A New Concept V8 Engine Utilizing Air-Assisted Direct Injection System Developed by Orbital and Delphi Has Been Unveiled by General Motors Powertrain

DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE LOGO
Delphi Automotive Systems Wordmark. (PRNewsFoto)[AG]
TROY, MI USA 10/19/2000
    FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 12 Orbital Engine Corporation
and Delphi Automotive Systems announced today that
General Motors has unveiled an innovative V8 engine incorporating Orbital and
Delphi technology.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001019/DELPHIAS )
    The global V8 concept engine, the XV8, debuted at the prestigious
Frankfurt Motor Show this week.  The XV8 provides a showcase for several
advanced technologies, including an air-assisted direct injection gasoline
system developed by Orbital and Delphi.
    The air-assisted direct injection system is integrated into a unique
three-valve cylinder head design with dual cams in the block, enabling optimal
positioning of the injector and spark plug in the center of the combustion
chamber.
    More details of the advanced features and technology integrated into this
engine are discussed in GM's press release from the Frankfurt Motor Show.  Guy
C. Hachey, President of Delphi's Energy & Chassis Systems division, said the
XV8 reflected the cooperative efforts of all companies involved.
    "The direct injection engine management system utilized in the XV8 was
jointly developed by Orbital and Delphi.  The XV8 confirms two significant
trends in the automotive industry.  First, the major auto companies are
seeking global solutions and second they are seeking suppliers who can
integrate innovative technologies like direct injection, cam phasing and
displacement on demand.  This joint project demonstrates that the synergies of
Orbital and Delphi have strengthened Delphi's position as a global supplier
with innovative solutions for more fuel efficient vehicles," said Mr. Hachey.
    Orbital CEO Kim Schlunke welcomed GM's decision to incorporate Orbital
technology in the XV8 engine.
    "This is the first tangible result of the joint development work that has
been undertaken by Orbital and Delphi since we signed a Memorandum of
Understanding last October.  The two companies have been working closely to
exploit a number of market opportunities for direct injection systems, and we
strengthened our relationship by finalizing a technical transfer and license
agreement last month," said Mr. Schlunke
    "At Orbital, we have made a significant investment refining our technology
so that it can meet the needs of markets worldwide.  And Delphi, as a tier 1
supplier, has the capability to support a global product launch."
    Orbital and Delphi are excited by the potential opportunities created by
this successful cooperation at GM.  Further developments are expected as the
marketing and engineering teams of the two companies accelerate the technology
transfer and identify new opportunities for global automotive markets.

    GM has been an Orbital licensee since 1989.

    Orbital is a leading international developer of engine technologies using
direct in-cylinder fuel injection and lean-burn systems for enhanced fuel
economy and lower emissions.  The company serves the worldwide automotive,
marine, recreational and motorcycle markets.  Headquartered in Perth, Western
Australia, Orbital stock is traded on the Australian Stock Exchange (OEC), the
New York Stock Exchange (OE) as well as the Berlin (ORE) and Frankfurt (OREA)
Exchanges.
    For more information about Delphi Automotive Systems, visit Delphi's
Virtual Press Room at http://www.delphiauto.com/vpr

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