Fiat 131 - Series 2

Series 2

The 131 got a minor facelift in 1978. New DOHC, or "Twin Cam" (TC) engines arrived, and these models were badged as SuperMirafiori. The biggest change exterior-wise for the Series 2 was larger rectangular shaped front lights (quad round headlights in the US), new bumpers, new bigger rear lights and new interior trim including a chunky, single-spoked steering wheel.

Also in 1978, the 2-door sporting version Racing (Mirafiori Sport in the UK) with 115 PS (85 kW) twin cam engine, was launched. This car had four round headlights (the inner headlights being smaller than the outer ones, unlike any other Mirafiori model produced), different grille, spoilers and extended wheel arches, and a short-throw 5 speed gearbox. The Racing had top speed of 180 km/h (110 mph). Diesel engined versions also had four round headlights (equally sized), and a noticeable (and characteristic) bump in the hood to accommodate the taller engine. The Familiare (estate) was renamed as Panorama.

The Series 2 was marketed in the United States as the Fiat Brava from mid-year 1978 with the same 1.8-litre four as had been used in the US-market 131, but before the year was over this was replaced by the 2 litre twin cam four also seen in the Spider. Initially, a better equipped Super Brava was also available, but the base model and "Super" tag were dropped for 1979. For 1980 a more powerful fuel-injected version was added (102 hp/76 kW) while the Estate version was dropped. For 1981 the EFI engine became standard equipment and the headlamps were changed for single rectangular units, but this was to be the last year for the Brava/131 in the US.

Model Displacement Engine type Power
Mirafiori 1,297/1,301 cc straight-4 ohv 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp)
SuperMirafiori 1,297/1,301 cc straight-4 dohc 78 PS (57 kW; 77 hp)
SuperMirafiori 1,585 cc straight-4 dohc 96 PS (71 kW; 95 hp)
Panorama 1,297/1,301 cc straight-4 ohv 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp)
Panorama 1,585 cc straight-4 ohv 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp)
Diesel 1,995 cc straight-4 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp)
Diesel 2,445 cc straight-4 72 PS (53 kW; 71 hp)
Racing 1,995 cc straight-4 dohc 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp)
Brava 1,756 cc straight-4 ohv 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp)
Brava 1,995 cc straight-4 ohv 87 PS (64 kW; 86 hp)
CA: 81 PS (60 kW; 80 hp)
Brava EFI 1,995 cc straight-4 ohv 103 PS (76 kW; 102 hp)
Dashboard of Series 2. Fiat 131 Racing Fiat 131 SuperMirafiori. Fiat 131 Marengo, a van version of 131.


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