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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.

Everything's looking up for aircraft with Internet connections Satellites will make global connectivity possible. Composite bonds put to the test The application of adhesive bonding as a joining technology for CFRP aircraft structures is essential for the realization of novel lightweight design concepts. Aerospace leads in additive manufacturing The unique advantages of making metal parts from powder-bed additive manufacturing are looking attractive to engine manufacturers. Europe's aerospace sector at a crossroads Europe is facing a massive black hole in its future defense procurement portfolio. What will replace today's fighters and trainers when the present order backlogs have been produced?

Global Viewpoints - Europe: Smartening up R&D As every aspect of automotive technology makes rapid advances, R&D becomes ever more complex and faces additional pressures on cost and time. In our annual report from Europe, we spoke to very senior executives about their R&D methods and the demanding criteria they face. LEDs light the way for SuperTruck A research team developed a group of low-energy; high-output LED lamps for forward lighting that could be retrofitted into the truck's current incandescent headlamp housing and lens. Plastic proliferation under the hood Plastic components continue to displace metal engine parts because of cost and weight advantages.

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.

Engine boosting goes full bore Pumping more air into the cylinder is key to solving the CAFE puzzle, and engineers are hard at work figuring out the best ways to do it with turbocharger and supercharger innovation. Building a pathway for autonomous driving Existing safety systems will be augmented by onboard and external inputs; the biggest challenges will be designing the software that makes proper decisions without error and liability concerns. Steel in control Hyundai Steel develops a new 780-MPa grade of hot-rolled high-strength steel for application in a one-piece front lower control arm, displaying the potential for an 8% mass reduction.

Tackling biodiesel's technical challenges Engineers and researchers are working to mitigate biodiesel's negative effects on engine components and aftertreatment systems. Lightweighting with iron Grede throws advanced ultra-high-strength cast ductile iron into the lightweight-materials ring for commercial-vehicle chassis and powertrain applications. Silicon takes over Semiconductor suppliers are altering materials so automakers can add functions and improve reliability.

Advanced aluminum solutions for next-gen aerospace structures Airline competitiveness and the demand for improved aircraft performance and affordability (acquisition and operational) are driving advancements in technologies that can enable these improvements. 2050 vision Airbus provides a far-ranging, thought-provoking, reach-out toward some of the changes the commercial aerospace industry might expect to see by 2050.

'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.

Honda flexes new powertrain muscle Honda R&D's top engineer outlines his company's Earth Dreams powertrain assault that includes more efficient, robust, and refined ICEs; new hybrid drive systems; and further developments in FCEVs, HCCI, plasma ignitions, and Rankine-cycle engine types. Setting Hyundai's fuel cell strategy Hyundai is one of two major OEMs that are still going it alone in developing FCEV technology, rather than collaborating with competitors. The company's head of fuel cell R&D explains the path toward 2015 series production. Volvo Trucks makes a case for DME The truck maker is working with Oberon Fuels and others to bring dimethyl ether-what company execs say is one of the most promising sustainable alternative fuels-to North America in 2015. Sensing a need for creature comforts Automakers and suppliers are turning to new sensors to help make cabins more comfortable and safer while automating some tasks.

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.

Designs on electronics On-chip memories and new architectures change control functions. Seeing green Environmental and cost benefits are driving the adoption of bio-based and other 'eco' materials. Closing the loop on marine propulsion design Researchers develop tools for rapid prototyping and analysis of distributed safety-critical systems. Promoting from within After serving a three-year term as Vice President-Automotive, Rich Schaum, Chrysler's former product development chief, becomes the new face of SAE International.

heavy-duty visions MTU and DDC devoted engineers toward the development of engine technology for future military-vehicle applications. Smooth operation The interface between man and the machine can be made more comfortable, not to mention more productive, via the use of electronics. History of gerotor hydraulics The first part in a retrospective of the development of gerotor technology, the engineers behind the breakthroughs, and an acquisition here and there. Advances in fuel injection Engineers from Delphi address drive-circuit modeling and analysis of electronically controlled fuel injectors for heavy-duty diesel engines. CAE in hydraulics Analysis solves problems dealing with NVH and complicated dynamics inherent in check-valve design, development, and organization.