Chrysler introduces Fiat four-cylinder to range
December 21, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Chrysler will debut Fiat’s 1.4-litre, in-line four-cylinder Fully Integrated Robitised Engine (FIRE) featuring MultiAir in the Fiat 500 from next year.
The engine develops 75kW @ 5,750rpm and 129Nm of torque at 4,250rpm making it ideal for small car applications. The 1.4-litre FIRE features Fiat’s Multiair technology, which significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery.
Featuring four valves per cylinder and incorporating state-of-the-art technology for Fully Variable Valve Actuation (FVVA), also known as MultiAir, the engine delivers an increase in power of up to 10 per cent while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions by the same amount.
A turbocharged version of the engine is also planned and will produce a fuel economy improvement of up to 25 per cent when compared to a V6 engine with equivalent power.
The MultiAir system consists of electro-hydraulic variable valve actuators filled with conventional oil, which is interposed between the camshaft and each valve. A solenoid valve is energized every 360-degree camshaft rotation, regulating the quantity of oil addressed to the actuator or to a reservoir. The lift of the valve is a function of the quantity of oil addressed to the actuator, ranging from full lift to complete valve closure. Each solenoid valve may also delay application of the actuator in advance, leading to late valve opening or early valve closing.
MultiAir is exclusive for Chrysler Group in North America and is based on a series of Fiat Powertrain patents related to hardware, combustion strategies and controls that allow for full control of the lift and timing of engine valves.
In the early 1970s, robotics in assembly plants was not common. The term “FIRE” came into existence when Fiat integrated the use of robotics in the production process of manufacturing plants. Although mechanised assembly is commonplace today, the brand name FIRE has remained with Fiat’s powertrain lineup
The 1.4-litre FIRE with MultiAir is the world’s first mass production engine to incorporate such technology to control the intake valves. Dedicated components have been developed to accommodate four “bricks” (one for each cylinder), which package relevant components. MultiAir technology can be adapted to different types of engines, including Diesels for enhanced NOx control, and is planned for Chrysler Powertrain’s four-cylinder World Gas Engine and all-new Pentastar V6.
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So it’s MIVEC, VVT-I,VVL, Variocam, VANOS or whatever other propriety name you want to put on it.
Toyota’s system is also hydraulic. If Fiat’s system is better, can you articulate why?
There is no physical connection to the cam like all the other systems have, the individual valves are connected to solenoids.
When connected to a cam, you can only open and close the valve during a stroke, where as this allows you to open and close a single valve multiple times during a stroke, which means at different rev ranges and dependent on how aggressively you are driving, it can change fuel-to-air ratios for maximum efficiency. This system is not limited to a cam, where as all the other variable valve tech ultimately has a range of movement that a cam can allow.
This is a massive step towards camless engines, which will mean an infinitely variable timing and therefore massive improvements in efficiency.
So what Chrysler cars will it be introduced into?
It will come out first on the Fiat 500 and Chrysler product based on the 500. AS MultiAir is basicly a bolt on System and it is going into Chryslers 4 cylinders world engine range That you find on the Caliber,Avenger,Sebring,Patriot etc. Also Chryslers new Pentastar engine which they have been developing for a while and will debut next year.Products with the Pentastar will be the all new Grand Cherokee(don’t know about muiltiair on this) new Dodge Charger,Challenger Chrysler 300 and maybe updated Sebring/Avenger. Expect The Muiltiair pentastar 3.3lt to be to have around 209 kw and the 3.6 lt to have over 220 kw. This engine is said to be very smooth,quiet and very fuel efficient. The there is the Single and twin Turbo Pentastar motors as well. Chryler please make the new Charger rhd and bring it to Australia
Thanks for that. Is Dodge still going to produce the Hornet?
I don’t Know but i am betting the Chrysler product based in the 500 will be the Hornet.
Then again, the Hornet concept was released a few years ago now, and Chrysler has changed a lot since then. I wouldn’t be surprised if it never came to fruition, at least in the form that it was shown as.
Pretty much all these inlet technologies like MIVEC, VVT-i etc all owe Fiat where they are.
Fiat was the first with its common rail and multiair technologies in late 80’s but made the mistake of selling that gen technology to Bosch who implemented it in many cars, this is why Fiat never got mentioned nor enjoyed the profits.
I have read they are getting 2ltr turbo power from 1.4 ltr turbo engines (abarth 500). Also their recycling of exhaust gas for more power/efficiency is a new addition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....ature=fvst
Fiat has now learned not to share with the germans which would trickle down to the Japanese this time round…