My next car (if we get it here):

B

BCO

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With the recent price drops on the Fiat 500 I've been very tempted to go out and get a 1.4 500, but common sense has prevailed so far. If, however, Fiat SA brings the 0.9l twinair engine out here, I reckon I'l, get a 500 for sure. Check out this little gem of a motor:

The new two-cylinder engine family made by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies called TWIN-AIR will be making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. This is a brand-new concept on the worldwide auto scene and confirms the leadership of the Fiat Group in this field.

Using next-generation technology, the new engine implements the revolutionary Multiair system combined with special fluid dynamics optimised for the best fuel efficiency. Furthermore, by taking the concept of downsizing to the extreme and masterfully tuning the basic mechanics, the new family - delivering from 48 to 77 kW - emits 30% less CO2 than any other engine of equal performance.

Visitors to the show will admire the first application of this new engine in a 500, the first Fiat model to receive this engine (eta from September in Europe). The car is equipped with a two-cylinder turbo 85 HP / 63 kW engine (900 cc) which has the lowest CO2 emission levels for a petrol engine (up to 95 g/km) without compromising performance and driving pleasure.

Compared with the two engine versions available today, it provides excellent performance with a major fuel reduction: the new turbo two-cylinder 85 HP / 63 kW engine consumes about 15% less fuel and has 25% more performance than the 1.2 8v, while fuel consumption drops to a remarkable 30% with respect to the 1.4 16v with comparable performance and the same high driving pleasure.

Furthermore, with respect to a four-cylinder of equal performance and medium displacement, the new engine is significantly shorter (-23%) and lighter (-10%), opening the way to interesting further developments, such as methane fuel feed or hybrid technology combinations, again under the sign of greater eco-friendliness. In particular, a methane version of the TWIN-AIR will be available soon in Europe providing a further CO2 emission reduction: this is possible by adopting a pair of special injectors in addition to the petrol injectors on the intake manifold rails. Improving these fuel saving results using internal combustion engines will be difficult and alternative technologies will need to be developed. The combination of traditional engines and electric motors appears particularly promising. Precisely because of its small size, the TWIN-AIR is well suited to be coupled with an electric motor, and in general with a device arranged between engine and gearbox for recovering and storing the energy which is normally wasted during braking.

Nothing short of an engineering gem, the two-cylinder implements the revolutionary Multiair* technology developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, which was introduced on FIRE engines last year for the first time. The heart of Multiair is a new electro-hydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle). Multiair reduces polluting emissions (thanks to improved combustion control) and also considerably improves performance by boosting driveability with respect to a traditional petrol engine of equal displacement.

Furthermore, the new TWIN-AIR engine takes the concept of downsizing to the extreme: combining a small displacement engine with a next-generation turbocharger provides performance comparable to - or even better than - that of a larger engine but with less fuel consumption and lower emissions. And more: the turbo significantly increases the maximum torque, making it available at a very low rpm, with the result of offering greater flexibility and an unrivalled promptness of response compared to conventional aspirated engines. All this comes with a simple build that benefits strength and reliability.

Last but not least, the new engine was painstakingly optimised and tuned. For instance, the basic two-cylinder architecture - combined with the low friction of internal parts - ranks this engine best in the "friction" class in the world. Furthermore, computer simulations have been used to identify the best possible standard displacement in terms of thermo-dynamic efficiency, and the best fluid dynamic configuration to optimise and get the best out of the MultiAir system. Finally, special attention has been placed on the NVH (Noise, vibration, and harshness) aspect to ensure vibration performance at least equivalent to that of a four-cylinder, with equal performance but with a characteristic sound. For this purpose, a balancing countershaft was used to maintain optimal vibration levels in all operating conditions of the engine, from the idling speed to top power.
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delivering from 48 to 77 kW
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:eek:

Imagine if the turbo fails at Reef altitude...

I'm still a bit worried about the smoothness of the engine, even though they have employed measures to counteract vibration.
 
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Hahaha! Awesome! I've always wondered why no one has put a decent twin bike engine in a production car yet. This engine sounds like the baby brother of my bike's powerplant (with the addition of a turbo.). My bike weighs 350kg (pretty heavy in bike terms) but the twin cylinder engine makes enormous talk straight from idle. The 1.8l motor in the bike is obviously tuned a little different than the car motor (redlines at 7500 RPM and makes 120hp and 160nm) but even with the performance tune, she gives a decent 6l / 100km (bearing in mind my heavy throttle hand).

This is excellent news and I can't wait to see one of these in action!
 
500 is a nice looking car, would love to have the Abarth but its just not a sensible buy (and i cant afford it)...
 
lcbxx said:
Cool car if you are a girl or gay
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lol. Luckily I'm comfortable enough with my sexuality not to be turned off the car by such a comment :p

Just had confirmation from Fiat SA that the Multiair engines will be available in the 500, but they can't say when.
 
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Have you considered the Panda? It's basically a cheaper, less Cosmpolitan 500
 
The Corsa D is based on the same platform and now comes with a 1.4 engine that delivers 74kw. You get 2 more doors than on the Fait and service from GM is a little better than from Fiat, plus you can pick them up new for about R160k. Might want to consider that.
 
Rouxenator said:
The Corsa D is based on the same platform and now comes with a 1.4 engine that delivers 74kw. You get 2 more doors than on the Fait and service from GM is a little better than from Fiat, plus you can pick them up new for about R160k. Might want to consider that.
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If I needed the extra space, then I might consider the Opel, but 90% of the time it's just me in the car. Also, the Fiat comes with a few features not found in the Opel, notably ESP and 7 airbags. Plus the multiair version will get like 4l/100km

Right now the 1.4 500 is R157k. It also makes 74kw.
 
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Damnit, I'm currently looking at a new car and the 500's actually caught my eye. There's not much else on the market in the <R150k bracket and although I'd love a Golf 6 1.4TSI, the R180k people seem to want for one with fairly low mileage, is just too much for me right now. Ford Focus' are super cheap, so I'm looking at them too.
This 500 though... you get some good deals on 'em.
 
Messugga said:
Damnit, I'm currently looking at a new car and the 500's actually caught my eye. There's not much else on the market in the <R150k bracket and although I'd love a Golf 6 1.4TSI, the R180k people seem to want for one with fairly low mileage, is just too much for me right now. Ford Focus' are super cheap, so I'm looking at them too.
This 500 though... you get some good deals on 'em.
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I reckon if space is not a priority, the revised price 500s are an excellent option.
 
BCO said:
I reckon if space is not a priority, the revised price 500s are an excellent option.
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I have a strong suspicion that insurance on these wouldn't be too bad either. I'll run it by the missus and see what she has to say, but I doubt she'll be up for it unfortunately.
 
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