ROUNDIT EMI FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) is a wrap-around sleeving designed for high-performance EMI shielding of wire and cable bundles. ROUNDIT EMI FMJ is manufactured from PPS monofilaments and nickel plated copper.

MagneRide, developed by BWI Group, is the world’s most advanced suspension control system. Using dampers whose response can be changed by electro-magnetically controlling the properties of the damper fluid, the technology allows vehicle engineers to achieve an exceptional combination of ride and handling performance.

BWI is a company whose name may not be familiar, but whose award-winning technologies and people are known by almost every vehicle manufacturer worldwide. On November 1st 2009, BWI Group acquired Delphi’s Chassis Systems business, including its product portfolio and its global network of technical centres, manufacturing facilities and customer support centres.

The problems of additional weight and cost associated with conventional electric hybrid powertrains may be significantly reduced by using simpler mechanical flywheel systems, according to full-toroidal traction drive specialist, Torotrak. Manufacturers striving to reduce CO2 emissions from buses and urban commercial vehicles have carried out numerous trials using electric hybrid powertrains with regenerative braking. Such systems have a significant cost penalty; in some cases doubling the price of the base vehicle. Torotrak advocates a more cost effective approach using flywheel hybrid technology similar to that developed for Formula 1 racing. As well as the economic benefit, these systems have the potential to deliver fuel savings of more than 20 percent over the UK bus test cycle and to package around the existing powertrain without drastic redesign of the base vehicle.

Few sports cars are developed specifically for Britain’s roads. Those that have been tend to become true ‘driver’s cars’ that are highly regarded by knowledgeable motoring enthusiasts. To address this opportunity, Alfa Romeo UK asked Prodrive to develop an upgrade package that would make the Brera less of a long-distance tourer, and more of an Italian sportscar that delights enthusiastic British drivers on their challenging home roads.

Matt Taylor, head of vehicle dynamics at Prodrive, summarises the differences between British and continental European roads.

UK roads are notorious for presenting an exciting challenge for vehicle dynamicists. Recognising this, an increasing number of continental manufacturers include UK road evaluations in their development programmes.

What we do

• Major performance derivative programmes
• Performance enhancement programmes
• Vehicle personalisation & accessory development (branded/unbranded)
• Turnkey solutions from concept to delivery

Prodrive enhancements can include upgrades to powertrain, chassis (including wheels and tyres), interior and exterior trim and styling, and can also include features for market-specific cultural and homologation requirements. Customers for Prodrive’s specialist vehicle services are typically importers and vehicle manufacturers.

A new performance upgrade developed to world-class standards delivers V8-style driveability and 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds for Diesel Cayenne

eXpedio is a sophisticated plug-in module that provides all the benefits of an aftermarket remap but without altering the settings within the original ECU. The car itself is unchanged and can be returned to 100% standard by simply removing the eXpedio unit.

New materials and processes developed for automotive applications

The potential of carbon composites to deliver considerable weight saving has been recognised for many years but, apart from some specialist applications on low-volume vehicles, high material and production costs has meant that their promising properties have remained largely unexploited. This could soon change, though, according to Ben Scott-Geddes, engineering director (vehicle products) at Caparo, a global materials specialist with a rapidly growing automotive business. Scott-Geddes and his UK-based team are working on new compositions and manufacturing processes that he claims will reduce cycle times, one of the critical factors in the high cost of carbon composites, to a fraction of the best currently achieved.

DVD 2008 at Millbrook, June 25th and 26th

DVD 2008 is to be bigger and better, making it one of the most important events in the defence equipment calendar. It provides a unique opportunity for the defence community to meet, discuss, learn about and experience the equipment and support that is critical to the success of the UK’s Armed Forces.