Visteon PrecisionCooling
Visteon's new PrecisionCooling™ is an all-in-one engine cooling system that improves fuel economy up to 5 percent, reduces hydrocarbons without increasing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide beyond EPA requirements, and improves heating/cooling system performance by integrating control of a vehicle's engine cooling components into one electronic control module.
At the heart of Precision Cooling is unique software that precisely routes fluid through the engine, which improves control of engine temperature and uses fuel and heat more efficiently. This software controls the operation of a variable speed fan, variable speed water pump and Visteon's coolant control device in order to assure a more efficient system.
PrecisionCooling operates in three modes: start-up, economy/cruise and power/acceleration. The electronic control module continually monitors the vehicle operating conditions and, as required, transitions from one mode to the next.
- Start-Up is used when the engine, coolant and the external environment are the same temperature. This is common after a vehicle has been parked for an extended amount of time. During ignition and warm-up, coolant is directed through the bypass circuit while minimizing pump and fan speed. This allows the temperature of the coolant and metal to increase as rapidly as possible. If a passenger requests heat at this time, the system allows flow to the heater core only when the desired coolant temperature is reached. When the coolant reaches its operating set point, it will flow to the radiator and other circuits in order to maintain the operating set point temperature.
- Economy/Cruise, common during highway driving, occurs when a vehicle has reached the operating temperature and travels at a constant speed under a low load. The system monitors vehicle and occupant inputs in order to maintain the operating temperature. When required, the system determines and adjusts fan and pump speeds in order to control coolant temperature and assure the most efficient use of auxiliary power. If a passenger requests heat, coolant will flow into the heater core. If the passenger does not request heat, the system will not allow coolant to flow into the heater core.
- Power/Acceleration, common when climbing a hill or passing, is used in situations where a vehicle is exposed to high loads or quick accelerations. Because of increased engine power output, the system recognizes an increased heat load. However, because it can forecast increased heat load, the system adjusts valve position, pump speed and fan speed before the coolant temperature increases.
Unlike conventional thermostat systems (and at least one aftermarket electric pump system!), which react after a coolant temperature increase, the ability to forecast changes helps the system maintain a more consistent operating temperature.
Chrysler Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems
The 2002 Jeep® Grand Cherokee will become the first four-wheel drive wagon to offer a tyre pressure monitor, while, in another industry first, the Chrysler Group's 2002 Chrysler and Dodge people movers will become the first vehicles in their segment to offer pressure-based tyre pressure monitors. Combined with the availability of pressure-based monitors on the 2002 Chrysler 300M and Concorde Limited sedans, these efforts place the Chrysler Group in the drivers seat for tyre pressure monitoring systems.
Unlike tyre pressure monitors which are activated by anti-lock braking systems and measure the rate of a tyre's rotation, pressure-based monitors determine the actual pressure of the tyre. The sensor is attached to the rim of the wheel, flush against the tyre. A radio frequency signal emitted from the sensor relays the tyre's pressure to a central receiver. Once a tyre becomes significantly under-inflated, a visual and audio warning is given to the driver. In the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300M and Concorde Limited sedans, the system also displays a warning graphic on the Electronic Vehicle Display and can be checked at anytime in these vehicles by going to the same screen.
Holden Number 6,000,000
The six millionth Holden vehicle to be produced in Australia - a Commodore SS - rolled off the assembly line at Holden's Elizabeth (SA) manufacturing facility last week. Guests at a special ceremony to mark the occasion included the Premier of South Australia, the Hon John Olsen, hundreds of Holden employees and motor racing legend Peter Brock.
Achievement of the six millionth milestone comes as Holden continues to lift vehicle production output in response to high domestic and export demand. Holden plans to increase daily build rates from 570 to 600 vehicles by September and is examining the introduction of a third shift.
Holden will donate the 6,000,001st vehicle to come off the line - also a Commodore SS - to the Leukaemia Foundation's Patient Transport Unit.
In 2000, Holden's Elizabeth manufacturing facility produced a record 133,151 vehicles, almost 30,000 of which were exported. Employing 4,200 people, the Holden plant is one of the most flexible automotive operations in the world. It produces the top-selling Holden Commodore range of sedans and wagons and long-wheelbase Statesman/Caprice models in right and left-hand drive versions, as well as the new Holden Ute.
Chrysler Tests Active Night Vision
Chrysler has equipped a Jeep® Grand Cherokee with the company's unique Active Night Vision in a test of the infrared system that is capable of illuminating objects up to 150 metres in front of the vehicle. The Active Night Vision system, developed by DaimlerChrysler researchers in Ulm, Germany, illuminates the road scene with infrared light energy to detect all objects in the field of view, regardless of temperature. The system reaches beyond the 40 metres range of conventional high-beam headlights and, because infrared energy is invisible to the human eye, does not blind oncoming drivers.
"Other current night vision systems are 'passive,' because they sense the infrared energy emitted by objects, but may miss cold temperature objects, such as road signs or debris, that do not emit much infrared energy," said Steve Buckley, Manager Electronic Product Innovation at DaimlerChrysler's Liberty & Technical Affairs group. "The advantage of Active Night Vision is that it gives the driver a complete view of the road ahead and any potential dangers."
In the Active Night Vision system, two laser headlights on the front of the vehicle illuminate the road with infrared light, and a video camera records the reflected image. Preset optical filters screen out light from the headlights of oncoming vehicles. The infrared image is projected in black and white onto a heads-up screen located in the driver's field of vision.
The system could significantly reduce dangers of night driving, such as poor visibility and temporary blindness caused by headlights of oncoming vehicles. The system is being tested in several DaimlerChrysler vehicles and will eventually be installed in the corporation's luxury passenger vehicles, buses, trucks, emergency service vehicles and taxis.
Quickies
- Mazda will introduce a limited edition version of the 121 Metro this month complete with extra features such as alloy wheels and power windows. Dubbed the Platinum Edition, it is based on the 1.5-litre Metro and will be offered with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Special features include a remote alarm with central locking, air-conditioning, floor mats and a rear roof-mounted spoiler. The car also has power mirrors, driver's airbag, adjustable head restraints front and back, power steering and a height-adjustable driver's seat. It will be available in striking platinum silver, an exclusive colour for this model, and passion red. The Platinum Edition includes $1900 of additional equipment but will retail for just $600 more than a standard 1.5-litre 121 Shades. The Platinum Edition Metro will be priced from $19,370 and only 400 will be offered.
- Honda Australia has special deals on its Accord range and CR-V in June. Honda offers the Accord range with bonus VTEC golf clubs - valued at $2,500 - and a drive-away deal that includes free registration, third party insurance and no delivery fees until June 30, a total saving of around $4,500. Featuring standard full leather interior, alloy wheels, ABS brakes, dual SRS airbags, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and cruise control, Honda Accord prices begin at $38,900 for the VTi-L manual. Also in June, the Honda CR-V Classic and CR-V Classic Sport are available with $2,500 worth of extras at no added cost.The value-for-money deal adds an in-dash CD player, alloy wheels, roof rack, hard spare wheel cover with stainless steel lockable ring and Classic decal to an already long list of standard equipment, including dual SRS airbags, air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, double wishbone suspension and remote central locking. CR-V Classic prices begin at $31,990 for the 5-speed manual.
- Saab Automobile Australia is joining in Sweden's Midsommar festivities from half a world away with celebration offers and extended test drives on selected luxury Saab models during June and July. As Swedes rejoice in the Midsommar summer solstice - the longest day of sunshine in the year - Saab in Australia is sharing in the celebrations with 24-Hour test drives and Zero % Finance for 12 months on a range of its luxurious Saab 9-5 Sedans and Estates throughout June and July.
- Honda Australia Director Sales and Marketing Tony Devers, and General Manager Sales and Marketing Damien Meredith, have both resigned their positions at Honda Australia.
- The new Jaguar X-TYPE will be available in Australia from October in both 2.5 and 3.0 litre V6 engine variants. The X-TYPE recently went on sale in the United Kingdom with more than 4,000 cars ordered before the on-sale date. The X-TYPE range in Australia will include the 2.5 Sport, 2.5 SE, 3.0 Sport and 3.0 SE.
- Holden has increased the appeal of its popular four-cylinder Astra with the introduction of a stylish three door hatch. At $18,990, the Astra City three door manual is the lowest-priced model in the range.
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