FPT UNVEILS NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE DIESEL

Fiat Powertrain Technologies has just announced the latest development of the current 1.9 JTD M (MultiJet) 16v engine used in a variety of Fiat and Alfa Romeo models.

Featuring Twin Stage Turbo technology, which lifts power to a remarkable 140 kW (188 bhp) and 400 Nm (295 lb ft) of torque from just 1.9 litres, the new engine will become available in two versions, one with 132 kW (177 bhp), which FPT will make available to customers outside the Fiat Group, as well as Fiat Group brands, and a higher performance 140 kW (188 bhp) version, which will remain the preserve of the Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia brands.

Compared to existing 1.9 litre JTD M (MultiJet) engines, low end torque has been improved by 50 per cent, with 300 Nm (221 lb ft) available from just 1250 rpm. This outstanding performance has been achieved through the introduction of advanced turbocharging technology together with design changes to increase the thermostructural resistance that allows increased peak cylinder pressure up to 180 bar and exhaust gas temperatures up to 800°C.

Two stage turbocharging enables the new engine to combine the instant low speed response and the elimination of 'turbo lag' provided by a small turbocharger, while the second stage offers the 'deep breathing' provided by a large turbocharger. Essentially, a small turbocharger operates at low RPM for optimal bottom end torque and response from low vehicle speed. This small turbo is by-passed when the required power output increases, and a second turbocharger of a larger size comes into operation.

Besides the improvement in overall performance, TST technology allows an increase in the exhaust gas recirculation rate without fuel consumption penalties, and therefore provides a significant reduction in NOx emissions.

Thus, the engine complies with projected Euro 5 emission standards. This target has been achieved thanks to:

• Reduction of the compression ratio from 17.5 to 16.5 and the adoption of low-voltage metallic glow plugs
• Improved EGR cooler (with by-pass) and EGR valve adoption on Lambda sensor with DPF
• New inlet port design

Production of the new engine will start in July this year, beginning with the 132 kW (177 bhp) version. The 140 kW (188 bhp) version is to be launched in June 2008.

The Factory

The new engine is produced in the FPT plant at Pratola Serra, in Italy's Avellino province. Created from a 'green field' site, the plant started production in 1993 and has an annual capacity of 600,000 engines. At Pratola Serra, both gasoline (1.6 16v,
1.8 16v, 2.0 16v, 2.0 20v, 2.4 20v) and diesel engines (1.9 8v JTD, 1.9 16v JTD, 2.4 20v JTD) are produced. The plant has been awarded important international recognition, such as ISO 9002, ISO 14001, and ISO TS 16949, but above all, the Excellence in Consistent TPM Commitment 1st Category, which represents a coveted recognition as far as Preventive Maintenance is concerned, stands for the high level of excellence that the plant and its products achieve.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

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For further information please contact:

PETER NEWTON Public Relations Director

or Puneet Joshi Press Officer

Fiat Auto (UK) Limited

Tel: 01753 511431 Fax: 01753 516871

E-mail addresses: peter.newton@fiat.com / puneet.joshi@fiat.com

This press release is also available on www.fiat4media.co.uk