Chrysler Group LLC will debut Fiat’s 1.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder Fully Integrated Robitized Engine (FIRE) featuring Multiair in the Fiat 500 starting in 2010. The engine, well-suited for a small car application, delivers 100 horsepower (75 kW) at 6,750 rpm and 95 lb.-ft. (129 N•m) of torque at 4,250 rpm. The 1.4-liter FIRE features Fiat’s Multiair technology, which significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery.

The 1.4-liter FIRE features four valves per cylinder and incorporates state-of-the-art technology for Fully Variable Valve Actuation (FVVA), also known as MultiAir. A turbo version of the engine is also planned and will produce a fuel economy improvement up to 25 percent when compared to a V-6 engine with equivalent power.

The MultiAir system consists of electro-hydraulic variable valve actuators filled with conventional oil, which is interposed between the camshaft and each valve. The lift of the valve is a function of the quantity of oil addressed to the actuator, ranging from full lift to complete valve closure. Each solenoid valve may also delay application of the actuator in advance, leading to late valve opening or early valve closing.

MultiAir is exclusive for Chrysler Group in North America and is based on a series of Fiat Powertrain patents related to hardware, combustion strategies and controls that allow for full control of the lift and timing of engine valves.

Although mechanized assembly is commonplace today, the brand name FIRE has remained with Fiat’s powertrain lineup.

The 1.4-liter FIRE with Multiair is the world’s first mass production engine to incorporate such technology to control the intake valves. MultiAir technology can be adapted to different types of engines, including Diesels for enhanced NOx control, and is planned for Chrysler Powertrain’s four-cylinder World Gas Engine and all-new Pentastar V-6

Chrysler has officially unveiled its new plan for the next three years. Key to Chrysler’s plan will be a close sharing arrangement with its new shareholders, Fiat Group. A few popular models will be lost in the transition, but many new models will arrive over the next five years. For outgoing models, the Chrylser PT Cruiser will no longer be produced after 2010. The Dodge Viper is gone in the summer of 2010, while company officials say a return in 2012 is under consideration. The Dodge Caliber is ended in 2012, but a vehicle of a similar segment is set to arrive around the same time. The Dodge Dakota will be wound down in 2011, but a new mid-size truck using a unibody construction will arrive around the same time. For Jeep, the Jeep Commander is going away as of the end of 2010, with “international reallocation” for the vehicle occurring around the same time. This could mean that the Commander would live on in a different country with different equipment. And the Jeep Compass and Patriot will be consolidated into a new vehicle that will debut in 2013. Until that time, both vehicles will undergo “major modifications” next year.

Chrysler Group LLC today announced in September that it will offer a leasing option for U.S. customers on all 2010 model year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles through Chrysler’s preferred lender, GMAC Financial Services. Says Peter Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer—Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC “We are pleased to re-enter the leasing market so we can offer customers the opportunity to lease vehicles at rates competitive with the marketplace,” “Our ability to offer additional financing options will benefit consumers who have long been fans of leasing and appreciate the flexibility this financing option gives them.” Effective Sept. 17, 2009, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge will offer leasing options for all 2010 model year vehicles in the United States.

Among the return to leasing, Chrysler LLC is offering an array of financing incentives, such as a $1,000 Owner Loyalty Bonus Cash available to use towards the purchase of select 2009 model year vehicles or the purchase or lease of select 2010 model year vehicles to boost sales and get consumers interested.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Starting in 2010, Chrysler will officially cease putting traditional owner’s manuals in cars. Instead, they will be replacing it with a 60-page guide and a DVD.  While this will be a cost saving move for the automaker who filed for bankruptcy, Chrysler is also billing it as an environmental friendly change, and a way to free up space in car owners glove boxes.  With an increasing array of features and technology, the owner’s manual has grown to an enormous size. Some automakers include multiple manuals covering different areas, such as maintenance, controls, and warranty. While the owner’s manual offers some key information, such as correct tire pressure, etc, who really reads the entire thing?

Shipping cars with instructional DVDs isn’t new, but this is the first time a car maker has done so in place of a traditional owner’s manual. It is predicted that by Chrysler eliminating its printed manuals the company will save 20,000 trees a year. If other automakers follow suit, there will be a substantial effect. Furthermore, DVDs have the added advantages of allowing users to search by topic, rather than flip through a huge manual. Additionally, DVD-based owner’s manuals can include tutorials on more complicated tasks, such as removing the folding top and adding the hard top to a Jeep Wrangler, a very long and complicated process that involves a rubber mallet. While Chrysler is the first to do this, they may be on to something, and it will not be surprising if others follow in the same direction.