auto parts manufacturers,auto parts suppliers

Photo by Marcin Wichary. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Live mileage updates are probably best known from the Prius dashboard, but the world’s best-selling hybrid is not the only vehicle with a real-time MPG display. Whether its a detailed display like on the Prius, an “eco light” like on the Malibu hybrid, or the very cool Ford Escape PHEV prototype screen, telling the driver how efficient their driving is at any given moment is the new black.

Ecomodder recently spoke with some GM engineers about HCCI technology when the discussion turned to MPG displays. The engineers realize that these displays can make driving into a bit of a game and that the knowledge pretty much automatically makes people greener drivers. Even with that assumption, the engineers acknowledge that whether or not these displays are installed in every GM vehicle is “a marketing decision.” It seems like a no-brainer to me (but I’m not an engineer or in marketing) because if the automakers are going to spend untold millions on designing more fuel efficient cars, why not tack on the few extra dollars to “design” more fuel efficient drivers?

DETROIT — A two-week strike at auto- parts maker American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings could last much longer, largely because the company is profitable yet wants concessions, say some labor experts and workers on the picket lines.

As the strike dragged on Monday, it caused a parts shortage that crippled General Motors’ ability to make pickup trucks, big sport utility vehicles and vans. The company says it has shut down part or all of 28 plants, affecting 37,000 hourly workers.

American Axle wants concessions like those that the United Auto Workers gave to GM, Ford, Chrysler and parts makers Delphi and Dana.

American Axle says its manufacturing workers can make up to $73.48 per hour in wages and benefits, three times the rate at its U.S. competitors.

Design by Pininfarina
Coachwork by Scaglietti
Chassis No. 4213 GT

Photos by Mathieu Heurtault

Specifications
240 bhp, 2,953 cc all-alloy SOHC V-12
four-speed with overdrive
front double wishbone
solid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs
four-wheel disc brakes
wheelbase: 2,400mm (94.5in.)

Introduced in 1962 at the Paris Auto Show, the new 250 GT/L—“L” for Lusso, Luxury—was designed by Pininfarina with construction to be executed by Scaglietti. Many consider it to be a landmark design, and it has often been named one of the most beautiful cars ever built—no small feat when considering the decades-long tradition of stunning Pininfarina creations, both before and after the Lusso. A precursor to the 330 GTC, it was Ferrari’s top of the line production street car but, unlike the SWB Berlinetta or the California Spyder, was not conceived by the factory as a dual-purpose road/race car.

Beginning with a nose reminiscent of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, the Lusso’s steel and aluminum body swept back to a 250 GTO-like truncated tail capped by a delicate but effective spoiler. The Continue reading ‘DAYS OF FERRARI 2008, Day 9: 1962 250 GT/L Berlinetta Competizione’ »

Distinction for 911 Turbo-Engine

Once again Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has been successful in the International Engine of the Year Awards. With its 911 Turbo-Drive, the sports car manufacturer has underpinned its position in a field of high performance competitors, receiving the coveted “Best Performance Engine Award” for the first time. For ten years now, this prize has been awarded by the British specialist journal “Engine Technology International” for outstanding engine characteristics.

In 2007 Porsche was already successful in the three to four liter category. This year the 3.6 Liter 480 PS Boxer engine (530 PS in the GT2 version) even gained first place in the free capacity class, putting strong competitors like BMW, Ferrari, Nissan and Audi in the shade.

For the first time the 911 Turbo power unit features an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) for efficient control of the exhaust gas flow throughout the entire range of engine speeds, guiding the flow of air in exactly the right direction and at the right angle to the turbine blades. This leads to a discernible improvement in flexibility and acceleration, particularly at low speeds. Continue reading ‘Porsche wins “Best Performance Engine Award”’ »