Institution news
Stefan will be sharing insights about the design, development and optimisation of Audi’s 4 Cylinder engine for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) race series at this year’s High Performance Powertrains seminar.
Q: Please can you briefly explain your role and involvement with powertrain technologies.
Stefan Dreyer (SD): Audi Sport racing has a successful history in the development of powertrain technologies. I am responsible for the development at Audi Sport racing which includes the development of powertrain technologies.
Q: What are the most exciting developments in your field at the moment, either within your organisation or in the industry in general?
SD: One exciting development has been the development of the highly efficient 4-cylinder turbo charged engine for the DTM starting in 2019. A very challenging development but at the same time a great team effort which resulted in the win of the manufacturer-, driver-, and team-championship in the first year.
Another exciting development, which is still ongoing, is the development of our electric powertrain (MGU/MCU and gearbox) for the Formula E season 7 starting in January 2021. We started not so long ago with a white sheet of paper, building up our competence and forming a small and efficient high performance team … it is amazing to see the progress within this project.
Q: What is the most important factor that powertrain engineers should be focusing on and why?
SD: First in racing, you need a reliable powertrain. In addition to that powertrain engineers in racing must always focus on car performance and not only on powertrain performance. This starts at the very beginning in the concept phase of a project and must be monitored through the whole development process. At the end the driver, the car, the team - the whole operation takes the chequered flag and this needs to be the mind-set.
In addition to that, powertrain engineers must be open minded and courageous enough to move towards new technologies. It might sound a little awkward but I am convinced that powertrain engineers must “feel” the powertrains they work on being 100% passionate about it.
Q: Where do you see the future of these assets in the next five – ten years?
SD: I am convinced that the powertrain development has a great future. All powertrain technologies have the right to be there. The key for the future is to combine existing and new technologies for the right use-case always focusing on the lead factor sustainability.
Q: Why do you feel it is important for all engineers and professionals involved in these technologies to join the seminar?
SD: It is important for all engineers and professionals to join this seminar because you get a wider view and understanding of existing and future challenges in this area of engineering. In addition to that, it is always valuable to share information and meet experts from all over the world.
High Performance Powertrains 2020 takes place on 25 November 2020, online.
Taking place every two years, this seminar provides engineering with the a perfect opportunity to find out how market leaders are tackling common challenges and to understand what the future of high performance powertrains looks like. Stefan from Audi Motorsport will be joined by his peers at MAHLE Powertrain, Advanced Engine Research, Cosworth, Williams Advanced Engineering and Ricardo Motorsport, with an opening keynote with Pat Symonds, Chief Technical Officer, Formula One.
For more information, full programme and to book your place to get involved, please visit www.imeche.org/hpp2020.