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Simulating off-highway hybrids With customers squeezed by fuel costs, off-highway OEMs are showing some interest in developing hybrid equipment. CAE simulation tools are needed because of lack of experience with such devices. Their functional complexity requires control system simulation throughout their lives. A hose is a hose is a hose Researchers develop a method for the precise mounting of a hydraulic hose model. Integrity sensing for safety Researchers from Purdue developed a capacitance-based method for monitoring the integrity of tires, hoses, and other polymeric products during manufacturing and throughout the useful product life.

Increasing the hydroforming knowledge base Tube hydroforming has become a viable economic alternative to various stamping and welding processes in automotive applications. Controlling two-stroke engine emissions With the constant rich operation of two-stroke engines, common design criteria for three-way catalysts fail. DaimlerChrysler technical symposium A year after the merger that created the new corporation, engineers from both groups came together to present a unified technical symposium to review the future direction of the new organization. Here are some highlights of the more significant technical developments. Vertical complex-shape headlamp reflectors Another improvement in lighting technology gives designers increased flexibility in vehicle appearance with no loss in lighting performance. Advances in static and dynamic exhaust system seating Major redesign, combined with minor improvements in simple details, returns significant benefits in sealing.

Chrysler sees the ICE future The three-year, $30 million Multi-fuel Multiair R&D program with the U.S. DOE is nearing completion. Here's what Chrysler Powertrain engineers have learned as they try to achieve a 25% fuel-efficiency gain. Counteracting cyber-attacks As vehicle systems become more complex and interact with more internal and external elements, the potential for outside intrusion and tampering increases for both vehicles and the transportation infrastructure. Kia moves upscale with 2014 Cadenza The all-new premium sedan is the Korean automaker's 'most technologically advanced' vehicle ever on U.S. roadways. 2014 Corvette: 460 hp, 30 mpg, 1 g, $52,000 No other sports car can match the C7's combination of performance, value, and overall efficiency. Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter provides insight on executing a masterpiece.

Getting the aero advantage Team Rahal has come up with several innovative ways of integrating and implementing Fluent Inc.'s computational fluid dynamics softwarae into its engineering process. Jordan Grand Prix benefits from 3-D design This motorsports team's transition from 2-D design to 3-D digital modeling using SDRC's I-DEAS software has resulted in shorter lead times and improved part fit. The 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer Ford engineers further improve ride, handling, and safety while increasing the vehicles' power. Cadillac's re-engineered Escalade The 2002 model has a host of new, advanced features including "Northstar-inspired" powertrains, StabiliTrak stability control, and a Road Sensing Suspension system. Explorer Sport Trac breaks new ground Ford says its 2001 Explorer Sport Trac, based on the 2001 Explorer four-door, was engineered for improved ride and handling, and is the first traditional SUV with an open cargo area.

Managing software growth An increased emphasis on modeling and autocoding makes it easier to add software-based features and functions, driving a sea change in the way complex automotive systems are designed. Going beyond Bin 5 and Euro 5 An early look at some of the emissions-control and aftertreatment technologies and tools aimed at helping automakers meet future U.S. and European regulations. Finding flexibility Although automation is important to achieving flexibility, manufacturers cannot neglect product design, manufacturing processes, and personnel. Looking for a little help Automotive companies increasingly look outside, offshore to get complex designs finished quickly. The autonomous future Like it or not, cars that drive themselves are on the horizon. Will you trade control for safety? Dodge Ram A keen focus on fuel economy centers on improved aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency, and weight-reducing technologies.

Parisian delights The concept vehicles at September's Paris Motor Show ranged from futuristic, over-the-top dream machines with diesel hybrid power to fuel-efficient small cars with high-end interiors. Software poses hard challenges Autocoding, reuse help automakers produce increasingly more lines of code. The two-wheeler future Japanese manufacturers look to crossovers, hybrids, and alternative-energy concepts to reinvigorate the motorcycle industry. An Aura of refinement Saturn took cues from its European partner when designing a new entrant for the U.S. midsize market. Decongesting Denver The road to safer and more efficient ground transportation in the Mile High City is being paved, in part, via a romance between highway and light rail. Hybrids for commerce Though they represent a fraction of the Japanese hybrid fleet, the four Japanese commercial-vehicle manufacturers offer diesel-electric hybrid trucks and buses that are on the leading edge of the technology.

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.

Tech Highlights: 2002 Mondial de L'Automobile European editor Stuart Birch gives a run down of some of the significant vehicle and technology debuts at the Paris Motor Show, beginning with the French automakers. Supply-chain trends With increased responsibility for modules and warranties, automotive suppliers are finding innovative ways to manage their supply chains. Sports car racing technology Le Mans series race car engineering reach a high-water mark in 2002, but will likely recede in 2003. Innovation at DaimlerChrysler Chairman and CEO Jurgen Schrempp believes that in the next 15 years, car technology and design will move ahead more rapidly than at any time in the past half century--and that almost everything except the basic four-wheel layout could change. Escape Hybrid is a showstopper Ford in 2003 will launch the world's first production hybrid-electric SUV, which will be the subject of much discussion at this month's 2002 SAE International Truck & Bus Meeting & Exhibition.

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.

Body control electronics shapes up The electronics revolution is advancing unabated in vehicle and body control, but the addition of features ranging from electronic power steering to tire pressure monitoring poses numerous challenges for electronics engineers. Telematics comes back on line Interfaces will play a huge role in expected growth. Cadillac XLR The new luxury roadster, designed to go head-to-head with models from Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Lexus, uses an all-new 4.6-L Northstar V8 and innovative features such as adaptive cruise control, Magnetic Ride Control, and keyless access. 2005 Ford GT The company's image vehicle helped develop engineering skills in the race to production. Chrysler Pacifica Safety and infotainment features abound in the upscale 2004 sports tourer. 5 Series changes shape BMW adopted an aluminum/steel hybrid body in the interests of light weight and even weight distribution, and worked with ZF Lenksysteme to introduce active steering.

Safe and sensitive Sensor fusion is the latest data sharing scheme for improving the performance of safety systems. BMW counts down to 1 Series The company's latest entry in the premium compact segment comes to market with rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution, and longitudinally mounted engines headlined by a powerful turbodiesel. Chevrolet re-engineers Corvette Although the new C6 is shorter and narrower than its predecessor, engineers wanted "more power, more passion, more precision" for the two-seat sportscar. 2005 Honda Odyssey The completely re-engineered model features new technologies from the inside out related to safety, performance, and entertainment. Chrsyler 300 / Dodge Magnum The "it" vehicles for the 2005 model year feature advanced technologies such as cylinder deactivation to go along with Hemi power and distinctive styling. Ford makes space for family vehicles Volvo donates its P2 platform for the new Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle, and Mercury Montego.

Speed is king Motorsports offers automakers a fast way to develop new technologies and quick-thinking engineers. This article explores how DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and General Motors approach motorsports as an engineering tool. Electronics: changing the shape of the automobile The decisions made by the automotive industry the next few years will forever change the shape of the automobile. The electronic technologies to improve fuel economy, increase passenger safety, lower emissions, and improve reliability are evolving quickly, but because of their cost the exact timeframe for their implementation is undecided. Chevrolet Corvette The Z06 is the big news for 2001, the new model having a high-output 5.7-L LS6 V8 developed by GM Powertrain. Innovation meets the mid-size segment The 2001 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus offer more power, enhanced NVH characteristics, and improved safety. Third-generation M3 The all-new high-performance M3 coupe debuts in North America.

After CD, what's next? Storing music in cars remains fraught with many engineering considerations as infotainment systems move into the next generation. Chevrolet Malibu General Motors has enhanced its midsize architecture for a more refined and luxurious ownership experience. Chrysler minivans Chrysler's family haulers feature a new look and more interior flexibility to go with a host of technology upgrades. Jaguar XF The company's middle sedan is updated with a 21st century interpretation of traditional standards. BMW M3 The high-performance version of the 3 Series coupe gets V8 power, other significant upgrades. Honda Accord The eighth generation of Honda's popular sedan offers more space, power, and safety. Fiat 500 The new car's styling harks back to the original of over 70 years ago, but it employs modern technology and shares a platform with the forthcoming Ford Ka replacement.

Like a rolling home Suppliers are helping automakers engineer vehicles that allow passengers to bring along the comforts of home. Focusing on distraction An explosion of new features, functions poses challenges for safety. Performance goes green With record-high fuel prices and CO2 concerns providing the impetus, automakers are developing more fun-to-drive cars with an eye towards efficiency. GM re-engineers pickips More refined ride, higher-quality interiors, and greater efficiency are some of the highlights of the 2007 models. Jeep takes on tough terrain For 2007, the brand's iconic Wrangler is engineered to be more rugged off-road and more refined on it. Audi updates TT theme The second-generation rendition is bigger, more powerful, and uses a subtle metals mix and match. Vantage: as Aston to the core A common platform strategy is a vital element of the company's design and manufacturing flexibility.

Not passive on safety Modern automotive electronics are enabling many advances in post-crash protection of occupants. DSP usage grows Infotainment and other new functions spark growth in the automotive chip applications. Pontiac's time to shine GM cashes in on the Solstice concept buzz by rushing its roadster to production. Ford midsize comeback a Fusion Filling an open space in its lineup, Ford sought to equip its newest entry not with technological marvels but with great balance between attributes. Honda does its Civic duty The eighth-generation vehicle sports a new look and plenty of new technology, including an improved hybrid powertrain for those who want to fill up a little less often. BMW re-engineers 3 Series The new car packs a high level of technology cascaded down from its larger and more costly siblings. Kia's Rio Grande The all-new subcompact cars from Kia aim for comfort, quality, and safety features at entry-level cost.

Looking forward to safer highways New camera technologies, along with better algorithms and software, are enabling the move to active-safety systems that warn and then take control of vehicles in dangerous situations. Fuel-cell futures Eager to find alternative-propulsion solutions, automakers are betting that renewed emphasis on fuel-cell vehicles will pay off in the long run, with the latest examples aiming to prove higher-volume production feasibility. Consensus building ojn refrigerant type The hydrofluoro-olefin refrigerant HFO-1234yf has emerged as Europe's favored R-134a replacement, but some prefer R-744. Strengthening the link through software The next generation of simulation tools could help better synchronize manufacturing engineering and product design.

Systems drive safety Engineers are using a holistic approach to design safer vehicles by adding function and integrating multiple subsystems. The gas in greener Biodiesels promise to help reduce petroleum consumption and CO2 emissions, but much of the potential depends on production and infrastructure investment. Good vibrations Instead of excising all noise, vibration, and harshness, engineers are focusing more on making specific sounds and feedback "fit" a vehicle. SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress Preview International Truck and Engine executives head the charge for "positive industry change" at SAE's third Congress for the on- and off-highway communities.

Ultracapacitors charge ahead The limitations of current energy-storage solutions could encourage consideration of these alternative solutions, but more engineering work needs to be done to reduce costs. Technology for all Automotive industry executives expect high-end technologies, once considered only for inclusion in luxury cars, to increasingly make their way into entry- and mid-level vehicles in the very near future. Convergence continues A lot of automotive electronics ground has been covered at the Convergence conferences past, and there's more to come at this year's show in October. Fueling the next generation As hydrogen joins the battle for automotive power with gasoline and diesel, the future could be more choices rather than one winner.

Trends in advanced chassis control Motorola vehicle system developers examine the state-of-the-art microprocessor and other electronic technologies driving the development of advanced braking, steering, suspension control, and collision warning/avoidance systems. Wheel design and engineering Consumer demand is driving the automakers' move to large-diameter, shiny, alloy wheels. Telematics and the digital car As development of new telematics products and services gain speed, OEMS, suppliers, and other players in the automotive industry are using simulators as a tool to gain greater understanding of driver distraction. NisSun Rising Nissan is back, according to President and COO Carlo Hosn, thanks to a revised product development structure that makes better use of employees and technology. Back to the future for Ford manufacturing The Vice President of Vehicle Operations said the company's goal is raw materials to finished goods in one day.

Fuel-cell commercialization The technology race is on to market the next revolution in automotive propulsion, with the first vehicles in limited quantities coming from Toyota and Honda by the end of the year. Telematics technology trends Analysts at the Telematics Research Group explain the computer, communications, and automotive electronic component advancements that will influence systems development. No end in sight to electronics' growth The biennial Convergence conference on transportation electronics, hosted by DaimlerChrysler, will explore the interplay of electronics with mechanical and other systems to improve vehicle safety, performance, and convenience. Making contacts Engineers at AMI DODUCO reveal their latest research and developments on critical automotive electrical contact reliability.