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Systems-engineering a new 4x4 benchmark Chrysler Powertrain teamed with AAM to create the industry's most capable, sophisticated-and arguably most fuel-efficient-AWD/4WD driveline. Top engineers talk about their collaboration. Achates aims at 2025 light-truck power After more than a decade of steady development, Achates Power's opposed-piston two-stroke diesel is impressing powertrain experts with its test results and pace of technical progress. Lighter, stronger chassis Development of a new high-strength aluminum casting alloy for the production of suspension components.

Outlook for autonomous driving includes cloud Connectivity with off-board data and services and among vehicles will be crucial in maintaining safety and security in future autonomous vehicles. The next wave of crash simulation As computing speed has improved and software itself has made significant speed and performance gains with each release, modeling tools are now quick enough to build high-quality, large, high-detail vehicle models in a very efficient manner. SAE 2014 Convergence preview Interest in advanced driver-assistance technologies is surging, with automotive engineers and decision makers at OEMs and suppliers working feverishly on the convenience vs. safety trade-off and other electronics-related challenges. Cooled EGR shows benefits for gasoline engines Exhaust gas recirculation systems now in use on diesel engines are used mainly to meet emissions regulations. In gasoline engines, they are an appealing way to meet ever more stringent fuel-economy standards

2012 bike tech takes new twists American upstart Motus readies a radical V4 sport-tourer, Ducati unleashes its most advanced V-twin, and electronic controls continue to migrate into the bike industry.

2015 New Vehicle & Technology Preview Automotive Engineering editors take a look at some of the more intriguing new models, including GM's full-size SUVs, BMW's i8 plug-in-hybrid sports car, Acura's TLX sedan, and Ford's F-150 full-size pickup truck. Picturing the map for smoother rides Next-gen A/C As conventional vapor-compression cooling technology faces phase-out, what could take its place? The U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-e has funded research to help answer this question.

Evaluation of heavy-vehicle aerodynamic drag In an attempt to achieve a balance between Reynolds number, model scale, and tunnel blockage issues, a 1:3 scale heavy-vehicle testing program has been initiated at the Monash University 1.4-MW wind tunnel. Validating performance suspension parts advances A forum at the 2013 SEMA Show discussed three approaches to ensure performance parts compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126. Panelists also explained how simulation data, and kinematics and compliance measurements, can improve performance parts design. Active safety starts in the pilot's seat Dassault Aviation's next-generation integrated digital avionics systems contribute to enhanced air safety in civil applications. Chevrolet ups the performance ante with MY2015 Corvette Z06 Stiffer-bodied sports car gains wind-aided performance with supercharging and downforce for faster lap times.

Methodology developed for safer hood design The methodology enables material selection and design optimization of energy absorbers for pedestrian protection based on a simple laboratory test and FE model, eliminating the need for extensive vehicle testing. Developing a winning formula It's been 20 years since the University of Michigan won a Formula SAE championship. Sick of getting smoked in recent years by top teams from Germany and the U.S., MRacing is going "big aero" for a better crack at the 2014 crown.

2015 engines ride a technology tidal wave Powertrain engineers are diving deeper to find new ways to make light-duty power units more efficient without compromising performance. Connectivity for comfort Seat suppliers such as Continental, Johnson Controls, and Faurecia pursue 'networked' seats to enhance safety, personalization, and comfort. Assembling aluminum vehicles in volume Ford's 2015 F-150 pickup pioneers high-volume mass-production of lightweight aluminum car and truck structures.

The future for electric and hybrid vehicles in India Technical and political challenges alike have held back the electric and hybrid market, but there are signs of hope. Flex-fuel snowmobile challenge results in improved efficiency and lower emissions Noise and exhaust emissions of recreational snowmobiles have come under increased scrutiny by the U.S. federal government. Students from Kettering University take on the design challenges of meeting or exceeding such regulations. Actuator dynamics in a dual clutch transmission The emergence of tougher environmental and fuel efficient legislations have triggered exploration and advance toward new and better vehicle transmission technologies.

Buckeye Current's TT triumph The Ohio State University reprised its third-place finish in the 2014 TT Zero for all-electric motorcycles, beating some of the pros on the world's toughest race circuit. Kettering FSAE team improved as season progressed Lowest priced may not mean the best, but certainly not the worst. Leveling the field: getting #girlsinstem Despite facing the brunt of gender segregation, women are forging ahead and dramatically improving STE M, both academically and professionally. Mercedes-AMG's SLS departure opens door to new GT Powering the car is an all-new biturbo 4.0-L V8 available with two power levels: hot (GT) at 340 kW (456 hp) and exceedingly hot (GTS) at 375 kW (503 hp).

Teams make unique statements at FSAE Michigan Some statements produced better results than others, but all teams walked away from the 2014 FSAE Michigan event with invaluable hands-on engineering experience. Teams get 'super' results at SAE Supermileage University students from around the world gathered in Marshall, MI, to determine which team could achieve the highest fuel economy at the 353th anniversary of the competition. Competition winners react to attaining coveted F1 engineering roles Two of the winners have Formula SAE experience on their side.

Have diesel will race (and learn) Mazda's factory SkyActiv diesel race program switched to the Prototype class in 2014, teaching the SpeedSource team valuable engineering lessons for 2015. Starting and developing an engineering career: barriers and opportunities Very strong role models who have a marked enthusiasm for their subject are needed at every point along an employee's education and work career. The knock on gasoline engines Two major strategies to increase the efficiency of SI engines are to raise the compression ratio and to downsize the engine using a turbocharger, but both have issues with knock. Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan Automotive Laboratory tackle the problem. Minecraft: getting kids into coding Stephen Foster, CEO and Co-founder of THOUGHTSTEM, has a new outlook on STEM education and the utilities that can be used to get kids involved in software coding.

Unmanned Aerial Systems Deploying Next-Generation UAS Platforms with 3U VPX Unmanned Ground Vehicles UGVs - On the Cutting Edge of Thermal Management Unmanned Surface/Underwater Vehicles Controlling the Seas - Introducing a New Concept in Autonomous Surface/Underwater Vehicles Robotics Connectivity in Robotic Systems

Balancing GDI fuel economy and emissions Will OEMs have to adopt gasoline particulate filters to comply with stringent new emissions regulations? Top engineers discuss current developments. Cameras look to go the distance Automakers seek vision systems with greater distances, improved reliability, and more functionality, thanks to ruggedized complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technologies. Mixing metals Cadillac pursues aluminum/steel mix for new CT6 luxury sedan, leading to advances in body assembly.

Getting a grip on AWD efficiency The safety and performance benefits of all-wheel drive are undeniable, but so are the penalties of added weight, friction losses, and complexity. Clever axle disconnects and E-axles are driving future AWD developments. E pluribus unum Inputs from many sensors are being combined to give safety systems a true vision of vehicle surroundings, with the resulting sensor fusion becoming a mainstay of autonomous vehicle electronics. Lightweighting poses repair challenges Mass-produced aluminum bodies and mixed-material structures present challenges for assembly and repair, as automakers increasingly pursue these lightweight strategies. Setting the standard Meggitt CTO Emeritus begins term at helm of SAE International, seeks to encourage cross-sector relations, elevate image of SAE as aerospace industry leader.

Virtual casting improves powertrain design As designers continue to look for ways to cut weight and increase performance, casting simulations are helping optimize designs through faster, more accurate predictions of the casting process used to create key components. Horse racing America's pony cars are a favorite of racers and fans alike, so racing them against each other is natural. SAE 2015 World Congress Preview Tech trends and exhibitor products are highlighted. Tech trends and exhibitor products are highlighted in this special section, which features an exclusive interview with Honda R&D America's Jim Keller. Replicating the racing experience Professional driving simulators can be successfully exploited to shorten the traditional design-prototype testing-production process relative to a new racecar.

GM's CTO driving new paths to technology leadership 'We're making actual production commitments regarding our advanced-technology strategy, rather than just talking about it,' says GM's CTO Jon Lauckner. 'We're absolutely going to be among the leaders, if not the leader, in these areas.' Aluminum prepares for its next big leap Ford's F-Series blockbuster was just the beginning. New micromills now in pilot phase aim to bring vastly stronger and more formable light-alloy materials at higher capacity, says Alcoa's Mike Murphy. Slick solutions for friction reduction From new lubricants to 'smart' oil pumps and clever bearing technologies, engine designers are attacking every potential source of spin losses and internal friction in the quest for more mechanical work out of less fuel. Next-gen NSX: a twin-turbo, multi-material Ferrari-fighter The production NSX made its much-awaited global debut at NAIAS in January.

Active in aero Several automakers-notably Mercedes-Benz and Audi - used the Frankfurt Motor Show stage to reveal sleek vehicles that aggressively employ active aerodynamic elements and other advances to reduce drag. Composites permeate inside and out Composite materials are gaining popularity for both unseen structural components and for exterior eye candy. Powertrain testing: coping with complexity With increasing use of electrical components to extend the performance of conventional combustion engines, powertrain development has never been more complicated. The good news is that test and development engineers are harnessing advanced simulation techniques and computer processing to develop the most efficient and fun powertrains ever. Can ads help in vehicle-to-vehicle rollout? Porsche unveils new downsized, boosted 3.0-L boxer six. Johnson Controls, Faurecia envision interiors for autonomous driving. Jaguar enters performance crossover SUV segment.

2016 Malibu sheds 300 lb, adds new hybrid system More wheelbase, style, fuel economy, and comfort aim to move GM's volume midsize sedan from the sidelines to the fast lane. Lighter, more powerful 2016 Honda Pilot The third-generation SUV gets a sleek new look and plenty of slick technology for enhanced performance and safety. 2016 Mazda MX-5 stays true to its roots Mazda engineers give the industry a lesson in getting more from less. 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport spearheads more efficient Land Rovers JLR's space-efficient, flexible SUV moves to JLR's new Ingenium modular engines. Audi chooses high technology, cautious design evolution for new A4 In addition to lighter weight and significant improvements in efficiency, the new car employs plenty of technology and driver support.

Driving EVs toward lower cost The race is on to reduce battery and electric-drive systems costs while improving efficiency. Seeking ways to make better computer crashes New models and simulations help improve safety as software and hardware provide more realism to iterate designs more quickly. Evaluating aluminum bonds Adhesively joined aluminum alloy sheets present challenges that steel-adhesive joints do not. Ford researchers present a modified technique to inspect Al-adhesive joints in lab and production environments. Leading the attack on engine pumping losses Cylinder deactivation delivers real-world fuel economy gains, helping vehicles to meet and exceed their sticker numbers. That's why the downsized/boosted guys now want it on their engines.

UMich-Ann Arbor team takes home Baja season's Iron Team Award Cornell University also had a strong 2014 season, but not strong enough to fend off Michigan Baja Racing. Georgia Tech and Warsaw University were double-winners at SAE Aero Design competitions University of Akron and University of Cincinnati were the other winners at the twin 3-class competitions, the former setting a record in the process. West Coast teams win 2 of 3 Formula SAE events Oregon State captures its fifth crown while Jose State enjoys its first overall victory and UPenn tops the electric field. Taking action early to conquer the STEM crisis Interest in STEM subjects falls precipitously as students progress through elementary and middle school.