MultiAir or Multiair is a hydraulically-actuated variable valve timing (VVT) and variable valve lift (VVL) engine technology enabling "cylinder by cylinder, stroke by stroke" control of intake air directly via a gasoline engine's inlet valves. Developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the technology addresses a primary engine inefficiency: pumping losses caused by restricting intake passage by the throttle plate that regulates air feeding the cylinders.
Fiat 875 cc two cylinder TwinAir engine featuring Multiair technology
Variable valve timing (VVT) is the process of altering the timing of a valve lift event in an internal combustion engine, and is often used to improve performance, fuel economy or emissions. It is increasingly being used in combination with variable valve lift systems. There are many ways in which this can be achieved, ranging from mechanical devices to electro-hydraulic and camless systems. Increasingly strict emissions regulations are causing many automotive manufacturers to use VVT systems.
Cylinder head of Honda K20Z3. This engine uses continuously variable timing for the inlet valves
Hydraulic vane-type phasers on a cut-out model of Hyundai T-GDI engine