Touring* » Пт янв 08, 2010 12:13 pm
Выясняются интересные подробности - оказывается, Мультиэйр для бензинок был готов к запуску в производство ещё 5 лет назад, в 2004-м. Но люди из GM побоялись его внедрять, сетуя на сложность и стоимость.
Though Opel eventually benefited from Fiat’s expertise with diesel engines, bitterness remains over G.M.’s unwillingness to collaborate on more-efficient gas engines that would pollute less yet have more power. “It was difficult for them to accept that these Italian guys had good technology,” Mr. Rinolfi said. “They said it’s too complex, too costly.”
The design for the innovative gas engine that Mr. Rinolfi pushed didn’t go to waste. With G.M. gone from the scene and with Mr. Marchionne’s backing, Fiat developed the engine on its own. Known as the Multi-Air engine, it will have its debut in September. It consumes 10 percent less gasoline and emits 20 percent less carbon dioxide than conventional gas engines, according to Fiat.
Mr. Rinolfi said Fiat’s more recent encounters with Chrysler engineers and executives have been much smoother. Still, his frustration with the cautious Americans five years ago seems as fresh as ever. “We had it done then,” he said, pointing out the intricate valves and pistons of the new engine. “We could have been in production five years ago.”