Our trip through the design, development and fine tuning of the MultiAir continues.
Today, our engineers Benfenati and Di Martino show us how the engine is calibrated and tested and which technologies are used to do this.


Engine testing rooms

In the engine testing rooms, fuel consumption, performance and emissions of the MultiAir are all tested.

The engine is placed in operation thanks to an exhaust ventilation system, a fuel intake system, an external cooling system and a lubrication system.

This makes it possible to quickly perform all the calibrations that could not be tested with the same precision directly on the vehicle.


Roller bench

This test represents the final testing bench where all the strategies of the engine control unit are checked to ensure they are free from flaws.

Individual components, engineered by the Design Unit, are tested directly on the vehicle to ensure they can support the stress of on-road driving.

Fulfillment of fuel efficiency targets is checked directly on the road. Alfa Romeo MiTo must comply with Euro 5 legislation.



Anechoic chamber

This special area is used to test the acoustic comfort inside the vehicle.
The engine must not transmit vibrations or other unwanted noise.

Mr. Martorelli, the engineer responsible for the FPT Unit, explains that this has been one of Alfa Romeo’s distinguishing features for many years.
We expect Alfa Romeo MiTo MultiAir to live up to our expectations yet again.

The lunch:
I arrived at the restaurant “l’Angolo” in Carisio at around 12 a.m. and was warmly welcomed by Giorgio. Although there were no references to the meeting point, we recognised each other as soon as I parked.
The aperitif at the pool and lunch at the restaurant “La Bettola” were excellent, especially as we could choose between starters, first course, main course, desserts and coffee; I was accustomed to just eating a sandwich or a light lunch at a self-service restaurant on racetrack days, to avoid suffering the consequences of driving like a madman.

The racetrack:
Arriving at the experimental centre in Balocco is always an amazing experience, above all because you’re entering into the pulsating heart of Alfa, among prototypes, spare cars and test-drivers that have made the brand’s history.
We park in the area reserved for the press, surrounded by prototypes of 940, Multipla, etc., while the MultiAir test-drive cars await us below the portico of the “Vecchia Luigina” farmhouse.
After a brief welcome we immediately take to the car: I’m surprised to learn that the test-drive will take place on the inner “Langhe” track, and not on the classic “Alfa Mixed” track.

The car:
The car we will test-drive is a MiTo MultiAir 1.4 with 135 HP, Pack Sport, PackPremium, navigator, 17” rims, etc.
There are plenty of accessories, but that's not what we’re interested in: the heart of the matter lies beneath the bonnet. As I start the cold engine, I'm almost reminded of the typical ticking sound of diesel powered engines, but it soon mingles with the rumble of the exhaust. Compared to the 155 HP Tjet I drive every day, this rumble in not as loud inside the cockpit.
The first lap on the Langhe is driven by the test-driver who allows me to try the car in the Normal and Dynamic modes from the passenger seat, while brushing all the track’s curves.

But now it’s my turn: I adjust the seat, wheel, backrest inclination and I’m off, on the inner “Langhe”!

Though I had previously driven on the track, I hadn't participated in an event since 2006. Therefore, I spent the first lap familiarising with the car and, above all, pin-pointing the various reference points, curves and indications along the track; lap 2 is a totally different story as I start to have fun with the car.
The gearbox: the gears of the 5-speed gearbox engage very smoothly and the path of the gear lever seems shorter compared to my 155 HP Tjet and less rubbery than the first 120 HP I tried. A negative remark is that there are only 5 gears on an engine that promotes reduced consumption.
The suspensions: rear wheel bouncing seems to be virtually absent while driving through curves, due to the high grip of the track and Alfa Romeo's work in improving the suspension unit.
The engine: this is the tastiest part. Compared to the Tjet, on the MultiAir you feel an increase in engine torque during the initial revolutions; the engine constantly accelerates up to 5,500 rpm and responds well, fully and smoothly, while in Dynamic mode you immediately feel the effects of the overboost that makes the car livelier and fun.
Steering: more linear, transmits better where you are putting the wheels in the Dynamic mode.
The control lever: I highly appreciate the fuel-saving “shift” function in the Normal mode, in addition to the new “chequered flag” logo in the Dynamic mode, unlike the “meteorite” logo used on the first Mito cars.

The surprise:
The visit to the MultiAir presentation room, surrounded by historical engines of the Alfa Romeo beginnings from 1914 to 1939 , proved highly entertaining while awaiting the Ducato Spider, whose V-shaped 8-cylinder engine could be heard in front of the farmhouse.
A special thanks goes to Renzo Barbirato for his kindness in welcoming us to the small world of 8C owners, for letting us experience the car, see where customers are welcomed when ordering and picking up their car and witness the degree of care and attention that goes into the sale of this jewel that still embodies the genuine Alfa Romeo spirit.
Thanks again for the Journalist’s brochure containing the CD/DVD on the Spider, which will enrich my collection.

Acknowledgements:
First of all, to the people who had to put up with me, my continuous grumbles and criticism towards the engine, but that’s for the benefit of the brand. Then, to all the MitoTeam, that enabled us to take part in this event, and to Alfa Romeo that has been offering us magical moments for 99 years; I hope to return to the Balocco racetrack soon or to be at the upcoming Alfa Romeo events, and to celebrate 100 years of Italian motorsport history that only Alfa Romeo can boast.

This is my report on today’s events that instantly ran off my pen; I hope to be able to participate in another event soon. Thanks again.


lelesh81

Three weeks from its launch we have come to the official closing of MultiAir Genius.
The technical problems encountered, for which the MiTo Team again apologises, certainly did not dampen the MiTomaniacs’ passion for the racetrack!

We can finally publish the results: we have the confirmed winners!
A few notes on the rankings. The final rankings have been prepared excluding those who played several times using different ad hoc accounts (see the rules).

The winners have been contacted by phone, to check their availability right away. Indeed, the meeting with the press is just round the corner: are you ready to see what MultiAir means?
Very well then: the time has come!


Final rankings:

8th of september


fedegib

gio51

raffaele

cole trickl

camshaft


9th of september



Alfanino

nivomat

valef1

sempreditraverso

matthero

10th of september



Lampoda

koko1973

javitobece

alfaolli 

ottone IV




11th of september



morris90

matteo LP

dani83

Tony Abarth  83

atomic337

MultiAir Genius closed today at 10.00 am, as announced last week.
The MiTo Team is checking each entry: as required by the rules, in fact, players who took the quiz more than once using different ad hoc accounts will be excluded from the final rankings.

A few hours more and all MiTomaniacs will see published on this blog the names of the “MultiAir Geniuses”, who demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the new MiTo technology.
It wasn’t easy but this time too you managed to surprise us: congratulations to all of you from the Team!