Abstract: The tensioning pulley arrangement for a belt drive in an engine, is provided. In one example, the tensioning pulley arrangement includes a first tensioning pulley and a second tensioning pulley tensioning a belt with a spring force and a spring preload force generated by a first spring device coupled to the first and second tensioning pulleys. The tensioning pulley arrangement further includes an intensifying device that decreases belt tension during low belt load conditions and increases belt tension during high belt load conditions. In this way, friction losses during low belt loads may be reduced and belt slippage caused by high belt loads and/or dynamic shifts in belt loads may also be reduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for thermally insulating an integrated exhaust manifold for a cylinder head of an applied-ignition, liquid-cooled internal combustion engine. In one example, a method may include regional insulation at a collection point where individual exhaust lines and/or partial exhaust lines merge to form an overall exhaust line within the cylinder head. The regional insulation may be formed integrally with a seal and coupled to an outlet flange of the cylinder head and may include a series of tongue-like projections that extend from the cylinder head outlet flange toward the cylinder exhaust lines.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an electric operating mode selectively modify a pressure point for an accelerator pedal in response to current vehicle and/or ambient operating conditions to reduce unintentional starting of an internal combustion engine and maintain electric mode operation while the accelerator pedal position is less than the pressure point. The vehicle operating conditions or mode may indicate a parking maneuver, stop-and-go traffic, or an eco mode where electric operation may be desired.

Abstract: The internal combustion engine is provided which may include a cylinder head, a turbine, and a turbine housing. The turbine housing may include an exhaust gas passage, at least one coolant fluid passage, and a wall between the passages. The wall may have a first area (Aexhaust) disposed to absorb heat from an exhaust flow passing through the exhaust gas passage, and a second area (Acoolant) disposed to transfer heat from the wall to be absorbed by a coolant fluid flow passing through the at least one coolant fluid passage, wherein the following applies: Acoolant/Aexhaust?1.2.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle generates a change-operating-mode signal to change operation from a normal mode with an engine engaged and running to a coasting mode with the engine disengaged and/or switched off in response to a freewheeling distance exceeding a threshold. The freewheeling distance may be based on state parameters of the motor vehicle, such as position, speed, acceleration, weight, tire pressure, braking pressure, and air resistance, for example, data related to a second vehicle obtained from forward sensors, for example, and/or ambient parameters such as air temperature, wind speed, and wind direction, for example.

Abstract: The tensioning pulley arrangement for a belt drive in an engine, is provided. In one example, the tensioning pulley arrangement includes a first tensioning pulley and a second tensioning pulley tensioning a belt with a spring force and a spring preload force generated by a first spring device coupled to the first and second tensioning pulleys. The tensioning pulley arrangement further includes an intensifying device that decreases belt tension during low belt load conditions and increases belt tension during high belt load conditions. In this way, friction losses during low belt loads may be reduced and belt slippage caused by high belt loads and/or dynamic shifts in belt loads may also be reduced.

Abstract: The internal combustion engine is provided which may include a cylinder head, a turbine, and a turbine housing. The turbine housing may include an exhaust gas passage, at least one coolant fluid passage, and a wall between the passages. The wall may have a first area (Aexhaust) disposed to absorb heat from an exhaust flow passing through the exhaust gas passage, and a second area (Acoolant) disposed to transfer heat from the wall to be absorbed by a coolant fluid flow passing through the at least one coolant fluid passage, wherein the following applies: Acoolant/Aexhaust?1.2.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for thermally insulating an integrated exhaust manifold for a cylinder head of an applied-ignition, liquid-cooled internal combustion engine. In one example, a method may include regional insulation at a collection point where individual exhaust lines and/or partial exhaust lines merge to form an overall exhaust line within the cylinder head. The regional insulation may be formed integrally with a seal and coupled to an outlet flange of the cylinder head and may include a series of tongue-like projections that extend from the cylinder head outlet flange toward the cylinder exhaust lines.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle generates a change-operating-mode signal to change operation from a normal mode with an engine engaged and running to a coasting mode with the engine disengaged and/or switched off in response to a freewheeling distance exceeding a threshold. The freewheeling distance may be based on state parameters of the motor vehicle, such as position, speed, acceleration, weight, tire pressure, braking pressure, and air resistance, for example, data related to a second vehicle obtained from forward sensors, for example, and/or ambient parameters such as air temperature, wind speed, and wind direction, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an electric operating mode selectively modify a pressure point for an accelerator pedal in response to current vehicle and/or ambient operating conditions to reduce unintentional starting of an internal combustion engine and maintain electric mode operation while the accelerator pedal position is less than the pressure point. The vehicle operating conditions or mode may indicate a parking maneuver, stop-and-go traffic, or an eco mode where electric operation may be desired.