Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Tomorrow’s world: Fiat's MultiAir engine tech

By Jesse Crosse Motor Industry 14 October 2009 16:50 Fiat this year launches what it claims is a big step forward in variable valve timing: MultiAir. It's the first time that a manufacturer has made a properly variable valve system a production reality, and will slowly be rolled out across most of Fiat's and Alfa's car ranges.How does Fiat's MultiAir vary from existing variable valve timing (VVT) systems?Current VVT systems rely on mechanical systems to open and close the valves. Engineers have long understood the benefits of changing valve opening and closing times to tweak an engine's power and emissions performance, depending on the need for power or parsimony.Valves are an engine's nose and mouth – it inhales through inlet valves and exhales through exhaust valves.

Renault at the London motor show 2008

By James Foxall and CAR reader reporter Carcare Motor Shows 22 July 2008 13:46 With the Paris motor show coming up in October 2008, it’s a surprise Renault had anything of interest to offer show-goers at this week's London exhibition. But Renault UK had other ideas... The French firm’s R26.R – a lightweight, stripped-out Megane, made its world debut.

BMW resurrects the C1

BMW has resurrected the C1 as an electrically powered concept. It is part of a broad-based safety project conducted in cooperation with the European Union under the working title eSUM (European Safer Urban Motoring). The roofed scooter, which originally went on sale across Europe with a gasoline engine in 2000, was once touted by BMW as the future of urban mobility.