Abstract
New powertrain products need to comply with more stringent legislative, environmental and societal requirements while the expectations of the customer concerning vehicle performance and quality are rising. Although this task is global the regional markets differ significantly. The size of the vehicle, and therefore, the required power level of the propulsion system as well as the typical driving pattern vary from region to region.
The state-of-the-art gasoline engine delivers very good exhaust emissions. Future developments need to focus on the further reduction of the fuel consumption. The situation for the diesel engine is exactly the opposite: the fuel consumption is at a very good level and the exhaust emissions need to be further reduced.
In the transmission area there are improvements under development for automatic and manual transmissions. The losses in the transmission will be further reduced to contribute to more efficient vehicles.
One further step in improving the efficiency of the overall powertrain can be achieved with hybridization. Dependent on the drive cycle the additional electric path can recuperate energy or allow a downsized engine.
A portfolio of technologies is needed to meet the different market requirements in the best way. The task for the manufacturer is to create this portfolio in a way that a maximum level of synergies can be leveraged during the development of the technologies. The technologies should also be useable in a modular way giving the manufacturer the possibility to adapt the same base product to the special requirements.
General Motors has developed an integrated strategy for future powertrain technologies.
This paper will highlight and describe the technical concepts and the benefits of GM´s future conventional propulsion systems.
Keywords:powertrain technologies, global requirements, gasoline, diesel, transmission, hybrid