Chrysler Engines To Feature Fiat's MultiAir Technology

CHRYSLER'S FOUR-CYLINDER World Gas Engine and its brand-new Pentastar V6 engines are set to feature Fiat's MultiAir technology, which Fiat claims can cut fuel consumption by 25 percent.

Chrysler will initially build Fiat's 1.4 litre FIRE MultiAir engine for North American versions of the Fiat 500 in 2010, before adapting the technology to suit the US carmaker's own engines.

Announced earlier this year, Fiat claims its MultiAir technology can improve fuel economy by up to 25 percent and cut Co2 emissions by 10 percent.

The 1.4 litre engine to feature in the Fiat 500 will develop 75kW and 128Nm of torque, although specific economy savings have not been revealed.

Chrysler is expected to build both naturally-aspirated and turbo-charged versions of the new FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) MultiAir engine.

Fiat and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne this week told industry paper Automotive News that Chrysler internally describes the MultiAir technology as "variable valve timing on steroids," adding that any car utilising it will have "the lungs of an athlete".

Along with the Fiat 500, the new technology is expected to debut in the 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo and the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.