GM-SAIC JV breathes life into climate wind tunnel in Shanghai
A climate wind tunnel that opened March 27 in Shanghai is notable for several reasons, according to the joint venture behind it, PATAC. According to PATAC (Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center) JV partners General Motors and SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.), it is the first climate wind tunnel in China that can provide rain and snow simulations. Among others that are operating in China, PATAC's is the only one that has a wind-speed deviation of less than 1% and a maximum wind speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). In addition, it has the widest temperature simulation range of -40 to +60°C (-40 to +140°F) and the largest humidity simulation range (5 to 95%). The JV claims that it can replace about 80% of climate road tests.
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PATAC engineers conduct wet weather testing on a Buick LaCrosse at the climate wind tunnel in Shanghai.
Horiba supplies test cells for new Cat facility in China
Horiba Automotive Test Systems (ATS) has been contracted by Caterpillar Inc. to provide three heavy-duty test cells and one generator test system for the company’s new production base in Tianjin, China, by the start of production in January 2013. The multifunctional test cells will be used to analyze the high-capacity 3500 Series engines and generator packages of Caterpillar. Automatic guided vehicles will transport test specimens from rigging stations to test cells. Once in place, test specimens will undergo complete functional testing using advanced Horiba equipment. Test cell capacity of up to 3.6 MW will be used in the engine test cells, and the test systems will feature dual-language operator controls in both Mandarin and English. Horiba ATS established a 9400-m2 (101,000-ft2) manufacturing plant in Shanghai/Anting, China, in 2010; this contract accelerates its expansion into the Asian region.
DeltaWing experimental racecar to go live at Le Mans (video)
Nissan’s goal with the DeltaWing experimental racecar is to explore new technologies for road cars. But it is a racecar, after all, and the Nissan DeltaWing will strut its motorsports stuff for the first time this June at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The automaker’s main contribution to the uniquely designed racecar is a 1.6-L four-cylinder engine employing direct injection and turbocharging. Race-prepared for the 24 Hours, the DIG-T engine produces 300 hp (224 kW) and features the same technology found in Nisan road cars such as the Juke DIG-T. See DeltaWing video here.
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With a rear-mounted engine, the DeltaWing has a strong rearward weight bias, which makes it highly maneuverable, while its light weight and slippery shape make it far more efficient, says Nissan.
Europe toughens truck cab safety test
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) on Jan. 4 published the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 29 on commercial vehicle cab safety which introduces some significant amendments to the pendulum impact test procedures, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. The changes increase the impact energy level for the existing front pendulum impact test from 44 kJ to 55 kJ, specify an additional front pendulum impact test designed to test the cab’s A-pillars, and require that the cab roof be subjected to a lateral pendulum impact prior to the roof crush test being conducted. Compliance with these new requirements becomes mandatory for new types of truck from Jan. 30, 2017.
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