Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Cylinder deactivation technology is quite common in modern cars, especially those equipped with larger engines.
But what if I told you that Alfa Romeo was a pioneer in this field and that over four decades ago, you could have bought an Alfetta that seamlessly switched on and off half its cylinders according to driving conditions?
The Alfetta's classic 1962cc inline-four twin-cam became the platform for Alfa's CEM (Controllo Elettronico Motore). It was a fully integrated electronic engine management system entirely designed in Italy by Alfa Romeo and Spica, featuring one throttle body for each cylinder and cylinder deactivation.
By running on just two cylinders at light engine loads and smoothly transitioning back to four cylinders, the Alfetta 2.0 equipped with the CEM system promised to retain the performance of the standard carburetted engine while improving drivability and fuel economy. #alfaromeo #history #classiccars
My articles on Medium: roadsterlifeweb.medium.com/membership
My automotive books:
Lancia Gamma Berlina & Coupé 1976 - 1984
ENGLISH: amazon.com/dp/B09TN45L8Q
ITALIAN: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09YVJRKH6
Six Appeal - The Story Of The Alfa 6
amazon.com/dp/1793931046
Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 - La Storia 1979-1987 (ITALIAN)
https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0BHT3PCC7
Alfa Romeo Giulietta - The Story 1977 - 1985
ENGLISH: amazon.com/dp/1983393746
ITALIAN: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B098GVJ7RK
Alfa Romeo Arna - The Full Story 1980 - 1987 amazon.com/dp/1656632500
Cylinder deactivation technology is quite common in modern cars, especially those equipped with larger engines.
But what if I told you that Alfa Romeo was a pioneer in this field and that over four decades ago, you could have bought an Alfetta that seamlessly switched on and off half its cylinders according to driving conditions?
The Alfetta's classic 1962cc inline-four twin-cam became the platform for Alfa's CEM (Controllo Elettronico Motore). It was a fully integrated electronic engine management system entirely designed in Italy by Alfa Romeo and Spica, featuring one throttle body for each cylinder and cylinder deactivation.
By running on just two cylinders at light engine loads and smoothly transitioning back to four cylinders, the Alfetta 2.0 equipped with the CEM system promised to retain the performance of the standard carburetted engine while improving drivability and fuel economy. #alfaromeo #history #classiccars
My articles on Medium: roadsterlifeweb.medium.com/membership
My automotive books:
Lancia Gamma Berlina & Coupé 1976 - 1984
ENGLISH: amazon.com/dp/B09TN45L8Q
ITALIAN: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09YVJRKH6
Six Appeal - The Story Of The Alfa 6
amazon.com/dp/1793931046
Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 - La Storia 1979-1987 (ITALIAN)
https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0BHT3PCC7
Alfa Romeo Giulietta - The Story 1977 - 1985
ENGLISH: amazon.com/dp/1983393746
ITALIAN: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B098GVJ7RK
Alfa Romeo Arna - The Full Story 1980 - 1987 amazon.com/dp/1656632500
