Two strategically important forthcoming C-segment models from the Fiat Auto stable, the Fiat Bravo (Progetto 198) which is due early next year and Alfa 147 replacement (Progetto 940) due to arrive around 6 months after it, will feature several highly compact, brand-new petrol and diesel engines, the result of recent extensive development work carried out by the Fiat Powertrain Technologies division in conjunction with the research division Elasis. Following the direction of future European Union (EU) legislation Fiat are working hard to build a range of powerful and efficient, smaller cubic capacity petrol engines, a most recent example being the new 1.4-litre "Starjet" engine which became available across the Fiat Grande Punto model range from late April. Next up will be the arrival in Spring 2007 of a 1.4-litre 16v turbo unit.

To be included in the Fiat Bravo’s initial engine line-up will be Fiat Powertrain’s new 1.4-litre 16v MPI turbocharged FIRE petrol engine, which is due to start production in March 2007. This new engine will be available with 118 and 148bhp power guises, and will eventually be available in other Fiat Auto models including the Alfa 147 replacement. The engine will replace the naturally aspirated 1.6 unit currently offered on the Fiat Stilo.

Developed by Fiat’s technical arm, Elasis, the new engine will be fuel efficient as well as lively. The small turbocharger will be mounted above the exhaust manifold, which itself will be of 4 in 2 design.

The engine will also boast high-tumble intake runners, an optimized intake manifold, new cooling system (circuit and pump), an integrated green oil filter and cooler, a “close-coupled” catalyst with a drawn-steel after-turbine elbow, and last but not least a specific blow-by system with an integrated separator / check-valve / pressure regulator system.

The resulting performance from this feisty little unit is impressive, with the Alfa 147 being used as a test bed during the development phase. Fitted to the Alfa 147, the 148bhp version of the engine is capable of delivering a top speed of 209.3 km/h at a relatively low 5,476rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint is reached in a highly respectable 9 seconds flat over a distance of 148.9 metres. The standing kilometre is reached in 29.8 seconds, with an end speed of 177.7km/h. This performance is almost unheard of for a 1.4-litre production engine. The engine will offer more than or equal to 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to previous units. Turbo lag in the unit will be less than or equal to two seconds, with a maximum BMEP of around 22 bars.

Another new engine will be the 1.6 JTD, to be introduced by the end of 2007. This low-end torque unit will replace the 1.9 8v JTD and will come with two power levels: 105bhp with waste-gate turbo and a 120bhp version with a Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). The 1.6 JTD will be Euro 5 compliant with second generation Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) technology and low NOx emissions. It will also weigh around 8% less than the 1.9 JTD 8v and will have reduced noise and vibration.