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A sense of safety Engineers are looking to combine radars of different ranges, cameras, and sophisticated controls to prevent collisions. Priming the green-car pump In a "perfect storm of opportunity," billions of dollars in federal funding are flowing toward next-generation, made-in-the-U.S. hybrid and electric-vehicle technology. Re-engineering the auto engineer The electrification of the vehicle is boosting demand for engineers with new competencies and skill sets. In Part 1 of this special two-part feature series, AEI examines why the industry needs to encourage and develop its most critical resource-people. Aerodynamics soar Automakers toil to minimize drag and maximize fuel economy.

Software shifts into automatic mode Automatic code generation is speeding up development and helping to improve automotive system reliability. Coming out party Plastics abound inside vehicles, but they are increasingly finding new applications outside the cockpit thanks to a heavy push for lightweight solutions. Cutting emissions down to size While the long-term future may deliver an efficient alternative to the internal-combustion engine, a few UK-led projects are tackling short-to medium-term solutions for improving engine-out emissions and efficiency of gasoline and diesel engines.

Focused on fuel economy Optimizing vehicle fuel efficiency takes a combination of engineering solutions and driver behavior. In part one of his two-part series, AEI examines the technologies being employed. Part two, coming in the April 6 print edition, discusses drivers' impact on higher mpg. Sound engineering Engineers using advanced tools create the sound of today's vehicles. Collaboration, innovation on the agenda The SAE 2010 World Congress, with the theme "Ecollaboration: engage. exchange. excel," will be held April 13-15, 2010, at Cobo Center in Detroit, MI. With this theme, host company Ford is calling for collaboration as a way to develop innovative solutions to overcome economic and environmental challenges. Speaking of controls Voice recognition has made big strides, but intergrating it into a seamless human-machine interface is a huge challenge.

AEI Best Engineered Vehicle 2010- Ford Taurus The readers and editors have selected the most significant vehicle of the year. Ford attacks premium sedan segment with all the technology it can muster. Focused on fuel economy Technology is only part of the solution for reducing vehicle energy consumption. In part 2 of AEI's Fuel Efficiency series, vehicle engineers explain why driver behavior is also a key factor. No stopping safety system advances Engineers are focusing on active systems intergration, especially with radars and cameras, more centralized processing, and silicon germanium for 77- GHz systems. Shedding pounds on a magnesium diet Tough CAFE standards are pushing automakers to consider using more lightweight magnesium rather than aluminum, steel, or plastics.

Optimizing the replacement for engine displacement New boosting and fuel-delivery technologies, and even twin-cylinder ICEs, are among the solutions being employed by powertrain engineers aiming for the next round of fuel-consumption and emissions targets. Back to basics Top Toyota executives discuss steps taken to bolster quality control during the development process while still forging ahead with new innovative product. Hyundai builds on success The company and Kia share European technologies and facilities, but they maintain individual model and marque identities as their presence strengthens. Teeming with ideas Automakers and suppliers get together to address consumer-electronics-friendly life cycles.

Why Volt? The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is in the vanguard of a new wave of electrified vehicles with the potential to deliver significantly reduced emissions and efficiency. Switched on The currently sparse population of charging stations will grow rapidly over the coming years as multiple EVs begin to enter the market.

AEI Best Engineered Vehicle 2011- Chevrolet Volt General Motors' pioneering E-REV eliminates range-to-empty worries with a cleverly engineered powertrain that makes Volt the right EV at the right time- and AEI's Best Engineered Vehicle for 2011. Government boost key to biofuel future Biofuel companies are determined to become viable on their own but want continued government assistance if oil companies receive assistance, too. More from less Trimming fuel consumption and emissions requires higher voltages, greater computing power, and more money. Finding the right balance Engineers identify key technology trends such as the necessity for lighter, smaller engines and vehicles- and stress that managing trade-offs is an especially tough challenge. Automotive Engineering International 2011 tech awards The editors of Automotive Engineering International preview the most innovative supplier technologies to be displayed April 12-14 in Detroit at the SAE 2011 World Congress.

Big losers Heavy trucks increasingly employ lighter-weight materials and sleeker shapes in an effort to trim fuel consumption and emissions.

Chrysler's new Tigershark I4s aim for refinement, efficiency Developed in record time, the 2.0- and 2.4-L debut in the 2013 Dodge Dart. The 2.4-L features the first global application of MultiAir II technology. Honda unveils next-gen motorcycle powertrains New engines designed for low-speed torque, fuel efficiency, and riding 'character' are coupled with new DCT and CVT transmissions. Alternative fuels on bumpy road The price of conventional fuels is just one variable that makes it hard to know when fuel-cell, biofuel, and natural-gas technologies will come into their own. Regen braking gets a boost Researchers from Hyundai Mobis detail the development of smart booster brake systems for regenerative brake cooperative control. Efficient & effective leadership Frank O. Klegon, a 30-year SAE member and former product development VP at Chrysler, brings 'customer first' approach to term as SAE International's chief elective officer.

Raj Nair's world's-eye view Ford's new global product-development chief discusses engineering resources to meet Asia-Pacific growth, China's challenges, U.S. CAFE, and lightweighting full-size trucks. Raising the bar on SI engine efficiency Highly boosted gasoline engines with 13:1 compression ratio? BorgWarner is tackling gasoline-engine pumping losses and finding many fuel-efficiency benefits as a result. VP of Advanced Engine Engineering Chris Thomas reveals the methodology-and more. GE makes power play into automotive The iconic American conglomerate sees great potential in electric vehicles, helping utility customers upstream ensure reliable and efficient energy delivery for EV customers downstream, says GE's Mark Little. Hybrid-electrified Le Mans Audi and Toyota bring hybrid-electric racecars to the renowned 24-h race.

A compact Cadillac to beat the Bimmers General Motors engineers were given a clean sheet to develop the 2013 ATS, Cadillac's all-new compact (and light) sport sedan aimed squarely at the 3 Series benchmark. Re-engineered Ram Thermal management-along with other significant changes-improves Ram 1500 fuel economy and earns EPA off-cycle credits. Honda Accord-the 9th generation The all-new 2013 model brings direct injection, a new CVT, MacPherson struts, safety advances, and a plug-in hybrid version./li> Radios expand by turning to micros Versatile systems use microcontrollers, software to meet wide range of requirements. 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.

Seeking validation Increased system complexity poses new challenges for software design and ECU system validation, mandating the need for simulation tools that can easily handle the complexity, while providing cost-effective, industry-proven verification tools and processes. Mapping the road to 54.5mpg Part 1 of AEI's three-part series looks at the CAFE challenge and the product-development options being weighed to meet it-while engineers look forward to the critical 2018 mid-term review.

Big shifts coming in powertrains During the rest of this decade, many observers expect transmission controls to undergo more changes than in the past 10-15 years. Transmission controls are being revamped to meet tighter fuel economy laws, letting engines run at optimal speeds. Collaborating for cheaper carbon fiber Oak Ridge National Laboratory and several industry partners work together to overcome the challenges to lower-cost carbon fiber. Creating the 54.5-mpg car Part 2 of AEI's three-part series looks at how vehicle engineers are facing a 'stress test' as the countdown to 2025 CAFE begins. How will the aggressive new regulations influence U.S. passenger cars in the next decade-and what will they cost to implement?

Reinventing the American pickup truck The conclusion of AEI's three-part series looks at how planners and engineers are already rethinking the classic full-size U.S. pickup so it can survive the CAFE crunch.

Low-cost instrument clusters A Delphi expert proposes a design strategy to help overcome challenges for manufacturability of automotive displays suited for emerging markets. BMW's technology play Dr. Herbert Diess, BMW's board member in charge of development, talks about where his company is placing its technology bets, the challenge of meeting the 95-g CO2 regulation in 2020, and the growing role of female engineers at BMW.

Engine boosting goes full bore Pumping more air into the cylinder is key to solving the CAFE puzzle, and engineers are hard at work figuring out the best ways to do it with turbocharger and supercharger innovation. Building a pathway for autonomous driving Existing safety systems will be augmented by onboard and external inputs; the biggest challenges will be designing the software that makes proper decisions without error and liability concerns. Steel in control Hyundai Steel develops a new 780-MPa grade of hot-rolled high-strength steel for application in a one-piece front lower control arm, displaying the potential for an 8% mass reduction.

Optimizing hybrids for cost and fficiency AVL engineers detail a modular engine program suitable for all forms of hybridization. ICE: Once more, with feeling BorgWarner CSO sees at least one more generation of the ICE before its 'sunset.' Actuating hybrid and EV efficiency More sophisticated driveline-disconnect systems are part of the electrified-vehicle future, says the head of controls at Stoneridge. The world's piston maker charts the ICE future According to Mahle's research VP, the remaining development path for internal combustion is clean, electrified and ready for alternative fuels. Pumping EV heat Heat-pump technology is a game-changer for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, says a service-tech training expert and EV owner.

Defying the disruptors and driving innovation Four top engineering executives discuss how their "traditional" companies are finding new technology opportunities and business growth amid the start-ups-and are even doing some disrupting themselves. Preparing for a 48-volt revival The quest to improve fuel economy is not waning, nor is the desire to achieve higher mpg through the use of just the right lightweight material for the right vehicle application. Additive manufacturing enhances GTDI pistons Selective Laser Melting may help manufacture future gasoline-engine pistons with enhanced heat-transfer properties and reduced weight.

Special report: Lightweighting Uncovering the next actions in the industry's grand mass-reduction campaign. CAE's next leap forward With 3D simulations skyrocketing, engineers are looking forward to highly-optimized toolsets to keep pace with complexity. SAE Convergence 2016 Preview Meet the disruptors, network with peers and learn about the latest tech solutions that are rapidly changing the auto industry. "Military-grade" aluminum Jaguar, Exa say simulation to eliminate prototypes by 2020 OEMs expand testing of FEV variable-compression ratio engine Growth of FCVs and EVs tied to infrastructure Bolt EV seat design cuts weight, delights tall passengers Rolls-Royce reveals a Vision of its future Volvo bets on new PowerPulse, not 48V, to attack turbodiesel 'lag' SEAT to spearhead VW's new platform and 48V technology Dr. Jay Baron of CAR discusses vehicle lightweighting and predicts the outcome of the crucial CAFE mid-term review.

Editorial: What's old (and revered) is new again Toyota sticking with measured, 'Teammate' approach to autonomous development Straight-sixes are back (with electrification) at Mercedes-Benz McLaren faces the electrified and autonomous future Can low-volume supercars survive amid stringent CO2 regs and robot cars? McLaren is betting £1 billion on a speedy, powerful-and independent-sports-car future. New Peugeot SUVs jump to modular platform, increase composites use Mercedes EQ concept previews 2019 electric SUV 2017 Nissan Rogue adds hybrid system with EV-only mode Renault's kids' racer