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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

Spotlight on Sanjay Ravi Mark Fletcher discovers how The Cloud can help the automotive industry Powering Aspirations Ian Adcock reviews technologies at this year's Frankfurt motor show Stop-Start Breakthrough Kami Buchholz reports on an innovative Schaeffler stop-start for automatics

Harley-Davidson's e-bike shocker (video) Is the motorcycle market ready for a Harley-Davidson EV? Project LiveWire was designed to provide answers, said Chief Engineer Jeff Richlen. Airbus has its eye on the future of cleaner flight CleanSky 2 targets are to increase aircraft fuel efficiency enough to reduce CO2 emissions by 20-30% and reduce aircraft NOx and noise emissions by 20-30% compared to newly designed aircraft entering into service in 2014-or essentially halve 2005 CO2 emissions levels by 2050. Soul EV extends the range frontier (video) Specially formulated NCM battery cells are key in giving the vehicle class-leading EV range while enabling engineers to fit a high-energy-density battery pack underfloor with little sacrifice of passenger cabin space.

Into the DEAP The Distributed Electrical Aerospace Propulsion project looks toward a future optimized integrated propulsion system that will allow cleaner, quieter, and more efficient performance incorporated into a radically innovative airframe that will feature enclosed electrically powered fans.

A new Formula for racing The new Formula E series' electric racecars are intended to pioneer new technology for broader use in production, encouraging fans to think differently about the technologies they use. Production of satellite with first all-electric propulsion system advances Electric propulsion has been limited so far to small movements of the satellites once it is in its geostationary orbit. The Boeing 702SP innovation is its use of electric propulsion to raise the satellite from its launch-vehicle drop-off point to geostationary orbit. Using CAE to assess whining noise of electric powertrains To develop an electric powertrain with a minimum noise level and minimized whining it is necessary to have accurate CAE simulation and precise criteria to assess whining noise.

When fuel cells fly Emerging hydrogen and fuel-cell-based technologies are being developed for the future replacement of onboard electrical systems in more-electric or all-electric aircraft. Motor controls spin forward Improved power handling and software advances make electrified powertrains more competitive. Multiple controllers adds to EV complexity Model-based design has revolutionized the way products are developed, with design shifting from parts to the whole.

Bringing the Leaf to life Chief Engineer Hidetoshi Kadota leveraged 20-plus years of electrification experience in the development of Nissan's new EV. Making a mass-market EV Nissan's Director of Product Planning and Advanced Technology Strategy details the leaf's journey from concept to production. Power from within A new motor and inverter system have been developed simultaneously as the dedicated electric powertrain of the Nissan EV. Staying within range The Leaf comes standard with many features designed to help ease fears of running out of "juice."

Fuel cells for auxiliary power OEM and supplier researchers explore the benefits of utilizing solid-oxide fuel-cell APUs to help meet heavy-duty truck anti-idling requirements. Safer EV batteries could enter the crush zone ARPA-e targets "robust" batteries that not only bear loads but also absorb crash-impact energy to save weight.

Demon alcohol? The impact of Ethanol fuels on regulated tailpipe emissions is studied and assessed by two Chrysler researchers in a 2012 SAE technical paper.

The row about rare earths Rare-earth elements are key to applications as varied as traction motors, catalytic converters, and wind turbines, but high prices and supply shortages have the auto industry grappling with design changes and other alternatives.

'Infernal' combustion no more Continuous improvements to the 130-year-old ICE aim to keep conventional engines ahead of electric drive. Alternative fuels tested at altitude Federal government researchers in Canada tested certain alternative fuels at simulated altitudes and found that they do offer some benefit.

Alternative fuels heat up This is a rich time for combustion researchers. The need for better fuel efficiency and improved emissions has never been greater. New software model to help engine makers meet diesel soot standards Simulation enables engineers to predict particulate formation early in the design process.

Rotary SI/CI combustion engines: A thing of the future? The internal combustion engine enjoys widespread use as an inexpensive and reliable power conversion system. While piston engines date back 150 years, various alternative engine architectures and cycles have been considered. Aftertreatment comes with challenging diagnosis Diagnosing engine and aftertreatment systems is forcing design teams to look at new ways to diagnose problems over long vehicle lifetimes. Taking on NVH reduction techniques A look at the enhanced durability benefits obtained by changing the polymer composition, manufacturing methods, and design optimization of a powertrain mount for an off-highway vehicle.

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.

Integration opens the door Semiconductor suppliers are integrating many functions into power devices while also cutting power consumption in an environment, automotive doors, where 8-bit microcontrollers still hold sway.

UK plc? It's the only place to be! Where is the best location for global car makers and suppliers to grow their businesses and research and development? The UK, says AIO's Joe Greenwell, without hesitation. Ian Adcock reports Time for a rethink A free-piston IC generator has been developed for range-extended hybrids. Steven Ashley looks at the implications One champ, two contenders Breakthrough battery technology and electric power assist are the key factors that will accelerate the transition to 48 volts, says Ian Adcock

Spotlight on Bernard Gilmont Ian Adcock talks with the European Aluminium Association director about light weighting and improved vehicle efficiency Hydrogen: The Power Broker Andrew English on the challenges of storing hydrogen, using metal-organic frameworks Bridging the gap In an Automotive Design exclusive, Richard Yarrow reveals the secrets behind Harman's interconnected infotainment technology

Spotlight on Bernhard Bihr The President of Bosch Engineering explains to Ian Adcock why he believes the internal combustion engine (ICE) will continue to dominate Flywheel power booster Battery hybrids are grabbing the headlines, but a rival could be cheaper and more efficient, as Ian Adcock discovers Sounds fantastic The auto industry is looking to provide studio quality sound on the move. Graham Pitcher tunes in

Teams make unique statements at FSAE Michigan Some statements produced better results than others, but all teams walked away from the 2014 FSAE Michigan event with invaluable hands-on engineering experience. Teams get 'super' results at SAE Supermileage University students from around the world gathered in Marshall, MI, to determine which team could achieve the highest fuel economy at the 353th anniversary of the competition. Competition winners react to attaining coveted F1 engineering roles Two of the winners have Formula SAE experience on their side.

Have diesel will race (and learn) Mazda's factory SkyActiv diesel race program switched to the Prototype class in 2014, teaching the SpeedSource team valuable engineering lessons for 2015. Starting and developing an engineering career: barriers and opportunities Very strong role models who have a marked enthusiasm for their subject are needed at every point along an employee's education and work career. The knock on gasoline engines Two major strategies to increase the efficiency of SI engines are to raise the compression ratio and to downsize the engine using a turbocharger, but both have issues with knock. Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan Automotive Laboratory tackle the problem. Minecraft: getting kids into coding Stephen Foster, CEO and Co-founder of THOUGHTSTEM, has a new outlook on STEM education and the utilities that can be used to get kids involved in software coding.