Roush F-150 Billet Grille 401596 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.

Are BMW really trying to buy De Tomaso?

Reports from Italy say that BMW is in talks to buy De Tomaso, the perpetually failed maker of supercars. It’s long been rumoured that BMW has an interest in acquiring De Tomaso to give it a proper supercar brand to rival the offerings from the VW group. But, despite many opportunities to do so, BMW has never made the move.

Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty on all new cars (well, for 100k miles)

All new Vauxhalls now get the Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty It was going to happen sooner or later; long-established car makers biting the bullet on warranties to counter the threat form the Koreans with their huge warranties and bargain prices. And it’s Vauxhall that’s jumped in to the fray, offering a lifetime warranty on all new cars with immediate effect. Of course, that’s a ‘Lifetime Warranty’ in what has become the modern, disingenuous fashion.