The Group strives to develop and produce engines that apply innovative technological solutions to cut fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
In 2011 the two-cylinder TwinAir family, ranging between 65 and 105 hp, continued to be rolled out to further models, including the new Fiat Panda and the new Lancia Ypsilon (and consequently the Chrysler Ypsilon sold in the UK). The only two-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine of its kind in the world, the TwinAir represents the latest frontier in engine downsizing, achieving 30% less CO2 emissions compared with engines of similar performance (16V 1.4-liter gasoline version). The TwinAir Turbo 85 hp has the lowest CO2 emission levels of any gasoline engine in Europe (90 g/km on Fiat 500 with AMT transmission). In recognition of its technological excellence, it was named International Engine of the Year 2011 by an international panel of 76 journalists.
MultiAir technology was also extended to the new Fiat Panda and new Lancia Ypsilon, as part of the TwinAir engine. Compared with a traditional gasoline engine of equal displacement, MultiAir engines provide an increase in power of up to 10% and in torque of up to 15% in addition to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 10%.
In 2011, Chrysler Group introduced the highly efficient Pentastar V-6 engine on the Jeep Wrangler. The engine, originally launched on the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2010, is currently standard or available on 12 vehicles representing 39% of Chrysler Group’s vehicle sales. The Pentastar V-6 engine improves fuel efficiency by an average of 7% over its predecessors.
In December 2011, Ward’s Automotive honored the Pentastar engine as one of the 10 Best Engines for the second consecutive year for its exceptional fuel economy, emissions and power.
Finally, Chrysler Group’s Fuel Saver Technology on the HEMI eight-cylinder engine family is another innovative solution that improves fuel economy. By means of cylinder deactivation, it seamlessly alternates between high fuel economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is required. In 2011, 80% of V-8 engines sold incorporated this technology.
The new 1.3-liter MultiJet II diesel 85 hp, launched in 2011, was made available on the Fiat Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo. This engine incorporates the eco-Turbo strategy that leverages turbocharger-engine matching and gearset optimization to improve low-end torque, driving comfort and fuel performance. MultiJet II technology guarantees eco-efficiency and performance through the use of advanced combustion technologies, such as Injection Rate Shaping (IRS). With IRS, the main injection typical of the MultiJet is replaced by two consecutive injections without a hydraulic interval, generating significant improvements in terms of fuel consumption (up to 3% lower) and harmful emissions (potential 20% reduction in NOx).
Ferrari engineers are committed to improving fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions while continuing to deliver best-in-class performance.
Launched in 2011, the new Ferrari FF represents another breakthrough in the battle to cut emissions. The new four-seat four-wheel drive vehicle has reduced its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 22% compared with the previous V-12 engine, while taking performance to a whole new level. This was achieved thanks to the adoption of the new Direct Fuel Injection engine combined with the new seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. The HELE system also brings significant benefits through the use of Start&Stop, a continuous radiator fan and fuel pump control in addition to electronic compressor control for the climate system. A similar result was achieved on the new 458 Spider, also launched in 2011, which delivers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared with the F430 Spider.
Overall, Ferrari reduced its average carbon emissions in 2011 by 30% over 2007. To achieve this, the brand focused on reducing vehicle weight. Ferrari has adopted a combination of advanced aluminum alloys integrated with casting and joining technologies as the structural backbone of its road cars, which reduces weight while delivering outstanding performance and safety. On the 2012 Ferrari California, these technologies have decreased total vehicle weight by as much as 30 kg compared with the 2008 model.
