AutoZine Awards 2010

Technology of the Year

FIAT Multiair
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

Honorable mentions

Toyota Prius Mk3
Honorable mentions

Alfa 1750 scavenging turbo engine
Honorable mentions

ZF 8-speed automatic
Honorable mentions

Ferrari pre-filled brake



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