Search Results

Finding the right niche As technology, politics, and OEMs struggle to achieve environmental cohesion, small and niche companies are determined to ride out the maelstrom with their ability to adapt, react, succeed, and survive. Jaguar and Land Rover shift Access to technology and engineering takes center stage as the two brands transition from one giant parent to another as Tata takes over from Ford. Aston Martin bonds The company is developing closer ties with Tier 1 suppliers in its new role as an independent. Bentley has secret CO2 plans The company wants to combine luxury and high-performance hallmarks with massive cuts in emissions. Lotus small and manueverable The engineering arm's technology menu--including lightweight, small engines, and high performance--is being sampled across the world. Porsche looks to the future Gasoline hybrid technology, convergence potential, and diesels could be in store for the company.

From concept in mind to product in hand Compatibility between tools for design and manufacturing engineers is improving, though it's still fraught with potential pitfalls. Cockpits on display Larger (and eventually bendable) flight displays use commercial technology for both new production and retrofit applications. Interior interests Makers of business aircraft take different approaches to designing interiors. Aerospace proves its metal Aluminum lithium, magnesium alloys, titanium metal matrix composites, and advanced coatings are all part of the future of flying.

GM's hybrid SUVs: AEI's Best Engineered Vehicles for 2008 The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid get up to 50% better city and 30% better combined fuel economy while still delivering comparable performance thanks to a thorough vehicle re-engineering and an industry-first 2-mode hybrid-powertrain. Bright outlook for diagnostics Telematics will augment more sophisticated data gathering, but challenges are many. Second-generation biodiesels As traditional fuels become more expensive and scarce, the biofuels industry is scrambling to develop more sustainable sources from nonfood agriculture. Global Viewpoints: North America In this special section, some of the North American automotive industry's top executives discuss the latest trends and their strategies for game-changing vehicle engineering and development.

Clean, quiet commercial propulsion Engine manufacturers design future engines to meet noise, pollution, and fuel economy needs. Robots take over Dramatic changes in areas as diverse as semiconductor costs, software tools, and the trend toward regional aircraft are creating opportunities for airplane manufacturers to automate their factories. Rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing Durable, temperature-resistant powders and materials enable the manufacture of complex components. The research race Aerospace R&D funding in the U.S. is on the upswing, but new priorities create challenges for universities.

Engineering a cleaner off-highway world As engine manufacturers gear up to meet the next round of stringent emissions standards, equipment manufacturers are reviewing a number of design possibilities. Plugging in for safety Electronics dig deep to help protect operators and equipment. Leveraging the best of both worlds Combustion and aftertreatment technologies help engine manufacturers balance performance with emissions reduction.

Carbon fiber gets bigger footprint Manufacturers strive for the Holy Grail of composites manufacturing: consistency and repeatability. Safety on the floor Once add-ons that brought almost as many problems as benefits, safety techniques are now being designed into equipment before start-up. Taking measures of the machine New requirements and technologies advance the art of test and sensing. Looking, listening, recording, analyzing HUMS is established as an integral part of aviation's safety network, but more standardization is needed to broaden its effectiveness.

LED-ing the way Headlamps using low-power semiconductors called light-emitting diodes have moved from concept to reality with recent production firsts, but challenges remain in taking the technology mainstream. High-value hybrids The drive to reduce hybrid vehicle cost while boosting efficiency has brought new attention to stop-start and mild-hybrid systems. Sustainability on a small scale Nanotechnology is a new battleground for fighting emissions and making vehicles more environmentally friendly. Sensors inside Suppliers are helping OEMs enhance interior comfort and convenience. CO2: The next big challenge This roundup of recent engineering developments highlights that cutting emissions does not have to mean cutting the fun. Clearing the air Emissions and fuel-efficiency issues emerge collectively as the top concern among engineers attending this year's SAE World Congress.

In search of the perfect burn The simultaneous download pressures on NOx and PM continue to make research into higher injection pressures and alternative combustion solutions such as homogenous-charge compression ignition attractive. One way to stop a train A new self-energizing electrohydraulic brake offers the advantages of hydraulic brake actuation without the disadvantages of a centralized hydraulic power supply. A model combustion: from art to science Analysis tools, advanced hardware provide insight into combustion process, refining the cylinder's 'big bang.' The datalinked vehicle In the fields and on the job site with GPS.

Internal combustion: the next generation Homogenous combustion promises to many diesel efficiency and torque with the refinement and emissions benefits of gasoline power--but challenges remain. Testing for the future Providers beef up facilities to provide clients with additional capacity and invest in new tools for greater performance. Assembly required OEMs and suppliers are struggling to build new strategies and strengthen existing systems for improved global supply-chain management in an effort to reduce costs. Change is in the air (and on the ground) Chrysler, undergoing a transformation of its own, helps shed light on issues facing the evolving automotive industry at the SAE 2008 World Congress.

Making an impact in fastening Engineers at Electroimpact help the company get a leg up on the competition in automated fastening. Narrowing in on military requirements UAVs/UCAVs are increasingly important, with the accent on integration- and wider engine choice. Machining and turning centers take center stage Makers of CNC machining equipment are incorporating more and better functionality into their products so users cope better with processing challenges such as those posed by tough new grades of aerospace materials. Open (and often) communication As aircraft companies battle for market share, uniting design and manufacturing teams remains a key challenge.

Casting a vote for alloys Bringing lighter weight, improved performance, and enhanced repairability to airframes and engines. A sense of the future for UAVs Providing the unblinking eye for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Light material brings heavy challenges Shift from aluminum to composites requires major changes in equipment, software. Ryan's 'Research' put to good use The Southwest Research Institue engineer assumes SAE President duties for 2008.

No stopping global design Global teams ride down the cyber highway. Engines play clean in the flight to meet increasing regulations Sensors, faster CPUs help reduce emissions while maintaining performance. Hydraulics have the power to control The latest generation of hydraulic systems provides an effective alternative to other forms of motion control. A home away from home Technology advances help to make equipment operators more comfortable- and more and more productive- in hte field, in the pit, and on the job site. Ryan's 'Research' put to good use The Southwest Research Institute engineer assumes SAE President duties for 2008. Biofuel effects As the off-highway industry in Europe prepares for the introduction of biofuel, specialists are attempting to anticipate potential mechanical and chemical problems it may bring to powertrain systems and component operation- and prepare the answers.

The right touch Touch input and smarter knobs help drivers control a growing array of functions and devices. Product development gets leaner Providers of design automation and product lifecycle management software tools believe they can help drive out waste from the automotive product development process. NAIAS concepts The focus was on environmentally responsible cars and alternative powertrain technologies and fuels at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Ryan's 'Research' put to good use The Southwest Research Institute engineer assumes SAE President duties for 2008. China tariff shock Foreign carmakers face higher auto parts import tariffs to "encourage" them to bring new advanced technologies and manufacturing expertise into the country. Automating cavity-wax application European standard enters the U.S. marketplace as automation of the complex operation takes over.

New engines The editors review the engineering of six of the most significant new gasoline and diesel engines of 2008 and 2009. Squeezing more out and in Engineers are working on making seats lighter while offering more features. Out with the oil, in with the new Biomaterials begin making an impact as OEMs and suppliers explore more green options. Visually speaking Leading automotive designers discuss brand DNA, the future of vehicle personalization, and how their increasing involvement in platform design is changing the way they work with engineers.

Economies of (drivetrain) scale Emissions challenges continue, but engine and transmission technology is advancing solutions and improving vehicle systems intergration. Searching for real-world responses Prototype testing is constantly changing as electronic technologies help transform equipment; design processes adjust as digital development evolves. Hydraulic brakes on one hand, air brakes on the other Building a better brake system had continued to challenge engineers for more than a century, as a changing world has demanded correspondingly advanced brake technology. Top technologies of 2007 A look back at some of the most significant technological innovations during the past year.

Cockpit transformation: to the looking glass The changeover to glass cockpits continues to evolve, as system developers devise strategies to give pilots lots of information in easy-to-understand formats. Older-older vs. newer-older: room for both Engine upgrades are expected to provide sufficient return on investment within a reasonable period of time. Top Technologies of the year A look back at some of the most significant technological innovations during the past year.

Tokyo concepts As usual the highly imaginative group of concepts on display at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, held in late October at the Makuhari Messe, was unique among the year's auto shows. Some were tall, many were boxy, and a few very un-car-like, but most were focused on low emissions and consumption. Style vs. strength Software helps designers and body engineers get the most in looks and safety. Conceiving alternatives Recent concept cars explore solutions to fuel-supply and emissions concerns. 2007 technology in rearview AEI editors look back at some of the most significant engineering and innovation stories of the past year.

Cadillac CTS GM's all-new global sports sedan makes no excuses in chassis dynamics, body integrity, powertrain performance, premium materials, and overall craftsmanship. Taking control of hybrids Software must monitor and manage many parameters while coordinating the complex operations of the engine, electric motors, and batteries. LIghter, faster, lower cost Ducati's top engineer brought a "maniacal" approach to developing the 1098 superbike. Diesels' brave new year Lean-NOx catalysts, closed-loop cylinder pressure sensing, and homogenous combustion are making "50-states" diesels a reailty. Behind the curtain AEI takes an in-depth look at how the designers and engineers at General Motors took the company's trio of new crossover SUVs from sketchbook to road. Engineering from everywhere With future growth in car and truck sales coming mainly from emerging markets, companies are realigning their engineering operations accordingly.

Taking control Improved displays and software give operators better insight into hydraulic systems. Making sense for electronic engines Sensors help engines boost performance while meeting emissions requirements.

After CD, what's next? Storing music in cars remains fraught with many engineering considerations as infotainment systems move into the next generation. Chevrolet Malibu General Motors has enhanced its midsize architecture for a more refined and luxurious ownership experience. Chrysler minivans Chrysler's family haulers feature a new look and more interior flexibility to go with a host of technology upgrades. Jaguar XF The company's middle sedan is updated with a 21st century interpretation of traditional standards. BMW M3 The high-performance version of the 3 Series coupe gets V8 power, other significant upgrades. Honda Accord The eighth generation of Honda's popular sedan offers more space, power, and safety. Fiat 500 The new car's styling harks back to the original of over 70 years ago, but it employs modern technology and shares a platform with the forthcoming Ford Ka replacement.