Filed under: Tech, Hatchbacks, Alfa Romeo, FIAT
Camless engine may debut on 2009 Fiat 500, Alfa Junior
It's been bandied about for some time, but Valeo is looking to finally make it a reality. The supplier is developing a camless engine that utilizes electromagnetic solenoids to drive the valves, providing unlimited control of the valves, reducing emissions by up to 20-percent and improving performance in the process.The system, which is also being developed by both Jacobs Vehicle Systems of Connecticut and Lotus Engineering, has had its share of fits and starts. Packaging issues have caused problems for all involved, particularly on engines with three or four valves per cylinder.
Although Valeo has yet to get an automaker to sign on, industry sources claim that Fiat is looking to employ a similar system, dubbed Multiair, on the 2009 900cc 500 and possibly some of its diesel offerings. Alfa Romeo might get in the game as well, when it releases the "Junior" model with a turbocharged inline four.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Glifford 8:50AM (1/07/2008)
Don't know why this took so long! Should have happened ages ago! But
anyway.. finally..
Seems like the next logical step after CDI and FI!
Suddenly the VTEC sounds outdated! :)
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jJack 8:59AM (1/07/2008)
What happens when a fuse blows from the solenoid? Fuses been known to blow sometime just from old age. This could be a major problem.
Andrew 9:19AM (1/07/2008)
That's why God invented engineers. If they're developing the technology, they're going to consider longevity.
FThorn 9:24AM (1/07/2008)
And accountants to OPPOSE THEM.
Russell 9:42AM (1/07/2008)
Hopefuly pushrod vs OHC will be put to rest soon.
Imagine pushrodless LSx engine in a Corvette.
This might be the reason GM canceled their OHC V8 program.
EMC 6:45PM (1/07/2008)
ummmm, maybe it's taken so long because it is a very complex and demanding bit of engineering, and located in a corrosive and unfriendly environment?
That's like asking why they waited so long to start mapping out the human genome and look into genetics.
:S
Andrew 9:00AM (1/07/2008)
If this is reliable and can spin decent rpm, nice work!
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Alex 9:04AM (1/07/2008)
This is good news!
Increased power, and fuel effeciency. Add this to a DI, twin turbo v6 set up (i'm looking at you Audi), sweet!
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The Other Bob 9:17AM (1/07/2008)
Maybe this will finally put the lame OHC Vs. Pushrod debate to rest.
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Pete 9:20AM (1/07/2008)
I wonder if this is trickle down from F1? At least in Fiat's case.
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Ligor 9:44AM (1/07/2008)
a few years ago when data was given that this tech was expected to make it to cars in the coming future I for sure thought it'd b one of the bigger companies that would bring this first, Tayota, GM, Honda, Ford, M-B
I would have never expected Fiat to bring this out first. with the new 35mpg enforcemtn coming soon, I think this would have been the way to go together with the diesotto gas engine M-B has coming out soon.
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Frick 10:18AM (1/07/2008)
you don't think Fiat is one of the bigger companies??? you better do some research then....
bolhuijo 10:50AM (1/07/2008)
Why did it take so long? Not because it's hard to open a valve with solenoid power, but because it's hard to control valve closing. Traditional cams are ground very carefully to control valve velocity, acceleration, and jerk to keep the motion as smooth as possible. The valve needs to move quickly and land on its seat without slamming down on it.
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Cesare Consaga 10:52AM (1/07/2008)
OHV vs OHC? Well, the nod goes to OHC in the case of future 'camless' engines. In the interests of breathing deeply, they will retain a 4-valve head structure, a byproduct of a basic DOHC engine design.
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Derek 11:53AM (1/07/2008)
OHC? you mean that outdated, pre-WW1 technology that adds size and weight to an engine?
A OHV V8 of 6+ liters is of similar size and weight to a 3.x liter DOHC V6.
I too was once blinded by the slick words of the marketeers, but thesedays I am a fan of the newer OHV technology.
EMC 6:44PM (1/07/2008)
Yes, that old technology that is used in almost every race car and proper "sports car".
[sarcasm]
Silly to use old technology, like electric cars, seatbelts, fuel injection, supercharger/turbochargers, the wheel... what were we thinking?!
[/sarcasm]
Derek 7:38AM (1/09/2008)
If everyone else jumped off the bridge, would you too?
Corvette is doing just fine in plenty of racing venues with only one cam. So is Viper. Both are great sports cars and to buy a vehicle that can rival them in performance takes a fair amount more coin. (How many 'Vettes can I buy for the cost of a Porsche???)
Carlos 11:00AM (1/07/2008)
Why do I see this system adding considerable weight to an engine? Maybe it's because of those small but numerous motors at the highest point on the engine, hmmm not good for handling there.
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adam 2:47PM (1/07/2008)
If you had any idea of how this electromagnetic camless system works, you wouldn't have made that comment.
John R 11:04AM (1/07/2008)
so...these camless engines, does this mean infinitely variable valve timing? a V6 that can rev to 10k sounds like fun.
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