AutoTechInsight
Powertrain Systems - Engine Contribution to Lightweighting
This report provides insights into light weighting trends and future opportunities in the engine component area specifically targeting the long block including the cylinder head, valves, camshaft, cylinder block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, bedplate, oil pan, intake manifold and exhaust manifold etc. as well as the allied sub-components. The report aims to dissect the strategy and preferences for OEMs and Vendors for Engine components’ light weighting and its effect on the powertrain system on a whole.
The powertrain system in a vehicle basically comprises the engine and transmission systems. The engine system is responsible for generating power and torque through the combustion of fuel while the transmission system uses the power/torque of the engine to move the vehicle at different desired speeds through a combination of gear and shafts. The powertrain system can weigh up to 20% of the entire vehicle weight on average. Within this system, the engine itself contributes anywhere between 10% and 15% of the vehicle weight
About this report
This report covers the material preferences and lightweighting developments of the basic engine long block. The component subsystems directly addressed include the valves, the camshafts, cylinder head, cylinder block, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, bedplate, oil pan, intake manifold, and the exhaust manifold. The report aims to provide a holistic view to why a particular material is preferred and the various lightweighting methods being followed in the industry across different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the component. The report also provides some early findings from an ongoing materials research project at IHS Markit regarding engine component materials. The research tracks the usage pattern and penetration of different material components over a 10-year timeline, which spans five years into the future. The report features insights for a few specific components, and more of such detailed insights will be available as part of the larger materials forecast from IHS Markit in the future. The report also features some specific use cases of components and materials across OEMs and suppliers, detailing the need for usage and advantages of a particular design.
