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Cadillac CTS GM's all-new global sports sedan makes no excuses in chassis dynamics, body integrity, powertrain performance, premium materials, and overall craftsmanship. Taking control of hybrids Software must monitor and manage many parameters while coordinating the complex operations of the engine, electric motors, and batteries. LIghter, faster, lower cost Ducati's top engineer brought a "maniacal" approach to developing the 1098 superbike. Diesels' brave new year Lean-NOx catalysts, closed-loop cylinder pressure sensing, and homogenous combustion are making "50-states" diesels a reailty. Behind the curtain AEI takes an in-depth look at how the designers and engineers at General Motors took the company's trio of new crossover SUVs from sketchbook to road. Engineering from everywhere With future growth in car and truck sales coming mainly from emerging markets, companies are realigning their engineering operations accordingly.

BMW readies mainstream carbon-fiber vehicle structures for MY2014 The partnership with SGL Composites is already making parts for the 2014 BMW i3 and i8. AEI visited the pioneering U.S. carbon-fiber plant and witnessed a potential emerging challenger to aluminum for vehicle lightweighting. Driving a safety 'brake-through' As pressure grows for accident-free travel, EuroNCAP is pushing for widespread adoption of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems as a way to avoid accidents caused by late braking or braking with insufficient force. A history of leadership Ten years after completing his term on the SAE Board of Directors, Argonne National Laboratory's Donald G. Hillebrand takes on another role-2013 SAE President.

Global Viewpoints - Europe: Smartening up R&D As every aspect of automotive technology makes rapid advances, R&D becomes ever more complex and faces additional pressures on cost and time. In our annual report from Europe, we spoke to very senior executives about their R&D methods and the demanding criteria they face. LEDs light the way for SuperTruck A research team developed a group of low-energy; high-output LED lamps for forward lighting that could be retrofitted into the truck's current incandescent headlamp housing and lens. Plastic proliferation under the hood Plastic components continue to displace metal engine parts because of cost and weight advantages.

Motors play an important EV roles Though lithium-ion batteries grab much of the spotlight, improved electric motor technology is crucial in advancing the operation of battery, hybrid, and plug-in electric vehicles. The quality race continues As end-user expectations continue to rise, and pressure on engineering and manufacturing processes spiral, AEI's European Editor interviewed a number of OEM executives for their thoughts on quality and strategies for better vehicles. The real world Convergence 2008 will place emphasis on the challenges of determining and meeting customer needs in creating better electronic systems. A new generation of engine efficiency New technologies help to maximize fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and deliver market-pleasing performance.

Where intelligence goes Changes in distributed or embedded control as well as processor power are altering automotive computing hierarchy. Making chassis magic Nothing beats veteran ride-and-handling engineers in creating a truly integrated chassis. But simulation is increasingly vital to their seat-of-the-pants development work. Mass reduction--the next frontier Automakers turn their attention to reducing vehicle weight in the quest for greater fuel efficiency. Electricity drives forward Continuous advances in component design and integration are helping to overcome cost and performance obstacles. At your service As cost and human-resource pressures mount, testing and engineering outsourcing heats up and alters roles within the industry. Finding the right Formula The University of Wisconsin-Madison won the annual Formula SAE student competition held in Michigan, beating more than 130 other teams aiming to conceive, design, and fabricate the best, small formula-style racing car.

Spec Formula One The series is moving forward with new rules to reduce cost and make racing more directly relevant to road-car development. Adding foresight Radar and cameras will work together to help drivers avoid accidents. Lexus LS 460:AEI's Best Engineered Vehicle for 2007 The fourth generation of Lexus' global flagship sets new standards in engineering, technical innovation, refinement, and workmanship. Hot off the grid New interest in plug-in hybrids has sparked intense R&D in battery chemistries and systems integration. Digital developments Ever-improving computer-based tools are helping engineers complete more complex designs in shorter time frames with downsized staffs. Illuminating technology Sensor-linked lighting systems, automatic high-beam control, LED headlights, and brand-identifying cabin lighting are enhancing safety, convenience, and the feel-good factor.

Valve controls Imagine a valve control system that is infinitely variable irrespective of engine speed and load. Impossible? Not according to Camcon Automotive's technical director Roger Stone, as Ian Adcock discovers Mother Nature knows best What can the automotive industry learn from nature when it comes to weight saving? Ryan Borroff has been finding out Building up the pressure Tony Lewis reports on the growing trend towards even higher line pressures in injection systems.

Advances in simulation deliver better engines Engine developers need to deliver cleaner engines that burn less fuel, are more durable, and quieter. If that was not enough, competitive pressures are forcing them into shorter time lines and reduced budgets. Engine developers may have no other opportunity to reduce cost and risk than use more CAE simulations.

Hot-stamping process Hot-stamping process from Schuler employs flexible 'pressure controlled hardening' Fuel cell futures no longer a dream Fuel cell technology is catching up with the hype as fuel cell vehicles become reality. Hot Technologies 2016 Our annual review of significant, innovative, and just plain cool technology applications for the new model year.