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The electrification of the powertrain and the thereto related recuperation of the electric engine saves the energy in the battery and thus reduces the thermally dissipated brake energy, which leads to lower brake rotor temperatures compared to combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). These new conditions enable to reconsider brake disc concepts. Including lightweight design in heavy battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the increasingly reliant corrosion resistance of brake rotors, Aluminum is a promising approach for new brake disc concepts. In the past, Aluminum brake disc concepts have already been deployed. For instance Aluminum Metal-Matrix Composite (Al-MMC) concepts in the Lotus Elise S1 and on the rear axle of the Volvo V40 [1]. The presented concept is a different approach and separates the friction system from the bulk Aluminum brake disc, achieved by coating of the friction rings.

Sandstalker is a manned, unpressurized vehicle that is designed for first exploration of Mars. It is a design study to outline another point of view considering mars exploration vehicles. It is designed to transport two astronauts and special scientific equipment to destinations up to a radius of 25 miles. It is a foldable and lightweight construction, so the transport in an average NASA transportation box is possible. The ability to move easily and safely across the martian surface results from the new construction of the wheels, the wheel arrangement and the wheel suspension. The spider-like structure of the vehicle offers an extreme maneuverability and supports the concept of an all-terrain vehicle able to surcome many different surface obstacles. The reduction of weight, improvement of the wheels and the seats in particular represents the main tasks of M.A.T.V.