Autoblog

Spherical drive motorcycle being developed by engineering students [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:01:00 EST

A group of engineering students at San Jose University have cooked up an ambitious senior project. Max Ratner, Henry Li and Andrew Parmar came up with the concept of applying an omnidirectional drive system to the motorcycle world during a brainstorming session a little over a year ago. Inspired by the self-balancing technology found in the Segway personal transport and a balancing robot developed in Tokyo, the trio of mechanical engineering students settled on applying the same principles to a motorcycle device as a proof of concept. The idea went through a number of evolutions before settling on the design you see here with two massive spheres enclosed in a tube cage.

The spheres are controlled via three electric motors that provide small inputs to keep the rig upright via some clever software. The result is a machine with a zero turning radius that anyone one can ride regardless of skill level or physical handicap. The bike can immediately change direction to move perpendicular to the previous path of travel, but Ratner, Li and Parmar want to make it clear that they aren't out to revolutionize the way vehicles travel.

"This is more of a proof of concept," Parmar said. "We want to show that something like this is actually possible."

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Spherical drive motorcycle being developed by engineering students [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW invests $27M into new California R&D center

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has spent another $27 million of the $4 billion it has earmarked to advance its plans for U.S. market growth. The money went toward a 64,000-square-foot development and emissions lab called the Test Center California in Oxnard, about 45 miles north of Los Angeles. There, 50 permanent engineers and instructors will work on government compliance, powertrain, parts analysis, dealer service and training, and emissions and quality testing.

The building itself isn't energy neutral like the new Lamborghini prototype development center in Emiliana, Italy, but it does its part with 2,500 solar panels on its roof and parking structures and is gunning for LEED certification. Being a group initiative, it will tend to VW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and Bugatti.

We're told, in a line straight from the Death Star, that the "facility is expected to be fully operational this fall." Scroll down to the press release below for the rest of the news.

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VW invests $27M into new California R&D center originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler restarts engineering program at Kettering University

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler

Chrysler is re-establishing a partnership with Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, for students in the automotive engineering program. This relationship was put on hold in 2008 when the automaker began its financial crisis.

Kettering's co-op program is a five-year-long process in which students alternate between work and school terms every three months. This fall, 16 students from Kettering will enter the program, and will stay with Chrysler from their freshman year all the way until graduation.

The Detroit Free Press reports that Chrysler's re-establishment with Kettering is part of the automaker's plan to expand its ties with college engineering programs across the country. In a statement, Chrysler's senior vice president of human resources, Nancy Rae, said that the company is "excited and proud to continue our relationship with the university and its students."

Chrysler restarts engineering program at Kettering University originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teaching kids how to steal cars is a good idea

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

A recent workshop in Los Angeles offers something special for interested children: a class on the mechanics of car theft. Created by the non-profit organization Machine Project, the workshop is entitled "The Good Kids' Guide to Being a Bit Bad: Cars edition." It covers the topics of hot wiring, opening a locked door and getting out of a locked trunk... and we fully support the class.

Getting kids fascinated about "how things work" is a wonderful project, and when it involves cars, well that's just a bonus. In this modern world, it's so easy to overlook how things work on the inside, which makes it extra important for kids to develop a basic understanding of nuts and bolts while they're young.

The instructors for the class also didn't simply just talk about how a car door works, they showed the children and then let them try to open a locked door themselves. The same happened when showing the kids how to escape a locked trunk. The only lesson that wasn't hands on was the hot-wiring of a car because of the risk of being shocked, which the instructor also demonstrated by shocking himself a few times.

The kids learned about some basic mechanical functions, got a dose of humor and hopefully the class created a desire in them to learn more about how the things around them function.

[Source: BoingBoing | Image: Cookie Flores/Flickr]

Teaching kids how to steal cars is a good idea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modena university names engineering faculty after Enzo Ferrari

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Ferrari

Hoping to land a job at Ferrari after graduation? The company's been known to recruit straight out of college, but your best bet may be to enroll at the Enzo Ferrari Faculty of Engineering at the University of Modena e Reggio Emilia.

The Italian automaker has been fostering closer and closer ties with the thousand-year-old institute of higher education, having established the "Mille Chili" laboratory there last year. The recent dedication of the engineering faculty in Enzo's name takes it a step further in cementing ties between the two institutions.

The dedication was carried out by Enzo's son Piero Ferrari (who serves as the company's vice-chairman) and Luca di Montezemolo, both of whom were awarded honorary degrees by the school. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

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Modena university names engineering faculty after Enzo Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevy serves up super slo-mo testing footage

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 May 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Chevrolet

Chevy's Dept. 180 slo-mo footage - Click above to watch video after the jump

Chevrolet's Dept. 180 video series follows Bowtie engineers as they test the quality of the brand's vehicles by taking extreme measures, and there are some pretty interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits that make a Chevy a Chevy. But this vid is without doubt the best: Dept. 180 did the super slo-mo routine on its finest clips, shot at 900 or 1,000 frames-per-second, and strung them all together. It might be the best Chevy commercial we've ever seen. Follow the jump for the action.

[Source: Chevy]

Continue reading Video: Chevy serves up super slo-mo testing footage

Video: Chevy serves up super slo-mo testing footage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Industry facing shortage of EV engineers

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 12 May 2010 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Electric

It was to be expected, but the rapidly changing auto industry is experiencing a shortage of mechatronic engineers to assist with the development of EV cars and systems. As it is, there are plenty of electrical engineers and mechanical engineers, but those who are adept at integrating mechanics and electronics - in areas like battery management and algorithms - are desperately needed.

Several universities, especially in the Detroit area, have inaugurated or will soon begin programs to graduate these kinds of engineers, but in the meantime it's every EV company for itself when it comes to finding talent. Larger players like Chrysler don't appear to be worried, saying that programs will only be pushed back by a couple of years or so and that's only in the worst cases. Smaller EV companies with exceptional talent are a little more nervous, knowing what a big company can offer when it wants to poach. If you're a skilled electromechanical engineer, it might be time to ask for a raise no matter who you work for...

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: Industry facing shortage of EV engineers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 May 2010 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay Quality

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:11:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Videos, Audi

Audi's TechDay Quality philosophy -- Click above to watch video

Why are German luxury cars so expensive? Because of German engineering. And what is this whole "German engineering" thing all about? That's the question Audi tries to explain once a year when it takes outsiders through its quality processes during its factory TechDay.

According to the Audi, the automaker's three main tenets are Value, Precision, and Fascination, and they all add up to Quality. This encompasses processes that go into making processes like reworking the fit of the gas tank cap to adjust for parallax error, using a scanning electron microscope for surface analysis, and an olfactory team to make sure things like leather smell right.

The video shows you what Audi does to get you that quality... and frankly, it looks like a lot more fun than the engineering bits. You can see the video and read a Joycean-length string of press releases after the jump. A host of high-res photos, including more shots of the A5 Sportback, are in the gallery below.

Gallery: Audi TechDay Quality 2009

[Source: Auto Scout (translated) via German Car Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay Quality

VIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay Quality originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One MPG is not enough: Automakers desperate to make a gallon go further

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Green, Technology

If anyone were to come along and do an updated version of Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing," the could change the background vocal from "I want my MTV" to "I want my MPG" or "I want my low Cd." Coefficient of drag, that is. Carmakers are taking every step they can, starting with aerodynamics, to give cars better gas mileage right now while they wait for more substantial technologies to come online in the near future.

But the tweaks don't stop with aero finessing. The 2009 Dodge Ram spent 200 hours in the wind tunnel, and it also received tweaks to its ECU, which means it spends more time in its cylinder cutoff mode. That, plus eighty pounds of weight savings, adds up to one more MPG on the EPA sheet. Said Ford's Derek Kuzak, "We need to treat every joule of energy in a vehicle like a precious commodity."

In fact, that song hook could also be "I want my XFE." The Cobalt XFE, developed over 18 months to offer the best gas mileage in the Cobalt line, is selling six percent better than expected. Fuel economy, instead of design, is the number one reason people buy a Cobalt now. And the XFE has the lowest on-the-lot time of any Cobalt model. That's how important the price of gas has become.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

One MPG is not enough: Automakers desperate to make a gallon go further originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan using special suit to simulate elderly drivers

Michael Harley — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, Nissan

Much like the automotive crash test industry utilizes "dummies" of different statures and body weights to simulate different passenger types, Nissan engineers have developed a special suit to "simulate" the elderly. Nissan went to all this trouble because it anticipates that Baby Boomers will soon command a larger share of automotive sales. It's a preemptive plan to design vehicles that accommodate their needs. Well, some of them, as we don't expect in-dash prune juice dispensers anytime soon.

This innovative suit is comprised of several different components that are each designed to restrict physical movement or reduce vision (interestingly enough, donning the suit does not make the wearer crave early bird specials or migrate to Palm Springs). Dark colored glasses simulate the poor vision and gloves simulate reduced dexterity. Casts on on the body also weigh down the wearer's limbs to simulate arthritic pain. Our favorite is the big thick waist belt designed to simulate the "middle aged spread."

[Source: Nissan via WorldCarFans]

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Nissan using special suit to simulate elderly drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chameleon A8 - an Audi that drives like an Elise, GTI, Getz and E-Class!

Dan Roth — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Audi

Audi has seen the future, and the future is exciting; at least in Ingolstadt. Engineers at Audi have cooked up the automotive equivalent of the Focusrite Liquid Mix. An A8L has been pressed into service as the basis for Audi's emulator, having been modified with extra hydraulics, an active steering system and hardware to steer the rear wheels, as well. Dubbed HORST, for Handling Online Research Simulation Tool, the car was initially developed to ape the dynamic responses of an E-Class Benz. More cars have been added as "presets," and engineers can switch from a range of vehicles, including a VW GTI, a Lotus Elise, even a Hyundai Getz, all at the behest of a laptop.

[Source: Auto Express]

Continue reading Chameleon A8 - an Audi that drives like an Elise, GTI, Getz and E-Class!

Chameleon A8 - an Audi that drives like an Elise, GTI, Getz and E-Class! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Step inside BMW's F1 wind tunnel

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Technology, Videos

Fun though it may be, racing is still an applied science. Perhaps this is most evident in the tech heavy F1 cars. BMW uses a very trick wind tunnel to test their Sauber F1 car in virtually all dynamic conditions to ensure that the aerodynamics give the desired result. This video has a bit of a Kubrick/2001 feel to it, but it's fascinating watching the car "drive" on this gigantic treadmill. As usual, the video does a much better job than a whole bagful of words, so check it out after the jump.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Continue reading VIDEO: Step inside BMW's F1 wind tunnel

VIDEO: Step inside BMW's F1 wind tunnel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW mulls selling engines to other automakers

Dan Roth — Sat, 26 May 2007 14:08:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, BMW

Don't go getting too excited, it probably won't mean a crate version of the S65 or N54 for Roundel fans. Running an automaker is expensive, especially a manufacturer that leans more toward niche status than casting a wide net. BMW is looking at all options for future revenue, and one of the thoughts that's occured to the well-respected manufacturer of cars with chutzpah is to bank on its engineering chops and sell engines to other carmakers. Lotus has pimped themselves out for years to other automakers, and the Porsche name has ended up on things like hard drives, so BMW selling their award-winning engines to gain an extra stream of return on their investment is a far less radical move. Hey, if selling their more mundane powerplants to emerging markets like India and China keeps the coffers full and awesome performers rolling our way, we're all for it.

[Source: Motor Authority]

BMW mulls selling engines to other automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 May 2007 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #65

Dan Roth — Wed, 09 May 2007 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Trends, Sedan, Truck, Auctions, Etc., Dodge, GM, Hyundai

We're punchy for this one (just check out our outtakes at the end, even better than last time!). We start off with a lively debate over Hyundai's rumored full-size RWD truck on the BH platform and whether it will be good or bad. No consenus was reached, but it will be exciting to see if Hyundai can morph the concept of the Honda Ridgeline into something a little more haul-friendly.

We segue from unibody pick 'em ups into the exciting story of the 2nd most expensive car ever auctioned. That is, if the buyer doesn't fink out (Too late, already did! - Ed.) when it comes time to hit the old PayPal. John Schneider's personal "General Lee" Charger with history (if you can call 80's TV camp real history) was sold on eBay for 9.95 million dollars. The cash isn't going to fund some humanitarian effort, rather, it will be used to finance a sequel to Mr. Scheider/Duke/Kent's Collier & Co. - Hot Pursuit movie. We're sure it's the next Citizen Kane. Speaking of movies, we also touch on the despicably obvious product placement in the Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which is essentially a popcorn-bucket-length Dodge spot.

Wrapping it all up, we ring the bell on the "duh" category a couple times for the Lutz. The Zeta is back on, not that we really thought it was dead. B.L. has decided that it's likely wiser to tweak powerplants than to toss away an entire product renaissance worth of engineering. Whew, and we thought he might actually do it. Speaking of questions, we had no question about GM's committment to developing the Volt's battery technology. It will require an infusion of hundreds of millions of dollars, which seems like a good deal to us. Someone somewhere will have to put some time, money and effort into working out the batteries, so why not GM? It beats just sitting around and waiting. We just hope that when Chevy drops the series hybrid on us, it's wrapped in a prettier shell than the Prius. That's it for this week, enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #65 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2007 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SPY SHOTS: Charger/Challenger Chimera

Dan Roth — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Dodge

Nose-grafting with common-platform cars is always fun. You could put an '84 LTD front clip on your Fox-body Mustang if you wanted to. While that would look, ahem, unique - this Charger has had a face transplant in the name of science. The long-lensers at KGP spotted this modified LX running around with a 2009 Challenger's front end, likely to determine airflow levels. You'd think that the 300, Magnum, and Charger would have served as a rigorous testbed for the Challenger's modified LX platform underpinnings, but the styling and underskin changes make careful study a must. Nobody will be happy when their 6.1 liter Hemi boils over in July heat. Perhaps that could be spun as a real return to the good old days when hydrocarbons roamed free and Hemis were built with loose tolerances, but we're guessing nobody wants to reminisce about those details. From what we can tell, under the camo lies a front end virtually unchanged from the show car. That's what we've been promised, so it's nice to see that it didn't end up with rectangular sealed beams, or something.

Thanks to tipster Phil

[Source: edmunds]

SPY SHOTS: Charger/Challenger Chimera originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM needs engineers to develop advanced powertrains!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Technology, GM

With all the attention that General Motors has gotten since the introduction of the Chevy Volt concept in January at the Detroit Auto Show, they have decided that they need to actually do more work in the area. So now they're looking for up to 400 engineers and technicians to help them develop advanced powertrain technologies like hybrids, diesels and fuel cells. They're also looking for information technology staff and people to work on the OnStar telematics systems. If you're interested in helping to make the Volt a reality, head over to www.gmcareerfair.com and submit a resume. Details are after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM needs engineers to develop advanced powertrains!

GM needs engineers to develop advanced powertrains! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lightweight Prius

Dan Roth — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos

The engineers over at Automotive DesignLine have performed some modifications to a Prius, adding lightness. Actually, it's more of a dissection, but it's interesting to see the stripping-down of the Hybrid's Hybrid. This disassembly wasn't just for kicks; the car was taken apart ahead of its appearance at the Embedded System Conference in a couple weeks. All of the pieces will be there, as well, for interested parties to peruse. Embedded systems are all over modern automobiles, and with its multitude of systems that need to work together and hand off functions, the Prius has quite a bit of electronic command and control. The total time of the modifications was about seven hours, compressed down far shorter in the video, which is after the jump.

[Source: Automotive DesignLine]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lightweight Prius

VIDEO: Lightweight Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo, Ford to help out with Aston's Rapide

Dan Roth — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Aston Martin, Volvo

This is cooler than the Marcos. Aston Martin is calling on Volvo's formidable safety expertise to help develop the forthcoming Rapide. Volvo's safety systems will be integrated into the new four-door Aston, which means we should look to see an active stability control system and possibly some of Volvo's newer tricks like blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance and at-the-ready brakes. Volvo's skill at developing a strong safety cage into a rigid unit-body will also play a part in developing the Rapide.

We're dreaming, but it would be fun to see that development work lead to a new 1800. Not bloody likely, but once the work on the Aston is done, there'll be all that pent up fast-car energy in Goteborg. Regardless of what Volvo ends up doing, the Rapide is set to drop in late 2008, at which point we're looking forward to a Panamera/Quattroporte/Rapide three-way smackdown.

[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via Motor Authority]

Volvo, Ford to help out with Aston's Rapide originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus develops integrated exhaust manifold

Dan Roth — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Lotus

Lotus, the company that made its name on "adding lightness" and clever engineering, is at it again. This time, it's the engineering wing of the Group Lotus concern. Lotus's efforts have been directed at banishing seperate exhaust manifolds. We groaned when we heard the news, and assumed it to be a very discouraging development. Then we got to thinking -- with this type of cylinder head, you'll never have leaky manifold gaskets again. That's a big plus for those of us who keep our cars forever and are persnickety about fixing all the little stuff that happens along the way. After a decade of heat cycling, mani gaskets are usually done for, and on today's tightly-packaged powerplants, removing the manifold is no treat. Add in the requesite broken studs and frozen fasteners, and you've got a veritable jamboree weekend. Looking further into it, the integrated manifold makes a good case for itself.

[Source: Lotus via Paul Tan]

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Lotus develops integrated exhaust manifold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche CEO concerned about shortage of engineers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche

Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, President and CEO of Porsche AG, spoke to a group of high school graduates recently and encouraged them to go into engineering and technical professions. Apparently, the number of students going into these fields is well below the number that are needed to fill the jobs in the labor market. The lack of new engineers coming into the field means that it will be harder for companies to develop new products and compete in the future.

I'm not sure how bad the situation is in Germany, but in the United States there are many reasons why people don't want to be engineers, starting with the fact that professional managers who run corporate America largely don't respect engineers. Technical people have an increasingly difficult time moving up through the ranks. The managers have seemingly decided in recent years that engineers in this country cost too much and that they can just send the work overseas instead, which makes it harder for engineers here to find work. In an employment environment like that, who would want to be an engineer? The Porsche press release with more of what Wiedeking said is after the jump.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche CEO concerned about shortage of engineers

Porsche CEO concerned about shortage of engineers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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