Italy, the birthplace of legendary automotive brands, has produced four-cylinder engines over the decades that have made history. These blocks, combining performance and efficiency, have powered iconic vehicles and continue to influence the industry today. Let's dive into the fascinating world of these transalpine mechanical gems.
Fiat's FIRE engine: a robotic revolution
In the mid-1980s, Fiat introduced the FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotized Engine), marking a turning point in automobile production. This family of engines, assembled entirely by robots, offered unmatched precision and drastically reduced manufacturing errors.
The first FIRE engine, a 1.0-litre unit developing 33 kW, made its debut in 1985 in the Autobianchi Y10. Its innovative design included transverse positioning, overhead camshafts and electronic ignition. These features gave it greater torque and optimised fuel consumption than its predecessor.
The exceptional longevity of the FIRE engine is a testament to its robustness. It equipped many Fiat Group models until recently, undergoing constant developments to meet modern environmental standards and performance requirements.
Fiat's TD.id: Pioneer of Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Although turbo diesel is now associated with German manufacturers, it was an Italian engine that was a pioneer in this field. In 1985, Fiat launched the Croma, equipped with the revolutionary TD.id engine (turbo diesel direct injection).
This 1.9-litre block, without a pre-chamber, injected fuel directly into the cylinders. Developing 69 kW, it consumed 20% less than an equivalent engine without direct injection. Its major innovation lay in its injection system, offering a significant gain in efficiency.
The TD.id paved the way for a new generation of more efficient and economical diesel engines. Its only drawback was its high noise level, a characteristic that was improved in later versions.
The beating heart of the Lancia Delta S4 Stradale
The Lancia Delta, designed by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro, underwent many evolutions over the years. The S4 Stradale version, designed for rally homologation, housed an exceptional engine that deserves its place among the best Italian four-cylinders.
This 1.8-litre block, placed in a central rear position, benefited from dual supercharging: a turbocharger and a volumetric compressor. In its road version, it developed 184 kW, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds.
The rarity of this model, produced in only 200 units, makes it a real collector's item today. It embodies the pinnacle of Italian engineering applied to small-displacement engines.
The Alfa Romeo 75 Twin Spark: the double spark of genius
In 1985, Alfa Romeo celebrated its 75th anniversary with the launch of the 75 sports saloon. The Twin Spark version of this car introduced a major innovation in the field of petrol engines.
The 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine was distinguished by its dual-spark cylinder head. Each cylinder was equipped with two spark plugs, hence its name. This configuration, combined with Bosch Motronic electronic injection and a phase variator, made it possible to achieve a power of 109 kW.
This technology improved combustion, providing a gain in power and torque while reducing consumption. The Twin Spark quickly became a benchmark in its category, symbolizing Alfa Romeo's know-how in high-performance engines.
The Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione: the apotheosis of the four-cylinder
The Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione represents the pinnacle of Italian four-cylinder engine evolution. Designed for competition homologation, this 1.8-litre unit, supercharged by a Garrett turbo, developed 115 kW in its road version.
Italian engineers had to be ingenious in order to comply with homologation rules while maximizing performance. They modified the diameter of the pistons and optimized the exhaust to obtain an engine that was both powerful and compliant with the regulations.
The 75 Turbo Evoluzione accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds and reached 210 km/h. Beyond the figures, it was above all through its driving sensations that it made its mark, embodying the sporting spirit of Alfa Romeo.
In conclusion, these Italian four-cylinder engines perfectly illustrate the creativity and know-how of the transalpine manufacturers. They have not only powered iconic cars, but have also influenced the evolution of the entire automotive industry, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the automobile.