Lubricant performance may not appear to be a salient challenge for EV operation even when it comes to the development of world electric speed record achievements and on-track e-racecars; but it is, says Millers Oils' Technical Director, Martyn Mann.
Designed to reduce friction, the timing chains deliver an improvement in fuel economy of as much as 0.3 to 0.6% based on customer testing, the company claims.
Formula One rules for the 2014 season have changed in many areas, most notably the use of smaller-displacement turbocharged engines and a stronger hybrid-electric drive motor. Accompanying these changes are new gearbox specifications for 2014. The new rules call for eight forward speeds rather than the seven gears used in 2013.
The all-new 8L90 was developed in house. GM claims it improves the Corvette’s powertrain efficiency by up to 5% versus the 6L80 and provides faster gear changes. It is over 8 lb (3.6 kg) lighter than the 6-speed while being equivalent in overall size.
The smaller total vent height (only 8.9 mm, or 0.35 in) provides more flexibility in component layout and facilitates heat transfer from printed circuit boards to the housing exterior.
Software company rFactor Pro developed software for a major F1 team to overcome the problem of driver-in-the-loop simulator dynamics reaction lag (latency); now it is cascading the solution into production vehicle simulators.
In parallel with the auto industry's car design and engineering challenges runs the vital function of testing. With the advent of EVs and HEVs it has acquired an increasingly complex dimension.
A brake pedal made from fiber-reinforced plastics debuts on a MY2014 sports car, and ZF's CEO says this application underscores the broad possibilities for lightweight materials.
By stripping the electrified components and solar roof from the plug-in hybrid-electric Fisker Karma, VL Automotive intends to re-create the luxury sports car with unique body panels and power it with a supercharged V8 engine.
The system is a late step in Ford’s building-block approach to self-driving cars. Existing assistance systems will be integrated and use improved sensors, hardware, and software.
Company using new plastic technology to reduce size of heat sink on standard model, set for 2016 applications. Now offering “mini” for use with its navigation systems.