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Chrysler sees the ICE future The three-year, $30 million Multi-fuel Multiair R&D program with the U.S. DOE is nearing completion. Here's what Chrysler Powertrain engineers have learned as they try to achieve a 25% fuel-efficiency gain. Counteracting cyber-attacks As vehicle systems become more complex and interact with more internal and external elements, the potential for outside intrusion and tampering increases for both vehicles and the transportation infrastructure. Kia moves upscale with 2014 Cadenza The all-new premium sedan is the Korean automaker's 'most technologically advanced' vehicle ever on U.S. roadways. 2014 Corvette: 460 hp, 30 mpg, 1 g, $52,000 No other sports car can match the C7's combination of performance, value, and overall efficiency. Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter provides insight on executing a masterpiece.

Electronics arms race hots up The automotive supply chain landscape is undergoing huge transformation. Dr. Elmar Dagenhart, chairman of the executive board, Continental AG, explains how his company plans to be right at the forefront Sizing up the down-sizing challenge With the impact of VW's 'Dieselgate' still being felt widely, the Aachen automobile and engine technology Colloquium was particularly pertinent this year. Ian Adcock reports on the most significant technologies and presentations. Double coupe coup! Automotive Design'sIan Adcock reflects on some of the concept cars from 2015 that caught his eye Fuelling a sustainable future What is the best route for the UK to achieve its targeted 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions?

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.

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.

Concepts from Tokyo The Japanese brands showed an impressive number of concept vehicles at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, from styling exercises in search of what will come next, to "reference models" that are very close to production. Formula One technology: 2001 Engineering highlights of the recently completed season were the return of traction control, the widespread use of launch control, and the move toward wide V-angle engines. Adaptive front lighting Though there have been several early attempts at giving lighting systems some mechanical "intelligence," Hella believes the time is drawing near for the burgeoning capability of processors and sensors to play a significant role in enhanced frontal illumination. Instrument-cluster design trends Optrex America engineers show how automotive interior designers can use light to their advantage in designing displays for dashboard clusters.

Fuel cell AUTOnomy General Motors stunned the North American International Auto Show audience with a fuel-cell concept intended to revolutionize the way vehicles are designed, built, and operated. Revving up for diesel With diesel engines having such a large automotive presence in Europe, and such a small one in the U.S., suppliers vie for the diesel of the future. High time for hybrids With two already on the road and at least four others slated for launch within the next couple of years, hybrid vehicles are taking center stage in the automotive industry. Whether the technology becomes a mass-market phenomena or niche-filler is a matter of debate--one that will take place at the SAE 2002 World Congress.

Business via the Internet E-business may not be the cure-all as originally perceived a few years ago, but it does have its place in helping automotive OEMs and suppliers achieve their supply chain goals. Collaborating via the Web The next stage of product development and engineering support software looks to enhance engineers' ability to collaborate with each other via the Internet. Power by Honda A new strategy--headlined by the Civic's hybrid twin-plug IC engine/electric powertrain--propels the company's "global dreams." End of the line for belching buses? In an effort to reduce the negative impact buses have on urban air quality, many transit agencies already have begun switching their fleets from diesel fuel to natural gas. Now, some are turning to diesel hybrid technology.

Engines for growth Is this the beginning of the end for IC engines? A view from the inside The selection of materials is one of many choices vehicle interior designers face when addressing issues such as ergonomics, aesthetics, comfort, and safety. Electronics and materials for chassis and body The advent of electronics to enhance ride, handling, and braking, and the application of computer-aided design and engineering to create ever stiffer structures, have together transformed both chassis and body technology. Creating reality together In the creation of concept cars, as in the creation of production vehicles, GM designers and engineers work together. E-safety spotlight This Focus on Electronics section highlights some of the latest applications of electronics and communications technology to improve automobile safety. Technology and the Indy Racing League Rule changes and new participants next season mean the series is going to get much more technically interesting.

IRL races ahead Honda and Toyota join dominant General Motors in a more tech-friendly racing series that gets a new chassis builder for 2003. NAIAS concepts Nearly 30 dream vehicles--about twice as many as last year--from most of the world's automakers were shown for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. AEI editors review the technical and development highlights of this impressive crop of concept cars. Engineering dream jobs Heading a new model launch is something many engineers aspire to, but that is just one avenue up the corporate ladder. Diesel discourse at SAE 2003 World Congress Fuel efficiency and performance advantages make diesel technology a compelling one for automakers and suppliers, despite its emissions disadvantages. Diesel will be among the more important technologies discussed in detail at the SAE 2003 World Congress March 3-6 in Detroit's Cobo Center.

No hands with Bluetooth A major effort is underway to implement the wireless specification in cars and cell phones to reduce driver distraction. Sensors proliferate The boom is light on wireless, heavy on intelligence. Water and heat in the fuel-cell balance Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Millenium Cell, and DaimlerChrysler are working on a sodium borohydride system tha thas the potential to meet FreedomCAR's weight-percent hydrogen-storage targets. Far East optimism Asia's Big Three--Toyota, Honda, and Nissan-- relied to a large extent on their global presence to post strong profits in 2002 as they and other Far East automakers prepare for an upswing in their economies. Models of choice Seven of the eight Japanese passenger car/light truck manufacturers offer various configurations of compacts, which are taking off in Asia.

Ministering to the interior The design of passenger car interiors has been changing steadily as safety and comfort systems have been added. The "Playstation" generation is likely to bring an increasing influence on ergonomic and aesthetic design, allied to a reduction in driver workload and a further enhancement in safety systems' capability and flexibility. Highlights from New York The 2004 New York International Auto Show saw the most world debuts in the event's history, with strong themes in new midsize luxury cars and midsize SUVs. Divergent stands on safety The battle between consumer advocacy groups and automakers over safety heats up as Congress contemplates mandates. Sport compacts go drag racing Makers of entry-level front-wheel-drive cars hope to translate power under the hood into power in the showroom.

Success by design Toyota is working to differentiate itself from the competition by continually evolving its unique design philosophy. China overcapacity overstated? Automakers and suppliers are taking a "build it and they will come" approach to capacity in China. Challenges aplenty in China From an underdeveloped infrastructure to insufficient policing of intellectual property rights, government and industry leaders in China are dealing with a multitude of challenges--and opportunities--as vehicle sales soar. Testing adapts Growing vehicle complexity, globalization, and other industry trends are prompting companies to focus more on automation and standardization in their test programs. Lightweight vehicle engineering Demand for performance and fuel economy make materials once considered too expensive increasingly attractive.

Concepts from Detroit January's North American International Auto Show was the backdrop for a number of interesting concept vehicles with cutting-edge technology and styling that foreshadows new cars and trucks of the not-too-distant future. Under pressure One of the key building blocks for good-performing, clean, and efficient engines is precise, high-pressure fuel injection. Recent advances in diesel systems by top suppliers are helping OEMs meet increasing market demands. Engineering a career in China As the demand for personal mobility continues to grow, so too does the demand for qualified engineers to develop the technologies that go into those vehicles. Digital development This special section of Testing and Simulation focuses on different aspects of digital product development. Asia hot on new cooling technology Not tied as much to aluminum as is the West, China and Russia are moving fast toward widespread use of copper and brass for radiators.

Technology development under pressure Achieving major cuts in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption continue to be the big challenges facing the European automotive industry. But are the targets realistic, can emerging technology deliver solutions, is driveability likely to suffer, and will the end-user face higher costs? Pulling power The European industry is creating more (or at least as much) with less for the latest-generation powertrains. Chassis evolution Is it time for suspension system designs--increasingly costly to develop--to be standardized to conform to the ride and handling requirements of particular types and segments of cars instead of constantly being re-invented? The mere idea is anathema to some, but tempting common sense to others. Creature comforts Priorities for interior design are many and include increased safety, reduced noise, greater comfort, less complex ergonomics, and more systems support for the driver.

Body assembly Automakers cut sheet metal and weld bodies as precisely as possible to lay the foundation for good overall vehicle quality. Handling the ride Delivering a balance between ride and handling has traditionally been a challenge for suspension designers, but suppliers of different technologies are showing how compromise may not be the only solution. Brilliant displays Liquid crystal displays and light-emitting diodes are helping to enable bright, reconfigurable screens. Performance from within Automakers gild profit margins and polish reputations with in-house high-performance divisions. Hybridized SUVs A redesigned hybrid drivetrain gives Toyota's V6-powered SUVs--the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 400h--V8-like performance and compact-class fuel economy while achieving the most stringent SULEV emissions standard. Automatic upgrade Toyota's hybrid system gets a transmission overhaul for SUVs.

Suppliers put meat on bones of NAIAS show cars Inside and underneath the shiny new models at January's North American International Auto Show is the work of a fiercely competitive supply base. 2006 Engine Special Report Our annual review of the most significant internal-combustion engines of the year ranges from a novel forced-induction four cylinder designed for displacement downsizing to a V10 powerhouse focusing on high output, with three V6s in between. Many products, no wires The Bluetooth wireless protocol is helping consumers to bring their personal electronics along for the ride. Blue skies at Makuhari The forward-looking concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show point to a brighter, more fuel-efficient future.

NAIAS highlights Crossovers and fuel efficiency were big news at the 2006 event, but revived muscle cars stole the show. School of hard NOx For light-duty diesels to succeed in the U.S., they'll first have to pass the ultra-stringent 2007-2010 emissions standards--and keep costs reasonable. Aftertreatment technologies are critical for diesels to make the grade. Realistic simulations Improved digital design tools provide more insight into complex systems. Introducing Greg Henderson, SAE President for 2006 The Lockheed Martin executive steps up to take SAE into its next 100 years.

Parisian delights The concept vehicles at September's Paris Motor Show ranged from futuristic, over-the-top dream machines with diesel hybrid power to fuel-efficient small cars with high-end interiors. Software poses hard challenges Autocoding, reuse help automakers produce increasingly more lines of code. The two-wheeler future Japanese manufacturers look to crossovers, hybrids, and alternative-energy concepts to reinvigorate the motorcycle industry. An Aura of refinement Saturn took cues from its European partner when designing a new entrant for the U.S. midsize market. Decongesting Denver The road to safer and more efficient ground transportation in the Mile High City is being paved, in part, via a romance between highway and light rail. Hybrids for commerce Though they represent a fraction of the Japanese hybrid fleet, the four Japanese commercial-vehicle manufacturers offer diesel-electric hybrid trucks and buses that are on the leading edge of the technology.

Plugging into Detroit Efficient, eco-friendly hybrid concepts, in "conventional" and plug-in forms, headlined January's North American International Auto Show, but a majority of the debuting concept vehicles boasted large-capacity V8, V10, or V12 engines aimed at ultimate performance. Creating the Bin-5 Diesel Progress made in lean-NOx trap technologies helps make engines a viable option for U.S. light-duty diesel market in 2008. Putting the pieces together Product lifecycle management tools and processes help speed automotive product development. Today's challenges, tomorrow's opportunities Engineers' productivity becomes paramount as companies change and evolve their business strategies. Promoting from within After serving a three-year term as Vice President-Automotive, Rich Schaum, Chrysler's former product development chief, becomes the new face of SAE International.

Spoilt for choice The auto industry's options list includes biofuels, hydrogen, hybrids, fuel cells, and batteries--but will it be all, or nothing at all? Moving eastward The automotive industry spreads and grows, suppliers move to east Europe, environmental issues are crucial--and the companies survive that get everything right. Hands-on solution to reduce emissions Literally driving the environmental necessities home may support technology in engines old and new. Cutting emissions: more answers than questions The European auto industry is struggling with alternative fuels and emissions reduction programs, but potential solutions are many and varied--any may become even more so. Hydrogen, the IC engine, and the future It may be the fuel of the future, but views vary about how hydrogen should be used.