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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The diesel is coming, the diesel is coming The diesel engine is reaching maturity before our eyes and noses, thanks in part to diesel particulate filters and high-pressure fuel injection. Planning for the future Industry and academia partner to improve education for tomorrow's automotive engineers. Passion for performance at SAE 2004 World Congress A special program dedicated to engineering and other issues related to high-performance vehicles will highlight this year's annual gathering. Modules no shell game for Siemens VDO Workers at the supplier's plant in Santa Catarina, Mexico, assemble seven plastic shells and 26 other components into an air/fuel intake module for DaimlerChrysler's Hemi engine.

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.

Ultracapacitors charge ahead The limitations of current energy-storage solutions could encourage consideration of these alternative solutions, but more engineering work needs to be done to reduce costs. Technology for all Automotive industry executives expect high-end technologies, once considered only for inclusion in luxury cars, to increasingly make their way into entry- and mid-level vehicles in the very near future. Convergence continues A lot of automotive electronics ground has been covered at the Convergence conferences past, and there's more to come at this year's show in October. Fueling the next generation As hydrogen joins the battle for automotive power with gasoline and diesel, the future could be more choices rather than one winner.

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.

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.

Cars become more understanding Software and hardware advances are enabling voice-recognition technologies to rise to industry challenges. Wanted: Broader knowledge, new skills Continuous learning is a must for engineers to meet greater technology and productivity challenges -- and boost their own marketability. Seeing green Environmental and cost benefits are driving the auto industry to adopt materials derived from renewable sources such as soybeans and corn. Searching for fossil-fuel alternatives Future engine and drivetrain programs at Volkswagen are focused on alternative fuels and radical changes to engine combustion, but the battery may yet provide the light at the end of the technology tunnel. Emissions rules keep labs humming As long as there are regulations, engineers and technicians will be busy running tests in laboratories.

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.

Cadillac CTS GM's all-new global sports sedan makes no excuses in chassis dynamics, body integrity, powertrain performance, premium materials, and overall craftsmanship. Taking control of hybrids Software must monitor and manage many parameters while coordinating the complex operations of the engine, electric motors, and batteries. LIghter, faster, lower cost Ducati's top engineer brought a "maniacal" approach to developing the 1098 superbike. Diesels' brave new year Lean-NOx catalysts, closed-loop cylinder pressure sensing, and homogenous combustion are making "50-states" diesels a reailty. Behind the curtain AEI takes an in-depth look at how the designers and engineers at General Motors took the company's trio of new crossover SUVs from sketchbook to road. Engineering from everywhere With future growth in car and truck sales coming mainly from emerging markets, companies are realigning their engineering operations accordingly.

GM's hybrid SUVs: AEI's Best Engineered Vehicles for 2008 The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid get up to 50% better city and 30% better combined fuel economy while still delivering comparable performance thanks to a thorough vehicle re-engineering and an industry-first 2-mode hybrid-powertrain. Bright outlook for diagnostics Telematics will augment more sophisticated data gathering, but challenges are many. Second-generation biodiesels As traditional fuels become more expensive and scarce, the biofuels industry is scrambling to develop more sustainable sources from nonfood agriculture. Global Viewpoints: North America In this special section, some of the North American automotive industry's top executives discuss the latest trends and their strategies for game-changing vehicle engineering and development.

Motors play an important EV roles Though lithium-ion batteries grab much of the spotlight, improved electric motor technology is crucial in advancing the operation of battery, hybrid, and plug-in electric vehicles. The quality race continues As end-user expectations continue to rise, and pressure on engineering and manufacturing processes spiral, AEI's European Editor interviewed a number of OEM executives for their thoughts on quality and strategies for better vehicles. The real world Convergence 2008 will place emphasis on the challenges of determining and meeting customer needs in creating better electronic systems. A new generation of engine efficiency New technologies help to maximize fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and deliver market-pleasing performance.

Back to the high-power future Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto and other officials are re-engineering Toyota, borrowing elements of the past to tackle 21st-century environmental changes. Racing to green mobility The President of Honda R&D, Masaaki Kato, hopes to harness the company's "racing spirit" to research and develop innovative methods to reduce the CO2 emissions of its products. Charging ahead Nissan's Senior Vice President, Minoru Shinohara, explains the battery technology that will allow feasible electric cars, while not forgetting to mention the GT-R supercar. Market Genesis Hyundai-Kia R&D Center Chief Hyun-Soon Lee has added the top market-research job at the company as it tries to quickly add more value to its products with new technologies and features. China goes shiftless Suppliers hope to capitalize on the future gold mine for automatic transmissions by working with OEMs on high-tech but low-cost solutions.

Managing software growth An increased emphasis on modeling and autocoding makes it easier to add software-based features and functions, driving a sea change in the way complex automotive systems are designed. Going beyond Bin 5 and Euro 5 An early look at some of the emissions-control and aftertreatment technologies and tools aimed at helping automakers meet future U.S. and European regulations. Finding flexibility Although automation is important to achieving flexibility, manufacturers cannot neglect product design, manufacturing processes, and personnel. Looking for a little help Automotive companies increasingly look outside, offshore to get complex designs finished quickly. The autonomous future Like it or not, cars that drive themselves are on the horizon. Will you trade control for safety? Dodge Ram A keen focus on fuel economy centers on improved aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency, and weight-reducing technologies.

NAIAS concepts Though industry sales projections for 2009 were dire, automakers pushed forward with new environmentally friendly technology in concept vehicles with an eye on sportiness. Electrifying changes for F1 Teams adopt hybrid power and adapt to slick tires. Memorable advances Bigger memories, faster cores let engineers boost efficiency and reduce emissions in engines. Material opportunities Compacted graphite iron, aluminum, and composites have significant roles in engine downsizing, but steel's capability and potential endures. Building blocks Engineering a good engine is half the battle; getting it through the assembly process without introducing flaws is the final victory. Innovative Thinking 101 West Virginia University professor Dr. James E. Smith issues a call for innovation as one of the central themes of his term as SAE's 2009 President. New 7 Series improves all over From better fuel efficiency to more luxury accoutrements, BMW does more than one-up its flagship.