Technology of the Year The ingenious Multiair is until now the most flexible kind of variable valve control (next to the ultimate electromagnetic valvetrain). It has the ability to vary the level of valve lift as well as implement early valve opening or closing, hence finely control the amount of air entering the combustion chambers. It can even introduce multiple openings during an intake stroke. The result is 10% more power, 15% more low-rpm torque and 10% reduction of fuel consumption. By cleverly using hydraulic as means for the variable actuation, Multiair avoids the complex and costly mechanical components of rival systems, therefore it can be widely used in the mass production engines of FIAT group. |
| Past winners 2009 Better Place-Israel electric car plan 2008 Mercedes F700 and DiesOtto engine 2007 BMW Turbosteamer 2006 Volkswagen-Eaton Twincharger 2005 BorgWarner regulated 2-stage turbocharging system 2004 Toyota Prius 2003 BorgWarner DualTronic double-clutch gearbox 2002 BMW 7-series 2001 Saab SVC (variable compression) engine 2000 Audi Multitronic CVT 1999 Volkswagen 24-valve VR6 |
