BACK TO:  Automotive News PACE Awards   |  Photos Home

2013 PACE Awards finalists, winners

  1 of 33 | Next >  | Last >>

Here are summaries of 33 finalists and winners for the 2013 Automotive News PACE Awards, which honor commercialized innovations in products, processes and information technology.

WINNER: New molding tool produces piston for high-pressure

Federal-Mogul Corp.

What: Injection molding of high-modulus bonded pistons used in high-pressure transmissions

Innovation: Hydraulic pressures in automatic and dual clutch transmissions are rising as automakers add gears and strive for faster, smoother shifts. Federal-Mogul developed an injection molding tool that produces an elastomer clutch piston that can handle the high pressures. Clutch pistons help shift gears.

First customer: BorgWarner’s 6090 dual clutch transmission in Ford and Volvo small cars, 2012

Web site: federalmogul.com

WINNER: New molding tool produces piston for high-pressure
WINNER: New molding tool produces piston for high-pressure
WINNER: 2 seals prevent leaks of greenhouse gases
WINNER: 2 seals prevent leaks of greenhouse gases
WINNER: Low-cost radar for blind spots is suitable for car
WINNER: Low-cost radar for blind spots is suitable for car
WINNER: Coating lengthens life of engine bearing shells
WINNER: Coating lengthens life of engine bearing shells
WINNER: Aluminum driveshaft sheds weight and paint
WINNER: Aluminum driveshaft sheds weight and paint
WINNER: Compact module water-cools diesel exhaust before combustion
WINNER: Compact module water-cools diesel exhaust before combustion
WINNER: Use telematics to update vehicle software
WINNER: Use telematics to update vehicle software
WINNER: Heavy-truck fuel injection system is compact, vari
WINNER: Heavy-truck fuel injection system is compact, vari
WINNER: Rear liftgate opens without a touch
WINNER: Rear liftgate opens without a touch
WINNER: System keeps tabs on tire pressure
WINNER: System keeps tabs on tire pressure
WINNER: 3 turbos eliminate lag, boost power and efficiency
WINNER: 3 turbos eliminate lag, boost power and efficiency
WINNER: Small water pump helps engines warm up swiftly
WINNER: Small water pump helps engines warm up swiftly
WINNER: New methods cut cost of hydroformed parts
WINNER: New methods cut cost of hydroformed parts
WINNER: Nano pigments give paint vibrant color
WINNER: Nano pigments give paint vibrant color
Advanced fan saves fuel and reduces noise, vibration
Advanced fan saves fuel and reduces noise, vibration
Low-cost robots pinch body and fender
Low-cost robots pinch body and fender
Motorists can stash phones for safe driving
Motorists can stash phones for safe driving
No-pollution lasers prepare surfaces of compressor
No-pollution lasers prepare surfaces of compressor
Motor turns Volvo V60 into 4wd plug-in hybrid
Motor turns Volvo V60 into 4wd plug-in hybrid
With swipes and pinches, screen responds like a smartphone
With swipes and pinches, screen responds like a smartphone
BorgWarner cuts diesel emissions with precise valve
BorgWarner cuts diesel emissions with precise valve
Instrument cluster: Same hardware, many looks
Instrument cluster: Same hardware, many looks
Scout puts smartphone nav app on the center stack
Scout puts smartphone nav app on the center stack
Infotainment system adapts to a variety of vehicle
Infotainment system adapts to a variety of vehicle
Durable fanless sensor cuts cost
Durable fanless sensor cuts cost
Steel pistons reduce weight, friction
Steel pistons reduce weight, friction
Aluminum pistons handle higher demands of downsize
Aluminum pistons handle higher demands of downsize
Airbag inflates between front seats, adds protection
Airbag inflates between front seats, adds protection
New process reduces size, boosts accuracy of press
New process reduces size, boosts accuracy of press
Cool-running LED headlights add style
Cool-running LED headlights add style
Ingenious manufacturing creates shapely seats
Ingenious manufacturing creates shapely seats
Wireless device charges gadgets in cars easily
Wireless device charges gadgets in cars easily
Custom sound maker says EV is coming
Custom sound maker says EV is coming