GM says $463M center uses math to develop powertrain systems 40 percent faster

GM says $463M center uses math to develop powertrain systems 40 percent faster : General Motors Corp. says it is turning to advanced math to chop 40 percent off the development time for its vehicle power systems at its new $463 million powertrain development center. The automaker said its global Powertrain Engineering Development Center that opened Friday in Pontiac will do much of the work that formerly required road testing. It also incorporates computer modeling to supplant physical testing of systems and components. "This is part of our Road to Lab to Math initiative," GM Executive Vice President Tom Stephens said at the dedication ceremony. The lab's director, Jeri Ojeda, said the lab's planned 120 high-dynamic test cells will allow tremendous savings in time and money. "It's far cheaper for General Motors to do it at... [read full story]