Automotive Engineer

News

• The Ford Fusion adds plug-in  technology to the D-segment
• Honda develops the next-generation NSX... and it's a hybrid
• GM adapts the Volt's battery to improve safety
• Continental introduces open-source head unit

Technology

• Audi makes the A3's centre console into a phone box
• Aluminium saves more than 100kg from Daimler's latest SL
• Graziano's four-speed will make electric vehicles go further
• Volkswagen takes 1.4 turbo to the US – in the Jetta hybrid

FEATURES

Land Rover Defender
How engineers improved the benchmark 4x4 to meet Euro 5 emissions legislation 

Kia Rio
Why Kia gave a European feel to its B-segment vehicle's ride and handling attributes 

BMW M5
A twin-turbo V8 gives BMW's high-performance sedan better acceleration and lower emissions

A small charge
Ford's three-cylinder gasoline turbo cuts carbon to 109g/km in the C-segment Focus

Optical transmission
Ethernet bus systems will increase data transfer rates, allowing OEMs to improve safety and infotainment

Power control
Improving electronic architectures will help Audi keep its infotainment and powertrain systems up-to-date

Growth plan
Expanding the Fisker vehicle line-up will help the OEM to source the best range-extender technologies

The big picture
An extreme close-up view of the BMW M5's front brake system for your inspection 

FOCUS

Electric vehicles
The increasing density of urban populations will have a huge impact on electric vehicle design 2012 OEMs and suppliers discuss how the changes in driving patterns will affect powertrain development, materials selection, and why autonomous driving will push infotainment system development.

REGULARS

• Comment: Hybrids may only be a bridging technology but we need more
• Milestones: CAN helped link ECUs, improving vehicle safety
• Know-how: Inside capacitive touch handwriting recognition
• Diary: The best selection of what’s on, why, where, and when
• Recruitment: Ads to accelerate your career
• The Job: TRW R&D chief, Alois Seewald, talks integration