16 - 31 MARCH 2012
G L O B A L WAT C H
Auto Monitor
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Magneti Marelli unveils electronics, communication technologies at Geneva Motor Show
M
agneti Marelli displayed a range of adva nced communications and electronics technologies at the recently concluded Geneva Motor Show. The company’s contribution on the Fiat 500L includes lighting systems (headlamps and DRL—Daylight Running Light), exhaust systems and suspension components, body computers and bumpers and the engine control units for the 1.3 MultiJet II e 0.9 TwinAir Turbo. The 500L will also be equipped with the Freechoice AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) by Magneti prov iding reduction in fuel consumption and lower emissions. The company’s AMT is also fitted on the Fiat Panda 0.9 twin air turbo 85 CV Dualogic. This car features components designed by Magneti Marelli for the third generation of the Italian city car: lighting components, electronic engine control units, instrument panel, suspension systems and shock absorbers, exhaust systems and plastic components (bumper and tank). In addition to the throttle bodies for the new generation of three cylinder 1 VTi and 1.2 VTi gasoline engines, the car features the new in-vehicle multimedia infotainment system supplied by the company, called ‘Touchscreen’ on the 208. This modular system offers driver and passengers various entertainment and information functions in the car. It can play music fi les from portable devices (cell phones, MP3 readers), display photos and access a new generation of ‘connected’ services called “Peugeot Connect Apps” to be made available during the course of the year. Connected to the vehicle CAN network, it can provide information on vehicle and navigation, through a 7” touch-screen with high resolution (800x480 pixel). The system allows a hands-free and audio streaming function, and can be paired up with a maximum of five mobile phones. The USB port allows the connection of devices such as USB pen drives or iPods. The other communications and electronics supplied by the company include Citroen’s Aircross version of the C4, a compact SUV fitted with Xenon or halogen headlights with AFS (Adaptive Frontlighting System) and in-vehicle multimedia entertainment system and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. For t he new Ferra ri F12berlinetta, the company has developed and provided the multifunction instrument cluster with TFT display, LED rear lights and electronic control unit with related software to control the Active Brake Cooling system. The F12berlinetta can also be fitted with the “superlift” on the front axle: a system of hydraulic drives managed by a pump operated by an electric motor and controlled by an electronic unit that lifts up the car so that it can easily go over speed bumps. In the area of concept cars, the company has closely worked with Pininfarina to develop the Cambiano, fitted with a traction system consisting of four elec-
Touchscreen Peugeot by Magneti Marelli
tric motors, one for each wheel, and of the relevant moto-reducer. The motors, made by Magneti Marelli, are assembled on the front and rear frames, and each one delivers constant power of 60 kW, with peaks of 150kW, for 600 kW of maximum total power with a torque of 640Nm. With its 77 production units, 11 R&D centres and 26 application centres in 18 countries, the group supplies all leading carmakers in Europe, North and South America and the Far East. Its business areas include: electronic systems, lighting, powertrain, suspension systems and shock absorbers, exhaust systems, aftermarket parts & services, plastic components and modules, motorsport.