The Fiat Group's new MultiAir system directly controls the air and combustion in engines cylinder by cylinder, stroke by stroke, through the intake engine valves without using the throttle.
According to the Italian carmaker, the use of this technology results in a 10% reduction of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, and a 10% engine power increase as well as a 15% torque improvement over an engine without this system.
Bypassing the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Fiat Doblo van that we already know about, Fiat's product plan concentrates on Lancia, a brand that up until now, was clearly neglected by the Italian firm. That's going to change now that Fiat has linked Lancia's portfolio with Chrysler's lineup.
First of all, 2010 will see a minor facelift for the Ypsilon mini and Musa mini MPV as well as a model year update on the Delta that is rumored to be revealed with a Chrysler badge at next month's Detroit auto show.
2011, however, promises to be a significant year for Lancia as Fiat plans to introduced four new vehicles -all of which will be derived from Chrysler models- to the brand's European lineup.
These include a mid-size family sedan and convertible (a Lybra successor most likely based on the Sebring), a new flagship luxury sedan (Thesis replacement that's rumored to be based on the 300) and a large MPV (probably the Town and Country).
In 2011, Fiat will also gain a Chrysler Group-derived crossover model while the most important introduction for the brand will be the next-generation Panda that will be offered with the firm's new twin-cylinder turbocharged engines.
Other than the new compact-sized Giulietta, Alfa Romeo's plans include a model year update for the 159 sedan, the presentation of the more hardcore 8C Competizione GTA and a light facelift for the MiTo supermini.
As you can see, Marchionne's plans for Alfa do not include the long awaited SUV / Crossover model nor a replacement for the 169. Apparently, the focus on the Lancia brand comes at the cost of Alfa's future...
All in all, over the next two years, the Fiat Group is planning the launch of 17 new models and upgrades of 13 existing models.
PS: The opening photo is a julino billym photoshop
The Golf-sized hatchback will make its global debut at the 2010 Geneva Salon next March with sales due to start in Europe in Spring of the same year. The Giulietta's lineup will consist of two petrol and two diesel engines, all turbocharged and all fitted with start-stop systems to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
At launch, the petrol range will include the 1.4-liter TB and 1.4-liter TB Multiair petrol units with 120HP and 170HP respectively, and the diesel, the 1.6-liter JTDM and 2.0-liter JTDM diesels with 105HP and 170HP respectively.
Hot hatch enthusiasts will be glad to know that Alfa will present a "Quadrifoglio Verde" (four-leaf clover) version later in the year that will be powered by a 1.7-liter (1,750cc) four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing a hefty 235 horsepower.
Remember Alfa Romeo's Kamal Concept SUV that was presented at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2003 supposedly previewing a production model that never came? Well, a worker from the Fiat Group's Elasis research center in Pomigliano d'Arco near Naples, reportedly bagged this prototype Alfa Romeo SUV at the firm's facility.We're well aware of the fact that some may claim these pictures could be the work of a master photoshopper, but we checked the shots again and again and couldn't find anything out of the ordinary - even the Grande Punto headlights have the right shades on them. If you disagree, please enlighten us in the comments section below.
Now back to the prototype, if indeed real, our bet would go to an early test mule for a production version of the Kamal Concept that was initially pegged for launch sometime in 2010.
We don't know if Alfa Romeo kept to the plan - don't forget, the same company also announced a successor for the 169 executive sedan for 2009, but even if it did, the Fiat Group's recent tie-up with Chrysler has changed or at least, set everything back.
Via: Worldcarfans , Source: Alvolante
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2003 Alfa Romeo Kamal Concept SUV
The special edition Alfa Brera "Italia Independant", which will be produced in a limited run of 900 units for Europe, Japan and Australia, is available for order in Germany with prices starting from €29,700 for the 185HP 2.2-liter four-cylinder JTS model and from €38,850 for the 260HP 3.2-liter JTS V6 model that's offered in both front- and all-wheel drive versions.
Created in collaboration with domestic fashion house "Italia Independent", the limited run Brera coupe is about style. Special exterior touches include a Titanium opaque paintwork with matching 18-inch alloy wheels in a turbine pattern, red colored brake callipers and an aluminum fuel cap.
The 2+2 coupe's interior is decked out in carbon fiber trim and black leather upholstery with contrasting red seams. The brushed aluminium "Italia Independent" logos, pedals and foot rest complete the package.
The vehicle's standard equipment includes seven airbags, automatic dual zone climate control system, cruise control, fog lights and a high-end audio system.
