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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.

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.

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.

HID for both beams Automotive Lighting engineers have developed HID lighting for high-beam as well as low-beam functions. High-flux LED light sources Hella's advances in LED design provide new options for signal lights and styling variations for indirect lighting. Top 10 technologies for 2000 Readers have selected the most interesting technology stories appearing in Automotive Engineering International during the past year. The rankings are based on reader responses from feature articles and shorter technology items. Some of the stories appear here in shortened form. Synthetic diesel engine oil Researchers at ExxonMobil have developed an advanced lubricant for heavy-duty diesel engines. Disel Emission Control--Sulfur Effects The objective of this government-industry program is to determine the impact of fuel sulfur levels on emissions-control systems of diesel engines.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spark-ignition engine trends In the face of growing competition from diesels and alternative power sources, some of the latest prototype and production gasoline-fueled engines show how continued engineering development is meeting demands for more power, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and more efficient packaging. Expanding supplier capabilities through consolidation The pace of consolidation in the automotive industry has slowed somewhat, but its importance has not diminished. Raymond A. Morris named SAE Executive Vice President THe 27-year SAE veteran promises to focus on the needs of the customer and to become better acquainted with the Detroit automotive industry.

NAIAS production vehicles Editors review the engineering highlights of the show's production-vehicle introductions. BMW 7 Series: AEI's Best Engineered Vehicle for 2002 With help from its suppliers, BMW has produced a vehicle that blazes the engineering trail with innovations that will influence passenger vehicles for years to come. Developments in fuel cells Automotive engineers are concentrating on providing quick startup, cost reduction, mass manufacturability, and crash safety. AEI Tech 2002 Awards Automotive Engineering International editors highlight the top products and technologies that were displayed at the SAE 2002 World Congress. Introducing S.M. Shahed, SAE President for 2002 From humble beginnings, S.M. Shahed carves out a seat at the society's top spot. Urea selective catalytic reduction Testing by Ford researchers of a small-diesel emissions-control system proved successful in meeting ULEV emissions standards.

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.

Bouncing back The economic slowdown of the past year or so tooks its toll on the U.S. automotive industry, with U.S. OEMs suffering the brunt of lost sales. This four-section article explores some of the issues shaping the U.S. auto industry and some of the technologies U.S. OEMs and suppliers are using to combat their emboldened overseas competitors. Powering the future It's anyone's guess as to what type of power source will ultimately drive the majority of future vehicles in North America, but one thing is certain: advancements in various powertrain technologies from industry players are ready to make today's and tomorrow's cars more environmentally--and customer--friendly. Inside North American vehicles Vehicle interiors are incorporating more and more electronics, telematics, and other advanced technologies, challenging engineers and desginers to make them simple, safe, comfortable, and appealing.

Fuel-cell commercialization The technology race is on to market the next revolution in automotive propulsion, with the first vehicles in limited quantities coming from Toyota and Honda by the end of the year. Telematics technology trends Analysts at the Telematics Research Group explain the computer, communications, and automotive electronic component advancements that will influence systems development. No end in sight to electronics' growth The biennial Convergence conference on transportation electronics, hosted by DaimlerChrysler, will explore the interplay of electronics with mechanical and other systems to improve vehicle safety, performance, and convenience. Making contacts Engineers at AMI DODUCO reveal their latest research and developments on critical automotive electrical contact reliability.

A controlling interest Motorola's Scott Anderson provides insight on how electronic controllers are making cars safer, better-performing, and more fun. Software support for telematics Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit is focusing on the convergence of Internet technologies with vehicle systems through the deployment of Windows CE and .NET software platforms. Cadillac CTS The company's latest passenger car ushers in a new era of Cadillac performance with the V-series. Lincoln Navigator Redesigned for the first time since its 1997 launch, the full-size SUV not only looks different from the original version, it feels different, too. A heavy-duty RAM Chrysler Group engineers have included several firsts for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, including side curtain airbags and power adjustable pedals. Enzo Ferrari: the car Ferrari is planning to build 349 copies of its "extreme sports car," which embraces a raft of Formula One technologies.

Engine strategies and engineering Top powertrain executives from DaimlerChrysler and General Motors talk about their companies' views and plans for the future. Greater performance, better efficiency, and reduced emissions are the highlights of the latest crop of internal combustion engines from their companies and others. Educating engineers The automotive and academic worlds are teaming to ensure that the industry's future is full of qualified engineering talent. OEM production systems enable flexibility Building multiple models on the same production line is a Japanese innovation--one that U.S. automakers are hurrying to implement. Executives abound at SAE 2003 World Congress Re-tooled to increase the presence of OEMs and to make it easier for attendees to get the information they need, this year's Congress offers a great return on investment for engineers and related automotive industry professionals who spend time in Detroit's Cobo Center March 3-6.