Industry News for Automotive Technology: October 8-14
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Every week we bring together the latest industry news and exciting content not to be missed. Here is the digest for the period from 8 to 15 October.
Hubb introduces reusable oil filter
Reusable air filters have been around for years, so why not use reusable oil filters? Even though a new oil filter typically costs less than $5, HUBB felt it was a question worth answering. That's why they have developed a new reusable oil filter that is available for almost all vehicles that use a spin-on filter. The reusable HUBB filter is cleanable and comes with a 100,000 mile warranty.
Thinking about a reusable filter for your car? Read more about it in Motor Magazine.
Chevy Cruze Diesel can reach 50 mpg
GM hasn't always been known for making great diesel cars - does anyone remember the 350 diesel? But General is making up for past wrongdoings with the release of the new Chevy Cruze diesel hatchback. The Cruze hatchback may not sound impressive, but this thing will impress auto geeks and EPA executives alike.
There's a new optional 1.6-litre turbodiesel paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. GM predicts this combination will be good for a Prius breaking 50 mpg. If the Cruze manages this, it will take the title of the most economical non-hybrid car.
Thinking about putting a diesel Chevy Cruze in your garage? You can read more about this great little rig at Automotive News.
Mazda introduces G-Vectoring Control
Move over, Mario Andretti - now ordinary drivers can take turns like professionals. Well, maybe not exactly, but Mazda's new activation of G-Vectoring Control really does help. The system is integrated into the powertrain control module and monitors driver input on the steering wheel and then uses this information to slightly reduce engine torque at each drive wheel and improve cornering.
Of course, Mazda says that the purpose of this system is not to improve the car's performance on the race track, but to refine and enhance the everyday driving experience. They can say what they want, we'll take it to the track.
Learn all about activating G-Vectoring control by visiting SAE.
Volvo and Uber team up to develop self-driving cars
Having an autonomous chauffeur by your side is a scary concept. Uber is hoping to allay those fears by hiring the safest automaker in the industry: Volvo. The two companies have teamed up to develop Level XNUMX autonomous vehicles; that is, those without a steering wheel or human-activated controls.
The test car will be built on the Volvo Scalable Product Architecture platform, which is the same platform as the XC90. So in the not-too-distant future, you might be driving home from the pub in a self-driving Uber Volvo.
If you want to learn more about Volvo and Uber's drive to develop autonomous vehicles, visit SAE.
