Tuesday 22nd February 2011

Fiat's MultiAir Tech Could Be Heading To Ferrari

Patent document reveals possible new tech for Ferrari V8

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This drawing appears to show that Fiat's clever MultiAir technology is being developed for a V8 application, one that will most likely wind up in a Ferrari.

The MultiAir system, which allows an infinitely variable valvetrain setup via electro-hydraulic actuators, means Fiat's smaller engines can produce better low-end torque and more horsepower more efficiently. The benefits of such improvements to Ferrari motors - better efficiency and fewer emissions without having to sacrifice performance or power - are obvious.

On top of this, the 2D schematic appears to include pneumatically controlled valves. That's the sort of technology Ferrari's F1 engines use to allow its motors to rev beyond 20,000rpm (even though the regulations don't permit those figures), as springs can't handle the valve speeds.

The fascinating implication is that Ferrari could be working on a small-capacity, high-efficiency V8 with a potentially stratospheric rev limit. Sounds intriguing...

[Snoggledog]

Isn't this the same as (or derivative of) the head from the Lancia ECV?

[AndyCzech]

Most probably need efficiency improvements to allow red cars to be sold in California.

I can't see ferrari producing Arbath special edition with blown 1.5ltr V6, can you?

[ZeeTacoe]

Snoggledog said:

Isn't this the same as (or derivative of) the head from the Lancia ECV?

No.

Infinitely variable intake as you still need the exhaust cam to power the hydraulics.

[PaulMoor]

Isn't this the same as a desmo engine?

[uncinquesei]

PaulMoor said:

Isn't this the same as a desmo engine?

no desmodronic is actively closing valves rather than by using springs

[renrut]

PaulMoor said:

Isn't this the same as a desmo engine?

Nothing like it. Desmodromic engines push the valve open and closed, without needing valve springs, but still use conventional cam timing.

[The Wookie]

ZeeTacoe said:

No.

Infinitely variable intake as you still need the exhaust cam to power the hydraulics.

Looks as if they're doubling up the system so it will still have a separate intake and exhaust cam to allow variable timing on both, rather than variable inlet and fixed exhaust timing as with the Fiat system

[Luca Brasi]

Interesting news. Looking forward to it.

[Collaudatore]

20000 rpm

[louismchuge]

Collaudatore said:

20000 rpm

fk that, it'd be like driving round in a dentists drill!

[collateral]

The Wookie said:

ZeeTacoe said:

No.

Infinitely variable intake as you still need the exhaust cam to power the hydraulics.

Looks as if they're doubling up the system so it will still have a separate intake and exhaust cam to allow variable timing on both, rather than variable inlet and fixed exhaust timing as with the Fiat system

I don't think there is a cam

eta I'm an idiot. There is no camSHAFT

[The Wookie]

collateral said:

I don't think there is a cam

eta I'm an idiot. There is no camSHAFT

Items 15 looked vaguely cam-shaped to me, and for the system to work they'd either have to be cams or springs as far as I can make out

Also another item of note... It's port injected, not direct injection which implies they can't package an injector into the head

[jamieboy]

The Wookie said:

Also another item of note... It's port injected, not direct injection which implies they can't package an injector into the head

When the first Multiair engines came out, they reckoned they were 3-4 years away from a direct injection version.

[Twincam16]

Actually I reckon a tiny-displacement V8 or V12 with MultiAir would sound sublime, like a 1.5-litre-era F1 car. Coupled with a good power-to-weight ratio and excellent aerodynamics it'd be a real step forward for Ferrari. We can't just keep making engines bigger in search of high performance. Other things have got to give.

[PaulG40]

Either way, going to be very intriguing indeed for Ferrari's future.

[The Wookie]

jamieboy said:

When the first Multiair engines came out, they reckoned they were 3-4 years away from a direct injection version.

I didn't know that! I just assumed they were GDI

[A Scotsman]

No reason why the injector and inlet valve shouldn't be essentially the same device.

[Some Gump]

[ph]
Bah! Rubbish! F1 technology in a Ferrari? These small engines are gay. High revs? What is it, a Honda? It's the end for the brand. If they don't have 6l and >450 g/cm CO2, I'm not buying one. TVR, MX5.
[/PH]


Sounds great to me, the closer to F1 Ferrari can be, the better. If they're dead efficient as well, thats uber class - not only will they be cheaper, but the fuel tank can be nice and small for packaging and weight distribution - again just like in an F1 car =)

[thinfourth2]

I don't see a camshaftless engine turning up in a Ferrari before a Fiat

I don't think the tech is up to a engine running at 20,000Rpm and having accurate valve control.

if we see camshaftless engine tech on the road it will be a limited run of low revving engines

[Collaudatore]

louismchuge said:

Collaudatore said:

20000 rpm

fk that, it'd be like driving round in a dentists drill!

Exactly