2008 SHOW REVIEW

Many companies chose Vehicle Dynamics Expo 2008 as the ideal place to launch their new technologies.

Alcon unveiled a new mechanically actuated handbrake caliper that has been designed in response to the question, ‘How can you park a vehicle fitted with OPCs on the rear axle?’. At present, there are very few options for customers requiring the benefit of OPCs on road-legal performance cars.

VI-Grade exhibited a new version of its VI-CarRealTime tool for chassis controls development. An extension to ADAMS Car that makes the vehicle model available in a real-time domain for controller strategies to be tested, the technology was also the subject of a presentation by Matteo Lanzavecchia of Ferrari in the Vehicle Dynamics Expo free-to-attend Open Technology Forum.

Also debuting at the Expo was ArvinMeritor’s model-based chassis controls architecture and electrically driven power pack for active roll-control applications. Ed Frutig, vice-president of chassis systems for light vehicles at the Tier 1 supplier, commented: “Our common architecture offers a flexible and scalable design approach.”

Elsewhere, Robert Bosch showed the MM5.8 yaw rate sensor currently under development, ahead of its planned market introduction in 2010. Half the size of the previous model but with the same accuracy and response time, its reduced dimensions allow a smaller connector to be used.

Brake specialist Alcon’s niche OEM business continues to expand, so the UK firm is investing in a new production cell and extended R&D facilities, to be ready by the end of Q2 2008. The company’s latest OE caliper, an Audi RS6 unit developed from an existing product for the Bentley Continental GT, was on display at the expo.

Altair was keen to introduce its new 9.0 release of HyperWorks, the key to which is a fresh licensing concept based on license units purchased. Different software components carry different unit ratings. If, for example, a customer purchases 50 units, he will be able to simultaneously use any software components carrying a rating of 50 units or less, the only possible limitation being the capability of the customer’s hardware.

Meanwhile Continental AG showed its latest-generation closed-loop air suspension system, the cost of which has been reduced by 25% compared to its predecessor. Now in production on the Hyundai Genesis, the technology will also become available on the Porsche Panamera in 2009. Commented Andreas Rohde, Conti’s director of suspension systems: “Vehicle Dynamics Expo is a good opportunity for us to catch up with customers away from official meetings. The Stuttgart location is very good as it’s close to two of our big customers.”

Another highlight of the show was Lotus Engineering’s dynamics workshop. A packed audience followed the early development of a fictional vehicle, with experts from Lotus emphasizing the dynamics implications of engineering decisions.

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Other exhibitors and visitors were also happy with their time at the show:

“We’ve had some good, engineering-based questions from both OEMs and supplier companies.”
Thomas Führer, senior manager, Innovation Products, Robert Bosch

“It’s my first visit here and it’s very good. Having the Automotive Testing show next door is also very useful.”
Andrew Unsworth, senior engineer vehicle dynamics, Bentley Motors

“The Lotus Engineering workshop was a fun way of seeing how the software tools work.”
Andy Kitson, vice-director chassis, SAIC Motor UK

 “I’m thrilled with the new exhibition facilities. It’s wonderfully convenient being located next to Stuttgart Airport.”
Eduardo Aguiar, sales and marketing director Eduardo Aguiar, Globe Motors.

“The free-to-attend Open Technology Forum has been particularly popular – it’s standing room only at many of the sessions. Indeed, we’ve had to request additional seating!”
Tony Robinson, CEO of UKIP Media & Events, the company that organizes Vehicle Dynamics Expo