MultiAir system production announced

Fiat will be fitting the Alfa Romeo MiTo with MultiAir engines and a start-stop system to increase gas mileage by shutting the fuel supply to the engine when the car is stopped, and seamlessly restarting the engine when needed. The 1.4 liter engine will be available in 105, 135, and 170 horsepower versions.

MultiAir engines have 10% more horsepower and 15% more torque than standard gasoline engines of the same design; they also reduce particulates and nitrides of oxygen dramatically.

MultiAir is a trademark for an electro-hydraulic valve control system currently used on gasoline engines, and planned for Fiat diesel engines.

Fiat is planning to share key technologies with Chrysler in the near term, and MultiAir is very likely to make it to mid-sized Chrysler Group vehicles as well as Fiats sold in the US (regardless of branding).