Wheel Motors

[regfootball]

siemens

For the trade press

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Car motors will disappear – into the wheels: Siemens VDO starts eCorner development

Regensburg, August 08, 2006

Siemens VDO engineers are working on plans to integrate the drivetrain, steering, shock absorbers and brakes directly into the wheels of future cars. This concept, called eCorner, is the basis for the ecological "Drive-by-Wire" automobiles, which will become a common sight on roads in 15 years. eCorner replaces the conventional wheel suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers, mechanical steering, hydraulic brakes and, above all, conventional internal combustion engines. For car owners, eCorner translates into improved fuel mileage, more safety and greater convenience. eCorner provides designers with all new freedom to create future cars with an electric drivetrain and electronic control.

[2005 EquinoxLS]

The cool thing about this is you could choose if you want it to be RWD/FWD or even AWD. Then nobody could complain about powertrain configuration. Problem is that it wouldnt have a "real" engine and some people would throw a fit about this.