Fiat Launches New Multijet Engine in 500 Model Line

26 November, 2009 05:30:00

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Fiat is introducing a new 95hp version of its 1.3-liter 'Multijet II' Euro5-compliant diesel engine in the 500 model line, along with new rear suspension.

Contact: Takafumi Hotta Available on all trim levels, with an on-the-road list price that starts at €13,900 (US$21,000) the new power unit delivers a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds with decidedly low consumption and CO2 emissions: 3.9 L/100 km (60.3 mpg US) and 104 g/km (mixed cycle), respectively.

Developed and produced by FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP engine belongs to the second generation of Multijet power units and has new common rail injectors which, courtesy of a balanced hydraulic servo valve, control the amount of diesel injected into the combustion chamber with a high degree of precision, making the injection sequence much faster and more flexible than previously (up to 8 injections in the same cycle). This allows better control of the diesel combustion with benefits for consumption, emissions, noise levels and driveability.

The new 95 HP engine on the Fiat 500 and 500C is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger that ensures optimum turbocharging throughout the entire operating range. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 8% in the urban cycle thanks also to the Start&Stop system that switches the engine off temporarily and then restarts it.

With Euro 5 type-approval, the new 1.3 liter engine enhances its environmentally-friendly pedigree further through the particulate filter (DPF) integrated in the engine compartment which improves its efficiency even more, especially in the first few moments after cold starting.

The second generation Multijet power units represent the development of the common rail injection system which today, after the JTD (1997) and Multijet (2003) engines, allow Fiat Group Automobiles to steal a march in this field and be prepared for future regulations. The Multijet II engines use increasingly advanced "strategies" to improve combustion: for example, the use of injection rate shaping (two consecutive injections with no hydraulic interval) reduces noise, fuel consumption and, in view of Euro 6, harmful emissions (a potential 30% reduction of nitrogen oxides).

Lastly, together with the new 1.3 Multijet II 95 HP engine, the new rear torsion beam (semi-independent) suspension with an anti-roll bar is also making its debut on the Fiat 500 range. It is derived from the Abarth 500 model and has already made an appearance on the 500C. It gives better handling and a more comfortable ride.

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