Multiair=Diesel
........................................................
A red Alfa Romeo 147 2.0, complete with UNIAIR livery, has been used extensively as a test vehicle for this project ever since it was first previewed at the 63rd Barcelona Motorshow in April 2003, where awards were handed out for the best technological innovations in the automotive field.
The UNIAIR system will eventually feature on all Fiat Group automotive engines, due to be fitted across the entire range between 2007 and 2008. Early rumours suggested that the Alfa Romeo 148 would receive UNIAIR in October 2006, although this date is now considered as highly
improbable.
The results of the ten year project are stunning, with power output increasing by 10-15% on average, whilst fuel consumption drops by 8 to 10%. The latter improvement is mainly due to the elimination of the conventional butterfly throttle valve, a component that severely reduces the ability for air flow to be optimized. Consequently, UNIAIR technology allows for Euro 5 emissions standards to be met, and contributes to reducing the environmental foot print of modern day motoring.
One of the first engines to receive the UNIAIR treatment will be the 1.6 litre JTS engine, fitted to the Alfa Romeo 148. With UNIAIR technology, the 1.6 litre unit is expected to boast an output of 150 bhp. UNIAIR engines are also characterised by impressive low-end torque.
Diesel engines fitted with the technology bear the MULTIAIR tag, and will also exude impressive power outputs per litre, and ultra-low consumption figures.
On the high performance side of the range, Alfa Romeo have been developing a 3.2 litre twin-turbo V6 UNIAIR JTS, with a power output of approximately 400 bhp. In this application, the benefits of the UNIAIR system are clearly evident, with the air-flow of the engine being far more substantial, and influential. The first application of UNIAIR for the Ferrari range of cars is expected to be with the 6.0 V12 direct injection engine, with an impressive 630 bhp.
http://www.italiaspeed.com/2005/cars/ot ... 05_02.html
