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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.

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.

Little parts, big challenges Connectors and chip packages must meet a broad range of requirements in automotive electronic systems. Beyond SOS The telematics business is diversifying as today's providers grow their capabilities. Fuel for thought The demand for clean, renewable energy is driving research into different sources of fuel and new, more flexible engine technologies. Network topology will be key SAE 100 Future look: From the perspective of a global supplier of automotive manufacturing technology, especially in the area of machine control, Siemens views the issue of network topology as the key driver for the future. Driving to global, speaking the same language SAE 100 Future look: Globalization is an essential strategy for success in the automotive industry. The power of turbocharging SAE 100 Future look: Today, more than 50% of all newly registered passenger cars in Europe are turbodiesels.

CO2 changing focus The global economic crisis could trigger novel engineering solutions and the need for comprehensive testing. ZEVs, fuel cells, and high-tech engines Only 10% of cars on Europe's roads by 2020 may be zero-emissions vehicles, but Mercedes-Benz is supporting future ZEV and other advanced technologies with an undiminished R&D budget. Warning signs Design and engineering lead-time tightening may be strangling innovative thinking, says Royal College of Art's Harrow. The decade ahead Renault anticipates that a majority of its powertrains will be downsized to the 0.9- to 1.2-L range and that electric cars will appeal to 30% of the buying public. Automatic for the people Automatic-shifting dual-clutch transmissions are poised to grab share from traditional transmissions thanks to their combination of efficiency and convenience.

Internal combustion: the next generation Homogenous combustion promises to many diesel efficiency and torque with the refinement and emissions benefits of gasoline power--but challenges remain. Testing for the future Providers beef up facilities to provide clients with additional capacity and invest in new tools for greater performance. Assembly required OEMs and suppliers are struggling to build new strategies and strengthen existing systems for improved global supply-chain management in an effort to reduce costs. Change is in the air (and on the ground) Chrysler, undergoing a transformation of its own, helps shed light on issues facing the evolving automotive industry at the SAE 2008 World Congress.

Cars become more understanding Software and hardware advances are enabling voice-recognition technologies to rise to industry challenges. Wanted: Broader knowledge, new skills Continuous learning is a must for engineers to meet greater technology and productivity challenges -- and boost their own marketability. Seeing green Environmental and cost benefits are driving the auto industry to adopt materials derived from renewable sources such as soybeans and corn. Searching for fossil-fuel alternatives Future engine and drivetrain programs at Volkswagen are focused on alternative fuels and radical changes to engine combustion, but the battery may yet provide the light at the end of the technology tunnel. Emissions rules keep labs humming As long as there are regulations, engineers and technicians will be busy running tests in laboratories.

Airing on the side of innovation Lucid Motors' home-grown innovations are leading the pace in electrification. Top engineers tell how and why they're building a benchmark with the new Air EV. Keeping combustion in the conversation The world needs ICEs to stick around - here's how. Engineering a 'Maverick' hybrid transmission Ford Powertrain engineers marry their new in-house electric machine with the proven HF45 transmission - under aggressive vehicle program timing. Driving electrified powertrain systems design Drive System Design punches beyond its weight class in meeting customer needs for electrified powertrain systems engineering services. DSD's North American chief Jon Brentnall explains.

Volkswagen reveals its 'people's' EV VW's ID.4 leads the 2021 stampede to electrification for the mass market. Answering the fuel-cell compressor question The optimum compressor device for a fuel cell depends on vehicle application - and a lot more. An Eaton expert explains. Tire pressure's impact on EV driving range A new study shows that tighter control of tire-pressure loss can lead to marked improvement in electric-vehicle efficiency. Editorial Warm socks for the EV options list Supplier Eye For suppliers, a new drumbeat New SAE wireless charging standard is EV game-changer Tula DMD aims for more-efficient e-machines Multiphysics helps transform modeling, simulation Is the camshaft being timed out? New Magna seat puts connectivity in the second row BMW reveals its first "M" performance-badged two-wheeler Volkswagen readies new-generation Golf R Q&A Discussing safety tech, standards and industry trends with Hyundai North America's Brian Latouf

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.

A new Opel-Vauxhall emerges Opel-Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly is confident of the potential of electric vehicles. Volvo technology enters new era The deal transferring Volvo's ownerhip to the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is expected to be sealed before the fourth quarter of the year, offering a lower cost base that could see Volvo sales up from about 390,000 this year to a million by 2016. Time for more consultations Lotus Engineering's new director, Dr. Robert Hentschel, thinks hard and often, especially about electric bicycles in China, building bridges to the future, extended-range hybrids, and vehicle links to the infrastructure. Aston Martin rides out the recession The company is relying on a combination of its flexible VH vehicle architecture, a small-car partnership with Toyota, and component multitasking to see it into the future.

Shifting gears smoothly Richard E. Kleine, a 30-year veteran of Cummins Inc. and former SAE Commercial Vehicle VP, seeks continuity over change as he moves into the driver's seat of SAE International. Top new engines AEI editors highlight the most significant internal-combustion powerplants of the new year and beyond. Riding on in-wheel motors Researchers analyze passive concepts and new mechatronic suspension systems to ensure vehicle comfort and safety when using in-wheel motors with different torque requirements.

Back to the future- the Honda way In a far-ranging discussion, the company's President of R&D opens the curtains a little on the inner workings of research and development from the CVCC engine to the new two-motor hybrid system. Mazda takes off "Skyactiv-ward" Senior Managing Executive Officer Hirotaka Kanazawa, whi is in charge of R&D, discusses the Skyactiv package of technologies that he hopes will lift the company's eco prospects. Chrysler pushes ICE limits with Multi-fuel, MultiAir R&D program Chrysler Powertrain engineers, in a collaborative research program with the U.S. Department of Energy, aim to squeeze a lot more efficiency out of the good old internal combustion engine. No longer a blip on the screen Luxury vehicles have used radar for years, but now systems are poised to enter the mainstream as safety demands rise and costs come down.

Top new engines AEI editors highlight the most significant powerplants of the new year and beyond. Ferrari V8 The new 4.5-L engine for the 458 Italia challenges turbo units on power and specific output. Ford V6 Significant changes to the Duratec 37 for the 2011 Mustang result in Camaro-beating power with 30-mpg efficiency. Hyundai 2.4 Theta II GDI The company revs output of its four-cylinder family with its first application of gasoline direct injection. Porsche Turbo flat six Direct injection and special dry-sump lubrication boost power and torque of the latest 911 Turbo powerhouse. Toyota V10 Nine years in development by Toyota and Yamaha, the 9000-rpm engine for Lexus' new LFA supercar boasts an abundance of titanium and a unique counterbalancer system.

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.

Light and mighty Finding innovative ways to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining vehicle safety will be key to achieving the 2025 fuel-economy target. Controllers bulk up to manage engine's intricacies Chips hold more memory and boost throughput to help improve fuel efficiency. Electric Renault also focused on internal combustion Already becoming known in Europe as the 'electric company,' Renault, together with Alliance partner Nissan, is determined to pursue EV solutions but in parallel with intensive ICE programs, says Philippe Klein, Renault's Vice President, Corporate Planning, Product Planning, and Programs. Volvo plugs into high technology The company may be on a high-technology roll with its new plug-in diesel hybrid and its shift to a maximum four-cylinder philosophy-with three-cylinder units likely, according to Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President of Research & Development.

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.

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.

A different automatic Developed in conjunction with BorgWarner, Volkswagen's DSG automatic six-speed gearbox is aimed at enthusiasts and has fuel consumption superior to a manual gearbox. Accident avoidance GM and Delphi are testing adaptive cruise control and collision-warning technologies in the hope of ultimately increasing driver awareness and reducing driving behaviors that can lead to accidents. Branding vehicle dynamics The use of active systems and common hardware across several vehicle platforms, with different calibrations and control algorithms, can offer variations in character and brand, according to Prodrive Automotive technology. The drive for improved dynamics For the new XJ, Mike Cross, Jaguar's Chief Engineer for Vehicle Integrity, and his team aimed to preserve the isolation and feel of the previous car, but instill the handling precision and steering accuracy of the S-Type.

Engine strategies and engineering Top powertrain executives from DaimlerChrysler and General Motors talk about their companies' views and plans for the future. Greater performance, better efficiency, and reduced emissions are the highlights of the latest crop of internal combustion engines from their companies and others. Educating engineers The automotive and academic worlds are teaming to ensure that the industry's future is full of qualified engineering talent. OEM production systems enable flexibility Building multiple models on the same production line is a Japanese innovation--one that U.S. automakers are hurrying to implement. Executives abound at SAE 2003 World Congress Re-tooled to increase the presence of OEMs and to make it easier for attendees to get the information they need, this year's Congress offers a great return on investment for engineers and related automotive industry professionals who spend time in Detroit's Cobo Center March 3-6.