Fiat 500 multiair technology in the media
January 9th, 2008Automotive News and AutoBlog have been talking about Fiat’s planned Multiair engine technology this week, generating more good PR for Fiat brand and the new 500 in particular.
The Multiair electronic inlet valve control system, as recently displayed in the Fiat Panda Aria concept car, has hit the press again due to Valeo announcing it is developing a new cam-less engine technology, which much like Fiat’s offering will reduce emissions by around 20 percent as well as offering improved performance.
The Valeo system, which is also being developed by both Jacobs Vehicle Systems of Connecticut and Lotus Engineering, has had its share of fits and starts. Packaging issues have caused problems for all involved, particularly on engines with three or four valves per cylinder.
The system doesn’t appear to have anything to do with Fiat’s offering, but it shows the current buzz around the brand that the 500 is making the automotive headlines, even when it’s not strictly the subject matter of the piece.
You can learn more about Fiat’s future engine plans in this previous NF500 article.
Entries
January 11th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Yes, and the upcoming 2008 Alfa Junior is rumoured to be the first with it. The technology will be applied to all Fiat engines within a very few years. This is why I am waiting for the 500 twin with 110bhp and 50+ mpg, and 50% lower emissions over the current 1.2 lump.
There will be a 0.7 litre version by the way, with 81bhp and even better consumption and emissions. The 110 version will be applied to the Grande Punto, the Bravo and much else besides. The same technology, applied to diesels, will produce similar efficiency improvements.
My guess is that the Ford Ka, to be a 500 in drag, will be a good little drive and have good little Fiat engines too, but Fiat has refused to permit Ford to use its Multiair technology, and THIS will be the advantage the Fiat version will have. I’m waiting two years until the new engines hit the market.
January 11th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I’m really most interested in the two cylinder models as well, it will be interesting what developments other manufacturers make, and more to point put into production, as Fiat could be stealing a bit of a march with these engines.