Automotive Testing Technology International 2011-03 Part01

Focus
This eagerly anticipated launch embodies the ‘One Ford’ philosophy
GM’s engineering chief is bringing the world together
Gordon Murray
Gordon Murray has gone “back to the future” in developing his automotive vision
048 Powertrain testing
056 048
056 Site visit: Audi’s EV/HEV labs 062 Interview: Gordon Murray
062

MARCH 2011
Editor’s note
You wouldn’t believe it, given the general antipathy toward cars in the media, but we are in the midst of a motoring epoch. We all enjoyed the power wars of the 2000s, which saw small sedans like the M3 and RS4 fitted with monster V8s, while under the hoods of their bigger brothers lay extreme 5-liter V10s. However, as much as I would have loved to have seen the Wacky Races creations that may have appeared had the power struggle continued in that direction, legislators have killed the party. It may be unfashionable to say this in some circles but BMW’s 500bhp 5-liter V10 and Mercedes’ 525bhp 6.2-liter V8 are two of my favorite engines. Who couldn’t love a big capacity naturally aspirated engine with a stratospheric redline? Well, environmentalists I suppose, which is why they’re ending the party. Or are they? While I enjoy simplicity in motoring, powertrain engineers have ensured that, with smaller capacities and forced induction, not only will cars like the M5 and SL63 still grace our roads, thanks to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, they are doing so while generating even more power and torque. With the M5’s power billed to be up to 570bhp when it’s launched, perhaps I will join the zeitgeist. And lest we worry about power delivery, just consider the
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CONTENTS
COVER STORY
004 Ford Focus
001
CONTENTS
REGULARS
016 Theodore
Supercharging simulation
018 Read
Spinning in a winter wonderland Our panel discuss the trials of vehicle testing
020 Ask the experts 024 10 questions 026 Ask Alex
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042 Tunnel talk
As MIRA’s full-scale wind tunnel enters its 50th year of service, we see how it is adapting to the future Have powertrain test labs advanced to the stage where an engine can go from design to sign-off without leaving the building? Audi’s future lies in the technology created in its new Mechanical Units Center, where EV and HEV dreams come true Has the ex-McLaren guru re-invented the small car, due to some lightweight thinking?
Audi’s chassis expert Jörg Starr appreciates how fun his job can be Our resident automotive lawyer asks when it is too late to avoid litigation The latest vehicle roundup news for the first quarter of 2011 A tribute to the Mohs Ostentatienne Opera, a truck-based coupe with a few tricks up its sleeve
MARCH 2011
Karl Stracke
Power house Electric rings
The future of Audi lies in its electric and hybrid development center
Has technology taken powertrain testing off the road and into the lab?
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An international test program for an international car, courtesy of the ‘One Ford’ philosophy
WHAT’S NEW
008 GMD T25 010 Audi A6
One of the most talked about development programs today, laid bare Bigger, safer, and lighter. Find out how When Volvo tests trucks, it doesn’t do things by halves. Take a look at the world’s largest test rig What do 2010’s most celebrated names in automotive testing have planned for the future? Keith Read brings you the latest proving ground news from around the world
012 Volvo’s big rig
036 030
014 Awards update
028 Proving grounds
FEATURES
004
030 Interview: Karl Stracke 036 Aerodynamics
Achieving the same vehicle development standards around the globe is the goal of GM’s head of engineering Welcome to the future of aerodynamics testing, featuring everything from helium-filled bubbles to synthetic jets
Audi A6
Audi bucks current trends, focusing on light weight and hands-on testing
Tunnel tour
Join us at MIRA’s wind tunnel facility as it celebrates 50 years of service, and looks forward to the next 50