A powertrain (12) for a vehicle (10) is disclosed. The power-train (12) comprises: a combustion engine (24), (ii) a drivetrain (14) having a torque converter (32) with a first state of operation in which the input (34) of the torque converter (32) is locked to the output (36) of the torque converter (32) and a second sate of operation in which the input (34) of the torque converter (32) is not locked to the output (36) of the torque converter (32) for allowing slippage. The drivetrain also has a final drive (44) for supplying torque to the drive wheel (16) from the torque converter (32), wherein the final drive (44) is coupled to the torque converter (32) at a fixed gear ratio. The powertrain (12) further comprises: (iii) a first electric motor (28) configured to supply torque to the drivetrain (14) on the output-side of the torque converter (32).

A motor-vehicle hybrid powertrain unit comprises an internal combustion engine for driving the rear wheels of the motor-vehicle and one or two electric motors for driving the front wheels of the motor-vehicle. The internal combustion engine has an engine block below which there is provided no oil sump. The one or two electric motors are arranged immediately below the block of the internal combustion engine in the space, which in a conventional engine, is occupied by the oil sump.

An arrangement and method for maintaining an alignment of an internal combustion engine by utilizing an arrangement includes a number of fluid springs by means of which the engine is mounted on a foundation thereof, control valves arranged in communication with each fluid spring, at least three position sensors in communication with the engine, and an electronic control unit. The electric control unit is provided with preset engine position values. The method includes collecting engine position information to the electric control unit, comparing the position information to preset position values, determining, if the position information differs from the preset position values, such control valves that need to be operated, calculating the corrective measures, and giving corrective instructions to the control valves.

A transfer case comprises a primary output shaft, and a secondary output shaft selectively coupleable to the primary output shaft with a plate clutch to transfer torque therebetween. The plate clutch includes a housing, a plurality of interleaved plates that are engaged alternatingly with the primary output shaft and the housing to rotate therewith, and an apply plate non-selectively coupled to the primary output shaft to rotate therewith. The apply plate is moveable axially along the primary output shaft into a first configuration in which the apply plate is positively coupled to the housing to rotate therewith, a second configuration in which the apply plate rotates independent of the housing, and a third configuration in which the apply plate compresses the interleaved plates to form a friction coupling between the primary output shaft and the housing.

A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a radiator positioned forward of an engine and coupled to the engine for cooling the engine. A front radiator shroud is positioned over the radiator on a front side and a rear radiator shroud is positioned over the radiator on a rear side. The rear radiator shroud has a rear baffle plate directing air downwardly and under the operator's compartment.

An electric vehicle includes a floor panel formed with a floor tunnel; a transmission; a transmission support member; an inverter attached to a case of the transmission; a battery unit disposed behind the transmission and on an outer side in a vehicle width direction of the floor tunnel; and a harness disposed such that an intermediate portion between a first end portion connected to the inverter and a second end portion connected to a front end portion of the battery unit 4 extends across the floor tunnel from inside to outside thereof. The battery unit has a substantially rectangular shape in a bottom view, and a corner on the floor tunnel side of a front end portion of the battery unit is cut out to form a free space between the front end portion of the battery unit and a portion of the floor tunnel behind the transmission support member.

Methods and systems are provided for operating a four-wheel drive powertrain of a vehicle. In one example, a method may comprise: in response to a desired shift from a four-wheel drive mode to a two wheel-drive mode: decreasing a transfer case torque output to a secondary driveline to a lower first level and disengaging a disconnect device of the secondary driveline; increasing the transfer case torque output from the lower first level to a higher second level over a duration; and after the duration, reducing the transfer case torque.

A work vehicle according to the present invention includes an engine installed in a traveling machine body supported by traveling units, and a transmission case incorporating a hydraulic continuously variable transmission. The transmission case incorporates a forward/backward traveling switching mechanism. The work vehicle includes forward traveling valves for forward traveling hydraulic clutches, a backward traveling valve for a backward traveling hydraulic clutch, and a master valve configured to control hydraulic oil supplying to the forward traveling valves and the backward traveling valve. A part of a hydraulic circuit is formed on a front lid member of the transmission case. The forward traveling valves, the backward traveling valve, and the master valve are attached on a front surface side of the front lid member.

A work vehicle according to the present invention includes an engine installed in a traveling machine body supported by traveling units, and a transmission case incorporating a hydraulic continuously variable transmission. The transmission case incorporates a forward/backward traveling switching mechanism. The work vehicle includes forward traveling valves for forward traveling hydraulic clutches, a backward traveling valve for a backward traveling hydraulic clutch, and a master valve configured to control hydraulic oil supplying to the forward traveling valves and the backward traveling valve. A part of a hydraulic circuit is formed on a front lid member of the transmission case. The forward traveling valves, the backward traveling valve, and the master valve are attached on a front surface side of the front lid member.

A vehicle includes a fragile portion provided in an exhaust passage at a position frontward of a dashboard panel in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a thrusting portion. The fragile portion fractures more easily under a force from a front side of the vehicle than other portions of the exhaust passage. The thrusting portion is provided in one of the exhaust passage, at a position frontward of the dashboard panel and rearward of the fragile portion in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a framework member that is part of a frame structure of the vehicle and supports the dashboard panel. The thrusting portion protrudes from the one of the exhaust passage and the framework member toward the other one and facing the other one in the vehicle front-rear direction.