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Article

2015 F-150 aluminum body creates challenge for auto body shops

2014-11-18

"Craft shop" approach of low-volume, all-aluminum, high-end makes is too restrictive for America's best-selling vehicle. SEMA Show training classes by I-CAR demonstrate special techniques necessary and the learning curve for mainstream body shop technicians.

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2015 F-150: Ford drops an aluminum blockbuster

2014-01-08

With the world's first pickup featuring an all-aluminum body and cargo box and full LED lighting, Ford leapfrogs its domestic and Japanese competition in the highly profitable full-size truck segment. The structures feature 5xxx- and 6xxx-series alloy sheet, the latter with a T4 temper.

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2015 Ford Edge boasts new 2.0-L EcoBoost engine

2014-07-25

The new model debuts a new 245-hp four-cylinder engine that enables it to tow 3500 lb.

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2015 GT350 Mustang aimed at track-day dominance

2014-11-19

The new Shelby Mustang's street-vs-track development ratio was more biased toward the track than the majority of cars from Ford Performance Enginering—even versus the GT500.

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2015 Hyundai Genesis stiffer, quieter thanks to re-engineered chassis, body structure, powertrain

2014-01-14

The rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan embodies the first realization of Hyundai’s new design direction—“fluidic sculpture 2.0”—that was previewed last year with the HCD-14 Genesis concept. Beneath the “clean,” flowing exterior panels, the 2015 Genesis features a completely redesigned platform to accommodate a new available HTRAC all-wheel-drive system.

Article

2015 Mondeo launch shows flexibility, challenges of One Ford strategy

2015-01-28

Engineering Launch Manager Mike Rogers and his team handled new powertrain, body, and trim complexities as they guided Ford's new C/D-class product from development to production at a new plant.

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2015 Mustang's glovebox-integrated knee airbag, other plastics innovations recognized by SPE

2014-11-13

A Ford safety application took the grand prize at the 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Innovation Awards gala on November 12 in Livonia, MI.

Article

2015 VW Golf GTE plug-in hybrid is a smooth operator

2014-09-29

Volkswagen spreads its Audi A3 e-tron PHEV powertrain to the new Golf GTE. Powertrain control from ICE to electric drive is silky indeed, and EV range is worthy of a good city car. But system cost is significant in a VW-badged vehicle.

Article

2016 Altair Enlighten Award adds new category to honor lightweighting efforts

2015-12-22

Nominations for the fourth annual Altair Enlighten Award are now being accepted, with the 2016 award program including two distinct categories recognizing vehicle lightweighting: full vehicles and modules.

Article

2016 Camaro: GM unleashes its lighter, faster Mustang competitor

2015-05-18

Using the benchmark Alpha mixed-materials architecture that it pioneered on Cadillac ATS, GM takes over 200 lb out of the admittedly overweight 2015 Camaro and adds its first turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain.

Article

2016 Chevrolet Cruze is larger, longer, and sheds 250 lb

2015-06-25

GM's best-selling global product, the new Cruze shifts to the D2XX compact platform--a move helps create a roomier vehicle while weighing less than the outgoing model.

Article

2016 Civic structure employs 'first' partial in-die soft zones

2015-12-01

The 2016 Honda Civic features selectively-tempered “soft zone” technology in the B-pillars and rear frame rails, allowing zones within a single frame piece to have more ductile properties than the surrounding ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steel. The technology minimizes parts count and saves 15.6 lb (7 kg) compared to the previous-generation Civic.

Article

2016 Explorer gains more powerful four-cylinder, Platinum opulence

2014-12-03

Ford upgraded the Explorer's four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to support all-wheel drive and 3000-lb towing, while a new Platinum trim level brings many first-time amenities for Ford.

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2016 Honda Civic targets Audi A3, drives new modular-engineering strategy

2015-04-09

Honda’s next-generation Civic will debut a sporty new design language, more efficient and spirited powertrains—and serve as the lead application for Honda’s new Global Compact platform that will also underpin the next-generation Accord as well as the HR-V crossover.

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2016 Los Angeles auto show: Mazda’s all-new CX-5 to include diesel engine for North America

2016-11-17

Mazda will introduce its first-ever diesel engine for the U.S. market in conjunction with the all-new 2017 CX-5 compact crossover.

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2016 Mini Clubman's torque-vectoring AWD system designed to give 2wd efficiency

2016-02-03

The new ALL4 driveline was designed to keep fuel consumption and emissions comparable to those of 2-wheel drive Mini models.

Article

2016 Optima gets upgraded UVO

2015-04-10

The twins-under-the-skin Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata are fraternal only, as they share nothing in terms of external and interior styling. The product planning teams for each brand also get to introduce other differentiators, in the case of Optima a markedly different infotainment systems than Sonata.

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2016 Pentastar V6 adds new VVT, cooled EGR

2015-09-01

FCA powertrain engineers have shaved weight and increased the efficiency and power of their do-it-all V6, while preparing it for possible DI turbocharged duty in the not-so-distant future.

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2016 SAE Congress: Auto industry must adopt faster 'clock speed'

2016-04-18

Nimble startups and giants Google and Apple are racing at high speed to gain a role in the comparatively slow-moving auto industry. Automotive companies must adapt to the rapid clock speeds of these outsiders or risk their businesses being hurt severely.

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2016 SAE Congress: Clemson University and Toyota unveil uBox concept

2016-04-13

A concept vehicle engineered by Clemson University graduate students features a curved glass roof with a multi-material support structure produced by a novel manufacturing technique.