The first video clip we presented explained how MultiAir engines are assembled and tested, in terms of performance, efficiency and emissions.

Instead today’s video clip focuses on the engine’s electronic component, which is no less important.

The central engine control unit is the brain of the MultiAir . It sets the main operating parameters by defining, instant by instant, the most appropriate valve opening laws to apply.

Mr. Vetrano, the engineer responsible for engine control development, explains to us the main steps followed in the development of the electronics.

“Hardware-in-the-loop” testing made it possible to test all the engine control unit software in a virtual environment that emulates its final use on the vehicle. This system also allowed for fault injection testing, i.e. testing the engine control unit’s responses to sensor or actuator errors.

Directly on the road, using a data scanner, the engineering staff constantly monitors the operation of the main central unit strategies, measuring parameters such as the exhaust gas temperature estimator, the boost pressure model, or the parameters used to calibrate the drivability of the vehicle.

Let’s start from the lunch. Besides the excellent location and cuisine, I appreciated the fact that we were few: this allowed us to immediately interact both with other bloggers, by comparing our experiences, and with Laura and Giorgio.

We arrived in Balocco while the few remaining journalists were still there... but regardless of this, the developers of B-segment cars attended to us and proved to be both willing and competent.
It’s not surprising that Fiat normally manages to produce successful cars in this segment, given the high level of professionalism of its staff.
I'll now turn to the cars, which we tried while putting our test-drivers through a hard time (Lella, the one I got, was super).
Without doubt, the car is better than the previous ones. The steering and suspensions, two aspects several of us had complained about, have now been modified. I don’t know whether this was due to our remarks, although I like to think so. I believe this helps us foster our trust and motivates us to put our experience as customers and enthusiasts to good use.
The “bouncing” effect I had previously noticed on MiTo is gone, and the steering finally gives you an exact feel of where you are and where you're headed, regardless of the structural limits due to the electric driving mode.
Naturally I drove in the “Dynamic” mode, as in the “Normal” mode I would have felt like a housewife driving to the supermarket (and I’m not that type of guy, otherwise I would be driving a Citroen…). Acceleration/deceleration is progressive to the right degree, which is useful when entering and exiting curves, and above all, safe. This gives you the feeling of really being in control of the car and allows you to take some of the liberties (if you’re used to taking them) you previously felt uneasy with. It is also helpful for those who seriously misjudge curves (I also failed to stick to the racing line on a couple of occasions on the Langhe track. Though I've frequently driven on it, I've never mastered it because I prefer the "Mixed Alfa" track where my Alfasud, the car I normally use for vintage car rallies, seems to “feel” the track on which it was developed).

I liked the engine, given that I’ve been driving an almost 2-litre supercharged diesel engine for years; you tend to appreciate a petrol engine of this kind more after driving it for a few days. The brief drive highlighted the accelerator’s prompt response, the absence of turbo lag and, above all, a decidedly “diesel-like” rpm range, though with all the advantages of a petrol engine (including the absence of the typical tractor noise of diesel engines). The engine sound is not intrusive, even at high rpm, although this engine is best enjoyed in everyday driving conditions rather than in high-speed driving (which is pointless nowadays, due to its costliness and the traffic on roads). Perhaps a 6-speed gearbox with shorter lower gears would make the “turbo petrol” engine livelier. It’s worth mentioning that we often drove with the air conditioning turned on. If Obama chose Fiat on the basis of the MultiAir" target="_blank">MultiAir engine, he must have relied on trust: in this case, his trust was well rewarded. Clearly I have no arguments to affirm whether it actually consumes less or minimises pollution, but if that were the case, the pleasure of driving it remains intact, even if it’s only a 1.4 engine.
Fiat certainly knows how to construct engines and FPT proves its worth with this product.

To summarise, the product has been significantly improved. If one could have had doubts (and rightly so) on the car’s performance in the past, these are now dispelled: the defects we signalled have been corrected. Clearly the car must suit your taste and though its aesthetics don’t impress me, the “paralysing” doubts I had on the car’s essence have now vanished. I’m pleased and satisfied to notice how the improvement of the product matches the improvement in the customer relationship.

Carry on with the good work and remember that besides good service, you also need a good looking product.

MiTomaniacs, get ready! The 63rd edition of the Frankfurt International Auto Show kicks off on 17th September - an absolutely unmissable event for all motoring enthusiasts.

The highlight of this important event will be the Alfa Romeo MiTo “Quadrifoglio Verde” (i.e. “Green Four-Leaf Clover”) which mounts the 170 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol MultiAir engine.

Following the introduction of the MultiAir engine, the “Quadrifoglio Verde” symbol which has identified Alfa Romeo through the years, now embodies a contemporary spirit that combines growing environmental awareness and the pleasure of a sports car experience.

The new engine’s performance speaks for itself: its outstanding weight/power ratio (6.7 kg/HP) and specific power (124 HP/litre), make Alfa Romeo MiTo an outstanding car in terms of performance. Once again, it is Alfa Romeo's technical pedigree that sets it apart.

The car’s reduced emissions translate into a significant reduction in fuel consumption: with 139 g/km of CO2 emissions and 4.8l/100 km fuel consumption, the 170 HP Turbo Petrol engine parameters resemble those of a city car!

Alongside the Quadrifoglio Verde, visitors will be able to admire other models, such as the MiTo, Brera, Spider, 159 (saloon and Sportwagon), in addition to the 8C Competizione Coupé and Spider supercars.
In addition, the full range of 135 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol MultiAir, 200 HP 1750 Turbo Petrol and 170 HP 2.0 JTDM engines will also be on display.

Now let’s turn to the exhibition area. This year’s Auto Show will feature not only technological innovations, but also a brand new design.

The stand, which is inspired by the famous “Meccano” sets created by Hornby, highlights the role of children as a symbol of the future and creativity; currently, no single value better identifies the Alfa Romeo spirit.

You will see the red lacquers emerge from their surroundings; the colour synonymous with Alfa passion awaits to offer you thrilling sensations once more!

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.