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Automotive Industry

U.S. "big 3" 2004 technology highlights

Automotive Industries, August, 2003 by Gary Witzenburg

It's an annual Motown ritual. Each summer, U.S. automakers roll out their fall fashions for the auto press to scrutinize. Top engineers and execs are always on hand to unveil and pontificate on the new products' features and innovations and submit to endless interviews.

Here's a sampling of what they showed off.

DaimlerChrysler

Chrysler Group's preview focused on '04 product, including an all-new larger, roomier Durango mid-size SUV. Besides best-in-class GVWR, cargo and towing capabilities, its top optional engine is the new 345 hp HEMI V 8. Its frame is fully hydroformed, and new technology includes a "Tow/Haul" transmission feature for crisper shifts and less gear searching while towing and traction control for improved foul weather and off-road grip.

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Pacifica's available navigation system screen resides inside the speedometer, Chrysler 300Ms and Dodge Rams otter a new combined audio/DVD navigation system, while Jeep Grand Cherokee takes it one step further with Navigation Radio, a combined radio/CD player/DVD navigation system option, also available dealer-installed on many models. Both are compact, with small (4.2-in.) color screens, and fairly easy to use. Most '04 models offer SIRIUS satellite radio and the Uconnect option, which uses Bluetooth technology to enable wireless, hands-free communications through cus. tomers' own cellular phones placed anywhere in the vehicle.

Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan feature new standard tire pressure monitor warning lamps, the '04 Pacifica becomes the first Chrysler vehicle with SecureShield laminated glass to reduce noise and protect against intrusions, and Dodge Ram offers new optional power adjustable pedals.

Displayed in a Town and Country minivan was an experimental Motorola Driver Advocate system, which addresses driver distraction by managing incoming information from cell phones, navigation and diagnostic/warning systems and lets the driver control these communications through a three-button mechanism on the steering wheel.

Interestingly, included among the drive vehicles was a PT Cruiser powered by a strong and civilized 119-hp Euro-spec Mercedes 4-cylinder diesel with a 5-speed manual transaxle, reportedly capable of 35-plus mpg. A future U.S. diesel option?

Ford

Ford provided a technology tour and experimental vehicle drive opportunities as part of its '04 media preview. Among the latter were Ford's third-generation Focus fuel cell electric vehicle (FEV) and a Focus wagon that Ford claims is the industry's first driveable hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) hybrid vehicle. Both drove reasonably well but were not quite ready for "prime time" production.

Ford's fuel ceil car is "hybridized" with the addition of a 300V Sanyo battery pack (made up of 180 individual D-size NiMH cells) and brake-by-wire electrohydraulic regenerative braking. Both features--also found on the soon-to-come production Escape Hybrid--improve the FEV's performance and range, which is a respectable 160-200 miles from its 5,000-psi (up from the previous 3,600-psi) hydrogen storage tank. The hydrogen ICE is seen as a potential "bridging" technology using conventional components to stimulate hydrogen infrastructure development.

The Hybrid Escape, scheduled for fleet production by the end of 2003, is touted as a "no-compromise SUV" with V-6 performance, AWD, normal off-road and cargo capabilities, seamless propulsion transitions, 400-500-mile range, 35-40 mpg city economy and "virtual zero" emissions. Its "full hybrid" powertrain --a 2.3L 4V Atkinson-cycle version of Ford's Global 1-4 engine teamed with a 65 kW electric motor and electric CVT transmission--will also be used in other vehicles, beginning with a hybrid Futura sedan in 2005.

A new group of Ford engineers is working on advanced diesel engines and emissions controls in hopes of offering a U.S. diesel Focus despite extremely tough future emissions requirements. And Ford techies are rightly proud of their PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) Focus, powered by a lively 145-hp variation of the Global 1-4, which was introduced this spring in California, New York and Massachusetts.

Showcased '04 production technologies also included the Volvo XC90's Roll Stability Control, the Jaguar XJ's all-aluminum unibody and the new F-150 pickup's magnesium radiator support.

General Motors

GM leaders are convinced that technology will be a major differentiator and that GM enjoys strong competitive advantages in many areas. To prove that point, they rolled out an enormous tent-full of tech displays and accompanying engineers to impress and enlighten.

Driveable demonstration vehicles included Hy-Wire (the modular body on "roller skate" fuel cell chassis) and HydroGen 3 ("H-3"), GM's third-generation FEV. The smooth-driving H-3 "proves you can do a practical FEV," says executive director, science and technology, Alan Taub, "now the issue is affordability." Not to mention durability, infrastructure development, hydrogen storage and, Taub adds, "compelling and credible vehicles." GM's fuel cell cost target is $50 per kW vs. $5,000 per kW five years ago.

Automotive Industry

U.S. "big 3" 2004 technology highlights

Automotive Industries, August, 2003 by Gary Witzenburg

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