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Article

2015 F-150 aluminum body creates challenge for auto body shops

2014-11-18

"Craft shop" approach of low-volume, all-aluminum, high-end makes is too restrictive for America's best-selling vehicle. SEMA Show training classes by I-CAR demonstrate special techniques necessary and the learning curve for mainstream body shop technicians.

Article

2015 F-150: Ford drops an aluminum blockbuster

2014-01-08

With the world's first pickup featuring an all-aluminum body and cargo box and full LED lighting, Ford leapfrogs its domestic and Japanese competition in the highly profitable full-size truck segment. The structures feature 5xxx- and 6xxx-series alloy sheet, the latter with a T4 temper.

Article

2016 Civic structure employs 'first' partial in-die soft zones

2015-12-01

The 2016 Honda Civic features selectively-tempered “soft zone” technology in the B-pillars and rear frame rails, allowing zones within a single frame piece to have more ductile properties than the surrounding ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steel. The technology minimizes parts count and saves 15.6 lb (7 kg) compared to the previous-generation Civic.

Article

2017 Nissan Rogue adds hybrid system with EV-only mode

2016-10-06

Nissan gives its 2017 compact crossover a hybrid-electric powertrain option and electric A/C.

Article

2017 Pacifica is first hybrid minivan, rides on all-new FCA platform

2016-01-11

The clean-sheet Pacifica bristles with innovations, including a plug-in hybrid variant featuring FCA's in-house engineered EVT.

Article

2018 Honda Accord drops mass, adds turbos and 10-speed

2017-07-14

Designed in Japan with exterior surfacing finalized at Honda’s California studio, the 2018 Accord is up to 176 lb (89 kg) lighter than the outgoing model, depending on trim level. Key technical features include two new turbocharged gasoline engines, the first use of a 10-speed automatic transaxle (Honda’s own 10AT) in front-drive sedan, and the return to the low-cowl/thin pillar body architecture.

Article

3-D 'printed car' displayed at NAIAS

2015-01-14

Car put on display is based on electrical and mechanical components from a Renault electric vehicle "city car" simply as a proof of process. Much testing and refinement remain. Help is being provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and SABIC.

Article

3D printing helps speed concept-car development

2017-05-19

At Envisage, traditional coachbuilding skills blend with 3D printing and other digital tools to create concept/show vehicles and individual bespoke solutions.

Article

3M, GM collaborate on aftermarket adhesive for multi-material structures

2015-01-05

Current products from 3M can be used to repair aluminum- and carbon fiber-intensive vehicles, but the company is working with OEMs such as General Motors to develop optimized solutions for multi-material structural applications.

Article

A new eSupercharger for city-car engine boosting

2017-05-19

Single source e-boosting allied to 48V technology for small capacity engines in traffic dense environments could "leapfrog" turbo or turbo plus eboost solutions, believes Aeristech's chard Wall.

Article

A “drag” no longer: New vision systems close to replacing exterior mirrors at no cost penalty

2015-11-13

Aerodynamic experts are cautiously optimistic that a long-awaited leap in vehicle fuel efficiency is advancing toward near-term production: the replacement of the two exterior mirrors with camera-based streaming-vision technology—at no overall cost penalty.

Article

Acoustical spray for improved NVH

2015-09-23

Baytec AS is a new acoustical spray technology from Covestro, formerly Bayer MaterialScience. There is a patent pending for this innovative new approach, which uses a higher level of sound-blocking fillers than current solutions.

Article

Active Aero takes flight

2017-07-10

Reconfigurable aerodynamic aids are stretching performance-car envelopes in every direction.

Article

Acura and ArcelorMittal debut world-first hot-stamped door ring system on 2019 RDX

2018-04-11

The 2019 Acura RDX will feature the world’s-first hot-stamped inner/outer front door-ring system.

Article

Additive manufacturing is transforming mobility engineering, driving the factory of the future

2018-12-27

Two new installments in the burgeoning SAE International Podcast Series cast a spotlight on additive manufacturing, which is fueling innovation, greater efficiencies, and the future of mobility engineering. Additive manufacturing continues to advance and transform mobility engineering, as aerospace and automotive firms increasingly adopt and invest in 3D printing technologies, which are becoming more capable and cost-effective.

Article

Advanced aerodynamics features applied to Mustang

2014-03-03

Emphasizing aerodynamics more than ever, the resulting design innovations are making the 2015 a Mustang fit for the world’s highways.

Article

Air Catcher headlamp feeds 2015 Challenger SRT's Hellcat V8

2014-08-04

One of the four headlamps on the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT has a hidden role as a cool air intake pathway for the supercharged 707 hp "Hellcat" Hemi V8.

Article

All-new 2018 Ford Expedition gets aluminum body, 10-speed

2017-02-07

Still riding on a separate hydroformed-steel ladder frame (itself redesigned and CAE-optimized for greater strength and lower mass), the new eight-passenger SUV sheds up to 300 lb (136 kg) compared with the incumbent model. The mass reduction enabled Ford engineers to move to a powertrain format using only the 3.5-L turbocharged V6 with auto stop-start and 10R80 10-speed automatic.

Article

Altair names 2016’s lightweight standouts

2016-08-01

For 2016, the fourth year of its annual Enlighten Awards that acknowledge the best innovations in vehicle weight reduction, Altair named GM’s 2016 Cadillac CT6 as the winner in the Full-Vehicle category and ContiTech’s polyamide rear-axle transmission crossbeam is the winner in the Enlighten Awards’ Module category.

Article

Aluminum laser-welded blanks

2014-08-15

Shiloh Industries claims to offer the industry’s lightest aluminum door blank for mass production without compromising part integrity or formability, allowing automakers to further reduce mass compared to existing methods.