Fiat reveals clean new engine technology

Italian firm Fiat has announced new MultiAir petrol engine technology which dramatically reduces fuel consumption while also boosting power and torque. With less fuel used Fiat's MultiAir engines also boast a 10 to 25 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions while other pollutants are reduced by as much as 60%.

The new technology uses solenoid controlled valves combined with a hydraulic chamber to alter minutely the valve opening process for differing engine loadings. The result of this is improved power and torque yet lower emissions and fuel economy improvements. Fiat claims its new MultiAir technology as a fundamental breakthrough in air mass control and highlights that further advances in performance emissions and economy will be made as other technologies like direct fuel injection and turbocharging are incorporated.

MultiAir helps in the engine downsizing process, delivering greater power and torque from smaller capacities. The first new engine to feature the technology will be the 16 valve 1.4-litre family of engines, with the Alfa MiTo the first MultiAir equipped car to go on sale at the end of this year.

Kyle Fortune