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Fiat Fire Engine: The first computer-designed engine that revolutionized the industry and now retires after 40 years

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 16/01/2025 às 11:33
Fiat Fire Engine: The first computer-designed engine that revolutionized the industry and now retires after 40 years
Fiat's Fire engine is set to retire because it no longer meets the new, stricter Proconve L8 environmental emissions regulations. Despite improvements over the years, it has fallen behind the most modern technologies.

Developed with pioneering technology in the 1980s, Fiat's Fire engine was synonymous with innovation, efficiency and durability, equipping iconic models such as the Uno, Palio and Siena for four decades.

If you're a car enthusiast, you've probably heard of Fiat's Fire engine. For 40 years, it was a true icon, featuring in vehicles that made history in Brazil. But did you know that this engine, which is now saying goodbye, was once considered the most modern in the world? Let's dive into this fascinating story that the 4Rodas portal recalled.

The revolutionary origins of the Fire engine

In the 1980s, Fiat surprised the world by launching the first engine designed by computers. That's right, the Fire (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) was a milestone in the industry, combining technological innovation with automated production. It was light, efficient and designed to be robust.

With a little help from PSA Peugeot Citroën, Fiat managed to improve the engineering of this engine, creating solutions that would only be adopted by other brands years later. The debut was in the small Autobianchi Y10, in 1985, and since then, the Fire has never stopped evolving.

Arrival in Brazil and resounding success

Furthermore, the market demands more efficient engines with a lower environmental impact, something that the Fire cannot offer today. Technological evolution has brought new options that surpass the performance and sustainability of the Fire.
Furthermore, the market demands more efficient engines with a lower environmental impact, something that the Fire cannot offer today. Technological evolution has brought new options that surpass the performance and sustainability of the Fire.

It was in 2000 that the Fire arrived in Brazil, already with electronic injection and electronic accelerator in some versions. It arrived to replace the old Fiasa engines and quickly became synonymous with reliability. The first model equipped with it was the Palio 1.3 16V, but within a short time the engine was in cars such as the Uno, Siena, Punto and even the Strada.

Here, the Fire won hearts thanks to its simple maintenance and affordable parts. It was clear that Fiat had hit the nail on the head: the engine met the needs of the Brazilian market, which demands efficiency and durability.

Innovations that kept Fire fresh

Even as the years go by, Fire continued to receive improvements. Among the innovations, we can highlight the introduction of the Multiair cylinder head, which optimized the valve control. In addition, the engine became flex, running on both gasoline and ethanol.

In Brazil, it also gained versions adapted for CNG, as in the case of the Siena Tetrafuel. However, despite all of Fiat's efforts to keep it competitive, the increasing environmental emissions requirements ended up limiting its evolution.

The legacy of the Fire engine in Brazil

The Fire wasn't just an engine; it helped build the history of models that became icons of Fiat in Brazil. Palio, Uno, Siena and Doblò are just a few examples of cars that carried this engine under the hood.

Among mechanics and consumers, the Fire has always had an enviable reputation. It was easy to repair, had cheap parts and few chronic problems. These characteristics made it an ideal choice for the Brazilian market, especially for daily use vehicles.

Farewell: A classic that retires

Unfortunately, no success story lasts forever. With the arrival of the Proconve L8, the Fire was unable to meet the stricter emissions regulations. Even after updates such as the Fire EVO, which reduced emissions and improved efficiency, the engine was no longer able to keep up with the demands of today's market.

Fiat has decided to retire the Fire, ending an era that marked automotive history in Brazil. Its legacy, however, remains intact, serving as inspiration for the new engines to come.

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Gabriel
Gabriel
16/01/2025 15:11

I recently bought a 2006 Palio 1.0 Fire. Everyone says I made the right choice when buying it.

Valter Souza
Valter Souza
16/01/2025 16:09

An icon of the automotive industry!! He will be greatly missed

Francisco Luiz Fortes Carvalho
Francisco Luiz Fortes Carvalho
16/01/2025 20:01

There is no lack of meeting pollutant emissions, they take the engine off the production line because it no longer generates exorbitant profits... Now someone comes along with the races bathed in pee... then yes, the consumer is screwed...

Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 3.000 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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