– Second season of the documentary series from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) shows background information on the evolution of mobility. – The vehicles of the future, the development of which is already in full swing today, can be configured even more individually to customer requirements and bring significant advances in technology and efficiency. – The first episode of the second season of “FCA What's Behind” focuses on the heart of every automobile – the engine.
With the documentary series "FCA What's Behind", Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) provides interesting insights behind the scenes of the industry. The first episode of the second season is dedicated to the development history of the engine. The short film also shows how FCA's global research and development activities are currently focusing on technology solutions that are best suited to the mobility of the future.
According to the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC), the engine is the "driving force" behind the deep interest and fascination that the automobile has always aroused in its observer. Although the engine is not visible from the outside, it often attracts greater curiosity and fascination than other components of an automobile that are noticeable but are less decisive for the purchase decision or overall evaluation.
From the record-breaking vehicle Mephistopheles to purely electric drive
In the early years, car manufacturers sought to make engines more and more powerful. This led to the development of legendary engines and innovative solutions for their time, many of which are still in use today. Over time, however, the search for improved performance was supplemented by requirements that arose from historical needs, scientific discoveries or advances in industrial production. The new episode of "FCA What's Behind" describes the development of important engines from FCA's history that have also shaped the history of the automobile in general.
A first highlight is the record-breaking Fiat Mephistopheles car, which set a world speed record of 21,7 km/h with a six-cylinder engine with 234,98 liters of displacement almost a century ago. More than 1980 million units of the FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotized Engine) engine series have been built since the mid-30s.
The company later made headlines with innovations such as common rail direct injection for diesel engines and the FireFly turbocharged gasoline engine family. Today, FCA, with its Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional (vans), Jeep® and Lancia brands, is facing a completely new challenge. It needs to develop sustainable drive systems for the mobility of the future while improving performance and efficiency.
For example, FCA currently offers mild hybrid technology in small cars where weight, space requirements and costs are important factors. In other FCA series, plug-in hybrids enable purely electric driving without compromising on performance, even off-road if necessary. With purely electric drives, FCA is also equipped for a new urban mobility and is laying the foundations for a better future.
