http://www.sae.org/mags/aei Get the latest content from SAE Automotive Engineering International Online Magazine. http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7196 The Center for Automotive Research forecasts that even at $6/gal in 2011, diesels would represent just 5% and gasoline hybrids just 10% of the market, and by 2015 hybrids perhaps only would double the 2011 level. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:03:13 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7196 2009-11-20T23:03:13Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7188 Teaching new technicians to find the issue and make a quick repair isn't easy. At its new plant in West Point, GA, Kia uses an operating model assembly line and teams of two technicians, one on-site and one at a computer center, to learn a broad diagnostic approach. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:15:03 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7188 2009-11-19T20:15:03Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7201 To help standardize development of advanced batteries, SAE is forming a Vehicle Battery Standards Committee. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:36:25 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7201 2009-11-18T15:36:25Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7195 System development using silicon-carbide DPFs shows major fuel savings, while fleet testing continues. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:12:17 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7195 2009-11-17T16:12:17Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7182 Although the engineering/technology community has and will have a large impact regarding the problem of driver distraction—with that impact having negative and positive poles—it’s the vastly larger community of typical drivers who will determine whether the problem grows or dissipates. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:33:53 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7182 2009-11-17T15:33:53Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7161 Federal-Mogul has developed an innovative aluminum piston design that can reliably withstand the mechanical and thermal loads produced by heavily boosted engines, thereby enhancing diesel engine performance. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:52:19 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7161 2009-11-16T13:52:19Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7183 The future of automotive connectivity, which entails the further integration of automotive and consumer electronics as well as vehicle infrastructure integration, was discussed at a Driving Connected technology briefing seminar at the 2009 SEMA Show. Paramount for that integration to occur is open architectures. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:31:19 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7183 2009-11-12T15:31:19Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7180 Ford Racing unveiled 2009 turnkey racing packages for two of its highest-profile production vehicles: the Mustang and F-150. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:04:14 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7180 2009-11-12T15:04:14Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7154 With engineering staffs stretched thin, Chrysler is adding contract engineers and using engineering-services companies to meet the aggressive 2010-2014 product plans. Passenger cars are the main priority, but a unibody pickup is also under consideration. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:25:47 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7154 2009-11-11T22:25:47Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7177 Increasing demand for systems development, testing, and calibration are driving FEV's investments in engineers and facilities. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:11:50 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7177 2009-11-11T22:11:50Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7178 California owners of “specially constructed vehicles” can rest easier now thanks to the efforts of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), with General Motors, through its Performance Parts Division, being the first OEM to offer an emissions-compliant crate engine alternative. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:29:13 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7178 2009-11-11T21:29:13Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7149 For decades, OEMs and their major suppliers have been striving to reduce the external and internal noise levels of vehicles. But with the advent of electric propulsion, that need is being inverted in the name of safety. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:28:04 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7149 2009-11-09T22:28:04Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7137 The software standard is undergoing a transition, moving to a new phase as Release 4.0 is unveiled. The change comes as the standard shows strong signs of acceptance in a range of new applications. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:53:45 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7137 2009-11-09T21:53:45Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7124 Standardization is gaining acceptance in automotive electronics, though automakers often opt for a range of specifications for similar applications. As the number of airbags increases, three suppliers are banding together to promote a standard connection. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:34:18 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7124 2009-11-09T21:34:18Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7061 During the 14th International Electronics Systems for Motor Vehicles Congress at Baden-Baden (Germany), Continental revealed a completely new approach to making complex vehicle functions easily accessible to the driver. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:22:57 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7061 2009-11-09T21:22:57Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7152 Anthony Best Dynamics' new SR60 Torus has been designed to decrease test setup time, aid vehicle operation, and enhance the safety of vehicle handling tests. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:04:31 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7152 2009-11-09T21:04:31Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6933 Smart route-finding technologies could enable future intelligent driver assistants to better manage fuel efficiency, activate turn signals or directional headlights automatically when entering turns, engage automated glare-reduction systems, or provide other help depending on the location. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:55:29 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6933 2009-11-09T20:55:29Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6846 2010 Taurus SHO doors feature spray polyurethane skins that mimic hand-wrapped leather down to the surface, stitching, and draping details. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:40:29 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6846 2009-11-04T21:40:29Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7142 Delphi designed the new solenoid-type Multec injectors to deliver piezo-type performance. The Multi-Charge Ignition is aimed at spray-guided stratified-charge combustion strategies as well as HCCI development. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:15:29 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7142 2009-11-04T18:15:29Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6983 The gold rush to produce green vehicles includes Bright Automotive, a start-up company planning to produce 2000-lb (907-kg) payload capacity plug-in hybrid-electric delivery vans for fleet customers in 2012. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:39:45 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6983 2009-11-03T20:39:45Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7125 Small-car specialist Suzuki is building at its Esztergom, Hungary, plant three of its own models (Swift hatchback, SX4 SUV, and the latest Splash ultracompact MPV) plus GME’s Opel/Vauxhall Agilas (rebadged Splash) and Fiat Sedici. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:52:40 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7125 2009-11-02T12:52:40Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7016 Automakers, suppliers, and venture-capital companies are heavily investing in the potential paybacks associated with electrified vehicles. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:35:28 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7016 2009-10-29T17:35:28Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7123 The LEDs that are transforming vehicle lighting are expanding into a new area: bus advertising. Lighted displays installed on buses can change messages often, even linking to GPS systems to pinpoint ads as buses travel into different neighborhoods. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:47:01 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7123 2009-10-29T14:47:01Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7033 Though the pundits are declaring that the recession is over, the markets aren’t reflecting their optimism just yet. Prices for many key commodities, and the energy used to convert them into finished goods, are at two-, three-, and in some cases four-year lows. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:13:35 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7033 2009-10-28T19:13:35Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7096 Parts assembly has followed the same successive steps since the early 1900s, but in early 2010 the traditional production process marches in a new direction with Comau's SmartCell for powertrain and other automotive assembly tasks. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:33:43 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7096 2009-10-28T18:33:43Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7090 Mahle offers to lessen burden of data overload for calibration engineers with its system for validating robustness of powertrain controls. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:51:04 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7090 2009-10-27T19:51:04Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7012 Automotive engineers face a constant challenge to produce designs that are both high in quality and cost-efficient. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:10:50 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7012 2009-10-27T19:10:50Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7095 A U.K. consortium is developing a modular hybrid system that could span micro-hybrid to full plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:04:46 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7095 2009-10-27T17:04:46Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7094 Andy Eastlake, Head of Laboratories at the U.K.’s Millbrook Proving Ground, wants to see greater reality introduced for environmental test regimes. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:50:10 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7094 2009-10-22T19:50:10Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7057 Alpine has developed a multiple camera system to improve visibility around a vehicle, which is additionally linked to a navigation database to add further functionality. Although the first prototypes have been developed using passenger cars, the company believes the technology has far greater potential applied to commercial vehicles and buses. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:26:02 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7057 2009-10-15T01:26:02Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6979 If the internal-combustion engine gets iced, the freeze-out is decades away as the ICE is still warm to fuel efficiency gains. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:46:04 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6979 2009-10-14T21:46:04Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7052 Buses account for a high percentage of U.S. emissions, prompting an industry-wide push to reduce pollutant output. Alternatives such as natural gas and even gasoline hybrids are getting increased attention as regulators and vehicle owners try to balance conservation and cost. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:40:11 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7052 2009-10-14T20:40:11Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7042 Alternative fuels can help fleet owners save money, often without requiring large investments. But before vehicle owners switch to biodiesel and natural gas, they need to ensure that they are maintaining quality levels and making sound financial decisions. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:31:09 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7042 2009-10-14T20:31:09Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7081 Lightweighting is a goal not just for light vehicles, as the folks at Century Inc. will gladly tell you. Its Advanced Materials Division has developed an aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC) manufacturing technology, along with a demonstrator brake drum for heavy trucks that weighs 38.5 lb (17.5 kg) and is interchangeable with standard cast iron drums weighing 70 lb (32 kg). Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:03:39 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7081 2009-10-14T20:03:39Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7071 Omni-ID has released a suite of new RFID products specifically designed for the manufacturing, transportation, and defense industries to track high-value assets. The 100-ft-plus read range Ultra tag uses 512-bit memory and 240-bit EPCglobal Class-1 Gen2-compliant silicon. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:15:40 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7071 2009-10-14T19:15:40Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7069 Until recently, companies had learned to rely solely on postproduction inspection methods and devices to detect any bad products before they might be shipped. Progressive companies are shifting their focus by putting less emphasis on the inspection stages and more emphasis on refining and improving the manufacturing process itself. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:30:41 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7069 2009-10-14T14:30:41Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7035 “While you can’t change the basics of how batteries work, you can change the materials that are used to create them,” asserted Bill Robinson, the CEO of Integral Technologies Inc. And that is precisely what the Bellingham, WA-based company did; it has developed a moldable conductive plastic called ElectriPlast, a polymer blend that can be used to conduct electricity. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:53:34 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7035 2009-10-14T13:53:34Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7034 Solar modules in vehicles are still very much niche products. One reason is glass-based module manufacturing limits the use of photovoltaic cells in size and weight, according to Proof Design and Innovation Management. The German company presented a plastic-based solution, the Composite Solar Module, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:44:45 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7034 2009-10-14T13:44:45Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7029 When AABC’s Dr. Menahem Anderman talks about hybrids, EVs, batteries, and where the charging infrastructure is going, the auto industry is all ears. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:43:07 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7029 2009-10-13T18:43:07Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7019 Veteran GM and Delphi engineering executive Don Runkle hopes to lead the upstart company's opposed-piston opposed-cylinder multifuel two-stroke engines and related technologies into production. Military, commercial, and marine applications are targeted first. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:58:41 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7019 2009-10-13T14:58:41Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7070 With its 2010 VFR1200F, Honda will be the first motorcycle OEM to offer a dual-clutch transmission. The bike's all-new V4 also brims with innovation, including Unicam cylinder heads and a unique crankshaft design. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:36:58 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7070 2009-10-13T14:36:58Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7026 The lineup includes the production Tucson-replacing ix, Elantra LPI Hybrid, and i10 Electric as well as ix-Metro concept. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:55:11 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7026 2009-10-13T13:55:11Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6991 The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show played host to the international launch of the Citroën C3, but there was another small car concept that was attracting a lot of interest on the French manufacturer’s stand. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:32:06 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6991 2009-10-13T13:32:06Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6980 Cylinder de-activation, weight saving, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, a new chassis, and huge amounts of wood for its interior mark out Bentley’s new Mulsanne, revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:16:19 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6980 2009-10-13T13:16:19Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7059 There was a familiar feel to the biggest star of the Volkswagen stand at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The L1, a vehicle with tandem seating that Volkswagen introduced at the German show, bore more than a passing resemblance to the "1-liter" car revealed in 2002. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:29:28 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7059 2009-10-09T21:29:28Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6969 When Rolls-Royce unveiled its new 6.6-L twin-turbo V12 Ghost sedan at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, it stated that it was “a vision of simplicity.” Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:29:29 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6969 2009-10-07T21:29:29Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6984 Production of the four-door Aston Martin Rapide starts in the first quarter of 2010, and the company presented a near-production version of it at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:50:08 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6984 2009-10-07T20:50:08Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6990 BMW revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show the most extreme interpretation of its EfficientDynamics program with the Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:40:40 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6990 2009-10-07T20:40:40Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6962 Electric sports car projects are gaining pace and Audi’s e-tron concept joined the potential industry queue at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:30:51 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6962 2009-10-07T20:30:51Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7028 There are more than a few pieces of controversy buried in the Obama administration’s 600-plus-page proposed rule (excluding supporting documents) dictating a uniform U.S. standard for tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases and for fuel economy for MY2012 through 2016. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:17:33 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7028 2009-10-07T20:17:33Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7030 Jointly developed by Jatco, the new CVT is of the steel push-belt-and-pulley type. The new I-4 engine series will likely have a median displacement of 1.5 L and will be equipped with continuously variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:00:43 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7030 2009-10-07T20:00:43Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7008 Filtration technology specialist Mann+Hummel announced at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September that it has developed and patented a new way of manufacturing monolithic particulate filters for diesel and gasoline engine applications. It is called the ceramic coated paper process. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:24:53 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7008 2009-10-06T20:24:53Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7010 Even after years of continuous improvement, gasoline and diesel engines still have the potential to offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Continental presented enabling technologies at September's Frankfurt Motor Show. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:18:29 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7010 2009-10-06T20:18:29Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7009 Higher temperatures and higher pressures in the combustion chamber may finally require steel pistons to be fitted in highly loaded passenger car diesel engines. Kolbenschmidt has presented a new generation of steel pistons for that purpose. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:08:56 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7009 2009-10-06T19:08:56Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6994 While there were countless fuel- and emissions-saving automobiles debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the green theme extended to the suppliers to those vehicles as well. Tire manufacturer Bridgestone used the occasion to unveil an eco-friendly model for the high-volume segment. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:55:39 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6994 2009-10-06T18:55:39Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7011 By bundling induction, fuel, and hybrid-system solutions with downsizing, Bosch is offering OEMs up to 40% greater fuel efficiency for approximately 1000 euros added cost per vehicle. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:51:31 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/7011 2009-10-06T18:51:31Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6992 The chief engineer of the Chevrolet Corvette is tight-lipped about when the next-generation vehicle will debut but not completely mum about the sports car's material makeup. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:42:57 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6992 2009-10-06T18:42:57Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6976 ZF is looking into new material options for chassis designs. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the company revealed studies that use fiber composite materials to bring down the weight of the rear axles and dampers. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:27:29 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6976 2009-09-30T17:27:29Z http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6970 Due to the lack of waste heat, electric vehicles need an auxiliary heat source; however, this should not impact vehicle range. During the Frankfurt Motor Show, Eberspächer presented options for diverse thermal management solutions. So far all technologies have strengths and weaknesses. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:12:20 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/AEI/6970 2009-09-30T17:12:20Z