Search Results

Car of 2100 A.D. AEI gave readers a chance to speak out on what they thought people in 2100 would be driving. We have chosen the best submissions. Also, the AEI editors have included their best guess as to what cars will be in 2100. We realize that this is a guess but the real answer will not be known for 100 years. V8 power for BMW's M5 The new 294-kW (400-hp) S62 engine developed by BMW's M GmbH features Double VANOS variable intake and exhaust valve timing, electronic drive-by-wire, and oil circulation boosted as a function of lateral cornering force. Northstar revised for 2000 Improvements to the powerplant include a roller-follower valvetrain, improved combustion chamber, center-feed intake manifold, coil-on-plug cassette ignition system, and a Siemens powertrain controller. Aston Martin's first V12 Available in both the DB7 Vantage Coupe and Volante, the flexible all-alloy engine delivers 85% of its peak torque at just 1500 rpm.

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.

Introducing Dr. Rodica A. Baranescu, SAE President for the year 2000 Rodica Baranescu, SAE President for the year 2000, talks about the challenges she faced and the successes she enjoyed on her odyssey to the pinnacle of the automotive engineering community. NAIAS highlights AEI editors present the technical highlights of concepts and production vehicles from the 2000 North American International Auto Show in January. Best Engineered Cars of each decade of the 20th Century Readers of Automotive Engineering International voted on the best engineered cars of each decade of the 20th Century. An overall winner was chosen from among the entries. Philippine Automotive Technology Conference/Workshop The Philippine Automotive Technology Conference/Workshop will take place Monday-Friday, April 10-14, at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City, Manile, Philippines.

DaimlerChyrsler integrates product, process, and plant CATIA software is the core around which DaimlerChysler hopes to establish a virtual manufacturing system that allows new vehicles--and the plants that manufacture them--to be designed simultaneously with full simulation and visualization. The right bead in the right place at the right time Loctite assures customers of quality by assuming more responsibility for the adhesive-dispensing process. New manufacturing and design solutions Several software products will begin the new millenium with enhancements adding to a list of others that continue to provide good functionality and capability to engineers.

Controlling deceleration during a crash It may be possible to reduce occupant injury severity without increasing vehicle deformation by actively controlling the vehicle deceleration in a crash. Europe's speed, cost, quality conundrum In last month's issue, Automotive Engineering International reported how technology is helping some of the major North American suppliers cope with doing business in the digital age. This article, the second in a series, addresses the same subject with some of the major suppliers and OEMs in Europe. Digitally controlled servo-hydraulic crash simulator The automotive industry is moving to newer technologies for crash simulation to minimize time-to-market for new models, reduce costs, and meeting consumer demand for safer cars and trucks.

Gentlemen ... start your browsers To B2B or not to B2B, that is the question major players in the automotive industry must ask themselves as business-to-business e-commerce -- "B2B" -- becomes the very first trend of the 21st century. With new online alliances being forced almost daily between OEMs and suppliers -- and with some suppliers creating their own networks -- AEI looks at some of the most prominent B2B players. Global Concepts This review of some of the more significant vehicles from this past year's motor shows showcases trends in design and technology from the world's automakers. Automotive electromagnetic emissions measurements Theoretical modeling and practical measurements are used to investigate the validity of measuring electromagnetic emissions at close ranges. Assessing and analyzing driveability Engineers use in-vehicle data-acquistion and analysis tools to develop and refine vehicle calibrations for good driveability performance.

The battle of the metals Engineers continue to improve the properties of metal and evolve manufacturing technologies to enable metals to maintain, or achieve more of, a competitive presence in vehicles. Global Concepts This second of two parts reviews some of the more significant vehicles from past year's motor shows and showcases trends in design and technology from the world's auotmakers. Good Vibrations AEI takes a look at what some companies are doing to improve vehicle NVH. Asia after the storm This final segment of AEI's three-part look at doing business in the digital age focuses on suppliers and OEMs in Asia. Producing fully dense PM parts A new process from PM Krupp Technologies Inc., F2, is suitable for producing fully dense parts that are too expensive to machine or cast, or that require the high strength, hardness, and durablity that conventional (low-density) powder metal cannot provide.

Improving lightweight vehicle dynamics Bosch engineers used numerical simulation to evaluate vehicle concepts using variable semi-active components, tire specifications, and suspension spring rates. Dr. Reitzle's prescription for Jaguar His vision for the brand is to "use top-level technology and do so in a very emotional way." Dual-voltage power networks Lear Automotive EEDS has developed an innovative electrical and electronic architecture to handle future high-power requirements in vehicles. New door closure concepts Bosch and Temic engineers are developing technologies for passive entry, vehicle immobilization, and remote control. TwinCAN: one module for two nodes The ability to use one module to control two CAN nodes provides benefits including reduced hardware and software requirements, improved functionality, and lower CPU load, according to Infineon researchers.

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.

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.

Ford's new four The largest engine development program in company history will lead to at least 200 applications, starting with the new Mondeo's Duratec HE and replacement of its existing cast-iron-block four-cylinders with higher aluminum content powerplants. GM Powertrain's new inline six for SUV's For the first time in nearly two decades, three new General Motors vehicles will feature an inline six-cylinder engine developed by GM Powertrain. Fuel-stratified injection from VW Though gasoline direct-injection technology is being introduced in the Lupo FSI, VW says it easily can be adapted for high-volume use in larger vehicles such as the Polo and Golf. LS6 for Z06 The latest high-performance Corvette engine features improved breathing, new pistons, an increased compression ratio, and a new high-profile camshaft.

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.

Toyota Prius: Best-Engineered Car of 2001 Following the Japanese introduction of the first-generation Pruis in 1997, the significantly re-engineered second-generation model features new technology to meet the demands of the Western market, including improved driving performance, lower emissions, and reduced costs. Introducing Niel Schilke, SAE President for 2001 General Motors' former top engineer in Canada brings a systems engineering mentality, along with high expectations, to the SAE presidency. Fuel cells start to look real It is looking more and more as if the fuel-cell-powered car--the long-awaited "clean personal transportation of the future"--is moving from laboratory vision to technical reality, if not yet market actuality. Fuel-cell testing Capabilities that deliver reliable monitoring and control, as well as offer the benefit of a flexible configuration, are critical to keep pace with evolving fuel-cell technology, according to National Instruments.

E-business: the new game in town With the initial formation of Covisint in February 2000, and with other online ventures established over the past couple of years, the automotive industry has thrown its chips into the B2B e-commerce game. The following is an update on how the industry is faring now that its cards are on the table. Simulation: redefining the development process Just as companies sought to shorten the development cycle with intergrated product teams, they do so again with up-front computer-aided analysis and simulation. New connections for automobiles Thanks to innovative technologies and applications, flexible circuitry is helping drive new trends, such as modularity, in automotive design, according to Sheldahl. NAIAS highlights: production Since becoming an international event in 1989, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit has hosted 620 North American and worldwide vehicle introductions.

Global viewpoints: technology leads the way From fuel cells to flexible circuitry, advanced technologies are helping North American automakers and suppliers build vehicles that deliver increasingly high levels of safety, reliability, performance, and comfort/convenience. Sensor development for occupant rollover protection Delphi Automotive Systems pursues new devices for the pecularities of rollover conditions. Several steps toward recovery Making new vehicles out of old vehicles--as well as discarded carpeting--enables automakers to do the right thing for the environment, society, and their balance statements. Englightened interiors Product developers at Chicago Miniature Lamp discuss trends and advances in automotive interior lighting. Geneva Motor Show highlights Vehicles on display at the event, held in early March, ranged from the bizarre to the functional.

Driven to test As automotive manufacturers and suppliers continually attempt to cut costs and reduce development cycle times, outsourcing of testing is becoming more prevalent in the industry. Testing resources This section highlights some of the latest testing products, equipment, and technologies used in sundry automotive applications from the industry's suppliers. Transmission options In this comprehensive review of technology, ZF's Group Vice President for Product Development concludes that the future belongs to automated manual, continously variable, and six-speed automatic and manual transmissions with increased capacities. Automotive moodular developments Engineers from Plastic Omnium Auto Exterieur and Inoplastic Omnium discuss design considerations for front-end module and plastic tailgate concepts. Flexible controls architecture for hybrid-electric vehicles General Motors and Motorola collaborate on a prototype vehicle for PNGV.

Managing and remaking metals Who knew a hundred years ago that just under half of a 2001 model year vehicle would be manufactured out of dismantled, flattened, and shredded older vehicles? Global viewpoints: Japan plans for the future Greater competition from Western and other Asian nations, as well as global environmental concerns, have focused the country's long-term technology and engineering strategies. Hear the noise, feel the vibe There being no silver bullet for noise and vibration attenuation, suppliers are providing a variety of options for the OEM quest to provide a smooth and quiet ride. Forum for fuel cells An in-depth, one-day fuel-cell summit, presented by AEI, allowed open discussion on the burgeoning technology from various stakeholders. This month's focus is on two keynote presentations that addressed some business and regulatory trends regarding the development and adoption of fuel cells.

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.

Semiconductors flex their muscles Makers of semiconductors see the automotive market as a prime opportunity for growth. The first part of this article looks at this growth from the perspective of semiconductor industry leader Motorola. The second part highlights some recent semiconductor product introductions. 2002 supplier technology As automakers increase outsourcing, suppliers are taking on more responsibility for developing increasingly complex systems and components. This special edition of Tech Briefs highlights some of the many supplier contributions to 2002 passenger cars. Vision sensors and the intelligent vehicle Advancements in CMOS imaging sensors have enabled Delphi engineers to adapt low-cost, high-quality cameras for a variety of applications in integrated safety systems. The reborn Thunderbird Taking cues from the 1955 model, the 2002 car benefited from Ford's modern platform and systems engineering as well as C3P computer modeling techniques.

Frankfurt Motor Show The art of automotive product packaging is a complex, multifunctional design and engineering discipline that has led to cars with relatively small overall dimesnions yet remarkable interior space. E-volutions As the movement to improve various supply-chain functions through the implementation of e-business initiatives gains momentum, the providers of the products and services that make the benefits possible are becoming more important to the automotive industry's future. Automakers going digital A math-based, vehicle-devleopment-process strategy has helped General Motors to achieve greater engineering capability, efficiency, and quality. A more redefined Ram Chrysler Group engineers have employed the use of hydroforming, new airbag technology, and aerodynamics, among other things, to improve the design, ride, and safety of the Dodge Ram 1500 for model year 2002.