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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bending light Lighting technology is becoming more intelligent and adaptive as OEMs and suppliers develop systems that are more integrated into vehicle electronics systems for greater performance and safety. Top technologies of the year The world's automakers and suppliers were busy in 2002 equipping production vehicles with significant new technology. The editors review some of those significant "game changing" innovations for the past model year. Testing on the move Advances in mobile data acquisition, such as those from HBM, have helped engineers move the testing of vehicles from the laboratory to the road. Producing an all-new powertrain Ford and International each revamped a plant to build a new powertrain for Ford's super-duty trucks and Excursion sport utility vehicle. Making plastic parts New ways of forming plastics for automotive components were revealed at an annual contest sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers.

Appetite for cars growing in China Automakers and suppliers the world over are scrambling to establish or expland manufacturing operations in China as income growth spurs a rapid rise in car sales. "Lighting" the way for bodies Alcan says the most common alternative metal for body applications, aluminum, can be used as a stand-alone material or integrated with steel. Controlling noise, vibration, and harshness Vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers are finding ways to deliver greater passenger comfort in the early stages of design. Why diesels, why now? Participants at the first SAE Executive Management Briefing discuss the possibilities and technical challenges for diesel engines in U.S. passenger vehicles. Virtual powertrain, real results As powertrain control systems require more complex validation testing in less time, Ford is teaming with Concurrent Computer to develop a HIL simulation system that tests real control hardware in the virtual world.

Frankfurt Motor Show concepts Visitors to the 60th IAA held in September were greeted with 125 world premieres, 60 of which were new vehicles by the world's automotive manufacturers. Prior to the public event, AEI editors scoured the show to put together this special section of Global Vehicles highlighting the best-in-show concept cars. Dynamic rollover testing on the way NHTSA announces that the 'fishhook' manuever, along with the static stability factor, will be used to rate vehicles for rollover propensity beginning with the 2004 model year. Shortening the chain Despite the trend toward increased outsourcing, the integration of compounding and molding operations at molded composite parts maker Composite Products resulted in a leaner and more economical supply chain. NASCAR research and development With the help of a new managing director and R&D center, the popular racing series is pursuing technology to improve safety and level competition.

Concepts from 2003 Tokyo Motor Show Environmental, safety, and information technology were strongly emphasized in an impressive array of fuel-cell, hybrid, and pure electric concept cars. LEDs shine on The lighting technology's compact size, power, and durability excite designers who still long for flexibility in interior and exterior styling. GM, software, and electronics At its annual media preview of new models, the company demonstrated how its technology investments will pay off in more features, for more people, in more market segments. Plastics roll into new territory From structural members to Class A surfaces, plastics continue to find increasingly broad application in the automotive industry. 2003 technology in review AEI editors look back at some of the most significant production-intent innovations introduced over the past year. Forging ahead in metal forming Crude though the means may have been, humans began making and shaping metal several millenia ago.

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.

2004 Paris Motor Show Highlights Though themes were distinctly elusive, there was a broad spectrum of technology, design, and styling on display from Europe-based manufacturers. Production-based cars race ahead The SCCA's Speed World Challenge has delivered automakers a U.S. platform for racecars that are closely related to the vehicles they sell. Let's come together Supplier parks are beginning to take hold in North America as automakers and their suppliers look to improve supply-chain efficiency and reduce costs. Grand ride for Grand Cherokee Jeep engineers give the 2005 model more on-road comfort, with all the off-road capability. Land Rovers makes a Discovery The new SUV, to be called LR3 in the United States, is the first all-new vehicle developed under Ford's leadership and is described as the most technologically advanced Land Rover so far.

Lighting goes digital Headlights move towards full integration with sensors, adjusting to turns and other driving conditions, while high-intensity discharge and light-emitting-diode technologies see continued growth. 2004 technology in review AEI editors look back at some of the most significant engineering and innovation stories of the past year. The age of digital experience SAE 100 Future look: Automotive historians will remember the beginning of the 21st century as a defining moment in the history of an industry. Simplifying advanced computing SAE 100 Future look: There is no doubt the world is changing. Global competition and sourcing, cost pressures, safety, and environmental concerns are just a few evolving realities facing the automotive industry today.

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.

Throwing their weight around Vehicle mass took a back seat to aesthetics, functionality, and performance when automaker executives discussed the merits of their new products at the North American International Auto Show. Safety drives sensor growth New semiconductor technologies provide more data in a wide range of systems. Wireless gains support Wi-Fi is seen as the link between consumer electronics and cars. Supply chain migration As automakers ramp up operations in China, suppliers must consider the challenges as well as the opportunities of supporting them there. Automakers focus on soft money The huge surge in software makes it a focus for cost cutting. Chevrolet Corvette: AEI's Best Engineered Vehicle for 2005. The sixth-generation car delivers even more performance value than its predecessor, and adds greater comfort and convenience into the mix.

Designs on Geneva Design chic, design blending, and design promise were all present in the halls of the Geneva Palexpo exhibition center for the city's International Motor Show, which this year cleebrated the centenary of its beginning. Big 3 in fight for home-market supremacy No other nation sells or produces more vehicles than the United States. Automotive Engineering International kicks off its annual Global Viewpoints three-month series of region-specific articles by examining what technologies U.S.-based OEMs and suppliers are pursuing to be a winner in the market no one can ignore. Sunny forecast for IC engine Don't expect to see the internal-combustion engine evaporate as a viable power source anytime soon, industry experts say. Sharing the wealth A versatile vehicle architecture can deliver multiple variants from a single platform, reducing development costs and time-to-market.