Institution news
Speaking in the afternoon of the seminar, Mike Basset moved to MAHLE Powertrain in 2007 to join the performance analysis group and is currently Chief Engineer in the Research and Advanced Engineering Group, where he is responsible for leading MAHLE Powertrain’s research activities in the UK. His presentation will focus on the progress they have made in downsizing their MAHLE DI3 Engine while retaining high-specific performance and achieving compliance with emissions targets
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in powertrain engineering?
Mike Basset (MB): I lead MAHLE Powertrain’s research activities within the UK. Our main focus has been gasoline engine development, especially in terms of high-specific output engines and downsizing. Our current activities also focus on hybridisation (mild and plug-in at 48V and higher) and also full electric drivetrains, vehicle cooling and ancillaries.
Q: In your experience, what is the number one challenge facing engineers specialising in powertrains?
MB: The main focus over the coming years will be focused on meeting fleet CO2 targets. Currently legislation favours increased electrification (off-board electricity counts as zero CO2). Increasing fleet electrification in a way that provides consumers a desirable product, at an acceptable price, and in a way that is truly environmentally beneficial is a major logistical and engineering challenge.
Q: What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your company or in the industry in general?
MB: There are some very interesting developments happening in the field of IC engines – considerable efficiency improvements are being realised through the various lean combustion systems that are being developed. However, I think there will be big strides to be made in bio and renewable fuels – the benefits offered by these technologies are that they could give immediate benefits in CO2 reduction, without the reliance of waiting for the existing global vehicle fleet to be replaced with a newer technology. These fuels are also quite suited to extremely downsized engines – allowing greater levels of specific output too!
Q: What do you see for the future of powertrain development and engineering over the next 5 – 10 years?
MB: A big focus on meeting fleet CO2 targets and making sure that vehicles are able to meet emissions compliance during the new RDE test procedure.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by presenting at High Performance Powertrains?
MB: I hope that there will be some lively discussions prompted by the presentations.
Q: Which sessions are you most looking forward to hearing?
MB: I think the panel discussion at the end of the conference will be most interesting, prompted by the discussions over the course of the day. I am especially interested to hear what technologies the panellists are advocating for future research investment.
Q: Why should automotive engineers join this seminar?
MB: It contains a good mix of presentations that cover the key challenges currently facing the industry.
For full details and to book your place, visit High Performance Powertrains which takes place on 22 May 2018 at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham.