How Chrysler Beat The Camaro To Market

Chrysler cites a knowledge-based engineering system for the burst of speed that let it overtake rival Chevrolet in developing its latest muscle car

By Mike Spinelli Posted 09.11.2009 at 11:43 am 4 Comments

Chrysler's Knowledge-Based Engineering System Chrysler showed off a knowledge-based engineering system that it says cut development time of its Challenger muscle car to just 21 months. The system, developed in-house, compiles all data from previous projects, allowing engineers to morph an existing car -- in this case the Charger sedan -- into the shorter, two-door Challenger. The system automatically updates all 800,000 component parts accurately. Digital crash tests assure the tooled vehicle will meet current standards. Chrysler Group LLC

Usually, the drag race comes after the new muscle cars hit the road, not while they're still on the drawing board. But in a tech presentation in Detroit this week, Chrysler showed off a computer-aided modeling system it developed in-house that it says let the company bring its Challenger from concept to market in just 21 months, quicker than Chevrolet did its similarly muscular Camaro.

The "knowledge-based" engineering (KBE) system compiles all of the company's engineering knowledge and best-practices information from previous development programs. In this case, Chrysler engineers showed how, starting with a digitized Dodge Charger sedan -- the basis for the shorter, two-door Challenger -- the software morphed one car into the other. Along the way, the system redesigned every single component part that required a change.

Once the digital model of the Challenger was rendered, engineers ran virtual crash tests (involving about a trillion calculations each). Chrysler says the testing data contributed to the knowledge base, which engineers used to refine the final designs. When the first prototype vehicle was built, from parts tooled directly from computer data, the proto-Challenger met all crash standards. The assembly process was a breeze too, as the system checks the new parts for fit and assembly access, and welding points. Motor Trend reports Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli says KBE won't mean more job cuts for engineers, but but will allow it to do more with less as the company becomes part of Italy's Fiat Group.

[via Motor Trend]

Previous Article: WTF Moment: Electric Carmaker Promises Remote Recharge?

Next Article: Ferrari's F458 Italia In the Flesh, Adorned With LEDs: Beautiful

Want to keep track of the latest concept cars, automotive innovations, and more? Subscribe to Popular Science and enter to win $5,000!

4 Comments

link to this comment

itadekimasu

09/11/09 at 1:06 pm

WOW props to Chrysler bravo bravo......

They beat Chevy but forgot that there are other fish in the see like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, etc. who are making all the money.

No pat on the back for you Chrysler keep working and try to make a GOOD product for once.

link to this comment

ajohnson1986

from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

09/11/09 at 4:52 pm

I love this, way to figure out a way to share framework and figure out crash test kinks before the car is made, reducing the need for crash test prototypes.

as for not making any "GOOD products" i think they are getting better and better. The new Challenger is a beautiful car (as is the camero but we'll stick to one company at a time here) harkening back to the heyday of Detroit when it made great cars with great style. While they don't get the gas mileage of a 4 popper they get pretty good mileage for the power they are brining to the table. And if you don't want to burn that much gas scale down to the 4 popper avenger, looks just as aggressive, gets great mileage and still gives me enough leg room so i dont feel like i'm in a sardine can. So you can keep on fishing in your "see" for a better car, I'll be crusing down the road with my legs stretched out, not hitting the steering wheel.

link to this comment

James2

09/11/09 at 11:11 pm

Pity the KBE system didn't result in a lighter car. Both the Challenger and Camaro are fat pigs.

link to this comment

QuietStormX

09/12/09 at 10:57 pm

But the Challenger came in too heavy to handle like the Camaro. The interier of the challenger leaves mush to desire also. Like what Ford has done with the Mustang. Not much is new or updated. Automobiles, pony cars should go through an evolution getting better all around, not just the outside with a few fake curves. Chrysler might have rushed to get out, but they should have taken more time to get it right out the door. It was not cool to release a pony car without a manual transmission that was a short throw smooth and quick. Automatics are for lazy people. The new Camaro 2SS is worth the wait and development. I'll take mine with a LS9 engine with upgraded 6spd manual transmission. Also the megnetic suspension of the CTS-V. Thank You.