Italian Automotive Technology of the Year 2007

The technology category saw an almost even split of votes being cast between three new Fiat Powertrain Technologies’ engines, each of which incorporate class-leading standards of power coupled to frugal efficiency. The new 1.9 JTD Twin Stage Turbo unit (3,213) eventually got the nod as the winner of Italiaspeed Technology of the Year 2007 ahead of the 1.4 T-Jet (3,087) and the SGE ‘Small Gasoline Engine’ (3,003).

Fiat Powertrain Technologies 1.9 JTD Twin Stage Turbo
Based on the 1.9 JTDM 16v engine, the Twin Stage Turbo (TST) unit will be available in two versions: 180 bhp @ 4000 rpm and 190 bhp @ 4000 rpm, both with 400 Nm torque @ 2000 rpm. The low-end torque has been improved by 50%, with 300 Nm available already from 1250 rpm. The TST technology increases the thermostructural resistance with increased peak cylinder pressure and exhaust gas temperature. TST employs a small turbocharger operating at low rpm for optimal low-end torque and response from low vehicle speed. The small turbo is bypassed when the required power output increases and a second turbocharger with higher sizes comes into operation. The engine has been designed to comply with Euro 5 regulations.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies 1.4 T-JET
The T-JET turbocharged petrol engine family, developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, offers outstanding performance, prompt throttle response, low consumption, constructional simplicity, sturdiness and reliability. The new 1.4 16v turbo engine posses remarkable power outputs ranging from 120 bhp to 150 bhp. Next year will see the introduction of a 180 bhp version on the Abarth Grande Punto Esseesse.  The low inertia of the turboblower results in limited turbo lag, resulting in a very elastic powercurve for an enjoyable, relaxed driving style, with the option to respond assertively if required. The T-JET unit therefore delivers factory performance similar or better to 1.8 / 2.0-litre engines, with reduced consumption and emissions.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies SGE
The bi-cylinder Small Gasoline Engine (SGE) will power every Fiat model on the new small platform from 2010 to the end of the next decade. The SGE 900 cc Turbo twin-cylinder engine is small and modular, producing 80 bhp and is equipped with the Multiair electronic inlet valve control system for dual petrol / methane-hydrogen fuel management. SGE is already designed to operate with a mixture of 70% methane and 30% hydrogen. SGE was developed to comply with Euro 5 and 6 homologoation, with at the same time providing performance and comfort levels comparable to a larger capacity engine. SGE uses approximately 69 kg of CO2/km. What is more SGE reduces weight of a conventional 4-cylinder engine by 20%, as well as decreasing volume by 25%. To reduce noise and vibration SGE uses a new balanced crankshaft design.

Fiat Fiorino Electric
The new zero-emission Fiat Fiorino Electric was developed by Micro-Vett and is distributed by Newteon. The motor of the Fiorino develops 30 kW and ensures excellent performance with 0-50 km/h acceleration within 7 seconds and a top speed of 80 km/h. The lithium batteries guarantee a 100 km range and are rechargeable within three hours. The Electric Fiorino is the ideal vehicle for public and private fleets in congested city centres.

University of Cambridge self-diagnostics
Academics at Cambridge University’s Institute for Manufacturing developed an intelligent system for cars to communicate with mechanics which of their parts need servicing. Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags attached to the engine parts transmit data over a rolling road which is fitted with an Ultra-High Frequency reader and four antennae. Through cross-reffering information with a computerised database, the car is able to communicate the state of its components to mechanics in a matter of seconds.

Italian Automotive Technology of the Year 2006
Voters gave the thumbs up to the new Blue&Me (2,480) system, developed by Fiat Auto and Microsoft, putting it just ahead of the efficient new Fiat Starjet engine (2,338) and the very advanced Fiat Panda Multi-Eco (1,637) in the Technology of the Year category.