Powertrains

2014 Ford Transit features five-cylinder diesel option in North America As the eventual replacement to Ford's E-Series vehicles, the all-new Transit means more configuration choices and the only five-cylinder diesel engine option in North America's commercial van segment. Read full story

A new approach to Li-ion battery modeling The new approach of researchers at Battery Design LLC and CD-adapco avoids the limitations of the standard approach by resolving the structure of the electrode and explicitly modeling the transport of lithium in the electrolyte and solid phases. Read full story

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

Acura RLX shows advanced rear-steer, engine technology The luxury sedan has rear steering with a separate motor at each wheel, and its new engine features I-VTEC valvetrain integrated electronically with re-engineered control of a cylinder deactivation system and computer-controlled engine mounts. Read full story

2014 Subaru Forester includes direct-injection turbo Base engine is 2.5-L naturally aspirated unit, and fuel economy is up 17% and highway number is 32 mpg as Subaru replaces four-speed automatic with CVT that has adaptive learning. The 2.0-L turbo is rated at 250 hp (187 kW). Vehicle size is almost unchanged, but rear-seat legroom is increased and cargo area is larger. Read full story

Improved natural gas fuel tanks and pumps for autos ARPA-e program involves several companies, government labs, and universities developing solutions so the U.S. can take advantage of its abundant natural gas reserves. Read full story

Silicon carbide shows potential for improved DC-DC technology and single multirole converters A Prodrive-led consortium is focusing on developing the technology for electrified vehicles, bringing meaningful weight and cost savings. Read full story

“Lincoln Motor Company” opened for business New York City’s Lincoln Center served as the backdrop for Ford's “reboot” of its luxury brand as the Lincoln Motor Company. The revival begins with the MKZ midsize sedan, but further differentiation could come from more exclusive high-performance versions of existing powerplants, plus perhaps European engines. And Ford’s rear-drive architecture, used by the Mustang, and it is being evaluated for luxury performance car use. Read full story

Fiat and Chrysler unveil 2014 battery-electric 500e The battery-electric Fiat 500e features a 24-kW·h NiMgCo lithium-ion battery sourced from SB LiMotive and an 83-kW traction motor. The car is not aimed at traditional EV customers, according to Fiat's North American marketing boss. Read full story