Automotive Engineering - October 2018 - 26

ROAD READY

'tumble' for reduced engine-out emissions at low rpm/low load.
High-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation improves knock tolerance. With the new 2.4-L, the Ascent delivers a claimed 21 mpg
city, 27 highway and 23 combined EPA economy with standard
18-in. wheels (one mpg lower with available 20-in. wheels).
Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) are polarizing
to some customers due to their operating characteristics, but
the Ascent's CVT has very effective eight-speed (simulated)
manual ratio selection with steering-wheel paddle shifters
and an AWD-enhancing X-Mode with Hill Descent Control.
The AWD distributes torque front-to-rear as well as side-toside, the latter through selective braking of individual
wheels-what Subaru dubs Active Brake Vectoring. The
Ascent is capable of towing up to 5,000 lb (2,268 kg), aided
by a Trailer Stability Assist that employs yaw sensors and individual-wheel braking to help maintain towing stability.

Reinforcing the global architecture

While the Ascent's iteration of the SGP is longer and wider
than the Impreza/Crosstrek's, carline manager Peter Tenn says
engineers used a similar design philosophy with key structural
members further reinforced. The primary differences include:
* Longer wheelbase (113 in./2870 mm) and overall length,
with a rear floor structure designed specifically to facilitate
three-row seating. At 196.8 in. (4999 mm), Ascent's OAL is
about average for its class. The vehicle is 71.6 in. (1818 mm)
and 76 in. (1930 mm) wide.
* The crossmember subframes are common and the framework geometries similar, but the Ascent's uses larger crosssections to suit its heavier weight.
* 64.4-in. (1636-mm) front and 64.2-in. (1631-mm) rear tracks
are wider and the front and rear top suspension mounting
points are designed specifically for Ascent.
* The body's D-pillars feature larger cross-sections and stronger joints at both upper and lower corners.
* C-pillars have greater rigidity as does the rear liftgate opening, along with stronger joints from the rear suspension
mounts to the C-pillars.
* Body construction uses greater amounts of structural adhesive (21.6 m/71 ft. vs. Impreza's 7 m/23 ft.).
Tenn adds that one key to the SPG's chassis performance is its
use of varying-strength steels at different locations, and the concentration of hot-stamped steel around the safety cage enables
the pillars to be slimmer for improved visibility. Cabin noise is
reduced using an acoustic windshield and front-door glass.
Gary Witzenberg

26 October 2018

Toyota 'hatches' new Corolla variant

The new Corolla's rear hatch is molded in an engineering plastic and rests
on an aperture that is 14 degrees 'faster' than that of the Scion iM.
There are three good reasons why Toyota's compact Corolla
overtook the original VW Beetle, the VW Golf and even the
Ford F-Series to become the top-selling vehicle nameplate
ever built: It's sold virtually around the globe and it owns a
reputation as being affordable, reliable and efficient.
But in those 52 years of Corolla history, very few iterations
of the car have been sexy or exciting. Yet this new five-door
hatchback variant of the 12th-generation E170 Corolla borders on both. Launched in Japan earlier this year as the
Corolla Sport, it replaces the iM hatch in the U.S. that
donned a Toyota badge when the Scion brand was waxxed
in 2016. Except for its gaping bottom-feeder mouth, it actually looks pretty sporty. And the underpinnings are engineered for improved dynamic performance: the new hatch
rides on a lighter, stiffer TNGA 'modular' platform with a
sport-tuned suspension.
Power is delivered by a lively dual-injected (direct and

Eight-inch touch screen on the 2019 Corolla hatch.
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SUBARU; TOYOTA; TOYOTA

Ascent's D-pillars
feature larger
cross-sections and stronger
joints at both upper and lower
corners than those used on other
models; C-pillars and rear liftgate opening
have greater rigidity. The new body uses three
times the amount of structural adhesive as Impreza.

Automotive Engineering - October 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automotive Engineering - October 2018