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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.

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.

High on hydrogen Through its Symbio joint venture with Michelin, Faurecia expands far beyond its interior-systems base into the fuel-cell future. Simulating a faster route to ADAS and AV validation With its new cloud-based Simphera platform, dSpace responds to demand from global automated-vehicle development teams to help manage their expanding, complex workload. Innovating the methanol fuel cell Using methanol as the source fuel provides an alternative to a gaseous-hydrogen distribution and storage infrastructure, among other potential benefits. Engineering the 2022 Toyota Tundra Chief Engineer Mike Sweers talks structure, materials and a different approach to hybrid power.

HID for both beams Automotive Lighting engineers have developed HID lighting for high-beam as well as low-beam functions. High-flux LED light sources Hella's advances in LED design provide new options for signal lights and styling variations for indirect lighting. Top 10 technologies for 2000 Readers have selected the most interesting technology stories appearing in Automotive Engineering International during the past year. The rankings are based on reader responses from feature articles and shorter technology items. Some of the stories appear here in shortened form. Synthetic diesel engine oil Researchers at ExxonMobil have developed an advanced lubricant for heavy-duty diesel engines. Disel Emission Control--Sulfur Effects The objective of this government-industry program is to determine the impact of fuel sulfur levels on emissions-control systems of diesel engines.

Solving the driver distraction problem Is voice-recognition technology the silver bullet? No, engineers agree, but it has its place. Succeeding in the alliance game It was General Motors' Arvin F. Mueller, Chairperson of the SAE 2001 World Congress, who came up with "Succeeding in the Alliance Game" as the theme for the March 5-8 automotive engineering event in Detroit. Ferrari 360 aerodynamic development The search for downforce without aerodyamic devices, such as wings or spoilers, led to novel solutions for the car's suspension. Renault's Euro 3 engine Flexible injection systems allowed Renault VI engineers to balance many conflicting priorities in developing Europe's first heavy-duty diesel engine with a fully electronic high-injection-pressure common-rail injection system. Meeting future emissions standards with diesel SUVs AVL List believes that diesel engines could be one way to improve the environmental acceptance of sport utility vehicles.

Fuel cell AUTOnomy General Motors stunned the North American International Auto Show audience with a fuel-cell concept intended to revolutionize the way vehicles are designed, built, and operated. Revving up for diesel With diesel engines having such a large automotive presence in Europe, and such a small one in the U.S., suppliers vie for the diesel of the future. High time for hybrids With two already on the road and at least four others slated for launch within the next couple of years, hybrid vehicles are taking center stage in the automotive industry. Whether the technology becomes a mass-market phenomena or niche-filler is a matter of debate--one that will take place at the SAE 2002 World Congress.

New engines The editors review the engineering of six of the most significant new gasoline and diesel engines of 2008 and 2009. Squeezing more out and in Engineers are working on making seats lighter while offering more features. Out with the oil, in with the new Biomaterials begin making an impact as OEMs and suppliers explore more green options. Visually speaking Leading automotive designers discuss brand DNA, the future of vehicle personalization, and how their increasing involvement in platform design is changing the way they work with engineers.

Ford widens diesel getaway As the popularity of the diesel in Europe continues to soar, Ford, in collaboration with PSA, is further expanding its Diesel Center's production in the UK. Phil Lake, Ford of Europe's Chief Engineer, Diesel Engines, gives AEI a tour of the facility and the technology. Consumer electronics solutions Wireless technologies, networking alternatives vie for acceptance as the auto industry scrambles to keep up with consumer demands for infotainment options. California dreaming Forward-thinking West Coast automotive design studios ponder recyclable cars, predetermined vehicle lifespan, and a reduced carbon footprint as part of the third annual Los Angeles Design Challenge. Tradition meets technology Artisan skills are supporting traditional engineering in the creation of complex, high-profile concept cars.

NAIAS supplier guide: what's behind the show cars Seductive surfaces and shocking shapes are what catches the eye at this annual winter mega-car-show in Detroit, but functional parts are key to a new model's ultimate success. Direct-injection resurgence The Japanese OEMs are integrating the latest-generation technology into their newest gasoline and diesel engines, focusing the latter on export markets such as Europe. Hybrids pose electronics challenges The vexing technical issues of integrating conventional and electric propulsion systems are complicated by the push to trim cross. Testing ways to cut NVH costs Traditional approaches to conducting noise, vibration, and harshness testing are often very costly for companies, but alternative solutions exist. Hydrogen power for the masses Japanese companies continue to invest in development of fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen production capability.

The diesel is coming, the diesel is coming The diesel engine is reaching maturity before our eyes and noses, thanks in part to diesel particulate filters and high-pressure fuel injection. Planning for the future Industry and academia partner to improve education for tomorrow's automotive engineers. Passion for performance at SAE 2004 World Congress A special program dedicated to engineering and other issues related to high-performance vehicles will highlight this year's annual gathering. Modules no shell game for Siemens VDO Workers at the supplier's plant in Santa Catarina, Mexico, assemble seven plastic shells and 26 other components into an air/fuel intake module for DaimlerChrysler's Hemi engine.

Appetite for cars growing in China Automakers and suppliers the world over are scrambling to establish or expland manufacturing operations in China as income growth spurs a rapid rise in car sales. "Lighting" the way for bodies Alcan says the most common alternative metal for body applications, aluminum, can be used as a stand-alone material or integrated with steel. Controlling noise, vibration, and harshness Vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers are finding ways to deliver greater passenger comfort in the early stages of design. Why diesels, why now? Participants at the first SAE Executive Management Briefing discuss the possibilities and technical challenges for diesel engines in U.S. passenger vehicles. Virtual powertrain, real results As powertrain control systems require more complex validation testing in less time, Ford is teaming with Concurrent Computer to develop a HIL simulation system that tests real control hardware in the virtual world.

Focus on advanced safety systems and human-factor interventions The impact of REACH on the aviation sector Considered the most comprehensive chemical-regulation legislation to date, REACH presents serious ramifications for the aircraft industry. Lightweighting: What's Next? Experts weigh in on the challenges and future enablers in the battle to reduce vehicle mass. The best of COMVEC 2016 Autonomous vehicles and improved fuel efficiency via advanced powertrain solutions are pressing topics detailed in this select group of technical papers from the SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress. Optimizing waste heat recovery for long-haul trucks Autonomous solutions in agriculture Downsizing a HD diesel engine for off-highway applications Zero-emissions electric aircraft: Theory vs. reality

Advancing toward driverless cars Autonomous-driving technology is set to revolutionize the auto industry. But getting to a true "driverless" future will be an iterative process based on merging numerous individual innovations. Overcoming the challenges of HCCI combustion Homogenous-charge compression ignition (HCCI) holds considerable promise to unlock new IC-engine efficiencies. But HCCI's advantages bring engineering obstacles, particularly emissions control. Simulation for tractor cabin vibroacoustic optimization Method of identifying and stopping an electronically controlled diesel engine in runaway mode Electrification not a one-size-fits-all solution Efforts in the off-highway industry have been under way for decades, but electrification technology still faces implementation challenges. 700 miles, hands-free! GM's Super Cruise turns Cadillac drivers into passengers in a well-engineered first step toward greater vehicle autonomy.

Virginia Tech rising to hybrid challenge The Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team of Virginia Tech (HEVT) is using custom motors and powertrains to re-engineer a 2013 Chevy Malibu to make it more environmentally friendly. Directing diesel's debut in U.S. Grand-Am racing Speedsource's engineering director, a Formula SAE grad from the Univ. of Florida, is helping to put Mazda's new compounded-turbo diesel engine in the Grand-Am winner's circle. Royal College of Art preps designers for expanded role Vehicle design is broadening and moving upwards in both intellectual and business terms, with many designers reaching board level, says London's Royal College of Art professor Dale Harrow. Shelby upgrades Mustang and Focus The company pumps up its Super Snake to 850 hp (634 kW) and lowers the Focus ST for Shelby-grade performance in 2013 . Vortex rocket engine reaps the whirlwind Lightweight combustion chamber walls stay cool because hot-burning propellant remains confined to a central cyclone.

Walking the torque A system that fills in the torque gap of a turbocharged diesel engine, allowing a smaller power unit to punch well above its size, without the dreaded 'lag'-that has to be a winner, surely. So a decade later, why has it yet to come to market? Ian Adcock ponders the reasons Tipping the scales The original Range Rover revolutionised the automotive industry when it was launched. Some 42 years later, the latest version looks very much set to do the same as Ian Adcock reports Can computers take control safely? In the name of improved safety, some favour a future where automation takes charge of a fast-moving vehicle. The more cautious support advanced systems that simply warn drivers of potential problems. Who will win out? Chris Edwards reports

Outlook for autonomous driving includes cloud Connectivity with off-board data and services and among vehicles will be crucial in maintaining safety and security in future autonomous vehicles. The next wave of crash simulation As computing speed has improved and software itself has made significant speed and performance gains with each release, modeling tools are now quick enough to build high-quality, large, high-detail vehicle models in a very efficient manner. SAE 2014 Convergence preview Interest in advanced driver-assistance technologies is surging, with automotive engineers and decision makers at OEMs and suppliers working feverishly on the convenience vs. safety trade-off and other electronics-related challenges. Cooled EGR shows benefits for gasoline engines Exhaust gas recirculation systems now in use on diesel engines are used mainly to meet emissions regulations. In gasoline engines, they are an appealing way to meet ever more stringent fuel-economy standards

Getting a grip on AWD efficiency The safety and performance benefits of all-wheel drive are undeniable, but so are the penalties of added weight, friction losses, and complexity. Clever axle disconnects and E-axles are driving future AWD developments. E pluribus unum Inputs from many sensors are being combined to give safety systems a true vision of vehicle surroundings, with the resulting sensor fusion becoming a mainstay of autonomous vehicle electronics. Lightweighting poses repair challenges Mass-produced aluminum bodies and mixed-material structures present challenges for assembly and repair, as automakers increasingly pursue these lightweight strategies. Setting the standard Meggitt CTO Emeritus begins term at helm of SAE International, seeks to encourage cross-sector relations, elevate image of SAE as aerospace industry leader.

GM's CTO driving new paths to technology leadership 'We're making actual production commitments regarding our advanced-technology strategy, rather than just talking about it,' says GM's CTO Jon Lauckner. 'We're absolutely going to be among the leaders, if not the leader, in these areas.' Aluminum prepares for its next big leap Ford's F-Series blockbuster was just the beginning. New micromills now in pilot phase aim to bring vastly stronger and more formable light-alloy materials at higher capacity, says Alcoa's Mike Murphy. Slick solutions for friction reduction From new lubricants to 'smart' oil pumps and clever bearing technologies, engine designers are attacking every potential source of spin losses and internal friction in the quest for more mechanical work out of less fuel. Next-gen NSX: a twin-turbo, multi-material Ferrari-fighter The production NSX made its much-awaited global debut at NAIAS in January.

A 24-hour battle of speed and efficiency At Le Mans this month, amped-up hybrid prototype racecars from Audi and Toyota face a revamped Porsche 919 hybrid, while Ford hopes to recapture glory with its new GT-R. Pushing the ICE forward, gradually Emergent technologies from BorgWarner, Eaton and Mahle aim for greater efficiency in gasoline and diesel engines. Smile, you're on Magna camera! Magna Electronics is rapidly expanding production of its made-in-U.S.A. onboard cameras to keep pace with booming OEM demand for safety and vehicle-autonomy vision-systems technology. Multi-material body solutions: Possibilities and manufacturing challenges The body-in-white is a prime target for lightweighting and many automakers are pursuing unique and effective multi-material approaches, but improved design tools and processes might yield greater gains.

Multi-material structures move mpg upward 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. Cars poised to become 'a thing' Making automobiles part of the Internet of Things brings both risks and rewards. Agility training for cars Chassis component suppliers refine vehicle dynamics at the high end and entry level with four-wheel steering and adaptive damping. SAE 2016 World Congress Preview Technology trends and exhibitor products are highlighted in this special section, which features Toyota's plans for the show floor, tech sessions, and more.