rear door opening system. I can't
see Fiat offering a car for the Olympics that was out of
production by 2004. The other two versions are surely the
ones that were used.
Second version,
with six doors, based on the second-generation Multipla.
The rear doors are cleverly integrated into the bodywork.
The second version is
based on a second-generation model. Still the same
principle, with its six doors. The cleverly articulated rear
doors are well integrated into the car's lines.
third version,
with four doors.The third version has only four doors, but the rear
doors have been enlarged for easier access.
Diversity
Sbarro's MultiMultipla,
sometimes referred to as Multidoors, proves that Franco
Sbarro can adapt to any requirement. This is a far cry from
a GT1. It's not easy to fit out a car like the Multipla. And
even if the dark blue model isn't pretty, the modifications
on the other two are quite successful.
In brief
1- Ordered by Fiat for the 2006 Turin
Olympics
2- Based on first- and second-generation
Fiat Multiplas
In brief
1- Ordered by Fiat for the 2006 Turin Olympics
2- Based on first- and second-generation Fiat Multiplas
3- Three versions were built