VC Visteon Corporation

Visteon Engine Induction System Helps Give Customer Truck 'Tough' Sound DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The "sound" of a vehicle has become an increasingly important part of its brand image. Automakers spend a great deal of time and money to match each vehicle segment with the perfect sound. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO ) After months of market research, the Ford F-150 launch team agreed upon a "Tough Truck" rumble for its redesigned flagship vehicle. The challenge was to make this "acoustic signature" affordable and easy to manufacture. Many engine components affect a truck's acoustic signature, but in essence, the sound exits the truck from two openings -- the exhaust pipe in the rear and the engine induction system (EIS) inlet duct under the hood. Because the EIS sound path is the most apparent to the driver and passengers, Ford enlisted help from the engine induction experts at Visteon Corporation (NYSE:VC), supplier of nearly 30 percent of the content of the new F-150. Acoustic innovation The challenge to Visteon was to come up with a robust, low-cost Engine Induction System that created the perfect "Tough Truck" sound. The system designed by Visteon integrated resonators into the air intake duct at maximum cost efficiency. Visteon engineers developed a robust, low-cost, acoustically accurate method of locating specifically sized and strategically placed drain holes in resonators. This approach to fine tuning the resonators eliminated the need for even more resonators and sound tuning devices. Virtual models indicated that these holes -- which are necessary in case water gets into the air inlet duct -- would take out the frequencies that were annoying to the driver's ear, or that took away from the desired V-8 engine rumble. Using a unique method of combining two or more analysis tools, Visteon engineers have learned how to create the industry's most reliable virtual models. Using Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) modeling and advanced proprietary tuning methods, Visteon engineers were able to build virtual designs to simulate the acoustic environment. In practical terms, this means that the number of prototypes was reduced, saving both Visteon and the customer significant development costs. After driving the truck with the prototype EIS in a variety of environments, Ford management agreed that Visteon had accomplished the task of creating a signature "Tough Truck" sound at a lower cost and reduced complexity, without negatively affecting horsepower. Other features of the Engine Induction System The air filter and box in the F-150 EIS is also unique. The patent- pending design features a drawer-type functionality that is quicker and easier to change than ever before. A felt-type seal, rather than the usual urethane, allows smooth operation while providing an airtight seal. To help increase efficiency, especially at low speeds and idle, the manifold features a unique Charge Motion Control Valve, or "swirl control" valve. This butterfly valve speeds up the intake charge and causes a "tumbling" effect in the combustion cylinder, guaranteeing the optimum mixture of air and fuel. This not only helps improve horsepower at low speeds, but burns more cleanly than conventional designs. Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon has approximately 75,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 180 technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in 25 countries. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO DATASOURCE: Visteon Corporation CONTACT: Media Inquiries: Robin Pannecouk, +1-313-755-9121, , or Jim Fisher, +1-313-755-0635, , both of Visteon Corporation Web site: http://www.visteon.com/

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