2009 Automotive Engineering Exposition: exhibits by Japanese AutomakersNew Prius by Toyota, Insight by Honda, and advanced safety systemsJun. 29, 2009 No.788
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Toyota exhibits the new Prius, Honda exhibits the Insight
Mitsubishi Motors and Fuji Heavy Industries exhibit EVs ready for market launch in late July
Nissan exhibits X-Trail diesel-fueled car while Mitsubishi Motors exhibits the newly-developed...
iQ cut model by Toyota, the new Axela by Mazda, and the new Legacy by Fuji
i-stop by Mazda, alternator regenerative energy system and other fuel saving technologies by...
Toyota has new safety feature for iQ; Nissan introduces newly-developed collision prevention...
Isuzu and Hino introduce telematics service
Executive Summary
The following is an overview of exhibits by Japanese automakers at the 2009 Automotive Engineering Exposition held in Tokyo by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan on May 20-22, 2009 (including automakers' exhibits under the themes of the Society's choice).
The exhibits centered on environmental technologies as represented by Toyota's new Prius and Honda's Insight among others. Mitsubishi and Fuji Heavy Industries exhibited its EV, i-MiEV, and the Subaru Plug-in Stella EV, respectively. Their EVs are slated for market launch in late July.
Diesel engines for passenger cars included Nissan's X-Trail DE model and Mitsubishi's 3200cc DE used on the Pajero and the newly developed 1800cc DE.
New gasoline-fueled car exhibits included Mazda's new Axela and Fuji Heavy Industries' new Legacy. Fuel saving technologies for gasoline engines included Nissan's fuel saving system used in its 1500cc-class compact cars and Mazda's i-stop system on the new Axela/Mazda3 being launched in Japan and Europe.
Mazda and Fuji Heavy Industries exhibited their safety enhancing technologies on the new Axela and the new Legacy, respectively, while Nissan had panels describing its Side Collision Prevention and Back-up Collision Prevention systems.
Toyota exhibits the new Prius, Honda exhibits the Insight
The hybrid cars that were exhibited included Toyota's new Prius (third generation model, launched on May 18) and Honda's Insight (launched on February 6). Toyota also exhibited the Toyota Plug-in Hybrid that is currently going through road tests.
Engine and hybrid system on Toyota's new Prius
Engine and hybrid system on Honda's Insight
New hybrid cars (exhibits at the 2009 Automotive Engineering Exposition)
| Toyota | New Prius | Powered by the new, highly fuel efficient 1800cc gasoline engine and over 90% of the hybrid system newly developed including the downsizing and lightweight design of the main units. The 10-15 mode mileage of 38.0km/L with the driving performance of the 2400cc counterparts. |
| The main units of the hybrid system are the motor (max. output increased from 50kW to 60kW), the newly-added reduction gear (amplifies the motor torque to generate a large driving force), generator (coil shape has been modified for downsizing and weight reduction), high output battery (increased output and more compact design than earlier model), and the PCU (system voltage and cooling system have been modified for substantial downsizing and weight reduction). | ||
| The energy-saving LED headlamps (low beams) are standard on certain grades. The "eco-drive" monitor is standard on all grades. | ||
| The solar ventilation system uses solar energy from the rooftop solar panel to ventilate air in the sun-heated car. This system is available in combination with another available system, the remote air-conditioning system, that uses electricity from the on-board nickel metal hydride battery pack to start the air conditioner and cool air in the sun-heated car before the driver enters the car (the air conditioner runs for about 3 minutes in remote mode). | ||
| Toyota Plug-in Hybrid (Experimental vehicle) |
The plug-in hybrid test car, built on the old Prius body, has nickel metal hydride battery pack, twice the size of the pack used in the old Prius. The car runs 13km in 10-15 test mode in EV mode alone (Toyota estimates approx. 20km is needed based on the results of its users' expectation survey). | |
| Toyota plans to introduce the new Prius-based plug-in hybrid, fitted with lithium-ion battery, for fleet users in Japan, US and Europe by the end of 2009. | ||
| Honda | Insight | The Insight is powered by a 1300cc engine and a single motor to generate electricity and drive the car (Toyota Prius uses two motors, one for power generation and the other for driving). Only a compact and lightweight system is needed as the motor is only used to assist the engine when a large power is needed for starting or acceleration. The car thus has a compact body and a spacious compartment and delivers agility with the 10-15 mode fuel efficiency of 30.0km/h. |
| How the "eco-assist" system, standard on all models, works: (1) When the ECON switch is pressed, the system is put in energy-saving control for automated eco-drive assist, (2) the ECO guide in the multi-information display tells the "current eco-drive level" to the driver, and (3) when the car reaches the destination, the system displays the "eco-drive level" of the day along with a cumulative report of the driver's eco-drive skill improvement. |
| (Note) | Prius' 10-15 mode mileage increased from 28.0km/L (first generation introduced in 1997) to 35.5km/L (second generation introduced in 2003) to 38.0km/L (the new model introduced in 2009). According to Toyota, the steady improvement of the third generation Prius' mileage is the result of a number of technological progresses such as the lower rpm during high speed driving of the newly-developed 1800cc engine, reduction of electric energy loss after the evolution of the hybrid system, reduction of electric power consumption after the use of LED-mounted headlamps, and reduction of air drag resulting from aerodynamic design improvement. |
Mitsubishi Motors and Fuji Heavy Industries exhibit EVs ready for market launch in late July
Mitsubishi Motors and Fuji Heavy Industries exhibited the i-MiEV and "Subaru Plug-in Stella" EV, respectively, being introduced in the market in late July.
Mazda exhibited the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, currently available for leasing since March 2009, while Nissan exhibited the EV-2 (EV experimental vehicle) and Suzuki exhibited the SX4-FCV (fuel-cell experimental vehicle).
EVs, FCVs and hydrogen-fueled vehicles (exhibits at the 2009 Automotive Engineering Exposition)
| Mitsubishi Motors |
i-MiEV | Announced in June 2009 and to be introduced in the market in late July. Approx. 1400 units will be available in FY2009 for lease sales mainly to fleet users (companies, central and local government offices) before the EV is released for marketing to private customers in April 2010 (the nameplate was changed from i MiEV to i-MiEV prior to market launch). |
| Powered by lithium-ion battery supplied by Lithium Energy Japan. Cruising range of 160km per charge (10-15 mode). Has LED-mounted headlamps of low power consumption. | ||
| Driving mode is selectable with the selector lever from (1) the D position for ordinary driving, (2) Eco position for more environmentally conscious driving, and (3) the B position for D position driving plus the intervention of regenerative braking. | ||
| Full charge takes approx. 14 hours via 100V home outlet or 7 hours via 200V source (normal charge). Charge to 80% of full battery capacity in 30 minutes via the available quick charging system. The charging gun and connector used for normal charge are co-developed by Toyota and Yazaki. | ||
| Fuji Heavy Industries |
Subaru Plug-in Stella EV |
Announced in June 2009 for delivery starting in late July. Powered by lithium-ion battery and has cruising range of 90km per charge in 10-15 mode (internal test result) and maximum speed of 100km/h. About 170 units planned for sales in FY2009. |
| Full charge takes approx. 8 hours via 100V home outlet or 5 hours via 200V source (normal charge). Charge to 80% of full battery capacity in 15 minutes via the available quick charging system. | ||
| Mazda | Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid |
Available for lease sales in Japan since March 2009. Powered by dual-fuel (hydrogen and gasoline) and HEV systems as well as lithium-ion battery. Has cruising range of 200km by hydrogen fuel (twice the range of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE). |
| The hybrid system is of the serial type that uses hydrogen and gasoline for electric power generation exclusively and the car runs on the motor alone. According to Mazda, the car is also used as an experimental car for accumulating know-how data of EV driving technology. | ||
| Nissan | EV-02 | An EV experimental car powered by lithium-ion battery with the targeted maximum speed of 140km/h or higher and cruising range of 160km or longer after full charge. Slated for market launch in Japan and US in FY2010 and in Europe and Israel in 2011. |
| Suzuki | SX4-FCV | Fuel-cell vehicle co-developed with GM and currently under tests on public roads. Equipped with GM-made fuel cell, 70MPa pressurized hydrogen container developed by Suzuki, and lightweight and compact capacitor used for braking energy regeneration and driving assist during acceleration. Has the maximum speed of 150km/h and cruising range of 250km (10-15 mode). |
Nissan exhibits X-Trail diesel-fueled car while Mitsubishi Motors exhibits the newly-developed diesel-fueled engine
The Automotive Engineering Exposition held in 2008 saw diesel engines for passenger cars that were presented by several automakers. This year, however, only two automakers entered this category. Nissan exhibited the X-Trail diesel-fueled car and Mitsubishi Motors exhibited the 3200cc diesel engine used on the Pajero and the cut model of the newly-developed 1800cc diesel engine.
Mitsubishi Motors' 1800cc clean diesel engine
3200cc diesel engine used on Mitsubishi Motors' Pajero
Diesel engines and associated cars (exhibits at the 2009 Automotive Engineering Exhibition)
| Nissan | Clean Diesel X-Trail |
Clean diesel-fueled car released for marketing in September 2008 meeting Japan's post new long-term regulations on emissions. The M9R 2000cc diesel engine, co-developed with Renault, features 160MPa common rail system, piezoelectric injection and lean NOx trap catalyst and produces high torque, that normally belongs to the V6 3500cc gasoline engine, at low range according to the company. The car has 10-15 mode mileage of 15.2km/L. |
| Mitsubishi Motors |
3200cc Diesel Engine |
The 3200cc diesel engine, used on the Pajero for the first time in four years, was introduced in October 2008. Added equipment includes the 180MPa common rail, VG turbocharger, and NOx trap catalyst that make it compatible with the current new long-term regulations. Mitsubishi plans to have new engines by September 2010 when the post new long-term regulations will apply to continued production vehicles. |
| 1800cc Clean Diesel Engine |
The new-generation 1800cc diesel engine, co-developed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a 200MPa common rail system and solenoid-type injection. Slated for market launch in Europe before the end of 2009. | |
| The variable valve timing system in the air intake valves was adopted for two reasons: (1) the compression ratio has been set to 14.8, rather low for diesel engines, to minimize fuel consumption, resulting in the need for early closure for smooth starting, and (2) one of the two intake valves per cylinder must be closed during low speeds in order to increase the swirl effect. | ||
| Mitsubishi is also developing 2200cc diesel engine that uses piezoelectric injection. |
iQ cut model by Toyota, the new Axela by Mazda, and the new Legacy by Fuji
In the new, gasoline-fueled passenger car category, Toyota exhibited a cut body of the iQ (released in November 2008) to introduce the six methods used to achieve ultra-efficient package with overall length of 2985mm. Mazda exhibited the new Axela and Fuji Heavy exhibited the new Legacy.
New models powered by gasoline engines (exhibits at the 2009 Automotive Engineering Exposition)
| Toyota | Six methods used to achieve ultra-efficient package of iQ |
Toyota exhibited the six methods used to achieve ultra-efficient package with the overall length of 2985mm (four-seater): (1) The front overhang was reduced by changing the transmission structure so that the tire position moved forward relative to the engine; (2) the steering gearbox position was raised to make the engine compartment more compact in shape. |
| (3) The rear overhang was reduced by the use of a flat fuel tank to fit under the floor; (4) thin seatback was used; (5) substantial downsizing of air-conditioner; and (6) the instrument panel on the front passenger's side was moved farther toward the front than the driver's seat to create a larger space. | ||
| Mazda | New Axela (Second generation) |
European sedan version of the new Axela released in Japan in June 2009 (equipped with i-stop; to be sold in Europe under the nameplate of Mazda3). Available in sedan and station wagon (called sports) body types. The overall length was increased by 100mm (sedan) and 90mm (wagon) than the previous models. |
| Powertrain combinations include 1500cc engine and CVT; 2000cc natural aspiration, direct injection engine and 5-speed AT (on 2WD models; i-stop is a standard feature); 2000cc port injection engine and 4-speed AT (on 4WD models); and 2300cc turbocharged direct injection engine and 6-speed MT (used on MAZDASPEED Axela). | ||
| Fuji Heavy Industries |
New Legacy (Fifth generation) |
The new touring wagon after full remodeling in May 2009. The B4 (sedan) and Outback (SUV) were also fully remodeled then. |
| The interior was increased in length, width and height. The 2500cc engine and the 6-cylinder 3600cc engines (available on Outback) are available (Mainly 2000cc engine was used with the previous models). | ||
| The engine setup has been changed from the body mount type to the cradle frame type (new engine cradle system). Fuji Heavy claims the new system effectively absorbs the vibrations from the road surface and the engine and contributes to improved steering stability, agility and comfort, and quieter interior sensation. |
i-stop by Mazda, alternator regenerative energy system and other fuel saving technologies by Nissan
Gasoline fuel saving technologies exhibited at the Exposition included the i-stop, Mazda's original idle stop system used in the new Axela released for marketing in June 2009.
Nissan had panels showing fuel saving technologies, newly used on the Cube and other cars powered by 1500cc engine and CVT, to benefit from tax breaks that started in April. These technologies included an extended neutral idle control time and an increased amount of regenerative charge during deceleration.
Fuji Heavy Industries introduced the CVT that was adopted for the first time on the new Legacy.
Mazda's 2000cc direct-injection gasoline engine with integrated i-stop (used on the new Axela)
Fuel saving technologies for gasoline engines (exhibits at the 2009 Automotive Engineering Exposition)
| Mazda | i-stop: idle stop based on direct injection technology |
Mazda exhibited the 2000cc direct-injection (natural aspiration) LF-VDS gasoline engine with a new built-in idle stop, i-stop, that utilizes direct- injection technology. The 10-15 mode mileage of the new Axela, equipped with this engine and 5-speed AT, is 16.4km/L, representing approx. 15% increase from the previous model (eco-drive assist functions are also available on cars with i-stop). |
| The i-stop has precise control over the amount of air per cylinder while the engine is inactive and brings the piston to the optimal position for restarting. The engine restarts in 0.35 seconds (assisted by the starter) as fuel is injected and burned in the piston stop position. | ||
| In the conventional system that entirely relies on the starter motor for starting, the engine speed is raised by the starter before ignition takes place. The i-stop does not require this type of initial revolution and thus reduces the starting time. | ||
| CVT | The 1500cc engine on the new Axela is combined with the CVT. When the car stops at traffic signal with shift lever in D range, a special CVT system automatically moves the gear to the near-neutral position to lower the engine revolution thereby increasing the car's mileage. | |
| Nissan | Extended neutral idle control time |
When the car stops with shift lever in D range, neutral idle control automatically releases the forward clutch which essentially creates neutral state and reduces fuel consumption. A special program is used to achieve 60% reduction of the time from stopping in D range to the release of the forward clutch, thereby improving mileage. |
| A larger amount of regenerative charge during deceleration |
When the car is decelerating, the alternator regenerates energy to charge the battery to reduce the engine load. A newly-developed battery of larger charge and discharge capacities is used while allowing energy regeneration in low ranges as well to minimize fuel consumption. | |
| New technologies addressing eco-driving |
(1) "Smooth start assist" results from the engine and CVT control modification and assists the driver with a skillful accelerator operation of an experienced, fuel-conscious driver. (2) When the "smart rev control" detects a floppy accelerator movement during a moderate acceleration, it steadies the engine revolution to suppress the fuel consumption. | |
| In addition to the above, the Tiida and Tiida Latio with the HR15 engine + CVT Navi contain more advanced systems: (3) The "CARWINGS ECO drive support system" (navi-coordinated shift control) uses the navigation information to control the engine braking before the car enters a curve, etc, to cut the fuel supply more frequently so as to minimize fuel consumption. The switch may be set to ECO mode in which the "smooth start assist" is combined with further eco-driving technique. | ||
| Fuji Heavy Industries |
CVT for Legacy | The newly-developed "Lineartronic" chain type CVT is available on cars powered by the 2500cc SOHC engine. The new system has a ratio coverage of 6.3, one of the highest among CVTs, to keep the engine revolution low during cruising while leaving enough driving force for starting (low speed), thereby increasing both fuel efficiency and quietness. |
| (Note) | The above improvement was made with 2WD models of Nissan's 1500cc-class compact cars, five in total, including the Cube, Note, Tiida, Tiida Latio, and Wingroad, all powered by the HR15DE engine + CVT. The 10-15 mode mileage was increased from 19.4km/L to 20.0km/L and these cars were released for marketing in April ~ May 2009 as "environmentally compatible cars to benefit from Japan's preferential tax scheme." |
Toyota has new safety feature for iQ; Nissan introduces newly-developed collision prevention systems
In automotive safety category, Toyota introduced safety feature for the iQ. Nissan had panels showing Side Collision Prevention and Back-up Collision Prevention. Mazda and Fuji Heavy introduced their safety technologies for the new Axela and the new Legacy, respectively.
Safety technologies (exhibits at the 2009 Automotive Engineering Exposition)
| Toyota iQ |
S-VSC | The S-VSC, a standard preventive safety feature on all iQ cars, is the combination of VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and the motor-driven power steering. The two work in coordination to deliver high level of maneuverability and driving stability in various conditions including turning on a slippery road surface. |
| 9 Airbags System |
A 9-airbag system is a standard collision safety feature on all cars. The system includes a knee airbag, a front passenger's seat cushion airbag, and the world-first rear window curtain shield airbag. | |
| The front passenger's seat cushion airbag is located on the seat. At the time of frontal impact, it inflates to minimize the passenger's forward movement and, combined with the seatbelt's restrictive motion, the airbag increases the protective effect as a whole. | ||
| At the time of rear collision, the rear window curtain shield airbag inflates upward from behind the rear passenger's head to reduce damage to the head as it hits the rear window. | ||
| Daihatsu Tanto |
Doors with built-in pillars |
A cut model stressing safety provided by the "miracle open door" used on the Tanto that reached the market in December 2007. The door combines a center pillar-less construction and a sliding door. Pillars, made of high tensile steel pipe having approx. 5-fold stronger strength than the ordinary steel, are built into the front door's rear edge and the rear sliding door's front edge and integrated with the car's body. The door plays the role of the pillar and thus provides the same strength and rigidity as the pillar-constructed driver's door. |
| Nissan | All-around "Collision free" system |
The all-around "collision free" system by Nissan is intended to eliminate collisions of all kind. The world-first (according to Nissan) side collision prevention and back-up collision prevention systems are combined with the existing distance control assist and lane departure prevention systems to achieve the overall purpose. |
| Side Collision Prevention |
The system uses side sensors located at both rear sides of the vehicle to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the driver starts a lane change maneuver while another car is running in an adjacent lane, the systems alerts the driver by visual display and sound and, at the same time, controls the four wheels' brakes separately to generate yaw moment (the vehicle's turning force). This assists the driver to prevent the vehicle from moving toward the other vehicle. | |
| Back-up Collision Prevention |
The system uses rear sensors (located at the rear of the vehicle) and side sensors to detect obstacles around the vehicle. If an obstacle is detected when backing up from parking, etc, it alerts the driver and controls the brakes to assist the driver and prevent the car from moving toward the obstacle. | |
| Mazda New Axela |
Rear vehicle monitoring system |
When running at 60km/h or faster, the system uses a radar module to detect another vehicle approaching from behind and activates the LED located on the front A pillar to alert the driver. If the driver activates the turn signal lever in this condition, the system urges the driver to stop the lane change maneuver by flashing LED and a sound. |
| Emergency Stop Signal |
When emergency brakes are applied during high-speed driving, the system automatically activates the hazard lamp to warn the other driver to prevent rear collision. | |
| Ultra-wide angle camera |
A 180-degree fish-eye lens is used to give a wider view for the driver than older systems with a full 180-degree view behind the car for parking, etc (available in Japan). | |
| Adaptive Front Lighting System |
The system automatically detects the vehicle speed and steering angle and provides a wider vision for cornering by moving the optical axis of the low beams to either direction as needed. | |
| Fuji Heavy Industries New Legacy (All AWD Vehicles) |
High- dimensional Safety |
Motor-driven parking brake (with an electronic hill holder system when climbing a 5% or steeper hill) and VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) are standard feature on all models. |
| VDC with Slip predictive control using EPS sensors |
VDC that detects the road surface slipperiness and controls the slip prevention function is available on the 5-speed AT models powered by the 2.5L turbocharged engine. It receives sensor information from the motor-driven power steering to estimate the road slipperiness co-efficient μ. When slipping is predicted, it sends a torque-down instruction to the engine to avoid slipping (this function functions when the standard SI-DRIVE is in intelligent mode and VDC is turned ON). | |
| SI Radar Cruise Control tracking cars ahead at all speed range |
The SI radar cruise control system that tracks other vehicles at all speed ranges from 0-100km/h, available on the highest grade model, uses a radar module to detect another vehicle running in front for added safety. The system also has a stop-hold function to reduce the driver's burden in frequent start and stop operations. |
| (Note) | Nissan's Distance Control Assist assists the driver in maintaining necessary distance when the car approaches another car ahead. The Lane Departure Prevention assists the driver in returning the car to the current lane when it is likely to depart from that lane. |
Isuzu and Hino introduce telematics service
Among the manufacturers of large trucks, Isuzu and Hino introduced their telematics services addressing fuel saving as well as operation management assist capacities.
Schematic diagram of Isuzu's "Mimamori-kun" telematics service system
Telematics services by large truck manufacturers (exhibits at the 2009 Automotive Engineering Exposision)
| Isuzu | Mimamori-kun Online Service |
The system connects Isuzu's "Mimamori" monitoring center, trucks, logistics operators and the client shippers on a mobile communication network to assist them toward fuel-saving driving and smooth operation management. According to Isuzu, the system will achieve up to 20% reduction in fuel consumption. |
| Hino | Hino Compass | An advanced support system (Hino's first telematics product) based on real-time bidirectional telecommunications that was introduced in August 2008. The system connects the client's offices, shipper's offices, Hino Call Center and vehicles to achieve "visualization of trucking operation" and assist in fuel saving, safety and operation management. |
