General New YouTube video on TwinAir Cross 4x4

[JaffaOrange]

Nice new video (March 2025) on YouTube from Jack on his Number 27 channel. A provocative title but an interesting view of the TwinAir.
And I think he’s wrong about the engine; yes it’s a 360 degree twin but the firing of the cylinders will be 180 apart from each other, to ensure an even power delivery.

Video is titled: A symbol of everything that is wrong with Fiat today - Panda Cross TwinAir 4x4

But he really likes the car

 

[JaffaOrange]

A link:

 

[Marcus Daly]

That’s a great little video, thanks for sharing it.

He’s bang on about ECO mode. I leave mine in ECO these days as I’m never in a hurry and run on posh petrol which makes it less objectionable. But switching it off totally transforms the personality of the car.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I think this sums it up very well. I find however its also more than capable of 400 miles in a day witout being tiring , or irritating. If you compromise a bit on seating, I'm 6ft 1, its a capable 4 seater. His smile expresses it all. Chuck in the winter driving supremacy and there you have it. Totally agree with MarcusDaly re eco. If you want to get on with it, or on hills switch it off. My 2017 was very different and eco was a low powered mess. In the 2019 its perfectly usable and will with experience give 63mpg on a long run. I wouldnt want anything else!

 

[JayAre]

he’s wrong about the engine; yes it’s a 360 degree twin but the firing of the cylinders will be 180 apart from each other, to ensure an even power delivery

actually he’s right - both cylinders fire simultaneously

 

[JaffaOrange]

actually he’s right - both cylinders fire simultaneously

Wow that’s very unusual. Thanks for the info

 

[JaffaOrange]

Wow that’s very unusual. Thanks for the info

I’ve been thinking about this because it doesn’t make much sense for the two cylinders to operate simultaneously from the point of view of managing air flow in and out of the engine. Alternating firing would make airflow and power delivery smoother.
I looked at the TwinAir video from Fiat which shows the operation of the engine internals. The camshaft can be seen operating the two outlet valves alternatively (I had to watch on 1/4 speed to see it). So I think the two cylinders fire alternately.

My earlier comment about 180 degrees between firing was way off; just an instant reaction. The pistons rise and fall together but as this is a four stroke engine, each cylinder fires once every 720 degrees. One piston fires at 360 degrees and the other one 360 degrees later. So alternate firing.

 

[JayAre]

I’ve been thinking about this because it doesn’t make much sense for the two cylinders to operate simultaneously from the point of view of managing air flow in and out of the engine. Alternating firing would make airflow and power delivery smoother.
I looked at the TwinAir video from Fiat which shows the operation of the engine internals. The camshaft can be seen operating the two outlet valves alternatively (I had to watch on 1/4 speed to see it). So I think the two cylinders fire alternately.

My earlier comment about 180 degrees between firing was way off; just an instant reaction. The pistons rise and fall together but as this is a four stroke engine, each cylinder fires once every 720 degrees. One piston fires at 360 degrees and the other one 360 degrees later. So alternate firing.

Interesting.
This in-depth (i.e. lengthy!) YT explains the different operating configurations used in “in-line/parallel twins” for (mostly) motorbikes and (much rarer) car engines like the TA. If you just want the technicals, without watching the whole vid, then click “more” below the video title

 

[Panda IIs]

I’ve been thinking about this because it doesn’t make much sense for the two cylinders to operate simultaneously from the point of view of managing air flow in and out of the engine. Alternating firing would make airflow and power delivery smoother.
I looked at the TwinAir video from Fiat which shows the operation of the engine internals. The camshaft can be seen operating the two outlet valves alternatively (I had to watch on 1/4 speed to see it). So I think the two cylinders fire alternately.

My earlier comment about 180 degrees between firing was way off; just an instant reaction. The pistons rise and fall together but as this is a four stroke engine, each cylinder fires once every 720 degrees. One piston fires at 360 degrees and the other one 360 degrees later. So alternate firing.

Yeah, that was bugging me too. I'm with you; TA fires 1,2 1,2 (alternate cylinders) That what makes the funky exhaust note. I had to revisit that cut away video too! The 360 degreeness takes away some torsional stresses on the crank.

 

[SB1500]

Would you TwinAir owners buy another again to replace your cars? If Fiat miraculously started offering new models with it (although not likely with Stellantis)

 

[Marcus Daly]

Yes, I probably would. There’s nothing else like it from Fiat or any other manufacturer.

 

[boozyjay]

Would you TwinAir owners buy another again to replace your cars? If Fiat miraculously started offering new models with it (although not likely with Stellantis)

Definitely.

I purchased one of the last run out TA Panda Cross and I intend to keep it forever. I also run a nice TA Panda Lounge.

As long as low mileage ones are still around I'll keep buying them.

 

[Panda IIs]

Would you TwinAir owners buy another again to replace your cars? If Fiat miraculously started offering new models with it (although not likely with Stellantis)

Totally!

 

[Pedigrine]

100% buy another it's fun to drive.And plenty fast enough on motorways or country lanes.Oh and it makes a lovely sound.

 

[andyvee]

100% buy another it's fun to drive.And plenty fast enough on motorways or country lanes.Oh and it makes a lovely sound.

100% would get another , intend keeping my one for as long as possible.

 

[Marcus Daly]

I’m glad I bought mine new when I did (2020) as there is absolutely nothing I could buy new today to replace it.

 

[boozyjay]

I’m glad I bought mine new when I did (2020) as there is absolutely nothing I could buy new today to replace it.

Agreed.

 

[porta]

Would you TwinAir owners buy another again to replace your cars? If Fiat miraculously started offering new models with it (although not likely with Stellantis)

Yes…