The popular Fiat 500 will get even more ‘retro’ than just in its styling. Like the original Fiat cinquecento, it will be available with a two-cylinder engine. Fiat plans to offer its new TWIN-AIR engine first in the 500 starting in September.
As the name implies, the TWIN-AIR uses Fiat’s Multiair technology that features an electro-hydraulic valve management system to control air intake directly via the inlet valves without using the throttle. A family of 900 cc TWIN-AIR engines is planned ranging from a normally aspirated 65 horsepower version to a supercharged one producing 105 horsepower.
The new TWIN-AIR engine takes the concept of downsizing to the extreme by combining a small displacement engine with a next-generation turbocharger. Performance is comparable to, or even better than, larger engines, but with less fuel consumption and lower emissions. The turbocharger significantly increases maximum torque, especially at very low rpms for excellent response.
The Fiat 500 will be powered by a supercharged version rated at 85 horsepower. This is about 15 more horsepower than the base 1.2-liter four-cylinder now used in the 500. Fiat says performance is on a par with the optional 1.4-liter engine. The engine used in the original 500, which was air-cooled, had a displacement of only 479 cc. It produced only 13 horsepower initially but grew to 499 cc and 21 horsepower during the 500’s years of production.
The 900 cc, TWIN-AIR engine uses 15 percent less fuel than the 1.2-liter engine and emits over 30 percent less CO2. This comes from improved combustion control, optimized fluid dynamics and tuning, excellent thermo-dynamic efficiency, and low friction of internal parts. Indeed, the engine ranks as the world’s best in the ‘friction’ department.
Because it only has two cylinders, special attention was placed on NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) to ensure vibration at least equivalent to that of a four-cylinder along with equal performance, but with a characteristic sound. A balancing countershaft is used to maintain optimal vibration levels under all operating conditions from idling speed to peak power.
Besides being more powerful and efficient than traditional four-cylinder engines, the TWIN-AIR is smaller and lighter – about 23 percent shorter and 10 percent lighter. This comes with a simple build that benefits strength and reliability. Fiat plans to produce a natural gas version of the engine that produces even less CO2 emissions.
As the name implies, the TWIN-AIR uses Fiat’s Multiair technology that features an electro-hydraulic valve management system to control air intake directly via the inlet valves without using the throttle. A family of 900 cc TWIN-AIR engines is planned ranging from a normally aspirated 65 horsepower version to a supercharged one producing 105 horsepower.
The new TWIN-AIR engine takes the concept of downsizing to the extreme by combining a small displacement engine with a next-generation turbocharger. Performance is comparable to, or even better than, larger engines, but with less fuel consumption and lower emissions. The turbocharger significantly increases maximum torque, especially at very low rpms for excellent response.
The 900 cc, TWIN-AIR engine uses 15 percent less fuel than the 1.2-liter engine and emits over 30 percent less CO2. This comes from improved combustion control, optimized fluid dynamics and tuning, excellent thermo-dynamic efficiency, and low friction of internal parts. Indeed, the engine ranks as the world’s best in the ‘friction’ department.
Because it only has two cylinders, special attention was placed on NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) to ensure vibration at least equivalent to that of a four-cylinder along with equal performance, but with a characteristic sound. A balancing countershaft is used to maintain optimal vibration levels under all operating conditions from idling speed to peak power.
Besides being more powerful and efficient than traditional four-cylinder engines, the TWIN-AIR is smaller and lighter – about 23 percent shorter and 10 percent lighter. This comes with a simple build that benefits strength and reliability. Fiat plans to produce a natural gas version of the engine that produces even less CO2 emissions.
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