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'Brands are king' is the credo for Chrysler engineering Senior VP of Engineering Mark Chernoby reveals what makes his revitalized team so effective, why it's unique-and what's missing in its connection with Fiat. Directing Tesla's unique trajectory JB Straubel wears far more hats than most automotive CTOs. He talks about vehicle development, his engineering team, and what they've got in the works. Engineering Ford's global product assault Hau Thai-Tang details how his global product development teams are changing to keep pace with faster product cycles, greater product diversity, and an avalanche of new technologies. (Hint: They're benchmarking the CIA.) Closing the hybrid control gap Virtual sensing, architectural tweaks, and faster processors help engineers narrow the cost gap between hybrid and conventional powertrains. Radar love An emerging crop of autonomous vehicles uses ever-vigilant sensors to find their way and avoid collisions.

Bracing for success Cast reinforcements spectacularly boost torsional rigidity and improve steering precision.

VW bucks hybrid convention with 2013 Jetta HEV Rather than use a mild-mannered Atkinson-cycle ICE, VW engineers opted for a turbocharger. Their unique P2 hybrid powertrain stands alone in terms of sheer driving fun balanced with efficiency. Synergies strengthen safety systems Complementary technologies and data sharing are enabling enhanced collision avoidance. For example, radar and camera sharing the same processor provides a higher level of safety than two separate systems. A 'model' instrument panel ANSYS researchers implement simulation-driven product development for thermoforming of instrument panels.

BMW readies mainstream carbon-fiber vehicle structures for MY2014 The partnership with SGL Composites is already making parts for the 2014 BMW i3 and i8. AEI visited the pioneering U.S. carbon-fiber plant and witnessed a potential emerging challenger to aluminum for vehicle lightweighting. Driving a safety 'brake-through' As pressure grows for accident-free travel, EuroNCAP is pushing for widespread adoption of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems as a way to avoid accidents caused by late braking or braking with insufficient force. A history of leadership Ten years after completing his term on the SAE Board of Directors, Argonne National Laboratory's Donald G. Hillebrand takes on another role-2013 SAE President.

GM revitalizes the V8 that will not die Direct injection, CVVT, and cylinder deactivation make the timeless Small-Block V8 ready for duty in the 2014 Corvette and full-size pickups. Its 4.3-L V6 cousin also gains those features. Where's the app for this? Design teams are seeking solutions to the many challenges that come when they link apps to vehicle electronics. These include adopting standards such as HTML5 and MirrorLink for simplified software development.

Reinventing the American pickup truck The conclusion of AEI's three-part series looks at how planners and engineers are already rethinking the classic full-size U.S. pickup so it can survive the CAFE crunch.

Big shifts coming in powertrains During the rest of this decade, many observers expect transmission controls to undergo more changes than in the past 10-15 years. Transmission controls are being revamped to meet tighter fuel economy laws, letting engines run at optimal speeds. Collaborating for cheaper carbon fiber Oak Ridge National Laboratory and several industry partners work together to overcome the challenges to lower-cost carbon fiber. Creating the 54.5-mpg car Part 2 of AEI's three-part series looks at how vehicle engineers are facing a 'stress test' as the countdown to 2025 CAFE begins. How will the aggressive new regulations influence U.S. passenger cars in the next decade-and what will they cost to implement?

Seeking validation Increased system complexity poses new challenges for software design and ECU system validation, mandating the need for simulation tools that can easily handle the complexity, while providing cost-effective, industry-proven verification tools and processes. Mapping the road to 54.5mpg Part 1 of AEI's three-part series looks at the CAFE challenge and the product-development options being weighed to meet it-while engineers look forward to the critical 2018 mid-term review.

A compact Cadillac to beat the Bimmers General Motors engineers were given a clean sheet to develop the 2013 ATS, Cadillac's all-new compact (and light) sport sedan aimed squarely at the 3 Series benchmark. Re-engineered Ram Thermal management-along with other significant changes-improves Ram 1500 fuel economy and earns EPA off-cycle credits. Honda Accord-the 9th generation The all-new 2013 model brings direct injection, a new CVT, MacPherson struts, safety advances, and a plug-in hybrid version./li> Radios expand by turning to micros Versatile systems use microcontrollers, software to meet wide range of requirements. Heavy on the lightweighting Weight reduction is already a significant consideration in companies' product development efforts, and the emphasis is only going to increase in the years ahead, according to SAE-member survey respondents.

Sealing A/C systems Choosing the right automotive tube joint seal for HFO-1234yf refrigerant compatibility.

The Lexus rises again Kiyotaka Ise is leading the effort to redefine the Toyota luxury brand with 'Lexus emotionality.' Hyundai powers ahead Dr. Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman, Hyundai Motor, and the head of Hyundai-Kia R&D, explains how his company is striving to be the most-loved, but not necessarily the biggest car company-with the help of technology and powertrain leadership from Seong-Hyon Park, Hyundai's President of Powertrain. Next-generation lithium batteries step forward Developmental solid-state lithium-ion and lithium-air batteries could one day provide ample EV power.

Advances in simulation deliver better engines Engine developers need to deliver cleaner engines that burn less fuel, are more durable, and quieter. If that was not enough, competitive pressures are forcing them into shorter time lines and reduced budgets. Engine developers may have no other opportunity to reduce cost and risk than use more CAE simulations.

Breathing life into fuel cells Daimler unit NuCellSys has been making advances in the air supply for fuel-cell stacks, with a new system in the works.

Light and mighty Finding innovative ways to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining vehicle safety will be key to achieving the 2025 fuel-economy target. Controllers bulk up to manage engine's intricacies Chips hold more memory and boost throughput to help improve fuel efficiency. Electric Renault also focused on internal combustion Already becoming known in Europe as the 'electric company,' Renault, together with Alliance partner Nissan, is determined to pursue EV solutions but in parallel with intensive ICE programs, says Philippe Klein, Renault's Vice President, Corporate Planning, Product Planning, and Programs. Volvo plugs into high technology The company may be on a high-technology roll with its new plug-in diesel hybrid and its shift to a maximum four-cylinder philosophy-with three-cylinder units likely, according to Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President of Research & Development.

No time to sit still Seat developers are revising architectures and components to provide more functions at lower costs.

Raj Nair's world's-eye view Ford's new global product-development chief discusses engineering resources to meet Asia-Pacific growth, China's challenges, U.S. CAFE, and lightweighting full-size trucks. Raising the bar on SI engine efficiency Highly boosted gasoline engines with 13:1 compression ratio? BorgWarner is tackling gasoline-engine pumping losses and finding many fuel-efficiency benefits as a result. VP of Advanced Engine Engineering Chris Thomas reveals the methodology-and more. GE makes power play into automotive The iconic American conglomerate sees great potential in electric vehicles, helping utility customers upstream ensure reliable and efficient energy delivery for EV customers downstream, says GE's Mark Little. Hybrid-electrified Le Mans Audi and Toyota bring hybrid-electric racecars to the renowned 24-h race.

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.

Fab cabs While functionality cannot be compromised inside heavy trucks, their cabs increasingly mesh practicality with passenger-car sensibilities for comfort and ambience.

Automotive Engineering International 2012 SAE World Congress Tech Awards The editors of Automotive Engineering International preview the most innovative supplier technologies to be displayed April 24-26 in Detroit at the SAE 2012 World Congress. The top five are highlighted in this edition, but additional technologies and other event coverage can be viewed online at www.sae.org/mags/aei/saewc. The quest for better turbocharger compressors With the prevalence of automotive engine downsizing for better efficiency and emissions, greater emphasis is being placed on turbo aerodynamics to achieve wider-range and high-efficiency single-stage compressors. HCCI: The search for a better burn continues A Bosch-led consortium sponsored by the U.S. DOE, and a research team at Sandia National Laboratories, are pushing to unlock the fuel-efficiency potential of the elusive homogeneous-charge compression ignition engine.

An active ride Advanced suspension technology helps SUVs meet often conflicting requirements to perform better off road and on.