Posted on 12/27/2016 4:38:07 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
The four mega-trends shaping the global auto industry over the next 15-odd years are undoubtedly vehicles with lower emissions, new powertrain technologies, autonomous automobiles and vehicle digitalization. Reflecting these mega-trends, one can anticipate more developments in lightweighting, drivetrain optimization, car computerization, infotainment and driverless transportation in 2017. Here PlasticsToday gives its take on some of the key developments expected in 2017.
Staying connected, and entertained
Rather than being interested in the size of the engine and the shape of the car, consumers are now more interested in “infotainment” systems, being connected, autonomous driving and diverse mobility, notes consultant McKinsey. Traditionally, most value has resided in the hardware of vehicles and in the automakers’ brands. However, future innovations will probably focus on disruptive technology trends, so customer perceptions of value will shift, increasingly putting incumbents in danger. “Infotainment innovations, together with novel traffic services and new business models and services, will increase as cars get connected to each other, to the wider infrastructure and to people,” notes McKinsey.
3D printing expands its role
3D printing is a common tool for prototyping parts in a variety of industries including automotive. It’s also common to employ the technology to fabricate fixtures and jigs to simplify manual assembly operations. Moving forward, material developments such as the availability of 3D-printing materials with reinforcing fibers will likely see 3D printing used as a tool to fabricate structural parts for low-volume cars and trucks. 3D printing is also being applied to form high-strength magnets with implications for electric vehicle propulsion. Expect more developments in high-speed printing, 3D-printed sacrificial tooling and additive manufacturing in 2017.
Lower cost carbon fiber
The high cost of carbon fiber has traditionally limited its application to luxury vehicles, but help is on the horizon with the impending availability of lower cost sources. LeMond Composites, for example, will offer on a commercial basis carbon fiber that is 50% cheaper. R&D to reduce processing costs also will be critical to make carbon-fiber adoption more widespread, but it’s a step in the right direction
Changes to CAFE standards
With the mid-term review of the 2025 the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards scheduled through 2017, 52% of respondents to a recent survey—pre-presidential election, it must be added—said they expected the standards for fuel economy and emissions to become more stringent, while 35% expected them to remain the same. The current test regime is easy to manipulate (cue the use of duct tape) and does not reflect real-world driving conditions. In any case, many experts view the 2025 targets as unrealistic and riddled with loopholes. Are changes afoot once Donald Trump takes office? Based on Trump’s cabinet appointments, it would be no surprise if the answer is yes.
Startups start delivering
Startup automaker Rivian has been around since 2009. Leaving aside whether it still qualifies as a startup eight years on, the company is in talks to buy the former Mitsubishi plant in Noral, IL, with plans to manufacture fuel-efficient vehicles. Furthermore, Lucid, a 330-person Silicon Valley company founded in 2007, plans to start delivering an all-electric, all-wheel-drive sedan with a 300-mile range in early 2019. And while Faraday Future’s production plans appear to be on hold because of funding issues, 2017 could be the year when competition to Tesla appears on the horizon.
I’d dread fixing or replacing that track in the field.
A 113 would be more fun anyway.
I’d be too worried about scratching my chrome.
You can put a 4 liter head and factory fuel injection on a 4.2 liter/ 258 for short money. They are plentiful and a fairly easy swap. Check the Jeep forums.
Unless you have or have access to a carburetor flow stand it’s quite the crapshoot.
Throttle Body Injection works more than OK for 4 bangers.
A later AMC CJ 4 cylinder I can see.
Willys did an exceptional job of making their stuff very future unfriendly. Finding previous owner’s half done fixes in a few places hasn’t helped.
As for the 65 all I care about is something to bounce around in some. Top speed is maybe 50 downhill. That thing is geared so low.
Unless something chronic occurs, that F-134 stays pretty much as it is.
That will do what I want extremely well.
I’m not sure if its available, maybe on ultra luxury cars but there should be a system tied in with emergency vehicles and even railroad crossings that will give the driver a heads up warning. These new vehicles, some with noise canceling like my 2012 Equinox are too well sound insulated. Especially on the highway and all of a sudden i “might” see the warning lights in my rear view mirror, i never hear them until they are right next to you. Just a big flashing red icon on the GPS screen would help for some.
And that darn urea additive thing for diesels! Has kept me from buying ANY new diesel from pickups to semi rigs. Get rid of it!
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Moore is not paying attention.
Demand is for larger, more solidly built vehicles.
Plastic cars, bubble cars, blister cars, all fallen out of favor.
Most people that have owned a turbocharged small engine vehicle for over two years will never buy another one.
If they were lucky, the turbo blew while still on warranty, but the likelihood of a turbo lasting passed 150,000 are very low.
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Dunno, but be aware that at some point 10% of Slant Sixes were made of Aluminum...
Well, US vehicles in the 50’s set you up for good posture in a sitting position. Plenty of room in the back too....
If they were lucky, the turbo blew while still on warranty, but the likelihood of a turbo lasting passed 150,000 are very low."
Ten yr old VW Turbo Diesels say otherwise.
Trump needs to get rid of this.
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Diesel is very different from gas.
800 degree lower exhaust temp.
Idle vs. Part Throttle vs. WOT?
IMPORTATION OF JAPANESE, KOREAN, AND GERMAN DIESEL ENGINES IN CARS, SUVs, AND SMALL TRUCKS FFS!!!
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