The WardsAuto Engine & Technology Update

JANUARY 30, 2017

Achates: Opposed-Piston Engine Makers Tooling Up

Inexpensive to manufacture, compatible with all fuels, cleaner burning and up to 50% more fuel efficient, the opposed-piston engine is finding traction with manufacturers, Achates says. A demonstration vehicle will be ready for driving next year.

V-6 Mills Mean Big Business For Mack Plant

FCA’s Mack Avenue Engine Plant looks ahead to a bright future building an increasing number of Pentastar V-6 powerplants over the coming decade as V-8s wane and upgraded V-6s replace them.

GM Plots Rosier Reception for Diesel Redux

Chevy marketers expect to have plenty of blocking and tackling ahead, as they work to get diesel back into the conversation after a sullying by the VW emissions-cheating scandal.

Bosch Mahle: Why Exit Booming Turbo Market?

The companies are selling the joint venture they created in 2008, even though they admit demand for turbochargers will be brisk for years to come and even though the JV’s production has outpaced internal projections from years ago.

Seating Supplier Adient Rolls Out Flurry of New Concepts

Adient started the year collaborating with FCA on the innovative Chrysler Portal concept shown at CES, then introduced three more big ideas at NAIAS.

Tesla Expands European EV Fast-Charging Network

Tesla’s Destination Charging program augments its Supercharger stations by placing standard wall-charging points in partnerships with organizations including hotels, resorts and restaurants.

Eye-Catching Infiniti QX50 Suggests Nissan-Daimler Collaboration A-OK

Rumors the two automakers might scrap plans to continue developing vehicles together were flatly denied at the Detroit auto show, where one of the biggest draws was the stylish CUV concept chartered with taking Infiniti interior design to the next level.

Digital Radio in 85% of New U.K. Cars Sold in 2016

The government is committed to switching off the U.K.’s analog radio signal when digital audio broadcasting coverage reaches 50% of radio listeners. The current share of all radio listening via digital platforms is 45.5%.

Mercedes-Benz Previews Next A-Class Sedan Styling

Aesthetics A design sculpture reveals styling direction of the next generation of Mercedes-Benz compact A-Class sedans and CUVs. The design eschews sharp creases for smoother, more sensual lines, says design boss Gorden Wagener.

Toyota Maximizes Power in Yaris Minicar’s New Engine

The naturally aspirated 1.5L I-4 gasoline engine develops a maximum 110 hp and peak torque of 100 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 11 seconds.

Celebrating 2017 Wards 10 Best Engines

For the 23rd year in a row, top powertrain engineers from around the world gathered to celebrate the winners of the Wards 10 Best Engines competition. Trophies were awarded at a ceremony in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show.