The perfect way for petrolheads to support the rehabilitation of ex-Forces personnel, charity Mission Motorsport and Warwickshire-based automotive destination Caffeine & Machine have joined forces with the unveiling of a unique donation mechanism – a stunning re-worked engine block created by a beneficiary of the charity.
With a new 48-volt battery optimized for use in mild-hybrid vehicles, MAHLE Powertrain is making it possible to maximize the recuperated energy that can be stored and released. This can significantly increase the efficiency of mild-hybrid vehicles, allowing a fuel saving of between 12 and 15 percent. With this development, MAHLE Powertrain is increasing the capabilities of 48-volt systems, which offer major safety and cost advantages when compared with high-voltage systems.
Mild-hybrid vehicles need to recover energy efficiently and at a relatively high power during deceleration events. High storage capacity is not required for these applications as the recuperated energy can be deployed during the next acceleration. Thus a compact and cost effective battery that is capable of high charge and discharge power levels relative to its storage capacity (high C-rates) is desirable. As there were no suitable low-cost, compact batteries able to deal with the necessary recharge and discharge cycles involving high currents, MAHLE Powertrain decided to develop its own. The LTO chemistry in the selected cells allows continuous charge / discharge rates of 10 kW and peak rates for short periods up to 20 kW from a battery pack that has only a 0.5 kWh storage capacity.
Optimal battery cooling guarantees charge/discharge performance and battery durability. However, the coolant needed to be electrically isolated from the cells. MAHLE Powertrain settled on a robust cooling strategy, with simulations showing cooling performance to be exactly on target.
MAHLE Powertrain engineers paid a great deal of attention to the design of the busbars and electrical connections within the battery, as any high resistance in these components can be an additional heat source and limit the power capability of the system.
Testing of the first prototype is underway to verify that the pack can meet the performance targets. Initial results indicate that all temperatures within the pack remain within an acceptable range at a continuous discharge rate of over 10 kW and that it is capable of peak power levels in excess of 20 kW. The next step will be to install the prototype pack into MAHLE Powertrain’s 48V eSupercharged extreme downsizing demonstrator vehicle.
Across many areas of industry and commerce, fast-paced changes in technology, business models and consumer preferences and expectations mean that access to flexible, relevant and highly informed advice and expertise can be crucial to success. The model of internal talent creation, backed up by specialist consulting support, has served many businesses well over the years. But as new product and service innovations and disruptive technologies break down established business models and supply chains, the companies most likely to succeed are those able to adapt to this new environment – a new environment in which rapid change is the status quo, and external resource needs are project-based and diverse in terms of skills requirements, rather than predictable and ongoing.
-1200x960.webp "New MAHLE hybrid vehicle efficiency technologies presented at IMECE 4")
MAHLE Powertrain will present its joined-up approach to technology development, which enables the evolution of highly efficient hybrid powertrain modules, at the IMechE conference at Fazeley Studios, Birmingham, on December 11-12. Two papers will explain the concept and benefits of MAHLE Jet Ignition (MJI) and the Modular Hybrid Powertrain (MHP), which will make its UK debut, at the Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems for Future Transport event. MAHLE’s solution provides a highly modular, off the shelf powertrain option that is able to reduce cost and development time for vehicle manufacturers by moving away from traditional, dedicated powertrain development processes.
“MHP could provide a vital time and performance advantage for manufacturers seeking to harness the CO2 reduction of electrified powertrain within a contracted development time-frame,” explains Mike Bassett, MAHLE Powertrain chief engineer, research, who will be giving the presentation on MMHP. “The EU has introduced a legislative target to lower vehicle manufacturer fleet CO2 emissions to just 59.4 g/km by 2030, which will require considerable powertrain development in order to effectively incorporate emerging technologies into future designs in time. We believe that the internal combustion engine still has a vital role to play in enabling the industry to meet these stringent targets.”
MHP is a fully integrated hybrid drive system that incorporates an efficient 2- or 3-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine, which utilises MJI as a method of optimising efficiency. It can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of manufacturers, for a wide range of vehicle types, by enabling the unit to be readily reconfigured, whilst maintaining maximum component commonality. This system level approach helps to control costs and avoid unnecessary investment of time and resources, streamlining the whole development process.
MJI, which will be presented by Hugh Blaxill, MAHLE Powertrain US General Manager, has been in development at MAHLE for over 10 years. In passive form, as it is utilised within MHP, MJI comprises a small pre-chamber, containing the spark-plug. Ignition within the pre-chamber initiates the discharge of fast-moving, super-heated jets through a perforated nozzle. This technique provides multiple ignition sites within the main combustion chamber, enabling highly stable combustion and knock-resistant combustion, enabling a high compression ratio to be used for increased efficiency.
“MHP provides cost, weight and packaging advantages over traditional hybrid technologies,” continues Bassett. “MAHLE Powertrain testing has demonstrated in excess of a 10% increase in engine efficiency over SI baseline using MJI technology, which makes a significant contribution to the overall effectiveness of MHP as an emissions-reducing, fully scalable solution for a diverse range of vehicles, from B-segment cars to J-segment SUVs.
To complement the presentations, MAHLE Powertrain will provide static demonstrations of the technologies at the Birmingham event. To secure interview opportunities with MAHLE experts at the IMechE conference, which is a key knowledge sharing opportunity for stakeholders involved with the design, research, manufacture, testing, simulation and development of internal combustion and alternative powertrains, please use the contact details below.
A Greater Manchester company, MeV Ltd is addressing the twin issues of reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality by producing innovative and affordable electric vehicles, the BeeAnywhere.
• Ultimate restoration of iconic American muscle car
• Fully sorted for UK road use
Classic Investments, a UK-based restoration specialist, has completed the ultimate restoration of an awesome 1969 Dodge Charger and is looking for a buyer that wants a no-holds barred piece of American muscle with the added benefit of modern-day reliability.
Highly desirable, this iconic model was made famous through the 60’s classic film Bullitt as well as the 70’s TV show Dukes of Hazzard. This particular example has been upgraded with high-performance components and is ready to be enjoyed in modern traffic.
This original R/T car was fully stripped and had all rust removed, before being rebuilt to better than new condition.
The original suspension is improved to include adjustable Koni dampers, while steering feel is sharp thanks to polyurethane bushes. The brakes have been upgraded with a new Servo unit, 11-inch discs and rotors at the front and 11-inch uprated drums at the rear.
The 440ci Magnum V8 engine is now-fully balanced and running a performance camshaft, a Holley 770 Street Avenger series 4 barrel carburettor and stainless-steel exhaust.
The engine has already been run in, so the car is ready to be enjoyed to the maximum from the moment of purchase.
The interior has been comprehensively retrimmed. Prior to the fitment of the new trim and carpeting, the structure was soundproofed for comfort on long journeys. All original components are rebuilt including radio, gauges, speedometer, switches and centre console. Custom wood grain steering wheel with natural Wenge trim, fine Italian leather seats and a strip of beautifully polished Wenge wood between them.
Editor in Chief at Magneto magazine, David Lillywhite, said: “The Charger looks really good, exactly the right spec (engine, seats etc) and right colour for the car. Matching numbers is a big deal in the muscle car world, as it is with Porsches. It’s obviously up with the Mustang as the most iconic muscle car out there.”
Classic Investments carried out the entire restoration in-house, including re-chroming of all parts, reupholstering and restoring seats and interior trim in order to guarantee perfection.
Agris Alksnis, founder of Classic Investments, commented: “More than 3000 hours have been put into making this the ultimate Dodge Charger R/T. For anyone who wants a classic muscle car, but without the fear of unreliability, this is the car for an enthusiast who cannot get enough of iconic cars such as this.”
This 1969 Dodge Charger R/T is available now from Classic Investments and for information and purchase enquiries go to www.classic.investments
Despite the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, Robert Glover Limited, a specialist in significant historic vehicles, is experiencing a marked increase in enquiries from investors new to historic vehicles, in particular about vintage Bentleys.
With the FTSE 100 at its lowest point for a decade, the DOW Jones having taken a record hit last month, and with financial planners predicting stormy times still to come, savvy global investors are seeking safe alternatives and seeking asset classes which can weather the storm.
A key feature of investment-grade historic vehicles, above and beyond their tax efficient nature and ability to be traded globally, is that these vehicles can be huge fun to own and drive.
One of Britain’s most iconic marques, Bentley was founded in North London in 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley, under whose ownership the company flourished and became a household name thanks to its success at Le Mans in the 1920s. The company was sold in 1931 to Rolls Royce, and it is these early, pre-Rolls Royce era vehicles that are most prized by today’s buyers.
Having sold a significant number of Bentleys, numerous Bugattis, Alfa Romeos and other rare and collectable vehicles, Robert is keen to stress that the appeal of these vehicles extends beyond the race-track, concours events, or static collections.
In a mark of the changing times in the marketplace, Robert recently had a young collector sell a modern supercar in order to buy a significant sportscar from the 1930s. A given reason for the purchase was the usability of the older vehicle in comparison to the newer one, which although capable of almost 200mph, was not nearly as exciting to drive at legal speeds on the road.
With a decade as a senior figure at an international auctioneers, and now more than five years of running his own showrooms, Robert has gained an extensive network of international clients and suppliers. It has also given him invaluable knowledge of many of the world’s most desirable vehicles and their values. Robert attends many international motoring events and is always keen to promote the use and enjoyment of older motorcars among the younger generations, and investors who are new to the historic car world.
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray’s signature sound and performance are enabled by advanced exhaust and powertrain technologies from Tenneco Inc. (NYSE:TEN). Tenneco’s Clean Air and Powertrain Business Groups supply the complete cold-end exhaust system, as well as a range of components for the eighth generation sportscar’s Small Block V-8 LT2 engine.
British electric motor specialist Aeristech has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in recognition of its work to develop a series of increasingly advanced, high-speed electric motors to power e-superchargers and hydrogen fuel cell air-side compressors.
Based in Leamington Spa, where it recently relocated to new headquarters, the company has a growing portfolio of contracts with vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers bringing the benefits of its technology to market.
Aeristech’s unique technology allows higher performance from the company’s smaller, more efficient -running motors, thus helping its customers to achieve higher performance from their own products and playing a significant role in the advancement of technologies to reduce energy consumption and vehicle emissions.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognised Aeristech’s progress in delivering their most ambitious set of motor systems yet, with some motors in excess of 20 kW. Aeristech’s technology splits the control system for torque and speed, enabling smaller, more efficient running motor controllers which are coupled to dedicated motor designs.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise were established 54 years ago as the most prestigious business awards in the UK and celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services.
New real-world data on vehicle emissions will allow revitalisation of an automotive industry and global economy devastated by the COVID-19 outbreak but with cleaner air and reduced impact on climate change.
The AIR Index at airindex.com identifies the cleanest cars, giving buyers confidence to switch to cleaner vehicles, restoring an automotive industry badly impacted by the pandemic.
The freely available ratings database is the result of rigorous testing according to the legal standard method, CWA17379. It details real-world nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
It shows that clean and efficient vehicles, which have low NOx and low CO2 emissions already exist, without having to wait for new technology at scale.
Nick Molden, co-founder of AIR said: “As the world emerges from the impact of COVID-19, legislators, manufacturers and buyers have an opportunity to focus on the cars that will limit the rise in pollution generated by economic recovery.
Published by the AIR Alliance (AIR), the AIR Index demonstrates the risk of selecting vehicles based only on the official emissions figures that are not detailed enough to identify the cleanest cars. A Euro 6 vehicle may be clean, or it may be dirty, but the official data do not give enough clarity to differentiate.
The AIR Alliance is a growing group of international organisations that share a vision. You can read more about us, the AIR Index and access the data for yourself at airindex.com.
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