At a time when there is talk of the launch of unprecedented current models, the announcement is one new diesel engine with Euro 7 approval, Italian, built at the Pratola Serra (Avellino) plant. It was revealed by the big boss of Stellantis personally, Carlos Tavares, on the occasion of a visit to the Campania plant. A technical project that will see the light of day in 14-15 months and could open up a whole range of unexpected commercial prospects in this era of programs focused almost exclusively on electric propulsion. We are in the realm of hypotheses because nothing official has yet leaked from Stellantis about the possibilities of using this Euro 7 on the group’s cars. But the fact remains that the much-maligned (by some) diesel can come back into the limelight in a renewed and even cleaner version and play its part in reducing harmful emissions, thereby “extending” the lifespan of the entire “traditional” sector. . The news here implies a change of strategy, less in product planning, because this engine was obviously released some time ago, but in communication: the diesel can come out of limbo, it can once again play a role in the agenda of large corporations, without shame and uncensored. The rest will tell the market.

Diesel, open road. However, let’s try to understand a little more about this Euro 7 diesel engine arriving later in 2023. We repeat: the possible use of this power unit in the automotive sector of the Franco-Italian group has not yet been officially confirmed. Therefore, we can only advance a few arguments, which will then be submitted to the proof of the facts. In the meantime, however, the project has existed and it could give hope to those who grind a lot every day without having found an alternative to the expensive “old” diesel on the market.

Lower emissions. The new “Euro 7” will basically have some points of convergence with the current dual production of Pratola Serra: what is meant is the very current 2.2 diesel with Euro 6d final, approved for commercial vehicles and those of similar displacement but different structure and some Details supplied to Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. In common with all these engines, the new power unit would have some fundamental characteristics, such as the type of fractionation with four cylinders, the swept volume of 2.2 liters (albeit slightly higher than today: namely 2.184 cm3 versus 2.143), while driving parts and accessories should be new or deeply developed. A bunch of changes and an update so full-bodied, yes, to speak of ancestors, as well as an all-new unit.

From the Duchy. However, the engine with which the new Euro 7 would share more things should be the very latest diesel engine that equips the latest evolution of the Fiat Ducato: the 2.2 Multijet3 of 2,184cc, which looks like a nice step forward compared to the previous one 2.3, continuously evolved but now of remote origin (Sofim/Fpt). The commercial 2.2 is offered with different power levels (120, 140, 160 and 180 hp) and some interesting solutions such as double AdBlue injection, the low-pressure EGR valve and the Wcac (water intercooler). Let’s remember, this new family of diesel engines is equipped with a cast iron crankcase, while the 2.2 that equip the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio have an aluminum crankcase. In short, at the Pratola Serra plant there are already all the “elements” and know-how to, if so decided, create a renewed Euro 7 unit that could also be used for cars. Strong similar measures in the field of dimensions and cylinder wheelbase that would make it “compatible” with production on the same lines on which the engines of the Fiat Ducato Van and Alfa Romeo cars are now assembled.

Still valid solution. We talked about clean diesel. Today it is like never before, also because the development of this type of engine has never stopped and the efficiency (as well as the power) achieved is really high (on this subject we recommend the following Q premium item). The manufacturers are well aware of this and in fact some of them have continued to invest heavily in diesel engines (despite the smear campaign in question and the traffic ban initiatives in some European metropolises). Without advertising the matter, however. In short, if until now manufacturers have emphasized their commitment on the electrification front, now the muted feedback from the market and the ongoing impact of the pandemic, adding to that of the microchip crisis, have prompted the automotive headquarters to review their strategies. Communication too concentrated on one road: fully electric. In a market that, in all likelihood, will see a shift in the plans for mass adoption of electric cars – because that of the BEVs remains the final goal, the only one for all – these endothermic power supplies can no longer be ruled out, the table that the market continues to innovate still required.

More information … In short, Pratola Serra’s Euro 7 diesel could be a strong signal to join others – such as that of Volkswagen on the use of synthetic fuels in the latest generation TDI engines – that suggests one thing : c ‘is still life for traditional engines in many forms. We will see. Without forgetting one thing: if we decide, for example, to allocate this Euro 7 diesel also to the Stellantis Group vehicles, it will be an adequate response to a market need that is still significant in Italy and in some ancient countries is a continent, albeit declining sharply compared to the golden years.