FIAT MULTI-AIR the future??

[grober]

I was reminded of this novel technology by a flyer through the door today about the newly introduced Multiair versions of the Alfa MiTo to the UK market. Shades of things to come or just a gimic? System claims to offer almost unlimited engine inlet valve control although a camshaft still exists to power the inlet valve system and open and shut the exhaust valves directly. Its all explained here Fiat Multiair Technology Announced - More Power, Less Fuel, Less Emissions

Before anyone mouths off about Italian engineering this is same lot that originally gave us variable valve timing and the ubiquitous common rail fuel injection system. My guess is it appears to offer such advantages in power and emissions so it won't be long before its very common technology. Against it will be issues of reliability and cost- Expect cheaper [nastier??] / similar technogy in your engine sooner or later.

 

[Adam230K]

People were saying similar things when that 'direct injection' malarky was first introduced, but it just resulted in less reliable engines with exactly the same torque/power/consumption characterisitics.

I personally feel this is just a marketing ploy. In theory it sounds very good, and i do commend them for trying, but it sounds as if the gains are so minimal they will be unoticeable and it will introduce a whole new dimension of unreliability and complication to an already complicated piece of engineering.

 

[st13phil]

Actually, I think it's a rather clever - and elegant - way to introduce precise control of the inlet valve under different speed and load conditions. From the video, it looks as though it uses a long duration, high-lift camshaft profile to generate valve lift, but then "buffers" that with a hydraulic bleed-off system to provide differing lift profiles. Neat.

 

[James Rothwell]

One of our franchises is Alfa Romeo and we've got the new Multiair engines in the MiTo, they feel like any normal engine apart from they are very torquey because they can adjust the valve timing to suit.

Remember the old Golf GTi 8v vs 16v drama, this technolodgy will get rid of that. Although I'd rather a German manufacture designed it first, I'd have more faith!!

 

[verytalldave]

You will know if this technology is any good if its introduced on F1 cars. Until then, its still in its development stage.

 

[moonloops]

You will know if this technology is any good if its introduced on F1 cars. Until then, its still in its development stage.

err didn't this tech come from fiat's F1 engines ??