Chassis

DAF to launch first Euro-VI model in spring 2013 DAF Trucks unveiled its first Euro-VI compliant vehicle, the DAF XF heavy truck, at the recent IAA Hanover Show and has now revealed further details. Read full story

ZF explores composites for lightweight truck-chassis design Along with optimized design, including the integration of functions for individual components, new materials for heavy-truck applications are leading ZF’s lightweight charge. One example on display at the IAA show was a “study” of a four-point link made from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic that reduces weight by 25% compared to the standard cast component. Read full story

2013 Honda Fit EV applies ‘lessons learned’ from fuel-cell Clarity The electrified powertrain, a newly developed regenerative braking system, and Bio-Fabric seating material in Honda's new Fit EV all stem from developments in the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car and other EV forebears. Read full story

Specialty lubricants tailored for current and future brake system components Selection of the right lubricant is one of the most challenging tasks for automotive brake system designers and engineers, says a Dow Corning expert. Read full story

Heavy on the lightweighting Weight reduction is already a significant consideration in companies’ product development efforts, and the emphasis is only going to increase in the years ahead, according to SAE-member survey respondents. Read full story

Rolling tires power self-inflation pumps Goodyear is developing an internal mechanically driven pump that keeps commercial truck tires topped off. Read full story

A different riff on your basic two-seat electric car Markus Lienkamp, Chair of Automotive Engineering at the Technical University of Munich, says that "electromobility" is impeded at the moment by range anxiety, prohibitive costs, and inconvenient charging. That’s why Lienkamp is leading the Visio.M project, a German government-supported R&D effort to produce a low-cost, high-utility electric car that might attract the interest of the middle European mass market. Read full story

Fully automated driving nears reality Autonomous vehicles may be here sooner than anyone thought, according to a new report by KPMG and the Center for Automotive Research, but ABI Research Vice President and Practice Director Dominique Bonte believes that synergies among three connectivity categories will need to be established. Read full story

Schaeffler tandem bearings reduce drag torque, increase fuel economy up to 1.5% New tandem ball bearings from Schaeffler Group are said to have about half the friction of traditional tapered roller bearings, which allows tandems to run with higher overall efficiency and lower operating temperatures. Schaeffler selected Stanyl from DSM Engineering Plastics for the advanced bearing application. Read full story