Powertrain Management in Sports Cars in order to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Authors

Dr.-Ing. L. Spiegel, Dipl.-Ing. M. Kerkau, Dipl.-Ing. G. Bofinger, Dipl.-Ing. S. Müller, Dipl.-Ing. R. Meier, Dr.-Ing. H.-J. Neußer, Dr.Ing.h.c.F.Porsche AG, Weissach

Year

2008

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Reihe 12, Nr. 672

Summary

In current sports car development - where fuel efficiency has always played a predominant role - one of the central targets is the reduction of fuel consumption. In order to maximize the benefits of improved fuel economy it is necessary to consistently optimize many of the known parameters and have them controlled by a corresponding Powertrain Management System.



This presentation explains Porsche’s layout philosophy and outlines the technologies used to implement a Powertrain Management specifically designed for application in sports cars. This Powertrain Management System coordinates the chosen technologies and combines them into an efficient drive system. The driver is given the possibility of making his choice between a regular program and a sports option. Further this presentation describes a Thermal Management System meant to optimize engine warm-up as well as the part-load and full-load modes while giving consideration to the specific requirements of sports car operation. It also deals in great detail with the inherent potential of an idle stop system and its integration into the car, which is rather complicated. In addition, this paper looks into adaptive shift strategies for automatic transmissions with the aim of automatically selecting performance-oriented shift points tuned for optimum fuel consumption values.

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