Fiat launches new MultiAir engines

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 09 March 2009 14:02 Fiat showed off the detail of its new MultiAir engines at the 2009 Geneva motor show – and we’ll finally be able to buy the tech on the new Alfa Romeo Mito supermini later in 2009. The brains behind the common-rail injection system that shook up diesel technology have now produced a new technology designed to make petrol engines more efficient and cleaner. Engineers claim the MultiAir engines – which use electrohydraulic actuation, rather than the more widely available electromechanical systems – boost power and torque, while cutting CO2 by between 10% and 25% and other pollutants by up to 60%.

Scion FR-S concept

Another day, another variation on the fabled Toyota FT-86. Following on from the FT-86 II at Geneva and the re-emergence of the original version at the Seoul Auto Show, New York played host to the Scion FR-S concept. Unsurprisingly, the FR-S boasts the same front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car demeanor - hence the name - but differs visually from the other variations from the long awaited Toyota.

BMW ‘i' subbrand aims for 2013 launch

BMW has confirmed that the new subbrand through which it intends to market a range of advanced stand-alone hybrid, range-extended and plug-in electric models will be called BMW “i.” Created to develop, produce and market what BMW's head of marketing, Ian Robertson, describes as “innovative solutions to premium mobility,” the brand will be supported by a company established by BMW called i Ventures, through which the German carmaker plans to grow its range of mobility services. The i3 and the i8 will be the initial models and are planned for introduction in 2013. “These cars have been designed specifically for their respective alternative drive systems,” said Klaus Draeger, head of BMW's R&D operations.