Hydraulic Hybrids: A Car Concept Whose Time Has Come

The technology behind hydraulic hybrid truck transmissions is now poised for automobile application, says Artemis Intelligent Power of Edinburgh, Scotland. The company has fitted a BMW 5 Series sedan with a completely hydraulic transmission system, all within the space of the previous manual gearbox. The Digital Displacement® Hybrid Transmission features a hydraulic pump driven by the car's internal combustion engine running at optimum speed. Hydraulics connect the pump to motors on the rear axle, one driving each wheel. The company claims the light, energy-saving transmission reduces CO2 emissions 30%, but no fuel economy figures are available.

http://www.artemisip.com/Heddat2.htm

Seeing in the Dark

Several leading organizations within the European Union (EU) are collaborating to develop a prototype, low-cost infrared (IR) night-vision system for use in automobiles. The project focuses on integrating 3D MEMS bolometer components in illumination systems to help accurately resolve pedestrians and animals on the road.

http://optics.org/cws/article/industry/34885

Bike Bypasses Petrol Pump



Don't be fooled by the gas tank cover — a proton exchange membrane fuel cell and electric motor drive this concept motorcycle. A lithium-ion battery and motor controller reside beneath the hydrogen storage tank. Quiet operation and water vapor emissions should make for easy riding.

http://machinedesign.com/ContentItem/72739/ScanningforIdeasFuelCellPowersMotorcycle.aspx

Turn Up the Volume!

The 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera features a dry sump oiling system with a variable-flow pressure pump. To prove new components, engineers measured the G-loads, engine speed, and load of a 911 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, then fed the data into the computerized test rig. This device tips, rolls, and swivels to match the G-forces encountered at the track. If you play the video, turn up the sound!

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=127890

Ceramic Capacitors Control Scooter



As electric and hybrid vehicles become more popular, associated component innovations will be needed. Tech-On reports on high-power ceramic capacitors used in plug-in hybrid electric scooters. The capacitors reduce insulated gate bipolar transistor surge. Though more expensive, ceramics capacitors offer better heat resistance.

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20080725/155427/

(Stainless) Body by Fisher

You may remember the "Body by Fisher" tag on GM cars. Now Fisher Coachworks is back making hybrid buses with stainless steel frames, which it claims weigh half as much and get twice the fuel economy of conventional buses. "Our vehicle concepts are based on the strength and durability of Nitronic stainless steel, using low-cost manufacturing techniques," says CEO Gregory Fisher, grandson of an original company founder.

http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/logistics/report-115193.html

Honing Down the Drum Hum

When metal parts need smooth surfaces and precise tolerances, the abrasive globules mounted on the filaments of ball-style hones are up to the task. They've proven particularly proficient for polishing brake drums and rotors, preventing the harmonic vibrations and annoying hum, and keeping Cadillac limousine OEMs happy.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/06/prweb1034374.htm

Dual Mode Vehicle Drives

In transportation, there are roads and there are obstacles. Wheel-to-track or track-to-wheel — the Galileo Wheel combines both in a single component and switches between the two in seconds. View videos of this ideal mobility platform for vehicles, robots, and other devices requiring wheels and tracks simultaneously. The wheel-to-track conversion for Jeep transport through muck is especially riveting.

http://www.galileomobility.com/?ID=39

Driving Skills You've Never Seen

Think you have good driving skills? You ain't seen nothin' until you watch this video clip of Hyundai drivers demonstrating their amazing talent. Video bytes include, believe it or not, changing a tire on the "fly" as the car is carefully balanced on its two driver-side wheels.

http://www.flixxy.com/hyundai-driving-skills.htm

Reshaping the Automotive Industry

Although the auto industry has been in trouble in recent years, mechatronics may be a significant contributing factor in its redevelopment. A newly launched two-year graduate-level program at Lawrence Technical University outside of Detroit focuses on industrial robotics and mechatronics systems for ground vehicles.

http://www.mechatronicszone.com/articles/all_articles.php?art_id=1298

Chip Resistor Puts it in Drive

A new thin-film chip resistor offers high rated power and is capable of operating at high temperatures, making it perfect for intense environments. The new resistor's performance characteristics and stability show promise for integration in automotive, industrial, telecommunication base station, and medical equipment electronics.

http://www.automotivedesignline.com/products/210004396;jsessionid=A015YKQGBU4LEQSNDLRCKHSCJUNN2JVN

Hybrids Demand Better Electrical Storage

University researchers have just produced a ferroelectric polymer-based capacitor that is much lighter and more capable of delivering power more rapidly than conventional batteries, making it ideal for use in hybrid cars. The polymer material combines poly(vinylidene fluoride) and trifluoroethylene with chlorotrifluoroethylene in order to achieve a high dielectric permittivity at room temperature.

http://www.azom.com/news.asp?newsID=13395

Limited Unlimiteds



The annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance always offers vehicles that are unique, unusual, and utterly one-of-a-kind. This year's show did not disappoint, with the inclusion of such remarkable fare as GM designer Harley J. Earl's 1951 Buick LeSabre concept and a 1953 Swandean Spitfire Special, the latter truly being a car not for the faint of heart.

http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels/multimedia/2008/08/gallery_pebble_beach

Formula 1 Gets Connected

Nano-miniature connectors fit motor sports with their small size, light weight, and ruggedness. Electronicstalk shows how the connectors migrated from military use to NASCAR and Formula 1. Car designers like circular connectors for ease and speed of mating. Nano connectors may be the world's smallest with high reliability pins and sockets.

http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/omt/omt119.html

Check Engine Light On, What's the Problem?

When your car's "Check Engine" light comes on, it's usually because a sensor has picked up some problem. According to Sensors magazine, the problem is often a worn out oxygen sensor. Oxygen sensor failure means incorrect air-fuel ratio measurement, possibly damaging the catalytic converter and other major components.

http://www.sensorsmag.com/sensors/Sensor+News/Your-Vehiclersquos-Check-Engine-Light/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/545035?contextCategoryId=34296

Cameras Keep the Speed

The car itself will eyeball the road to help you keep to the speed limit in the new BMW 7 Series. The driver assistance system combines a high-dynamic-range CMOS imager with a powerful processor to read posted speed limit signs on the road and inform the driver. Because, really, the only reason anyone speeds is because they don't know any better.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/09/08/098866.html

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For the Fast Lane



This makes for one smooth ride. Smooth gear change under full acceleration/deceleration, whether or not the clutch is engaged, comes standard with this six-speed sequential motorsports gearbox. Available with straight cut or helical gears, it handles 400 brake hp and 542 Nm of torque.

http://www.eurekamagazine.co.uk/article/15141/Sports-gearbox-makes-sure-changes-under-power.aspx

From Formula One to Family Car

Many of the best comfort features on modern automobiles come to consumers thanks to advances in auto racing technology. A recent development may bring a top secret shock absorbing and stabilizing component to the suspension of your next family car. The new absorber technology might even be applied to motorcycles.

http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/307759/Shock+tactics.htm

Can Hybrids Learn from Harleys?



Summer was full of the sounds of noisy motorcycles cruising the countryside. While the rumbling racket may irritate some, many bikers insist that 'loud pipes save lives' is true. The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 will try to make noise a requirement for the coming wave of silent running hybrid vehicles.

http://www.bikernewsonline.com/labels/Loud%20Pipes.htm

Street Smarts for Driver Safety

When driver ability fails, new vehicles with government mandates may use smart MEMS designed to prevent a driver from losing control. The system uses low-gravity force inertial sensors to measure lateral and longitudinal acceleration forces. It automatically compensates with engine and braking systems to safely restore control.

http://ca.news.finance.yahoo.com/s/09092008/34/biz-f-business-wire-freescale-sensors-brakes-vehicle-instability.html