Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) has introduced its first new engine in Brazil since the creation of the new Fiat group operation in March, follwing the ending of the powertrain joint venture with General Motors.
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The company has launched a new ‘Fire’ 1.4-litre, eight-valve, flexfuel engine for new versions of the Palio compact car line.
The now defunct Fiat-GM Powertrain JV began the development of the new engine, which was originally intended for both the Palio and GM’s uniquely Brazilian-made Celta (based on a previous generation Opel Corsa). However, General Motors do Brasil no longer plans to buy the new engine from Fiat.
Fiat is, however, still using the GM 1.8-litre flexfuel engine in top Palio models. This engine has been used in the Fiat model line since 2003 and is also installed in the Brazilian-made Chevrolet [Opel-based] Corsa, Montana, Meriva and (previous-generation) Astra models.
FPT spent $US13 million developing the new engine which it makes in its plant in Betim, Minas Gerais state, within the same industrial complex as Fiat´s Brazilian car factory.
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By GlobalDataThe new engine is based on the 1.4-litre 16-valve unit introduced in Europe with the facelifted Punto in 2003. The Brazilian derivative has only two valves per cylinder and uses a flexfuel system developed by Magneti Marelli. Power output varies between 80hp and 81hp depending on the fuel used (petrol, ethanol, or a blend of the two).
This engine will also go into the Brazilian-built Idea which will be launched here later this year.
Fiat Powertrain Technologies was created to combine the Fiat group´s engine and transmission operations. The company integrated the resources, plants and workers of Fiat Auto Powertrain, Iveco Powertrain, Magneti Marelli Powertrain, Iveco Motoren and the powertrain activities of the Fiat Research Centre and Elasis.
Rogério Louro
