NF500 / lotus engineering

Automotive 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.