Brainpower under the bonnet

THE V12 engine found in the Aston Martin DB9 is notable not just for its brawn--it produces 450 horsepower--but also for its brain. It detects cylinder misfires using an artificial neural network, a system modelled on the interconnected neurons of a simple brain. This year Ford, which owns the Aston Martin brand, introduced the same technology into a second vehicle, the Econoline van, and plans to include it in all Aston Martin cars in future. Other carmakers are following suit: DaimlerChrysler is interested in using neural networks to handle the complexities of variable valve timing in order to make next-generation engines more fuel-efficient. General Motors has been working with Axeon, a British firm that makes neural-network chips, to improve engine performance. And Audi is also rumoured to be working with Axeon.