Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and a grounded planetary gear member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of four to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle driver control input assembly includes a seat with a steering wheel structure configured to provide non-mechanical steering signals to a steer-by-wire system. The steering wheel structure is collapsible underneath the seat for storage. First and second movable arm structures are connected to opposing sides of the seat and are movable between an upright position for use and a lowered position for storage. The movable arm structures include control input members to provide non-mechanical steering signals to the steer-by-wire system. A plurality of selectable driver control input devices may be interchangeably connected with the vehicle to provide steering, braking and/or acceleration signals to the vehicle as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel injector mounted on a side of a combustion chamber and delivers an ovalized fuel spray toward an oblong piston bowl of the chamber. The ovality of the spray is selected in relation to the oblong piston bowl and the motion of the combustion chamber air charge during the piston compression stroke to maintain the fuel charge within the piston bowl volume (including the space above the bowl) during compression and combustion of the fuel charge in the chamber. The shape of the oval spray may be adjusted as desired. In a specific embodiment, the ovality of the fuel spray indicated by the ratio of the major dimension to the minor dimension is in the range of about 2/1 to 4/1 for delivery into an oblong piston bowl with an ovality of about 1.2/1 to 1.5/1.