Fiat Ritmo (Strada) Energy Saving: -0.04cx mods

[Wolf_Tm]

In 1983 Fiat made an Energy Saving version of its Fiat Ritmo/Strada, with Cx decreased from 0.42 to 0.38 with these 3 modifications:



They added a plain roof spoiler, the front windows deflectors, and "moon" wheel covers.

[Pandaf]

I seem to remember these models also had an early version of a start-stop system for the engine to prevent unnecessary idling. Is my memory correct?

[Wolf_Tm]

I also found it had a carbs' cut-off device and a different from base Ritmo gauge:
instead of the tachometer, it had a consumption meter, a vacuum meter and a light for the "eco" correct gear change.

Originally Posted by Pandaf

I seem to remember these models also had an early version of a start-stop system for the engine to prevent unnecessary idling. Is my memory correct?

You remember correctly!
Till 1985 it even received the "Citymatic", very first version of "Start&Stop":

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

What I used to know as CityMatic were those hydraulic automatic clutches. BTW nowadays even the regular versions of the Ritmo might have become rare even in Europe.

In Brazil, Fiat currently fits some of its entry-level cars with an "eco-meter".

[Pandaf]

Yep, I can definitely confirm they are extremely rare here. Years ago I last saw one in the wild. Unfortunately they were very sensitive to rust and not very well built in general (own experience). They were nice cars though, especially the mark 1 Ritmo, a very typical car that no other manufacturer than Fiat could have made.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Rustproofing was not really good in the Fiats from the 80s. But back here in Brazil they had more problems with belt tensioners than body panels.

[Wolf_Tm]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

What I used to know as CityMatic were those hydraulic automatic clutches.

The orange warning light with the slashed engine in makes me think citymatic switched off the engine.