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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

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.

Putting electrification to work For fleets, going green is a high priority-but making green is an even higher one. A move to 'more electric' engines Researchers detail a motor control design for the fuel system of a more electric aero engine, focusing on the necessary safety and reliability aspects. 2012-13 Hybrid Vehicles Guide A quick reference to the latest production HEVs and their key specifications.

Why Volt? After 48 months' development, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt has enetered series production. The pioneering "E-REV" is as important to the mobility industry as it is to GM. Creating the heart of Volt GM's battery requirements meant creating new state-of-the-art in-vehicle engery storage - and doing it in less than four years. Top GM and supplier engineers reveal how they did it. Engineering with maniacal focus A dedicated, cohesive team and a conservative engineering approach put this innovative vehicle into production at moon-shot speed. A unique electrified transaxle Hybrid or not? Definitions aside, what really matters is GM wisely leveraged its next-generation Two Mode propulsion technology to give Volt greater overall efficiency. Sweating the body details Extensive wind-tunnel work gave Volt a shape that's slicker than it looks. But engineers aren't happy with the curb weight.

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.

Defending the heavy-vehicle cyber domain Cybersecurity experts explained at SAE COMVEC 2021 how they're preparing the next generation of thwarters to protect increasingly electrified, connected and automated trucks. Digitalization of product engineering ESI proposes "sustainable" product development via virtual prototyping to ensure operational safety and comfort for off-highway machines. Developing a next-gen VGT Engineers from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries refine the design of a variable geometry turbocharger for commercial vehicles. Editorial Insightful comments from COMVEC Lidar lets Vermeer automate baling processes Extending a Wankel future on hydrogen fuel Next-gen HMI crucial for ADAS efficacy Altair honors weight-saving innovations A bevy of battery and fuel-cell electric truck reveals Q&A Dr. Philip Stephenson, general manager of the PACCAR Technical Center, hones in on the potential efficacy of E-fuels, commercial-vehicle battery-swapping.

Are higher voltage architectures imminent? As the limitations of current 12V architectures become more apparent, the commercial vehicle industry could be on the verge of adopting 48V. The only question is, will improvements in other technologies offer something better? Sensing changes in autonomous trucks Requirements for sensors and controls for commercial vehicles differ significantly from those used for cars. Many paths lead to reduced emissions A wide range of ICE technologies are needed to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Quotes from COMVEC 2018 Industry leaders spoke extensively about all things autonomous-ADAS, big data, connectivity, cybersecurity, machine learning-at the annual SAE event. Here's some of what they had to say. Fuel-cell Class 8-take 2.0 With a longer-range and more-refined fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck, Toyota aims to eventually eliminate emissions from trucks serving increasingly congested California ports.

Advances for off-highway engine design As manufacturers continue to drive out cost and meet a worldwide patchwork of regulatory frameworks, the tools for developing those engines are advancing. From showcase prototypes to advanced analytical techniques, suppliers are helping the cause. Military vehicles battle for autonomy at lower cost Engineers are adding sensors, more powerful micros and faster networks as they automate tasks and pave the way to autonomy. Heavy duty lightweighting Optimization of tractor-trailer systems and component design helps to reduce overall vehicle mass, a key strategy in improving fuel economy and meeting upcoming Phase 2 GHG regulations. Navistar's SuperTruck II explores composites, WiFi to cut weight Methane state of mind New Holland ramps up its focus on alternative fuels, showcasing a methane-powered concept tractor that trims emissions, operating costs.

No shortage of challenges Supply chain struggles join perennial challenges for Cummins' off-highway business, namely meeting shifting global emissions standards and satisfying emerging technology trends. Batteries not the only route to EV efficiency Allison CTO stresses efficiency and safety of propulsion units also are critical to reducing cost, improving performance and ultimately winning over customers. Batteries go underground A Saft expert evaluates various Li-ion chemistries and strategies - battery swapping vs. fast charging - for electric mining vehicles. Platooning: an evolving pathway to full autonomy Human-guided convoys can provide real-world benefits sooner than individual driverless trucks, but safety and operational issues still need to be resolved to optimize platoon configurations. Supplier Directory Complete listing of industry suppliers categorized by technology area.

Executive Viewpoints Industry leaders offer their insights on the state of the heavy-duty on- and off-highway industries in this annual series of opinion pieces. The executives share their views on the most pressing technologies and trends shaping their business and the industry moving forward. Alternative power and connectivity top of mind Using power dense flywheel hybrid technology to cut fuel consumption of OH equipment IoT connections transform manufacturing, vehicle validation Annual Product Guide Supplier Directory Complete listing of industry suppliers categorized by technology area.

Virtual powertrain development Simulation is critical for efficient product development, but proper tool selection and efficient data management are keys to success. Blue Arc amps up for EV production Shyft Group's EV subsidiary is lighting the path for the electrification of last-mile delivery vehicles as well as mobile charging solutions. Increasing connectivity in construction Jobsites look to overcome challenges posed by mixed fleets and proprietary telematics to achieve "one-dashboard" vision and increased machine utilization.

Perkins bets big on smaller engine The new 2600 Series 13-liter engine for off-highway machines will do more with less thanks to variable geometry turbocharging. BorgWarner targets more- sustainable e-motors System optimization and lifecycle analysis are key to taking heavy rare earths out of next-gen motors for commercial EVs. Enhancing digital platforms with CT data analysis TE Connectivity gains critical insights using Volume Graphics software throughout design, simulation and manufacturing.

Steel sector aids sustainability Volvo Group partners with SSAB on 'green steel' for off-highway machines and with Ovako for access to fossil-free hydrogen. CV autonomy: Picking the 'low-hanging fruit' Increasingly automated commercial vehicles offer challenges and opportunities in simulation, data management and standardization. Developing EV-specific lubes As electric-vehicle technology accelerates, dedicated e-fluids are necessary to maintain proper levels of drivetrain performance. Editorial Real-world emphasis on electric Mahle, Liebherr develop active pre-chamber for hydrogen ICE ABS ramps up commercial-vehicle battery-pack assembly Navistar updates A26 engine, improves FE by 4% Bosch debuts new CV-specific electric motor and inverter Western Star adds 'weight sensitive' 47X to vocational lineup Hyundai CE launches next-gen electric forklift Q&A Mahle's Laurent Art discusses thermal-management challenges, solutions for battery and fuel-cell electric commercial vehicles.

Battery of issues surrounds large-vehicle electrification Converting heavy-duty vehicles to battery power will require advances in weight reduction and thermal management. Autonomy kicks up some dust Machines that move, haul and plow earth can capitalize on autonomous systems today via increased safety and productivity in the field and significant cost savings. Digitalizing to deliver actionable data Mobile hydraulics expert details key trends in controls and IoT connectivity to improve machine design and end-user operations.

Collaborating on diesel emission control Stringent fuel-efficiency and criteria-pollutant standards call for new combustion strategies. The SwRI-led Advanced Combustion Catalyst and Aftertreatment Technologies consortium reinvents existing technologies and experiments with new catalysts to meet standards. More intelligence equals more efficiency, enhanced functionality Advanced systems require renewed focus on architectures, processors, sensors and networks. Appraising the potential for platooning in the U.S. Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory perform statistical analysis based on a large collection of real-world U.S. truck usage data to estimate the fraction of total miles that are technically suitable for platooning. Connected commercial vehicles bring cybersecurity to the fore Connectivity, automation and electrification will largely drive vehicle developments in the coming years, according to experts presenting at the revamped SAE COMVEC 17.

Headliners from Las Vegas Big reveals abounded at the triennial CONEXPO trade show. Following are some of the most notable unveilings from the desert. Cat doubles down on diesel with new C13D platform Deere pursues electric construction machines and charging infrastructure JCB debuts clean-sheet hydrogen combustion engine Volvo CE unveils electric asphalt compactor, announces NA arrival of L350H loader Honda reveals next-gen Autonomous Work Vehicle Deere 3D-prints fuel valves for tractors HP's binder jetting technology and GKN's manufacturing expertise helped John Deere realize its first 3D-printed metal part for mass production. Returning to the SAE presidency for 2023 Setting a "prudently aggressive" mindset in advancing SAE's goals in the mobility ecosystem.

Predicting mobility in military operational scenarios U.S. Army leads a seven-year, multinational effort to develop new off-road vehicle mobility analysis methodology. Hitting the gas on hydrogen tech OEMs and global suppliers still are betting big on hydrogen propulsion as a solution for decarbonizing the heavy-duty trucking industry. BEV truck manufacturers charge ahead Several companies announced new product offerings and prototypes of BEVs at the NTEA Work Truck Week in Indianapolis. Editorial Maintaining EV chargers yet another challenge Precision tech the 'backbone' to CNH's digital strategy Purdue prototypes new EV fast-charge cable 3DEO unveils metal 3D-printing platform for mass production Paccar launches new 18-speed automated transmissions Lightning's eChassis targets commercial EVs Quantron launches 12-m battery-electric bus; fuel-cell variant to follow Q&A Chemours' Christina Spalding shares insights on the commercial-vehicle industry's shift to R-1234yf HVAC refrigerant.

Connectivity takes center stage Telematic links have become the norm, helping fleet owners and operators improve efficiency and letting OEMs predict component failures. More power, less noise, fewer emissions These key attributes drive development of new generators both big and small. TARDEC pursues advanced power generation U.S. Army, GM collaborate on fuel-cell-generated electricity to power the vehicle's propulsion system and onboard electronics, while providing off-vehicle power via an Exportable Power Take-Off unit. Developing an alternative engine concept Ricardo's CryoPower engine leverages two unique combustion techniques for reduced emissions and fuel consumption-liquid nitrogen and split combustion. Long-haul trucking and stationary power generation will be the first beneficiaries of the technologies. Technology time-warp The road to autonomous driving has been under construction for decades, as showcased by SAE's Mobility History Committee at the 2018 WCX in Detroit.

Connectivity continues its advance More OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are focusing on embedded telematic systems, hoping to displace aftermarket hardware. Tailoring fuel injection to control NOx The next big step to help heavy-duty diesel engines meet stricter emissions regulations involves adapting the fuel-injection system to the combustion needs. Active on safety Crash-avoidance technologies are vital "building blocks" to automate commercial vehicles, implement truck platooning and ultimately achieve zero accidents. Engineering with simulation and data Companies are discovering new simulation techniques, especially optimization; the next step is to combine simulation with sensor data and predictive analytics to create even more robust off-highway equipment.