Posts Tagged ‘Engine Technology’

Understanding Your Car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU)

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010



These days, you will find new cars with the latest incorporated engine technology. The engine of a car has undergone a massive change, right from the age old carburetor to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). In the 19th century, when the first single-cylinder petrol engine driver car came into force, it was the “Carburetor” that came into existence. Later on, multi cylinder engines were considered as a new thing. Finally, in the early 80’s we got a new car system, consisting of controlled – feeding of fuel, air and ignition spark to the ICE cylinders. It was the fuel-injection system that was born, which replaced the century old carburetors. In a multi point fuel injection system, it injects fuel into individual cylinders. The injection of the fuel takes place on the basis of the commands from the “on board engine management system” computer. This computer is known as the engine control unit or the ECU.

The main process based job of an engine control unit (ECU) is to control the various features of an internal combustion engine’s operation. Earlier, the ECU that was fitted in most of the cars and had their engine parameters fixed. Also, the carburetor would determine the required quantity of fuel per cylinder/per engine cycle. In other words, the simple version of the ECU’S would control only the quantity of fuel injected into each cylinder, at each engine cycle. The advanced types of engine control unit (ECU), which are fitted on most modern cars, are capable of controlling the ignition timing, variable value timing (VVT) and other peripherals.

The ECU’S (Engine control unit) monitors the engine by using sensors so that it can gather information about the cars quantity of fuel, ignition timing and other such parameters. The ECU works according to the input data that it gets from the various sensors that are located within the engine. The various types of sensors that are fitted all over the engine are MAP sensor, throttle position sensor, air temperature sensor, oxygen sensor and many more. The sensors incorporated within the engine, are basically used to determine the various “operating states of the engine and its performance. These sensors monitor’s various aspects such as the ambient air temperature, engine/coolant temperature, exhaust /main fold temp, exhaust O2 content, throttle position, the rpm of the engine, the vehicle road speed and crankshaft position. The ECU (Engine Control Unit) uses the closed -loop control method, where it monitors the output of a system in order to control the inputs to a system. Since, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) gathers data from various different sensors, it knows all about the coolant temperature to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. On the basis of this available data, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) starts performing huge calculations every second. On the bases of the programmed interpretation of all the available input data, the ECU ( Engine Control Unit) will deliver the required commands to the engine’s fuel intake and spark ignition timings system and thus help in bringing out a satisfactory performance of the car’s engine.

By: Brenda Williams

New Hyundai Verna – Setting New Benchmark in Indian Car Market

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Hyundai Verna made its debut in the Indian car market in September 2006. The car was introduced with elegant styling, functional interiors, and time-tested quality. During its launch in 2006, the car had set new benchmarks in the market and had redefined the automotive segment. Today, it is one of the leading mid-sized entry-level sedan in India that holds a market share of 16%.

The Hyundai Verna has all the winning attributes that make it a champion of sedans. Now, after the company witnessed the success of the car, it has launched new variants of the Hyundai Verna. However, there are not much modifications in the car but yet the new Verna reflects a perfect combination of excellent styling, awesome performance, and impressive fuel efficiency. It retains the winning characteristics of the old Verna including the powerful engine technology and other mechanicals.

Explained below is the detailed explanation of all the additions and modifications in the new Verna:

Striking Exterior

The new Verna retains the contemporary European looks that is now accentuated with new and stylish exterior adornments. Some of the significant additions in the car’s exterior are a stylish new radiator grille, electrically adjustable ORVM, rear chrome garnish, and new chrome insert in waistline moulding. It also has a full wheel cover that further enhances the visual appeal of the car.

Inspiring Interior

The interior of the new Verna is capacious with a host of new and inspiring car features. It is highlighted with innovative designs, sophisticated upholstery, and futuristic features. The most significant addition in the interior of the new car is the upgraded audio console that bears a high accuracy 2 DIN Music System with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters. This advanced car audio system offers a thrilling driving experience on all journeys. It is also equipped with a pack of advanced safety feature including the anti-lock brakes to ensure maximum safety.

Powerful Engines

Under the hood, the new Verna retains the powerful engine technologies that made the Verna one of the leading cars in its segment. Like the old Verna, the new Verna is also available in a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.6-litre petrol engine is associated with Variable Timing Valve Train technology that helps the engine to churn out 110 bhp whereas the 1.5-litre CRDi engine in the diesel variants is associated with Variable Geometry Turbocharger that helps deliver power output of 109 bhp. All the variants of the new Verna come with a 5-sped manual transmission along with a refined suspension system that helps the new variants retain the power possessed by the older variants. However, the top-end diesel variant is available with a choice of automatic transmission. With this significant addition, Hyundai introduces the first diesel car with automatic transmission in its segment.

Conclusion

The new Verna with a bunch of new and exciting features in both the exterior as well as interior will definitely set new benchmarks in automotive design segment. In addition, the introduction of automatic transmission will further improve the position of the car on the Indian platform.




By: Carazoo.com

Top 5 Upcoming Super-luxury Cars

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Super-luxury cars are gradually making their way into the Indian car market. Today, many luxury-car manufacturers are pacing ahead to launch their new cars in the Indian car market and strengthen their presence in the country.

Some of the high-end luxury cars that are to spark a new revolution in the car market in near future are as follows:

Porsche Panamera

The Porsche Panamera is a four-door concept car that is streamlined to excellence and perfection for creating a masterpiece. It will be imported to India as a completely built unit with brilliant style, inspiring exteriors, and lucrative interiors. Till date no engine specifications have been revealed but it is expected that the luxury sedan will come with an option of six-speed manual transmission and seven-speed double clutch automatic transmission. It will be powered with V8 engine technology that will provide power output of 300 to 500 bhp. Panamera is speculated to make a debut to India by mid 2009 with a price tag of around Rs 90 Lakh.

Toyota Lexus

The elegant Toyota Lexus is soon to make its debut to the Indian car market with a 4.6-litre V8 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The combined engine technology and transmission delivers an awesome power output of 380 bhp. It is also loaded with a number of advanced car features that includes real time traffic update, advanced air-conditioner, and intelligent park assist. The estimated price of the upcoming Toyota Lexus is Rs 50 Lakh.

Bentley Continental GT Speed

Bentley is synonym to luxury, performance, and style. Till date the company has produced all high-end cars that provides a perfect combination of style and performance. With this brand name, the car manufacturer is now set to roll out Bentley Continental GT on Indian roads. This proposed car is speculated to be powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine that will provide 552 bhp and will be able to reach a top speed of 316 km/h. The estimated price tag of the Continental GT Speed is Rs 2.1 Crore.

Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead

Rolls Royce is all set to introduce the Phantom Drophead in the Indian car market. The car will roll out in two forms: coupe and convertible, falling into the super luxury car segment. Both the forms of the Drophead will possesses the classic Rolls Royce touch and elegance with flowing profile, flawless design, and typical Rolls Royce grille. It will be powered by a 6.75-litre V12 engine that generates 453 bhp and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The body construction boasts of a rust-free steel bonnet and a typical RR grille. The convertible will come with a five-layered soft top and provides an assortment of features for customization. The estimated price tag of the car is Rs 5 Crore.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Mitsubishi has a long history in the Indian car market but its portfolio is restricted to only a few numbers. Now, the company is gearing up to introduce more and better cars for the Indian car buyers. In nearest future the company has high plans to launch the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X in India. It will be a completely new and redesigned Lancer that is expected to set new standards of automotive design. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, also known as Evo 10, will be introduced with a 2.0-litre engine mated to a four wheel drive configuration and will be imported as a completely built unit. After the launch the car will have a tough competition with leading luxury cars in India including the Audi A4, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry. The estimated price of the car inclusive of import duty is Rs 22 Lakh.




By: Carazoo.com