Two Cylinders better than 3/4 ? (discussion of Fiat Twin Air 900cc 2-cyl engine)

[Laurentiu]

I want to start a discussion on the efficiency of these engines based on Fiat 500's Twin Air engine as well as the proposed two-cylinder BMW engine (according to Dr. Klaus Draeger, BMW development chief Link

Fiat's 500 Twin Air is quite a remarkable little car. It's 900cc turbo0charged engine sports 85HP and a healthy 155 Nm (115 lb·ft) @ 2000rpm. Aided by this "beast" of an engine...more of a gremlin ...the car goes from 0-100km/h in 11s and can reach 107 MPH. And the most important aspect, Fuel Economy....4.0 l/100 km (about 60MPG). It even sounds great as well

Listen to it here

As for the proposed BMW, it would have a 1000cc engine, same 2-cyl. configuration and between 80-100HP. Knowing BMW and their meticulousness they should be able to squeeze more power with possibly better FE.

[dcb]

sounds interesting, like the opposed two cylinder, even if they have separate throws. I think typically less cylinders = more efficient.

[Old Tele man]

...sounds like a motorcycle engine, but without the "ringy-dingy" sound.



...and, Fiat should've painted the number (43) on the sides to go along with the Petty Blue color (wink,wink)!

[Frank Lee]

FINALLY! I've been waiting for such things for a looooong time. Wonder if they'll make it N. America before I croak.

[Laurentiu]

Well, Fiat 500 will soon (early 2011) be delivered in the US. Let's just hope they'll bring this engine over as well, sooner or later...

More info: Here

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Laurentiu

Well, Fiat 500 will soon (early 2011) be delivered in the US. Let's just hope they'll bring this engine over as well, sooner or later...

More info: Here

My subaru is a twin 2 cycle air cooled

My estimate is you would have to buy a motor in europe and ship the darn thing here to swap into a US made car.

Like the smart the US 500 will probably get 20mpg less than the one in Europe.

Cheers
Ryan

[Piwoslaw]

Two cylinder engines are not as well balanced as four bangers, the Fiat 126p's rear would shake and dance like a bee in its hive. Balancing might be easier if it's a two-stroke with the pistons travelling in opposite directions.

[Laurentiu]

Oh, gosh, it was rattling about a lot, huh ? but Fiat has worked hard to eliminate vibration on the TwinAir.

126p engine sound/rattling about

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F2bQPn5O80

Originally Posted by rmay635703

My subaru is a twin 2 cycle air cooled

My estimate is you would have to buy a motor in europe and ship the darn thing here to swap into a US made car.

Like the smart the US 500 will probably get 20mpg less than the one in Europe.

Cheers
Ryan

Which model do you have ? The Sambar , R2 or the 360/450 ?

******

I guess ultimately someone could bring the engine over and have it swapped.

[robchalmers]

what they've done is a eliminate the transfer of NVH from motor to the occupants. if you opne the twin's bonnet with the motor running, the motors actually Rocks on its mounts !!! and thats with a balancer shaft!

love the idea and already booked a test drive!

[Laurentiu]

Originally Posted by robchalmers

the motors actually Rocks on its mounts !!! and thats with a balancer shaft!

love the idea and already booked a test drive!

Have you seen it live , in action ?