Automotive News - January 21, 2008 - (Page 28A)

JANUARY 21, 2008 • 28A Engine advances bring cleaner emissions a step closer Tony Lewin autonews@crain.com European automakers and suppliers are close to launching a series of powertrain technologies. Although more evolutionary than revolutionary, the technologies are a step toward reducing emissions without robbing performance. Advanced combustion concepts offer the biggest potential to change the cars we drive. One example is Daimler’s experimental DiesOtto engine. (See story at right.) It runs cleanly on gasoline but uses unique operating principles to work at times without spark ignition. This results in diesellike fuel economy. But rough transition between modes is still a problem, and experts say the DiesOtto engine could be 10 years away from the road. Variable compression ratios have been around before. Saab explored the idea in the 1990s but it had to abandon the experiment during a corporate cash shortage. Several less-ambitious technologies are closer to market and are profiled on Page 28B and Page 28D. They include engines: 1. That integrate separate components. 2. That switch between two- and four-stroke operation. 3. That are so much more powerful that they allow designers to use smaller and lighter units. 4. Without camshafts. The MercedesBenz DiesOtto engine features a variable compression ratio. take elements of each of them.” For example, Fiat will develop camless engines, Fulbrook says. But with the product life cycle for capital-intensive engines measured in decades, major changes tend to occur only when necessary, such as when new emission rules require substantial improvements. Most automakers have decided how to meet Euro 5 changes at the end of this decade. So Fulbrook sees Euro 6 compliance in 2014 as the only real window of opportunity for further interim technologies en route to diesel hybrids and hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Varable compression ratio makes a comeback Technology offers promise, but experts say it could be years away from the road The theory is simple: Improve efficiency by adjusting the effective size of the engine to produce the power needed at any given moment. In practice, the hardware to do it is more complicated. Only a handful of such projects — such as Saab’s SVC engine in the 1990s — have been serious prospects for production. But Mercedes-Benz revived the debate when it said its experimental DiesOtto engine has what it calls a variable crankshaft drive. The company is reluctant to reveal more, except to say the system can adjust the compression ratio individually for each piston. More interim tech needed? “Is there room for another interim technology?” Fulbrook asks. “Possibly, but nobody really needs it. If carmakers can meet the regulations simply by adding direct injection and using components they are already buying, it’s a lot more appealing than taking the plunge into new technologies.” Cost is another deterrent. “If it means 200 or 300 euros more per car, they just will not do it,” Fulbrook says. Yet one thing seems clear as the European Union debates how to enforce its requirements for automakers to make cars that emit less carbon dioxide by 2012. EU regulators plan monetary fines for noncompliance. So the higher the fine is for each gram of carbon emitted, the more likely the engineers are to use one or more of these advanced technologies to boost fuel efficiency enough to avoid the fine. c Simpler options are closer to market ➤ 28B, 28D Analysts are skeptical. “Mercedes has thrown a lot of money at DiesOtto,” says Andrew Fulbrook, head of powertrain forecasting at CSM Worldwide in London. “This has meant the green light to add any technology they like. Variable compression is interesting, but it is very hard to implement. Ultimately, it could be a dead end.” Other ways to achieve some of the benefits of variable compression are already in use, such as cylinder deactivation. Sophisticated boost control and even the two- or four-stroke strategy can also go partway to such benefits. — Tony Lewin Costs and benefits Many of these advances can ease the way for combined-cycle gasoline-diesel engines such as the DiesOtto, but each offers benefits to conventional engines, too. The feasibility of any advanced technology ultimately is judged on its costs and benefits, says Andrew Fulbrook, head of powertrain forecasting at consulting firm CSM Worldwide’s office in London. “There are enormous numbers of alternative combustion and engine strategies out there,” he says. “Most likely, major manufacturers will Suppliers to the 2008 Ford Focus GLOVE BOX LATCH Southco ROOF RAIL SUN VISORS REINFORCEMENT Ficosa U. S. 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Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - January 21, 2008

Campi will move fast to buy global Ford rolls out new F series — but will it stay No. 1? GM will push metro megastores BMW: We may need a 'green' brand Competition claims traditions German summit Toyota: We have enough plants for now Chinese pitch innovation, not just price Mercedes in, Cadillac out as sponsor of Masters golf tournament Auto show walkaround: Chasing the YIPS around Detroit New Acura TSX will get a diesel Toyota: We'll crack 35-mpg CAFE before 2020 Audi predicts 1 million global sales in 2008 Toyota crosses over into tricky segment LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Digital edition is a 'quantum leap' KEITH CRAIN: Here they come, ready or not EDITORIAL: Incentives war isn't the answer to sales downturn LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Toyota over Chevy? Don’t be too sure DIGITAL EDITION: You did your homework Chrysler concepts show brand tweaks Chrysler: 'Hemi is not powertrain of the future' Some of what we heard at the Detroit auto show Corvette has a future — but maybe a lighter, greener one Nissan exec: Cube is coming to America Subaru relies on new Forester Farley: Ford must groom the market Ford still funds Jag, Land Rover product development Ford will probably develop its new rwd cars in the U.S. Volvo considers North American production Good design: Solving problems, making a statement Horbury wants a more aerodynamic F-150 Hyundai upgrades next Sonata's interior M-B could build C class in U.S. VW hints at vehicles for new N.A. plant Customer demand for CTS sedans strains production capabilities at Cadillac GM to test ZR1 carbon fiber weight savings Honda Pilot has more room, power Indiana plant will boost Honda's flexibility Zetsche sees 20% diesel mix for Mercedes-Benz GM hopes to have E-Flex test vehicles ready by June GM to increase Enclave output Cadillac aims high with Provoq Pontiac to launch G8 marketing in March Big-truck sales fall 43.5% in Dec. Personnel Buckle up for a rocky '08, economists warn Canada sales up 2.4% in '07 Gioia: Ford hybrids will be profitable by year end American Honda opens workplace diversity office Dealers From CDs to Sync: Auto industry races to adapt in-car IT trends Microsoft exec sees a car as 'another room in the house' China's Geely plans plant in Mexico Chrysler exec: China exporters need time Murtaugh: Nissan deal won't affect Chrysler-Chery venture Strike by writers makes TV iffy for auto marketers Super Bowl auto advertisers get pre-game jitters Final Say GM bumps buyout total to 46,000 GM considers U.S.-made Astra Good Karma: Mean, green, fighting machine Purves confirms it: The end is near Rehab for designers: A change can do you good Tata's achievement: Redefining 'cheap' Fans remember auto commercials with sports themes Which brand is stronger — Scion or Prius? Engine advances bring cleaner emissions a step closer Suppliers to the 2008 Ford Focus Varable compression ratio makes a comeback Change the engine's stroke Integrate components to boost efficiency Reduce the size of the engine Eliminate the cams and count the savings ZF expects surge in new orders American Axle's rising son may be another Dauch Honda taps Web for workers Trelleborg unit adds tech center Kia restricts hiring at Ga. plant to Web applicants Magna pursues Ogihara Supplier personnel Age of intelligent transportation is getting closer Plastic spoiler saves weight Automotive News' cartoonist looks at 2007 8 will enter European Automotive Hall of Fame Pininfarina lifted family business to new heights Merciless cost cutter Calvet rescued PSA Opel boys turned bicycle venture into automaker Giacosa fathered the Fiat 500 JCI to supply batteries to Chinese automakers Automakers will spend more on digital ads Ford snares star role in return of 'Knight Rider' GM Certified markets online to Hispanics Writers' strike could benefit auto marketers

Automotive News - January 21, 2008

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