RESULTS OF A FLEET TEST OF MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED "MODULAR" ENGINED CARS

The paper deals with the results of a fleet test of 10 Alfa Romeo Alfettas equipped with the "modular engine". Engine modularity is achieved with a microprocessor electronic control which activates 2 or 4 cylinders according to the power required by the driver. Inactivation of the cylinders is achieved by fuel flow cut-off. Ten cars were put into regular service by a taxi company in Milan for more than six months, covering about 20,000 km each. Eight of the ten cars were run for half of the test on four cylinders and for the other half in "modular" configuration for comparison purposes. Two cars were run always in "modular" configuration to check up possible mechanical problems related to the "modular" mode of operation. Results are presented in terms of fuel consumption, reliability record, opinions of drivers about the behaviour of the cars, and reports on the check of mechanical components of the cars after the test.

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 395-414

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00373479
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-034 076
  • Files: HSL, USDOT
  • Created Date: Jun 30 1983 12:00AM