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While the SAE International website features the 2012 SAE World Congress this week, TorqueNews writers will be engaged as well, especially at the Exhibition at Detroit's Cobo Center. Why? Anything and everything that pertains to automotive and transportation technologies will be on hand.

In particular, the SAE 2012 High Efficiency IC Engines Symposium which actually starts today at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel next to Cobo Center combines technology presentations with networking opportunities for professionals associated with technologies impacting fuel efficiency. The technical program includes an overview of the regulatory outlook followed by discussion of technologies such as advanced and partially premixed combustion, cooled EGR boosting, ignition and direct injection technologies, pressure boosting, intelligent combustion, thermal efficiency including waste heat recovery, fully variable valvetrains, and other new and developing technologies.

This year's program also will include a new session on future fluids and fuels for high efficiency engines. Participants will include automotive and light-, medium- and heavy-duty OEMs, suppliers, and academia.

Next is the SAE 2012 Powertrain Electric Motors Symposium for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, also at the Westin Book Cadillac. Meet and mingle with technology leaders by attending the Electric Motors event. Unlike other events, this Symposium puts great emphasis on the electric motor, and will give a comprehensive overview on the latest global innovations in the vehicle powertrain electric traction motor industry. It will give insight on how fast the major players are moving and how this affects the world marketplace. This Symposium will also give an overview on new developing supply chains.

The program will address market growth projections, requirements, and cost structures for three varieties of electric traction motors: permanent magnet motors, induction motors, and switch reluctance motors. This year's symposium will feature expanded coverage of rare earth metals, and, for the first time, presentations on testing and simulation.

By offering the latest insights, knowledge and visions, the Powertrain Electric Motor Symposium will enable decision makers to make a more well-balanced consideration on investment opportunities and risks.

Finally, the main event, the 2012 SAE World Congress and Exhibition. The theme this year is, “Get Connected,” and represents the new and diverse connections that will drive significant advancements in the auto industry of tomorrow. Not only does the theme symbolize literal connections, such as those between vehicles, infrastructure, the Internet, and the nation's electrical grid, but also demonstrates the most fundamental of connections; the connections and relationships between engineers who are developing the next generation vehicle technology.

TorqueNews Special Coverage

Since this reporter focuses on auto technology, I will be especially engaged with any and all new news on the split-cycle engine technology. In particular I will interview Scuderi Engine and Tour Engine. I will also connect with Pinnacle Engine and the Copper Alliance as well, since I have been invited by both.

In addition, I will survey the floor and Tweet my comments from time to time via @AuthorFrankS and @torquenewsauto. Then I will record as much video as much as my memory stick will allow. So, look forward to multiple reports on technology that will very soon change your world.