Interior/Cabin

Audi’s digital rearview mirror races at Le Mans—road cars could be next Audi reveals that it has developed a rearview mirror for its R18 Le Mans racecar using digital technology that may eventually prove to be a viable solution for road cars. The system's first application in a closed cockpit LMP sports prototype will be the Le Mans 24-hour race on June 16-17. Read full story

Zone, spot HVAC systems could save fuel or extend EV range New Denso system, Hyundai EV project demonstrate efficiencies from separate zones for climate control. A Delphi/General Motors project with a DOE grant evaluates use of thermoelectric modules for spot cooling in front-seat occupant zones. Read full story

Patent revocation, counterfeiting fears cloud A/C changeover to R-1234yf Honeywell patent for R-1234yf revoked by European Patent Office, but company appeals and files additional patents. R-1234yf supply situation unlikely to improve until October. Cost issue creates possible opportunity for blend refrigerants. Refrigerant counterfeiting problems hit military. Read full story

Thermal storage evaporators offer idle-stop cost saving for A/C operation Idle-stop may add to city fuel economy and is eligible for 2.9 g/mi carbon credits, so it is starting to appear as a U.S. option. Need for A/C operation leads to evaluation of evaporators with thermal storage in waxes. Delphi promises U.S. OE installation for 2015, following low-volume Behr system in European BMW 7 Series. Read full story

Fiat explores multipurpose design with 500L Head of Fiat and Abarth Design, Roberto Giolito, regards multipurpose vehicle design as being "under-explored" and explains what Fiat is doing about it via the new 500L. Read full story

Video Interview: Inteva VP shares ‘panoramic’ view of roof-system trends Stefan Land, Vice President of Roof Systems at Inteva Products, sees the market for panoramic roof systems expanding, particularly in China and North America. At the SAE 2012 World Congress, Land discussed with SAE Magazines a range of roof-system technology trends. Read full story

Engineering firm all about functional excellence With the aim of becoming a center of excellence in electric vehicle development, Applus IDIADA is bringing its technical capability in that arena to the SAE 2012 World Congress in Detroit April 24-26. Read full story

Johnson Controls, Fraunhofer cross-link on materials research Automotive seat specialist Johnson Controls is entering into what it plans to be a long-term cooperation agreement with the German Fraunhofer Research Institution for Polymeric Materials and Composites (PYCO). Read full story

Wheelchair-accessible taxi exhibited in New York The MV-1 from Vehicle Production Group is a purpose-built body-on-frame vehicle for wheelchair use with an access ramp and greater interior room than converted taxis. Read full story