Ever-tighter fuel economy and emissions regs, not to mention changing consumer tastes, have automakers doing more with less. We're seeing a resurgence in compacts and subcompacts, and automakers are putting smaller, more efficient engines in many models. But Fiat is taking it to a whole 'nother level by putting a tiny two-cylinder engine in the adorable 500.
Fiat says the TwinAir 875cc will be the world's most fuel-efficient gasoline automobile engine -- getting 57.4 mpg -- when it appears in the 500 this fall. It meets Euro 5 emission regs and will allow Fiat to retain its position as the European automaker with the lowest overall fleet CO2 emissions.
"We have no intention of relinquishing our crown of Europe's greenest automaker and the TwinAir engine will have a crucial role in maintaining our lead," Alfredo Altavilla, Fiat vice president for business development, told Automotive News Europe.
It also brings the 500 closer to its roots, because the original Cinquecento used a two-cylinder engine, as did other microcars in post-war Europe. But don't think Fiat's gone all retro with the tiny engine. It's thoroughly modern, and it sounds like an impressive bit of kit.
The parallel twin uses four valves per cylinder. Electro-hydraulic intake valves with variable timing in place of a conventional camshaft allow more precise combustion, increasing fuel economy and torque. Fitted with a tiny turbocharger, the TwinAir produces 85 horsepower and 106 pound feet of torque. An "eco" mode cuts that to 73 pound feet to boost fuel economy further. The engine also has stop-start technology.
Auto Express spent some time behind the wheel of a TwinAir 500 and came away impressed. The engine feels a lot like a four-banger below 2,500 rpm and has good pull in part because the transmission has short gearing. Wind the little engine that could up and it sounds like a motorcycle -- not at all surprising, given the engine is actually smaller than those in many bikes. A counterbalancer keeps things smooth, and Auto Express says the TwinAir performs a lot like a 1.4-liter four.
Fiat says the TwinAir will do zero to 100 km/hr in 11 seconds and top out at 107 mph.
Bolted to a semi-auto gearbox, the engine delivers a Prius-like 57.4 mpg and emits 92 g/km of CO2. The five-speed drops the figures to 54 mpg and 95 g/km, according to ANE. Fiat also will offer a non-turbo model good for 65 horsepower and a tuned turbo version good for 115.
A TwinAir 500 will go for $16,775 in Italy. No word on whether the engine will make it to this side of the Atlantic when the 500 arrives at the end of the year. The company also is planning a mild-hybrid drivetrain using the engine.
Photos: Fiat
See Also:
- Small Is the New Big at Ford
- Mustang Makes 'Big Statement' With Power and MPG
- Feds Finalize New Fuel Standards To Save Oil, Cut Emissions
- Hallelujah! The Fiat 500 Is Coming!
- Electric Fiat 500: Bellissimo!
Isn't it cute? TwinAir, by the numbers: One turbocharger, two cylinders, eight valves, 85 horsepower and 106 pound feet. And it gets 57.8 mpg.
