Automotive Engineer

News

• SB LiMotive develops lithium-air batteries with 1,200Wh/kg density
• Takata develops headrest airbag for future urban mobility vehicles
• PSA wants cost-effective aluminium for mass-production
• BMW’s M division says no to a diesel-powered M5

Technology

• Daimler’s new DCT makes the B-Class more efficient
• Nissan will introduce new ultra-high-tensile strength steel
• Conti ditches the vacuum booster to reduce brake weight
• Valeo helps consumers to park remotely using smartphones

Features

The hottest hatch
Exactly how and why Audi put the five-cylinder all-wheel drive RS3 together 

Charging a premium
Better connectivity and improved infotainment systems are the highlights of the BMW 1 Series.

Smooth progress
What Daimler did to make the Mercedes B-Class the most aerodynamic compact car 

Powerful argument
Ricardo’s twin-turbo V8 states the case for supercar downsizing in McLaren’s MP4-12C 

Cover story: Frankfurt IAA Review
We’ve ignored the luxury SUVs and looked instead at the city car concepts, lightweight materials and powertrain technologies that will cut fleet-average emissions. We also bring you the future of infotainment 

Focus on diesel

Gasoline engines and batteries are taking increasing shares of R&D budgets: diesel must improve. OEM and development experts detail how they’re increasing ratings and efficiency and cutting emissions 

Regulars 

Comment
Lightweight construction and downsizing gain momentum 

Milestones
The heating and cooling of a wax capsule is still the basis for virtually every combustion engine’s thermal management 

Know-how
Pulling apart the seatbelt retractor and load limiter 

Diary
Important automotive events you need to attend 

Recruitment
Read these ads and accelerate your development 

The Job
A career in stages: Meet Paul Eastman, the engineer running Mini’s World Rally Championship team