Autobianchi A112

First Generation (1969-1973)

The car was put into production in 1969. A112 was produced mainly with the body of a 3-door hatchback . Initially, it was equipped with a Fiat 850 engine with a displacement of 903 cm³ and a capacity of 42 liters. with. (31 kW). Autobianchi A112 was a front-wheel drive car; later its configuration was borrowed by the Fiat 127 and its derivatives. In 1971, the declared capacity increased to 47 liters. with. (35 kW) without any engine changes.

In September 1971, the A112 E package was introduced (“ E ” - short for “ Elegant ”), which featured more comfortable seats, improved trim and a 5-speed manual transmission ^[1] . The mechanics were identical to the standard modification ( Normale ), but in 1975-1977 the Normale was equipped with less powerful engines.

Second Generation (1973-1975)

In March 1973, the A112 underwent a slight restyling , receiving new radiator grills with a large mesh and rubber bumpers with a chrome insert (although the standard Normale equipment is still equipped with old chrome bumpers). Changes also included an updated upholstery and dashboard. Abarth gets a checkerboard upholstery.

Third Generation (1975-1977)

In 1975, the A112 received a new, five-seater saloon (previously - a four-seater). Third-generation cars have much larger ventilation openings on the sides of the rear fenders, as well as reversing lights from the Elegant and Abarth versions. “ Elegant ” gets a more powerful engine (70 hp), while “ Normale ”, on the contrary, loses it to 42 liters. with. since July 1975. In 1976, in connection with the introduction of new standards on harmful emissions, the Elegant power drops to 45 liters. with. (33 kW). The " Normale " is still equipped with metal bumpers, but painted black and without rubber inserts.

Fourth Generation (1977-1979)

In November 1977, the “Nuova A112” was introduced, the most noticeable difference of which was a slightly raised roof, which allowed to increase the capacity of the cabin. The “luxury” version of the “A112 Elegant” receives a new motor with a volume of 965 cm³ (48 hp, 35 kW) with the best torque ^{[2] [3]} . A bit later, the A112 Elite and A112 LX trim levels are introduced with a more comfortable interior.

The engine of the “A112 Normale” configuration (903 cm³) remains unchanged ^[2] .

Fifth Generation (1979-1982)

In July 1979, the A112 undergoes minor changes, receiving an updated radiator grille, black plastic trim on the rear panel and rear pillars ^[4] . In addition, some configurations again receive a 5-speed manual gearbox. The fifth gear was overgear , the gear ratios of the four lower and reverse gears remained the same ^[4] . With the exception of the new transmission, no other notable technical changes were introduced ^[4] .

During this period, there were changes in the list of trim levels - “ Normale ” was renamed to “ Junior ”, and a new top grade “ Elegant ” was added (above “ Elite ”). Alloy wheels and fog lights have been added to the Abarth package. Small changes have affected the interior. The entire range of models received an optional rear window cleaner.

Sixth Generation (1982-1984)

In the fall of 1982, the A112 loses its plastic lining ^[5] , receives new bumpers and a radiator grill. At the same time, the interior is completely recycled. The sixth generation cars had body-colored vents on the rear pillars and sidelights on the front bumper. A new equipment is added - “ LX ”, characterized by tinted glass, seats with velvet trim, power windows, metallic paint and a digital clock. Technically, the “LX” was completely identical to the “ Elite ” with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 965 cm³ engine. The “Elegant” package is eliminated and the “ Elite ” is again at the top.

For the first time, A112 is exported under the Lancia brand for the markets of Sweden and Switzerland ^[6] . Cars for Switzerland were equipped with a 965 cm³ engine, as were the Elite and LX models ^[5] .

Seventh Generation (1984-1986)

Presented in 1984, the seventh series was very slightly different from the previous one. The changes concerned mainly the exterior decoration. The taillights have changed, the rear license plate has moved to the bumper. “Abarth” received standard fog lights, optional for others. Also, modifications differed in wheel caps. The sidelights on the front bumper change color from orange to white.

Eighth Generation (1985-1986)

After the introduction of the new Autobianchi Y10 in 1985, the range of A112 modifications was significantly reduced - it only retained the Junior equipment, now referred to simply as the Autobianchi A112. With the exception of the name change, there were no cosmetic or constructive changes. Production continued until 1986. In total, about 1,254,178 cars were produced.

The A112 Abarth was introduced in September 1971, originally under the Elegant label ^[1] . The sports division of the Fiat Group participated in the creation of this machine. The first cars had an engine with a volume of 982 cm³, sports exhaust pipes, a double carburetor, various camshafts. In 1975, the volume increased to 1050 cm³, and the capacity - from 58 liters. with. (43 kW) up to 70 liters. with. (51 kW) at 6,600 rpm and a mass of 700 kg. Until 1976, any of these engines could be installed. 1975 A112 models used a 5-speed manual transmission.

The car participated in many rallies and races in Europe, was popular among young fans of fast driving. The Formula 1 driver Olivier Panis once had a car accident while driving an A112 Abarth ^[3] .

Since 1982, this car has been sold under the brand Lancia A112 in some markets outside of Italy.

A112 Abarth is also present in the game Gran Turismo 4 .

• Abarth.itgo.com Date of treatment December 19, 2011.
• Supermini: The Autobianchi A112 Abarth . Date of treatment December 19, 2011.
• Europeanclassix.com (English) (inaccessible link) . Date of treatment December 19, 2011. Archived March 23, 2008.
• 1979 Autobianchi Abarth A112 Date of treatment December 19, 2011.