ALFA ROMEO MODULAR TAXI: DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

The aim of the project was to demonstrate the effective fuel savings possible in urban traffic (at low power) using a "modular" engine for a fleet of taxis. The modular engine consists of a tradional Otto-engine equipped with electronic fuel injection and ignition, monitored by a micro-processor supporting a specific algorithm allowing the use of only two cylinders, when the power required is below a given value. When this occurs the injection of fuel into two cylinders is interrupted. The inactive cylinders are not always the same, being chosen in order to maintain the engine at a steady temperature. The results of the project also showed that the modular engine used in urban traffic allowed a reduction in fuel consumption amounting to 12% compared with a car already equipped with electronic fuel injection and ignition. Such a savings is in addition to a similar reduction in consumption by cars equipped with an electronically controlled engine compared with similar cars equipped with a carburettor. The reduction in consumption of a "modular" car compared with a corresponding car with a carburettor can thus be estimated at around 24%.

• Corporate Authors:

  Commission of the European Communities

  5 rue de Commerce
  2985 Luxembourg,   Luxembourg 
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Pagination: 44 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Demonstration projects; Electronic fuel injection; Engine displacement; Microprocessors; Monitoring; Taxicabs; Vehicle power plants
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cylinders
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile engines; Variable displacement engines
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00471016
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: EUR-9491-EN
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1988 12:00AM