The Fiat 500EV prototype will be on display at the Bologna Motor Show, December 4-12, 2010.
You can view the 500EV at the �Electric City - powered by Enel� exhibit event which showcases electric cars and their technology. The Fiat 500EV prototype made its debut in March, with a world preview at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, Detroit. Developed by Chrysler based on the Fiat 500, the zero-emission car will be launched in the United States in 2012.
A central feature of the car on display is the power unit composed of three main systems: a high power electric module, an innovative lithium ion battery (produced by SB LiMotive, a joint venture between Samsung of South Korea and Bosch of Germany) and an EV control unit to manage fluctuations in power. All production engineering activity for the power unit and to develop the car will take place at the headquarters of the Chrysler Group, Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Chrysler has the central responsible for developing electric technology for the Fiat Group.
Back in March this year, Chrysler announced its plans to build an all electric Fiat 500. Called the 500EV, the model is slated to start production in 2012, and has garnered a lot of attention from electric car enthusiasts.
Then in August, the supplier to the battery packs, Massachusetts based A123, abruptly dropped out of the project, stating that another battery supplier had come forward offering to take on the project for less and that the scope of the program had shrunk.
Chrysler thanked A123 for their work on the project but did not comment any farther.
This fueled speculation as to who was this new supplier and if the 500EV would be stalled.
Now we have our answers, earlier this week, SB LiMotive announced in a press release that they will manufacture lithium-ion cells for the 500EV and the production time frame is still 2012.
This is good news for electric fans! Below is the press release with the details:
SB LiMotive to provide lithium-ion battery packs for Fiat 500EV
- Supply of lithium-ion battery packs marks first step for SB LiMotive to the U.S. EV market - Battery supplier for the first commercial electric vehicle program of Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group - Production on the all-new full electric vehicle to begin in 2012
ORION, Mich. � SB LiMotive, the joint venture of Samsung SDI and Bosch, has been awarded the business to supply the lithium-ion battery packs for the Fiat 500EV, which will be launched in the U.S. market in 2012.
The Fiat 500EV, which demonstrates the benefits of the Chrysler and Fiat alliance, will be an environmentally friendly, clean, and quiet vehicle for the U.S. subcompact passenger car market.
The Fiat 500EV powertrain is comprised of three main systems: high power electric powertrain module, advanced lithium-ion battery and an EV control unit to manage power flows. All powertrain engineering and vehicle development will take place at Chrysler Group headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich. Vehicle pricing and other specifics will be announced closer to the Fiat 500EV launch.
According to Dr. Joachim Fetzer, Executive Vice President of SB LiMotive, �Chrysler indicated that SB LiMotive earned this business because we can supply high-quality lithium-ion battery packs in the quantities needed, ontime to the market. Additionally, SB LiMotive has the technical expertise Chrysler will require as it launches this important program. Our established global footprint was a further strong point in our favor. We look forward to partnering with Chrysler in bringing this exciting new vehicle to market.�
The battery packs are developed in Orion, Mich.; the battery cells will be produced in Korea; and the battery packs will be assembled in Springboro, Ohio.
In an effort to intensify the benefits of the alliance between Chrysler LLC and Fiat Group in electrification of powertrain, Fiat 500EV will be an outstanding example. The Fiat 500 is a small, lightweight platform perfect for integrating electric-vehicle technology. Chrysler is the vehicle electrification center of competence for both Chrysler LLC and the Fiat Group.
About SB LiMotive SB LiMotive was established in September 2008 by Bosch and Samsung SDI. It bundles the know-how of both its parent companies. Samsung SDI brings its extensive large-scale production experience into the partnership as well as manufacturing competence in the area of lithium-ion cell production. Additionally Samsung is an innovation and development leader in lithium-ion technology for use in a wide range of applications, including laptops, cell phones and power tools. Bosch contributes its comprehensive automotive systems competence which is being applied to integrating the lithium-ion technology into the vehicle. Bosch has extensive experience in hybrid and electric drive technology as well as power electronics, electric motors, transmissions and DC/DC converters.
Fiat engine technology is coming to the US. It's the concept of "downshifting", achieving the power of a larger engine with a much smaller unit. We've seen this concept of turbocharging a smaller engine to achieve the horsepower of the larger engine before. What is new is the application of MultiAir, the technology that Fiat invented, that boosts torque output, fuel economy, drivability all while lowering emissions.
Previously, these smaller turbocharged engines would make good power when on boost, but suffer from a lack of torque at lower rpm and when off boost, taking away from their drivability and driver enjoyment. MultiAir (which has been described as variable valve timing on steroids) boosts torque and drivability during these periods and truly enable the smaller engine to better match the larger engines drivability.
Fiat 500 TwinAir: The application for iPhone and iPad that reveals the most environmentally-friendly patrol engine in the world. Have fun with its playful tracks such as PlayTwin, a game of a real skill behind the wheels of the 500.
With the TwinAir, Fiat has taken this concept to the extreme. The TwinAir is a twin cylinder 85 hp, 875cc engine that puts out 25% more horsepower than the 69hp, 1.2 liter 4 cylinder engine that is standard in the European Fiat 500. But what is even more impressive is that the TwinAir matches the performance of the 100hp, 1.4 liter 16v engine and even outproduces the larger engines torque at 2000rpm.
And that's not all, there will be a 105hp version of the TwinAir that really promises to turn the world upside down in terms of what is thought of engines with less than four cylinders.
Will the TwinAir come to the US? Well, that awaits to be seen, but we will see MultiAir and the downshifting technology applied to Chrysler products.
You can read my previous posts on the TwinAir here and below is the official Fiat Press release describing the TwinAir:
A memorable event was organized in Turin, on 4 July 2007 to introduce the new Fiat 500, exactly 50 years after the original Fiat 500. From that day, the second generation of the model that epitomized the history of Italian cars, was quick to win everyone's hearts. For the many enthusiasts and customers worldwide, Fiat decided to celebrate each birthday of the pocket-sized 500 with special events and by introducing a new product bound to appeal to all.
In 2008, for example, picnics were organized in the main European capitals and the mighty Abarth 500 was introduced. The same thing happened in 2009 for the international presentation of the Fiat 500C, the original cabriolet version intended as a homage to the style of the 1957 open-topped car, which has already notched up more than 34,000 orders. In July, to celebrate the car's third year in existence, Fiat chose to launch its 85 HP (875 cc) TwinAir twin-cylinder engine on the 500 model, both saloon and cabrio..
The 500 is the first Fiat model to adopt this forerunner of a new family of engines: an 85 HP (875 cc) turbo two-cylinder with the lowest CO2 emission levels in the world for a petrol engine (92 g/km with a Dualogic robotized gearbox and 95 g/km with manual gearbox). All this is achieved without detracting from performance and driving satisfaction.
This is thanks to the small-sized turbine which, combined with dedicated valve management strategies, minimizes transient response times and, at the same time, keeps maximum power levels high. In this way, despite its small size, the engine ensures excellent performance and an appreciable reduction in fuel consumption: compared with a 1.2 8v, the 85 HP TwinAir records a power increase of 25% together with a 15% reduction in fuel consumption. In fact, the performance of the twin-cylinder unit is not only equivalent to a 1.4 16v, but its fuel consumption is a remarkable 30% less.
A Fiat 500 powered by a TwinAir engine can reach a top speed of 173 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 11 seconds. This remarkable performance corresponds to a significant reduction in fuel consumption: 4.0 l/100 km and 4.1 l/100 km with a Dualogic robotized gearbox and manual gearbox respectively. The Fiat 500 with an 85 HP TwinAir also comes with an ECO button � positioned on the dashboard � to cut fuel consumption still further around town and guarantee a genuinely eco-friendly drive by offering driving modes: Normal and ECO.
In the first mode, the ECO function is off and the engine delivers the maximum available torque (145 Nm), guaranteeing verve and a prompt response for a sportier drive. Steering power-assistance is also specifically calibrated for Normal mode. No indication appears on the dashboard in this mode (City is not selected). This configuration is therefore recommended for maximum response and full appreciation of all the available torque.
In ECO mode, on the other hand, the emphasis is on an eco-friendly drive: torque delivery is cut to 100 Nm at 2000 rpm to minimize fuel consumption and promote a driving style more suitable for town traffic. The effort required at the steering wheel is also lighter (CITY mode is automatically selected). The driver only needs to press the specific button on the dashboard to activate the ECO function. The lettering ECO will appear on the panel (the letter �E� will appear on the panel if the car has a Dualogic robotized gearbox). The Dualogic shifting strategy also switches to ECO mode to further optimize fuel consumption when a Dualogic gearbox is fitted.
Compared to a medium-sized four-cylinder unit of equal performance, the new engine is also significantly shorter (-23%) and lighter (-10%), opening the way to further developments, such as methane fuel system or hybrid technology combinations, again with a view to greater eco-friendliness. In particular, a methane version of the TwinAir will soon be available, guaranteeing a further CO2 emission reduction by adopting a pair of special injectors in addition to the petrol injectors on the intake manifold port.
Improving on these fuel saving results using internal combustion engines will be difficult and alternative technologies will need to be developed. The combination of traditional engines and electric motors appears particularly promising. Due to its reduced size, the TwinAir is most suitable for pairing with an electric engine and in general with any device located between the engine and gearbox designed to recover and store the energy that is normally dissipated during braking.
The 85 HP TwinAir unit also comes with Start&Stop as standard. This device temporarily stops the engine and restarts it, ensuring reductions in fuel consumption and noise in the passenger compartment when the device is in operation. The Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) fitted in conjunction with the Start&Stop is a veritable co-pilot that discreetly suggests to drivers when they should change gear, leading to more efficient use of the power unit in terms of fuel consumption. For example, the GSI may suggest shifting up, by means of an indication on the control panel, to allow the engine to burn a leaner mixture, i.e. one containing less fuel, or shifting down to make best use of the available torque.
Nothing short of an engineering gem, the twin-cylinder unit implements the revolutionary MultiAir technology developed and patented by FPT � Fiat Powertrain Technologies, which was first introduced on FIRE power units last year. The heart of MultiAir is a new electro-hydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle).
MultiAir reduces polluting emissions (thanks to combustion control) and also considerably improves performance and drivability with respect to a traditional petrol engine of equal displacement.
In brief, the advantages of MultiAir technology applied to petrol engines are:
- maximum power boosted by 10% with respect to a traditional engine of equal size;
- 15% more torque at low rpm and during transitions by applying early intake valve closing strategies to maximize the air introduced into the cylinders;
- less fuel consumption and consequently lower CO2 emissions, equal to 10% by eliminating pumping losses and precise parameter calibration for optimizing combustion;
- lower polluting emissions from the engine by optimizing valve control strategies during the intake stage;
- a more prompt response to accelerator commands due to the constant air pressure upstream of the cylinders combined with extremely fast control of the intake valves.
The new TwinAir engine also takes the concept of downsizing to an extreme: by combining a small-sized engine with a next-generation turbocharger, performance comparable to � or even better than � that of a larger engine is obtained, but with less fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Not only that, the turbo significantly increases maximum torque, making it available at a very low rpm, with the result of offering greater flexibility and an unrivaled responsiveness compared to conventional aspirated engines. All this comes with a relatively simple build to the benefit of strength and reliability.
Last but not least, the new engine was painstakingly optimized and tuned. For instance, the basic twin-cylinder architecture - combined with the low friction of internal parts - makes this engine best-in-class at a world level in terms of low friction. Furthermore, calculated simulations have been used to identify the best possible unit displacement in terms of thermo-dynamic efficiency, and the best fluid dynamic configuration to optimize and get the best out of the MultiAir system.
Finally, special attention has been placed on the NVH (Noise, vibration, and harshness) aspect to ensure vibration performance at least equivalent to that of a four-cylinder, with equal performance but with a characteristic sound. For this purpose, a balancing counter-shaft was used to maintain optimal vibration levels in all operating conditions of the engine, from idling speed to maximum power.
The Fiat 500 range also offers eco:Drive, innovative software for analyzing driving behavior and helping motorists optimize consumption and emissions by using the USB port of the Blue&Me system.
Finally, Blue&Me � TomTom, the latest evolution of the Blue&Me system, will be appearing on the Fiat 500 along with the new TwinAir engine. This is a fully integrated infotainment system that allows you to manage telephone, navigation and useful driving information functions through the Tom Tom's color touch screen interface. The application of this system on the Fiat 500 will also enable additional functionality that will also allow the media-player to be managed through the touch screen interface. The Blue&Me � TomTom is located in a dedicated housing on the dashboard that combines the safety, convenience and practicality of an integrated solution with the flexibility of portable devices. The device is constantly charged through the dedicated housing and may be controlled by means of steering wheel controls and also the touchscreen interface.
The device is the result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, the European leader in portable navigation systems, and integrates with the car�s other systems via the Blue&Me system developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli.
Of the ten best selling automotive brands in Europe, Fiat Automobiles registered the lowest average CO2 emissions on cars sold in the first half of 2010: 123.5 g/km (with respect to 2009, it has recorded a further improvement of 4.3 g/km).
The record was corroborated by JATO, a world leader in automotive advisory and research services, founded in 1984 and now operating in over 40 countries. The bottom line shows Fiat ahead of Toyota (128.0 g/km), Peugeot (132.3 g/km), Citroen (133.4 g/km), Renault (134.6 g/km), Ford (137.0 g/km), Opel/Vauxhall (141.0 g/km), Volkswagen (142.2 g/km), Audi (154.2 g/km) and BMW (154.5 g/km).
Of the 20 best selling models in Europe, the Fiat 500 is ranked first with an exceptional value of 116.0 g/km of CO2 (with respect to 2009, it has improved by 3.9 g/km), the Fiat Panda comes second (118.9 g/km) and the Fiat Punto is in fourth place (123.5 g/km).
Fiat�s commitment has always aimed at the real needs of the public but it doesn't stop there. The ecological achievement is the result of a long-term strategy based on a two-pronged approach: implementing technological solutions aimed at containing consumption and emissions and raising the awareness of motorists to encourage a more responsible, eco-compatible use of their cars.
Firstly, unique, exclusive engines, such as the unprecedented TwinAir two-cylinder (85 HP) which debuted precisely on the Fiat 500 (saloon and cabrio). It should also be noted that the Fiat 500 TwinAir is equipped with the turbo petrol engine with the lowest average emission levels in the world: 92 g/km with Dualogic robotized gearbox and 95 g/km with manual gearbox.
In this way, despite its small size (875 cmc), the new engine ensures excellent performance and an appreciable reduction in fuel consumption: compared with a 1.4 100 HP, the 85 HP TwinAir records a torque increase of 25% at 2000 rpm despite a 30% decrease in fuel consumption. All this ensures greater driving satisfaction and reduced emissions.
Innovative solutions which are already available today include MultiAir technology for petrol engines: by implementing a new electro-hydraulic valve control system, combustion is optimal at all times, CO2 emissions are cut by 25% and power is increased by 10% at the same time. State-of-the-art technology is also implemented in the field of diesel engines, with second-generation 1.3 MultiJet engines delivering a power of up to 95 HP. With 8 injections per cycle, the 1.3 MultiJet II improves low rpm torque delivery by up to 25% and cuts emissions by 6%.
Furthermore, Fiat has other innovative eco-tech solutions not strictly related to motor engineering, like the Start&Stop system, introduced on most models of the Euro 5 range, which temporarily stops the engine and starts it up again when the engine is idling and the car is stationary: this reduces average fuel consumption by up to 12% on the urban cycle.
The second approach of the Fiat environmental protection strategy consists in raising the awareness of motorists to promote an increasingly more responsible, eco-compatible use of their cars.
These principles are implemented in eco:Drive, innovative software for analyzing driving behavior and helping motorists to optimize consumption and emissions by connecting through the USB port of the Blue&Me system. eco:Drive is the first and only system able to offer drivers authentic trip data and personal tips based on their driving style.
Since it was launched in October 2008, the application has been downloaded (free of charge from www.fiat.com/ecodrive) approximately 140,000 times and is habitually used by nearly 50,000 motorists. This is remarkable success in terms of popularity and above all a success for the environment, considering that the eco:Ville community has saved in total nearly 3,000 tons of CO2 . With eco:Drive, Fiat therefore set out to think not only of its own products but also of its own users by encouraging them to help reduce automotive transport-related emissions.
The Fiat has won Best New Engine at the 12th Annual International Engine of the Year Awards.
Judged by a panel of 65 renowned motoring journalists from 32 countries, the Awards highlight and acknowledge engine engineering excellence.
This year they chose the Fiat 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo as the best in the New Engine category. This engine will be used in the Fiat 500 Abarth coming to the US some time next year.
Below is the official International Engine of the Year Awards press release:
Fiat 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo
Fiat�s MultiAir, the single most innovative engine technology to appear in the past 12 months, has been rewarded by the Awards judging panel with the title of Best New Engine of 2010.
MultiAir employs an electro hydraulic system to independently control each cylinder�s inlet air charge. Depending on the driving situation, there are five main modes of inlet valve timing and lift, but in principle MultiAir enables infinitely variable control of the inlet valves.
The system is particularly special because it is able to increase power and torque while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The concept is therefore ideal for today�s world of eco-conscious, downsized automotive powertrains.
Fiat Powertrain Technologies, which has developed and patented the system, claims that, compared with a traditional petrol engine of the same displacement, a MultiAir unit brings up to 10% more power and 15% more torque, while improving fuel economy by up to 10% and reducing emissions, whether they be CO2 (-10%), particulate matter (-40%) or NOx (-60%).
Taking as an example the 170bhp variant of the winning 1.4-liter turbo engine, which appears in the Alfa MiTo Cloverleaf, Alfa claims 6 l/100km (47mpg) on the combined cycle for the 170bhp unit, which is more than half a liter less than the previous 155bhp, non-MultiAir engine. A start/ stop system also helps cut fuel consumption levels.
The judges were predictably enamored with a system that offers such impressive benefits. �Fiat�s MultiAir gives traditional internal combustion a breath of fresh air via an entirely new set of valve train strategies,� was the verdict of respected technical journalist, Dennis Simanaitis of Road & Track.
Twin cylinder "TwinAir" soon to be installed into the Fiat 500
Fiat plans to roll MultiAir out across additional engine families. Next to benefit will be the eagerly anticipated two-cylinder turbo, which is on track to offer an astonishing 105bhp!
Scoring:
1. Fiat 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo (Alfa MiTo, Giulietta) 228
Fiat announced yesterday during it's Investor Day Five Year Plan presentation, the Fiat 500 will be equipped with the DDCT Dual Dry Clutch Transmission. This will be a new variation of the C635 DDCT that is being installed in the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta and future Chrysler products.
The DDCT transmission going into the Fiat 500 is a new 7 speed design specially created for smaller A and B segment cars.
The advantages of the DDCT transmission is it combines the shifting convenience of an automatic transmission with even greater operating efficiency than a manual transmission.
When you want to relax, you can drive it as an automatic, or when that sporting feeling hits, shift it manually. It delivers a superior sporty feel compared to electrically-actuated manual (MTA) gearboxes because of the greater gear shift speed and a near-zero power loss during gear changes.
An outstanding feature of this 3 shaft transmission is it is modular and can have an electric motor generator attached to one of the transmission input shafts making it the most compact and economical parallel hybrid powertrain on the market.
This is the first in its class and promises to open a huge potential market for Fiat. I've reported on the Fiat Hybrid system previously (you can read more here), but now the DDCT transmission completes the package.
The Fiat Hybrid is really the optimal hybrid propulsion system for city cars. This hybrid drive setup consists of the 900 cc two-cylinder TwinAir engine from the SGE family, combined with an innovative DDCT Dual Dry Clutch Transmission featuring an electric motor coupled to one of its two mainshafts.
The SGE engine�s small size makes it possible to use a simple, efficient transmission architecture, while coupling the motor downstream of the clutches means that all the characteristic functions of a parallel hybrid propulsion system, including electric drive, regenerative braking and torque boost from the two motors, can be provided in a compact, lightweight package: essential for small urban runabouts.
The hybrid propulsion system uses air-cooled lithium ion batteries housed in the car�s trunk. Other features include plug-in traction battery recharging and an HVAC system that can be powered by either the IC engine or the electric motor, using whichever unit provides peak efficiency at any given time.
The great news is this Hybrid Fiat 500 is getting closer to market and there was a running prototype on display for reporters to examine.
We can speculate (guaranty?) that the 7 speed DDCT will likely be a transmission option for the 500 Abarth when it makes it's debut here in the states next year. I'll have more about the DDCT transmission in an upcoming post.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta makes its official debut today, April 13, 2010. This is an important day for Alfa Romeo because the Giulietta is to be Alfa Romeo's volume seller, but it is also an important day for us in America because it foretells what awaits us at our local Chrysler dealer. Future Chrysler C and D segment cars will utilize the Giulietta's platform (called the C-Evo).
You can read more about this here, but briefly, Chrysler will use this dynamic platform and cloak it in all new sheet metal that will be designed in America and built in America for Americans. With a chassis developed by a company world renown for producing some of the finest driving vehicles ever made, future Chrysler products look very promising.
Below are the details of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta C-Evo platform as it relates to what we could see in future Chrysler products.
A new platform to enhance road holding and agility in total comfort and safety
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta introduces an entirely new platform - Compact - designed to satisfy the most demanding customers in terms of handling, on-board comfort and safety. Furthermore, driving satisfaction and comfort can be adapted to meet every customer's specific needs thanks to the Alfa DNA selector, a device that customizes the vehicle's behavior according to three different logics (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather).
The new Compact platform continues Fiat Group Automobiles' platform rationalization strategy - preceded by the Mini platform for A segment and the Small for segments B and L0 - and is a true point of departure from previous engineering solutions due to the new content introduced, the materials used and the levels of performance achieved.
From the earliest design stages, the aim was to create a platform that would allow future Fiat Group Automobiles C segment vehicles, starting with the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, to be ranked best-in-class in terms of handling, steering feel, performance-to-weight ratio, ride comfort, NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness), safety (active and passive) and climatic comfort.
So, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a completely new car capable of expressing both great agility over the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday journeys. Plus, thanks to a specific suspension calibration offered by the Sport Pack, the sportiness of the new Giulietta can be further enhanced.
Innovative materials and state-of-the-art solutions
First of all, the underbody represents a generational leap in terms of the materials used. The entire structure is now significantly stronger and provides better performance without any increase in weight with respect to the previous generation. All this is thanks to the ever wider use of high and ultra-high strength materials, which now make up more than 90% of the total mass of the system: some structural parts, designed to provide high strength and the ability to absorb impact with minimal deformation, have been made from hot-pressed tempered steel.
Moreover, lightweight materials have been used for several structural elements bolted to the body structure. For instance, the front beam connecting the front struts and the third load path are made from extruded aluminum. The rear bumper beam and the third load path energy absorption elements are made from Xenoy (a thermoplastic with excellent energy absorption properties in relation to weight). The third load path energy absorption elements absorb the energy of low-speed impacts with obstacles and support the bumper in impacts with pedestrians. Employing these solutions has provided a weight reduction of 8.5 kg at the front and 4 kg at the rear with respect to conventional steel structures, without compromising safety performance.
Another new feature of the underbody is its modularity, which makes it ideal for use on a family of vehicles with different wheelbases and tracks. This modularity is provided by several central floor panels and the side members and does not affect any part of the front and rear structures.
This reduces outlay to a minimum and means that the system can be applied to other vehicle systems without modification. Many of the systems and components that make up the "Compact" architecture have been thoroughly revised with respect to the previous generation, improving performance and reducing weight (-35% for both the framework of the rear seats as well as the magnesium alloy cross car beam).
Best in class performance for comfort, handling and safety
The Giulietta offers exceptional handling performance and comfort levels thanks above all to the new suspension system employed. The MacPherson front suspension in particular was revised to offer maximum rigidity under side loads, reducing the weight thanks to the use of aluminum (saving 4 kg with respect to conventional solutions).
The rear suspension is a sophisticated Multi link that guarantees the best trade-off between handling and ride comfort without compromising the useful volume of the boot. In this case too, special attention was paid to reducing weight and, thanks to the aluminum wishbones, this suspension allows for a weight reduction of over 10 kg with respect to conventional Multi link systems.
In addition, the new electric power steering system (dual pinion active steering) ensures an excellent steering feel and is integrated with the vehicle's active safety systems. As the name itself suggests, the solution employs two pinions fitted directly onto the rack of the steering box.
The first pinion is directly connected to the steering column and guarantees direct and precise steering, without any artificial filters between the steering box and the driver's hands, affording a genuine and natural driving feel. The second pinion, again directly fitted onto the rack, is connected to the electrical actuator which is situated in the engine compartment, thus minimizing the risk of impact with passengers in the event of an accident.
The climate control system, and in particular its operating logics, were completely revised and improved, in order to guarantee the best climatic conditions in the passenger compartment, while significantly reducing over-consumption of fuel (30% less than a conventional system). Similarly, thanks to specific technical interventions, exceptional noise and vibrational quality values have been achieved.
In terms of passive safety, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was produced to obtain the maximum Euro NCAP rating, as demonstrated by over fifteen thousand hours of mathematical modeling, 80 crash tests, 150 tests on a HyGe slide and more than 100 tests on components and sub-systems.
In detail, the new third load path increases the energy absorption potential of the vehicle front end and reduces both inertial forces and passenger compartment intrusion, thereby ensuring optimum passenger protection at higher impact severity. Safety is guaranteed by 6 airbags (as standard on the entire range); three-point seat belts with double pretensioners and load limiters; a collapsible pedal unit and steering column; the second-generation anti-whiplash system and Isofix attachments.
Lastly, in terms of active safety, the new platform of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to integrate the vehicle's different systems and exploit them to the full, thus emphasizing the three set-up functions (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) available through the Alfa DNA selector.
This device, fitted as standard on the entire range, is designed to modify the operating parameters of the engine, gearbox (where automatic), steering system, Q2 electronic differential and braking system, in addition to the behavioral logic of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC). The Giulietta will also be introducing Pre-Fill - a new function - activated when the DNA is set to Dynamic, which provides the driver with the quickest braking response possible.
Under certain circumstances, i.e. when the control unit detects a hazardous situation requiring rapid braking, the braking system is pressurized a few moments before the driver actually hits the brake pedal so as to guarantee the quickest possible response of the system and thus reducing the vehicle's stopping distance.
These sophisticated features which improve the dynamic control of the vehicle are supported further by Dynamic Steering Torque (DST), a function which provides feed-back torque at the steering wheel that helps the driver to perform critical maneuvers correctly, before the VDC intervenes to prevent loss of control.
Segment-leading safety and dynamic behavior
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to obtain the maximum score in passive and active safety tests. In short, total protection, which makes it one of the safest cars in the field of motoring as a whole. Moreover, the new Compact platform guarantees maximum equilibrium even during extreme maneuvers.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta comes with, as standard on the entire range, the most sophisticated electronic devices for maximum dynamic vehicle control (from braking to traction) implemented to increase dynamic limits even further, non-intrusive to the driver, but affording all-round safety. The operation of these devices has been tested through simulations and on the track with the aim of ensuring maximum driving satisfaction. Here are details of all the devices and systems used on the new car.
Braking system
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta hydraulic, power-assisted braking system comprises two crossover, independent circuits and has proven to be particularly effective to allow quick and progressive braking, with shorter stopping distances. Clearly, the system differs according to the engine version (weight and power): cars equipped with the 120 HP 1.4 Turbopetrol engine and the 105 HP 1.6 JTDM engine are fitted, on the front wheels, with 281 mm self-ventilating front brake discs and cast iron floating brake calipers with a 57 mm diameter piston.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta equipped with the 170 HP 1.4 Turbopetrol Multiair or the 170 HP 2.0 JTDM engine are instead fitted with 305 mm self-ventilating front brake discs and cast iron floating brake calipers with a 57 mm diameter piston.
The rear wheels on all four of the aforementioned engine versions are equipped with solid rear brake discs (264 mm in diameter) with cast iron brake calipers and a 36 mm diameter piston.
Lastly, the Giulietta version equipped with the powerful 235 HP 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is fitted with 330 mm self-ventilating front brake discs and aluminum Brembo fixed brake calipers with 40 mm diameter piston; while the rear wheels are fitted with solid brake discs (278 mm in diameter) while the brake calipers are made of cast iron with a 38 mm diameter piston.
ABS with EBD
In addition to a braking system affording excellent performance levels, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is equipped with an ABS anti-lock braking system, one of the most sophisticated currently available. It has four active sensors and a hydraulic control unit with 12 solenoid valves. The ABS system is incorporated with EDB (Electronic Brake force Distribution).
The latter distributes the braking action over four wheels, in order to stop the wheels locking and ensuring complete vehicle control in all conditions. Moreover, the system adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and to brake pad efficiency, while also reducing the overheating of the latter.
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)
VDC is Alfa Romeo's interpretation of ESP (Electronic Stability Program), a system that intervenes in conditions approaching the limit, when vehicle stability is at risk, and assists the driver in controlling the car. A sporty device, in the spirit of all true Alfa Romeo cars, featuring excellent road holding qualities, the VDC grants the driver total freedom to master the vehicle in normal conditions and only intervenes immediately prior to the situation becoming critical. The VDC is always in operation.
When there is a brisk gear change in poor grip conditions, the MSR function intervenes (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) restoring engine torque and preventing the wheels from locking and slipping. To achieve this result, the VDC continuously checks tire grip, in both longitudinal and lateral directions, and it restores directionality and ride stability in the event of a skid. Thanks to sensors, it detects the rotation of the car body around its vertical axis (yaw speed), the lateral acceleration of the car and the angle of the steering wheel set by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction).
The device then compares this information with the parameters processed by an ECU and it sets out - by means of a highly complex mathematical model - whether the vehicle is driving round a bend within the limits of its grip or if it is about to veer (understeer or oversteer).
To return the vehicle to the correct trajectory, it generates a yaw moment contrary to the one which caused the initial instability, braking the relevant wheels individually (internal or external) and reducing engine power (acting on the throttle). This is where the peculiarity of the device made by Alfa Romeo's engineers lies. Its effect on the brakes is modulated to be as gentle as possible (therefore without disrupting driving) and the engine power reduction is contained, to guarantee sporty performance levels and maximum driving satisfaction at all times.
ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)
The ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system is an integral part of the VDC and it optimise's traction at any speed, with the help of the brakes and engine control. Based on the number of wheel revolutions calculated by the ABS sensors, the device calculates the degree of slip and to restore grip it enables two different control systems.
If excessive power is requested, causing the slipping of both drive wheels (such as in the event of aquaplaning or when you accelerate on an unsurfaced road or a road covered in ice or snow), engine torque is reduced, decreasing the throttle's angle of aperture and consequently its air intake.
If on the other hand only one wheel is slipping (for instance the one on the inside of the bend following acceleration or dynamic load variations), the device brakes this wheel automatically without the driver having to use the brake pedal. The resulting effect is similar to that of a self-locking differential. This enables the Alfa Romeo Giulietta to handle low grip road surfaces effortlessly.
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
The CBC (Cornering Brake Control) system is activated when the car goes round a bend while braking. In this case, the braking pressure is discharged individually onto each wheel in order to maintain vehicle stability, minimizing any understeer or oversteer.
DST (Dynamic Steering Torque)
The VDC on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta intervenes in a discreet manner owing to its combination with the DST (Dynamic Steering Torque), the 'active electronic steering' that automatically carries out corrections and also controls oversteer over surfaces with low grip.
The DST improves both driving safety and handling performance. In fact, in all driving conditions, the electronic steering suggests the correct maneuvers for the driver to perform, allowing excellent grip performance and providing a great sense of safety. This is thanks to the continual interaction between the electric power steering (which generates the torque at the steering wheel) and the electronic dynamic driving control (VDC).
In detail, the DST automatically carries out corrections, helps maintain vehicle control and makes the intervention of the VDC more discreet.
The DST system is especially useful in the event of oversteer, aiding the most appropriate maneuver to maintain vehicle control in all conditions. Moreover, the MCF (Mu-Split control function) intervenes when driving on surfaces with different grip (for instance, it is often the case in winter when two wheels are on ice while the other two are on the tarmac).
In this case in particular, the DST system makes automatic counter-steering possible, permitting vehicle control (and avoiding the car spinning around) while at the same time minimizing the stopping distance (which is reduced by 10%). Lastly, in sporty driving conditions, if the system detects greater lateral acceleration (from 0.6 g) it intervenes, by providing increased resistance torque to the steering wheel. This way, it considerably improves the driver's sense of mastering the car on bends, especially at high speed.
HBA and Hill-holder
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta range is completed by the HBA system, the hydraulic brake assistance device that automatically increases brake circuit pressure under emergency braking situations. And the Hill-holder system which, for a hill start, maintains the braking action for a few seconds after the brake has been released, thus facilitating setting off and avoiding the car moving backwards.
Electronic Q2
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is fitted with a new Electronic Q2 system which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels and, in particular, guarantees excellent cornering behavior thus making the car safer and more enjoyable during a sporty drive or in poor road grip conditions.
In detail, the Electronic Q2 system is based on exploiting the braking system which, controlled appropriately by the VDC control unit, creates a vehicle behavior very similar to a limited slip differential (so the Electronic Q2 system electronically simulates the presence of a self-locking differential).
In particular, the front braking system, in cornering acceleration conditions, acts appropriately on the inner wheel, increasing the drive of the outer wheel (with more load) and distributing the torque between the front drive wheels dynamically and continuously according to the driving conditions and the road surface.
Alfa DNA and the new Pre-Fill function
The new model is fitted with the Alfa DNA system, an innovative system which controls the main driving parameters (engine response, stability control and steering assistance).
Until recently available only for racing cars or supercars, the Alfa DNA system acts on the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox, allowing three different vehicle behavior modes, depending on the most suitable driving style for the conditions or the desires of the driver: sporty (Dynamic), urban (Normal), and maximum safety even in low grip conditions (All Weather).
The selector is located in an ergonomic position � in front of the gear lever on the tunnel � and allows the driver to select one of three operating modes, simply by moving the lever (the selection is displayed by a specific LED switching on together with a message on the instrument panel display).
In detail, for those who want relaxed, safe driving, in Normal mode each individual component affected by the Alfa DNA system are in its normal configuration: lively engine, highly discreet Vehicle Dynamic Control and a DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) which sees that oversteer is avoided.
If on the other hand the driver prefers a more sporty driving style from the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the lever can simply be moved to the Dynamic setting: in this mode, DNA affords a unique driving experience, thanks to the fact that the system makes the VDC and ASR less intrusive (so the vehicle dynamic control is a little more detached from the electronic control) and concurrently enables the Electronic Q2 system.
Moreover, again in Dynamic mode, the Alfa DNA also acts on the steering and engine to offer a truly complete and enjoyable sporty experience. The steering is less power assisted and gives the driver a more sporty feel, guaranteeing perfect control.
The Giulietta is also introducing Pre-Fill - a new function (activated when the DNA is set to Dynamic) which uses the VDC system to provide the driver with the quickest braking response possible. In detail, the control unit recognizes the driver's desire to brake from the speed at which accelerator pedal is released. At this point the VDC increases the pressure inside the braking system by several bars to take up any play and create the sensation of quicker braking response and reduce braking time.
The third mode enhances the traction control effect and enhances response to mu-spit (the DST function - active electronic steering) which intervenes when driving on surfaces with different grip (for instance, it is often the case in winter when two wheels are on ice while the other two are on the tarmac). When the selector is set to All Weather, the Alfa DNA system makes the car easier to control even on low grip surfaces (on wet or snowy surfaces, for instance), acting on the vehicle dynamic control, lowering the VDC intervention threshold.
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With thanks to Fiat Group Press and Chrysler Media
