Otto Mobile 1:18 Fiat Uno Turbo IE 1990 Racing Red Resin Model Now Available

The limited edition 1:18 scale resin model of the classic Fiat Uno Turbo i.e from 1990 in Racing Red has now been released and is now available.

Handling Video

Photo Gallery

Vehicle Background

Overview

The Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. of 1990 represents one of the golden-era hot hatches — small, lightweight, turbocharged, and filled with Italian character. Introduced originally in 1985 and significantly updated in 1989, the Uno Turbo i.e. combined everyday practicality with thrilling performance, making it one of the most exciting compact performance cars of its decade.

The 1990 model, part of the Mk2 (Type 146) generation, refined the concept with improved engineering, safety, and aerodynamics. Finished in Racing Red, the Uno Turbo embodied the spirit of Italian driving passion — vibrant, fast, and unfiltered.

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Design

The second-generation Uno Turbo i.e. was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign and retained the boxy charm of the original while introducing smoother surfaces and improved aerodynamics.

• Exterior: The Racing Red paintwork accentuates the car’s crisp, angular lines, compact dimensions, and sporty details. Unique Turbo-specific trim included deeper bumpers, side skirts, red “Turbo i.e.” badging, and a subtle rear spoiler.
• Wheels: 14-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres added both performance and visual aggression.
• Body Style: Available only as a three-door hatchback, balancing lightweight simplicity with everyday usability.

Despite its modest size, the Uno Turbo’s visual presence — especially in Racing Red — gave it instant hot hatch credibility, sitting confidently alongside rivals like the Peugeot 205 GTi and Renault 5 GT Turbo.

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Performance

At the heart of the 1990 Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. was a lively and responsive 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, paired with advanced fuel injection technology for its time.

• Engine: 1,372 cc SOHC inline-four, turbocharged with intercooler
• Power Output: 120 PS (118 bhp) at 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

Performance figures were impressive for such a small car:

• 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 7.9 seconds
• Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)

The lightweight construction (around 930 kg) ensured the car’s punchy turbo engine delivered thrilling acceleration and nimble responses, giving it a reputation as one of the most entertaining hot hatches of its time.

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Chassis & Handling

Fiat re-engineered the Mk2 Uno Turbo’s chassis to improve stability and reduce torque steer, resulting in a sharper, more confident driving experience.

• Suspension: MacPherson strut front and trailing arm rear setup, tuned for a balance of agility and comfort.
• Brakes: Upgraded ventilated front discs and solid rear discs — rare in the segment at the time.
• Steering: Quick, direct rack-and-pinion system providing excellent road feedback.
• Weight Distribution: Near-perfect front-end balance ensured stability under acceleration and cornering.

The Uno Turbo’s handling was praised for its responsiveness and mechanical grip. While its power delivery could be spiky due to early turbo lag, it rewarded skilled drivers with lively and precise behaviour on twisty roads.

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Interior

Inside, the 1990 Uno Turbo i.e. combined sporting flair with functional design typical of late-’80s Italian cars.

• Seats: Deeply bolstered sports seats with integrated headrests and contrast stitching, designed to keep occupants secure during spirited driving.
• Dashboard: A redesigned, driver-oriented dash with a full array of analogue gauges, including a boost pressure gauge unique to the Turbo model.
• Trim & Finish: Black plastics with red accents, including “Turbo” logos and optional red seat piping.
• Features: Electric windows, central locking, and optional air conditioning — relatively advanced features for a hot hatch of its era.

Although minimalist by modern standards, the Uno Turbo’s cabin perfectly captured the performance-oriented ethos of 1990s Fiat — purposeful, focused, and full of character.

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Technology & Engineering

The Uno Turbo i.e. was a technical showcase for Fiat’s performance expertise in the compact segment.

• Fuel System: “i.e.” stood for iniezione elettronica — electronic fuel injection — allowing more precise control of fuelling and ignition.
• Turbocharging: Utilised an IHI RHF5 turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver strong mid-range torque and responsiveness.
• Cooling & Reliability Improvements: The Mk2 revision introduced a water-cooled turbocharger (replacing the earlier oil-cooled unit) to improve durability and thermal management.
• Safety Enhancements: Reinforced bodyshell and improved crash protection compared to the Mk1 version.

These updates made the 1990 Uno Turbo not just faster, but more refined and dependable for everyday driving.

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Heritage & Motorsport Influence

The Uno Turbo i.e. inherited Fiat’s motorsport pedigree from the 131 Abarth and Strada Abarth eras, embodying the brand’s commitment to small, fast performance cars.

Though never a full works rally car, the Uno Turbo participated in numerous grassroots and club-level competitions across Europe, where its lightweight and tunable nature made it a favourite among privateers.

Its combination of compact size, turbocharged punch, and affordability helped define the “everyday performance car” formula that inspired many later hot hatches.

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Place in Fiat History

By 1990, the Uno Turbo i.e. stood as Fiat’s performance flagship before the Punto GT took over in the mid-1990s. It encapsulated the Italian approach to the hot hatch formula — light, fast, and full of character — in contrast to the more refined but heavier cars emerging from other manufacturers.

The Racing Red finish remains one of the most iconic colours for the model, perfectly complementing its angular design and youthful spirit.

Today, the Uno Turbo i.e. is a rare and increasingly collectible classic — a reminder of when Fiat built small cars that combined everyday practicality with pure driving excitement.

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Key Figures

Specification	Value
Model	Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. (Mk2)
Year	1990
Engine	1.4-litre turbocharged inline-four (SOHC)
Power	120 PS (118 bhp)
Torque	165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
Transmission	5-speed manual
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
0–100 km/h	~7.9 seconds
Top Speed	~200 km/h (124 mph)
Weight	~930 kg
Suspension	MacPherson strut (front), trailing arm (rear)
Brakes	Ventilated front and solid rear discs
Tyres	185/55 R14
Colour Highlight	Racing Red
Production Location	Mirafiori Plant, Turin, Italy