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Head units connect Does the radio that has everything need a place to store it?

Powering up with electric motors Get to know these proven and increasingly efficient power generators as they take over more of the vehicle's propulsion load from internal-combustion engines. Structural form, electrical function Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer body panels that store electricity could boost EV range or performance.

Top technology stories of 2010 The editors complied this top 10 of the past year's most significant automotive-engineering articles based on the online activity of our readers. Integrating safety Disparate systems and sensors are being networked or combined to provide new functions at reduced cost. Investing in EV/PHEV validation Automakers and suppliers are relying on new testing equipment and facilities to evaluate the performance of today's class of electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles.

No simple seat A detailed CAD-based master model is key to improving the design/manufacturing process for seat trim covers.

Safe and secure Software has become a central aspect of vehicle performance and personality. That growth puts it front and center in the drive to reduce defects in vehicles.

Chevrolet Volt When General Motors management approved its 2011 E-REV for production, the bateries- and other technologies- did not exist. Ford Explorer New engines, more extensive use of lightweight metals, and a patented shift-on-the-fly terrain management system highlight the next-generation model as the former frame-based SUV re-emerges for 2011 as a unibody crossover SUV. Honda Odyssey Engineers tried to strike a balance between practicality and sportiness in their 2011 minivan- and succeeded. Jeep Grand Cherokee Chrysler engineers wanted to maintain or enhance off-road capability while significantly boosting refinement. Telematics takeoff comes with many questions Connections for infotainment and app delivery, and design for safe use to head off limiting regulations, are among issues still being debated.

Hybrids show the way to IAA But other technologies will be needed to achieve the 20% efficiency gains supported by European CV makers.

Why Volt? The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is in the vanguard of a new wave of electrified vehicles with the potential to deliver significantly reduced emissions and efficiency. Switched on The currently sparse population of charging stations will grow rapidly over the coming years as multiple EVs begin to enter the market.

Optimizing the replacement for engine displacement New boosting and fuel-delivery technologies, and even twin-cylinder ICEs, are among the solutions being employed by powertrain engineers aiming for the next round of fuel-consumption and emissions targets. Back to basics Top Toyota executives discuss steps taken to bolster quality control during the development process while still forging ahead with new innovative product. Hyundai builds on success The company and Kia share European technologies and facilities, but they maintain individual model and marque identities as their presence strengthens. Teeming with ideas Automakers and suppliers get together to address consumer-electronics-friendly life cycles.

The doctors are in Engineering services companies such as Ricardo, FEV, and IAV are on call to help automakers and suppliers overcome the loss of engineers to layoffs as they diagnose and solve weight-reduction and fuel-economy problems.

Reality check for electric vehicles A Royal Academy of Engineering panel says that EVs will do for cities and most commutes, but many British motorists will still need plug-in hybrids for longer trips.

A new Opel-Vauxhall emerges Opel-Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly is confident of the potential of electric vehicles. Volvo technology enters new era The deal transferring Volvo's ownerhip to the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is expected to be sealed before the fourth quarter of the year, offering a lower cost base that could see Volvo sales up from about 390,000 this year to a million by 2016. Time for more consultations Lotus Engineering's new director, Dr. Robert Hentschel, thinks hard and often, especially about electric bicycles in China, building bridges to the future, extended-range hybrids, and vehicle links to the infrastructure. Aston Martin rides out the recession The company is relying on a combination of its flexible VH vehicle architecture, a small-car partnership with Toyota, and component multitasking to see it into the future.

EV opportunities as the future becomes current As OEMs lay out their plans for an increasingly electric vehicle future, suppliers and engineering consultancies consider the way ahead.

An inside job Interior suppliers work hard to engineer in greater levels of comfort and technology in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.

Steering activated Vehicles are increasingly taking the wheel and steering themselves, with the promise of improved comfort, handling, and safety. Reflections of a product-development revolutionary Bob Lutz revitalized GM's PD process by challenging its protocols- while following his instincts for making compelling vehicles. Commercial success Technology transfer, a Class 8 hybrid, and lightweighting efforts highlight ArvinMeritor's innovation push in the commercial-vehicle space. EcoBoost, DCTs, and stop-start for the masses High-value, high-volume technologies are driving Ford's near-term conventional powertrain strategy, explains engineering chief Barb Samardzich. Breathing new life into Chrysler Engineering Engineering VP Scott Kunselman talks about working with Fiat, taking the lead in vehicle-electrification, and putting the mojo back into Chrysler's product-development team. Watching the charge The fusion of diagnostics and telematics may help boost electric vehicles.

Alternative fuels not forgotten Though the automotive industry is focused to a large extent on electric drivetrains, research continues on alternative fuels.

Capturing automakers' attention Ford and BMW are using motion-capture technology typically found in Hollywood to refine vehicle designs.

AEI Best Engineered Vehicle 2010- Ford Taurus The readers and editors have selected the most significant vehicle of the year. Ford attacks premium sedan segment with all the technology it can muster. Focused on fuel economy Technology is only part of the solution for reducing vehicle energy consumption. In part 2 of AEI's Fuel Efficiency series, vehicle engineers explain why driver behavior is also a key factor. No stopping safety system advances Engineers are focusing on active systems intergration, especially with radars and cameras, more centralized processing, and silicon germanium for 77- GHz systems. Shedding pounds on a magnesium diet Tough CAFE standards are pushing automakers to consider using more lightweight magnesium rather than aluminum, steel, or plastics.

Engineering is art At Audi, design and engineering work together to create vehicles that meld aesthetics with physical necessity.