Fiat targets massive fuel savings

It was revealed in Chrysler's submission to the US Government (more here) and now comes the details of the Fiat Group's new Multiair Technology.

The Italian firm isn't holding back either, claiming the new fuel saving system is "one of the single largest leaps forward in petrol engine design since the car was invented."

Fiat claims the new technology will be able to up fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent, boost power and torque, cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 10 per cent and reduce other engine pollutants by up to 60 per cent. The company utilised all elements of its research and development team to design the new system including the Ferrari Formula One team.

Fiat is planning on using the technology on both naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines and can also be used on LPG and hydrogen fuelled units. Work has also begun on transferring it to a range of diesel motors.

The first engines to benefit from the technology will be the 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre units that will be installed in the Alfa Romeo MiTo later this year. Fiat Australia says the engines should reach local showrooms by late 2010 in the MiTo.

Next in-line will be the two-cylinder engine (also revealed in the Chrysler submission) that Fiat says will be more fuel efficient and cleaner than hybrid engines. It also indicated that that engine could be used as part of a hybrid powertrain for larger cars.

Multiair uses a number of technologies to produce its claimed benefits. A power-oriented mechanical cam profile helps increase power. Early intake valve closing strategies maximise the air trapped in the cylinder to improve torque.

Up to 40 per cent of unburnt hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and up to 60 per cent of oxides in nitrogen emissions are cut through optimum valve control strategies during engine warm-up and internal Exhaust Gas Recirculation.