Engines
Our engine research activities focus on the development of solutions fostering sustained mobility in terms of: reduced emissions and improved fuel economy for conventional engines, to be achieved without undermining engine performance; development of alternative power systems. In this perspective, we realise there is no single engineering formula for sustainable mobility, and the solution lies in a combination of traditional and alternative technologies, to be developed by taking into account the geographic and economic conditions as well as the and types of fuel available. We have entrusted research&development activities and the definition of appropriate technologies to our partners Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Fiat Research Centre and Magneti Marelli. Most of the research that is conducted on traditional engines is designed to flank mechanical and electro-hydraulic systems with innovative electronic management systems, so as to control the combustion process, the post-treatment of exhaust gases and the way power is transmitted to the wheels. Another line of research is alternative engine technologies and the use of alternative fuels, with a special focus on natural gas. We are persuaded that this is the most appropriate technology to address the problem of pollution in urban areas, especially in view of the fact that this technology is already available. Finally, we are exploring future technologies, such as engines powered by means of hydrogen fuel cell systems with a view to identifying and solving the problems and assessing industrial feasibility. Results The results we have attained are the best possible outcome of the research & development activities carried out in the automotive sector. They include: Leadership in the reduction of CO2 emissions (according to the top ten list of best selling brands drawn up by JATO, since 1984 a world leader for advisory services and research in the automotive sector, present in over 40 countries). We plan to reach the lowest weighted average CO2 emission level with our vehicles by 2012. Early adoption of (petrol and diesel) Euro 5 Ready engines: the 500 can be seen as a truly significant case history: the first car shorter than 3.60 m in length to be equipped with a diesel particulate filter as standard (DPF). An outstanding result, since it enables a diesel engine to release the same quantities of particulate as a petrol engine. Today, Fiat’s commitment proceeds along two lines: Early introduction of Euro 5 engines, inthe majority of the vehicles in our range. Enhanced efficiency of our petrol and diesel engines. We plan to attain this objective through technological upgrades (electronic valve management through the Multiair® system, evolution of direct injection with the MultiJet 2 engine) and downsizing (adoption of turbocharging and smaller-sized engines, which has already found application in the T-Jet, available on several models). To learn more about our partners, see: www.crf.it www.fptpowertrain.com www.magnetimarelli.com