In March 2009, the MultiAir technology was presented to the industry and the media. This new electro-hydraulic valve management system reduces fuel consumption (through direct control of airflow through the engine’s intake valves, without engaging the throttle) and polluting emissions (through combustion control), while at the same time improving performance by increasing torque and maximum power.
September saw the commercial launch of the first application of this new electro-hydraulic valve management system with the naturally-aspirated and turbo versions of the 1.4-litre FIRE gasoline engine. This is the first in a series of forthcoming applications for gasoline engines, which will include the new 900 cc twin-cylinder engine from the Small Gasoline Engine family. In the future, MultiAir may also be adapted to diesel engines, bringing particular advantages in terms of emissions, as well as consumption and driveability.