FEV Unveils Low-height Cylinder Head at 2008 SAE World Congress

New design complements new generation of downsized vehicles

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 10 -- FEV announced today it has developed a new low-height cylinder head concept that allows a reduction in the height of a classical design cylinder head by up to 15mm. The new technology will be on display at the FEV, Inc. exhibit at the 2008 SAE World Congress, April 14 - 17, at Cobo Center in Detroit. The announcement was made by Dr. Joachim Wolschendorf, Vice President, Vehicle and Drivetrain Engineering Division and CTO, of FEV, Inc.

"This technology is an example of FEV's ability to look at innovative ways to leverage conventional technologies to overcome practical production barriers," said Wolschendorf. "Over the years, the variation in distance from valve seat to camshaft centerline has been minimal. This new concept offers distinct design advantages, particularly as OEMs focus increasingly on downsizing vehicles and going to higher specific power."

The low-height cylinder head concept represents a 15 mm reduction in head height. This reduction enables several engine modifications, such as shorter valves, and a narrower cylinder V-angle that provide significant additional packaging space in the engine compartment. Benefits also include stiffer cylinder head structure and reduced valve stem forces, providing a more robust and durable powertrain system. Other benefits include reduced cylinder head bending, reduced valve stem diameter, in addition to its shorter valve length.

The cylinder head was developed in Europe by FEV Motorentechnik, where smaller, higher specific power vehicles have dominated the market for some time. The technology is well suited for implementation in these types of engines/vehicles. FEV has also implemented this technology in diesel cylinder heads for high performance, where this technique contributes to the achievement of engines with a power density greater than 100 kW/L [135 HP/L].

About FEV

FEV is an internationally recognized powertrain and vehicle engineering company that supplies the global transportation industry. FEV offers a complete range of engineering services, providing support across the globe to customers in the design, analysis, prototyping, powertrain and transmission development, as well as vehicle integration, calibration and homologation for advanced internal combustion gasoline-, diesel-, and alternative-fueled powertrains. FEV also designs, develops and prototypes advanced vehicle / powertrain electronic control systems and hybrid-electric engine concepts that address future emission and fuel economy standards. The FEV's Test Systems division is a global supplier of advanced test cell, instrumentation and test equipment. The FEV Group employs a staff of over 1,700 highly skilled specialists at advanced technical centers on three continents. FEV, Inc. employs approximately 300 personnel at FEV's North American Technical Center in Auburn Hills, MI.