0409 edit.qxp 3/20/2009 8:20 AM Page 2

Editorial

Innovation in spite of everything t’s worth noting that in spite of record losses and a generally dismal overall economy, U.S. automakers continue to innovate, applying new battery and I engine technologies as well as advanced materials to their products. The General Motors 2009 Cadillac XLR-V is one example of this innovative “seed corn.” It’s design was inspired by “aerodynamically superior aircraft lines, the Stealth fighter plane in particular.” It has many components made of typical aircraft materials. The roof is made of aluminum and magnesium, with composite exterior panels. The suspension system is based on Magnetic Ride Control technology, in which shock absorbers are controlled by electromagnets rather than mechanical valves. Iron particles suspended in fluid fill the shock damper. When magnetized, these particles align in tight formations to provide more damping resistance in fractions of a second. In addition, the elimination of mechanical valves greatly accelerates response, given that magnetic changes are virtually instantaneous.

The Ford EcoBoost family of 4- and 6-cylinder engines uses turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver up to 20% better fuel economy and up to 15% lower emissions. For example, the Lincoln MKS features a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that produces the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. The “boost” of the EcoBoost engine technology comes from two small turbochargers, one for each bank of the vee. They harness exhaust gas to pump more power out of a smaller-displacement engine. The twin turbos allow the EcoBoost V-6 to take in about 25% more air than its normally aspirated cousin, the 3.5-liter Duratec V-6.

Not to be outdone by its fellow Americans, Chrysler is also introducing advanced technologies. It has a rapidly growing portfolio of ENVI (short for environmental) electric vehicles, such as the Chrysler 200C EV concept and Dodge Circuit EV prototype. The 200C EV concept has 40 miles of all-electric range on battery power alone. A small internal combustion engine and integrated generator produce electricity that extends the range to 400 miles.

The ENVI electric vehicles utilize three primary components, an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow. Chrysler plans to apply its ENVI electric-drive technology to each of its brands and to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms.

These are only a few of the many advanced technologies under development at American auto companies. With such dedication to innovation and new designs in spite of horrendous difficulties, it’s just possible that reports of the death of the U.S. automotive industry are premature, if not completely erroneous.

Margaret W. Hunt, Editor

2 ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES/APRIL 2009