An exclusive and advanced car requires sophisticated design. In the new X1-9 1500 the styling and design are complementary. The improved performance from the new engine and gearbox combined with the dynamie qualities gives the X1-9 the feel of a supercar.
The strength of the new 1500 cc engine makes it ideally suited for hard work. The advanced design features (overhead camshaft, alloy cylinder head, short stroke, five main bearings) make it an ideal power unit for a sports car.
Its power and torque enable the roadholding, handling and braking qualities of the car to be used to the full.
A five speed gearbox has been fitted so that the performance can be used to the full.
The X1-9 is a thoroughbred which is unique in a refined car of this size. It is mid-engined for the best possible roadholding.
This layout is typical of the uncompromising search for perfection that epitomises our designers' philosophy when faced with the task of producing a sports car in this class.
The layout which has been derived from racing practice reduces the moments of inertia so as to increase the ability of the car to react immediately in all situations.
Disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels. The bodyshell has been designed to comply with all American safety requirements and incorporates a roll over bar.
The dynamic characteristics also contribute greatly in ensuring the highest standards of safety.
Engine (cc)
Top Speed (mph)
0 - 180 km/h (sec)
High performance
A top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) and a standing quarter of a mile in 17.8 seconds. These two figures show how good the performance is, and how it will satisfy even the most demanding drivers.
Removable roof
The ingenious method of storing the roof in the top of the front luggage compartment means that the X1-9 can quickly and easily be turned into a convertible. It thus has all the benefits of both an open two seater and the comfort and convenience of a coupe.
Two luggage compartments
Most mid-engined cars suffer from a lack of luggage space. In the X1-9 there is a deep compartment at the front and a wide compartment at the rear. The rear compartment is made still more practical by the two Bertone designed soft bags which make maximum use of the space.
New interior
The interior has been redesigned to still further improve the comfort. The seats and door new grained leathercloth; the seats have built-in head restraints; the instrument panel has been redesigned and features comprehensive instrumentation and a lockable glove box.
Options and colours
To enable owners to personalise their own car, the X1-9 is available with a wide variety of factory-fitted options, and there is a range of 10 colours - many of which are new, including five metallic.
Stressed body structure. Wheelbase 2,202 mm (7 ft 2"/18 in). Front track 1,355 mm (4 ft 5⅜ in). Rear track 1,350 mm (4 ft 5⅛ in). Length 3,969 mm (13 ft 0¼ in). Width 1,570 mm (5 ft 1¾ in). Height (unladen) 1,180 mm (3 ft 10½ in).
Engine. 4 cylinders. Capacity 1498 cc. Bore 86.4 mm. Stroke 63.9 mm. Compression ratio 9.2:1. Maximum power output 62.5 kW - 85 bhp (DIN). Cast iron cylinder block. Aluminium cylinder head. Five bearing crankshaft. Overhead camshaft driven by toothed belt. Downdraught twin-choke carburettor. Mechanical fuel pump. Pressure lubrication by gear pump. Full flow cartridge type oil filter. Centrifugal water ventilation. Engine /transmission assembly located transversely on rubber mountings.
Clutch. Single dry plate.
Gearbox. 5 forward speeds plus reverse. Flexible ring synchromesh on forward gears. Floor mounted gear lever.
Transmission. Through rear wheels by drive shafts connected to differential assembly and to the wheels by constant velocity joints.
Differential. Incorporated in the gearbox. Helical-toothed spur gear reduction unit. Ratio 13/53 (4:1).
Steering. Rack and pinion. Steering column in three universally jointed sections. Symmetrical, independent steering arms for each wheel. All steering linkages fitted with sealed for life bearings.
Front suspension. Independent struts with telescopic dampers. Coil springs. Sealed for life bearings, requiring no lubrication.
Rear suspension. Independent struts with telescopic dampers and lower transverse arms. Coil springs. Sealed for life bearings, requiring no lubrication.
Wheels. Pressed steel type with 5J x 13" rims. 165/70 SR 13"' radial ply tyres. Spare wheel behind passenger seat.
Brakes. Discs at front and rear. Hydraulic system with independent front and rear circuits. Mechanical parking brake acting on rear wheels.
Electrical equipment. 12 Volt. Alternator d.c. output 45 A. 45 Ah battery. Spray type windscreen washer. Normal and intermittent action windscreen wipers.
Fuel tank. Capacity approx. 49 litres (10¾ gallons).
Speed. Approx. 180 km/h (112 mph).
Options. Light alloy wheels, tinted windows, heated rear window.
