===================================================================== AutoNotes #2, 07/13/92 copr. 1992, Dave Williams --------------------------------------------------------------------- BIX: 'dave2' RIME at ->CHAOS [email protected] CIS: 72571,3542 The Courts of Chaos BBS, (501)985-0059 =====================================================================Goodyear has announced their new "Aquachannel" tire, which "gives the appearance of two tires in one." Goodyear had played with the idea about ten years ago, probably after noticing Dunlop playing with dual 100-series tires twenty years ago. Although the center sipe of the Aquachannel is pretty big by passenger car tire standards, it's nothing to crow about for offroad tires. Basically, the Aquachannel is just another sales gimmick.
Hoechst Celanese is developing plastic piston rings. Once you stop to think about it, this seems like a nearly ideal application for a porous, high temperature resin. Hoechst says several manufacturers are interested. Pistons might need slight rework, though, as many depend on the rings' cylinder wall contact to help cool the outer edges of the piston.
While on the subject of plastics, it might be interesting to see what could be come up with for main and rod bearings. Given sufficient crush to retain the bearing, you could have a slick outer surface, for cold start wear control and enough softness to embed trash particles.
Ward's Auto World says quite a bit about "forthcoming electrically heated catalytic convertors." Strange. I thought they'd been in production for a couple of years now.
The prototype Vipers used the same German 6-speed transmission as the Corvette. The production cars will use the new Borg Warner T56. The new transmission has an 85mm shaft spacing, taper roller bearings, organic linings on the synchros, internal rail shifter, 610 Nm torque rating and weigh 57 kg. The first production boxes will have a 2.66:1 first and .50 overdrive sixth. Reverse is synchronized. Sounds pretty much like a copy of the German box.
Cadillac is boasting of their new speed-sensitive power steering system. Studebaker had a system that worked about the same - forty years ago.
More on the Cadillac Northstar V8: the conrods are forged and shot peened, pistons are forged, pins are floating and use bronze rod bushings, the oil pump is a gerotor type at the front of the crank (like a Ford Escort). The oil pan holds 6.6 liters and contains a windage tray and oil scraper. The cam chain covers are steel/rubber sandwich for noise control (like a Nissan diesel). The DOHC layout uses direct acting hydraulic followers, like the last-design Vega four. Valve seats are three angle. Valve covers are magnesium. The EGR valve is electric instead of the usual vacuum, and the exhaust gases are routed through the water pump for additional cooling of the recirculation gases and faster engine warmup. The starter is, best as I can tell, one of the new style permanent magnet types. The water pump is held in the center of the cylinder vee by six cam locks. Weight less accessories, 183 kg. (410 pounds)
I've also seen reports the Northstar has powder-metal rods and hyper-eutectic pistons. There may have been some design changes right at the end. Still looks like a nice engine, though. I wouldn't turn my nose up if one fell into my RX7.
Audi's new W12 Avus Quattro concept car uses a W-12 engine layout. That is, a vertical four sitting on top of a 120 degree V8. A four throw crank is used, with Yamaha-type five valve heads, direct ignition, and a Ford 427-style crossbolt main block. Lest anyone tell you the W-12 layout is unique, it's been used in both aircraft and automobiles before, though not within the last 50 years or so.
From Automotive Engineering: The January 17 Federal Register, page 2043, contained NHTSA Docket 89-05, notice 09, amends import regs. Basically, if you want to bring a non-certified vehicle into the USA, you now have to have a letter of permission from the NHTSA first, even if it's for "research, investigation, studies, demonstrations, training, or competitive racing." Whoops. I wonder how *that* is going to go over with the Formula car boys...
Did you know: You might see cars or earthmoving equipment with ZF transmissions. The full name of this German company is Zahnradfabrik Fredrichshafen, a subsidiary of Zahnradfabrik Zeppelinwerke. Yep, the people who built the Graf Zeppelin and Hindenburg long ago. They got into the machinery business when they couldn't find outside contractors capable of meeting their standards for airship parts.
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