McLaren F1 LM

In late 1995^[1], five McLaren F1 LM (LM for Le Mans) were built in honour of the five McLaren F1 GTR's which finished the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, including taking the overall win.^[2]

Whereas the standard McLaren F1 was designed to be the ultimate roadcar in the sense that it should be comfortable and usable in everyday conditions despite being a very potent sports car, the LM edition is a lower and stiffer more track machine oriented vehicle, due to i.a. the very stripped down, bare interior, inserting solid aluminium bushings in place of the rubber bushings in the suspension system and omitting the Ground Plane Shear Centre system seen on the standard F1. ^[3][1]

Although only five F1 LMs were sold, a sixth chassis exists in the form of XP1 LM, the prototype for modifications to the existing F1 to form the new F1 LM. This car is also painted Papaya Orange and is retained by McLaren. This car, reportedly worth $4 million, has been promised by McLaren CEO Ron Dennis to his driver Lewis Hamilton if he should win an additional two Formula One World Championship titles.^[4]

The F1 LMs can be identified by their Papaya orange paint. The F1 LM's were painted in this colour in memory and tribute to Bruce McLaren, whose race colour was Papaya orange.^[3]

Although all five (and the prototype) were painted Papaya Orange, not all of them remain that colour, three of them (and the prototype) are still Papaya Orange but the two owned by The Sultan of Brunei are painted black.

Enzo Ferrari

The Enzo Ferrari is a 12 cylinder mid-engine berlinetta named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It is currently one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production cars.^{[citation needed]} It was built in 2002 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite disc brakes. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics and traction control. After a downforce of 775 kg (1,709 lb) is reached at 348.8 km/h (217 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

The Enzo's V12 engine is the first of a new generation for Ferrari. It is based on the architecture of the V8 found in sister-company Maserati's Quattroporte, using the same basic architecture and 104 mm (4.1 in) bore spacing. This design will replace the former architectures seen in V12 and V8 engines used in most other contemporary Ferraris. The 2005 F430 is the second Ferrari to get a version of this new powerplant.

In 2004, Sports Car International named the Enzo Ferrari number three on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 2000s.

Motor Trend Classic named the Enzo as number four in their list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time"

Toyota Sera

The Toyota Sera (model designation EXY10) is a two door, four seat (2+2) coupe built by Toyota from 1990 to 1996. Although produced solely for the Japanese market, it raised interest overseas and has since been imported by car enthusiasts into several countries including Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. It was initially unveiled in 1988 as the Toyota AXV-II concept car in almost production-ready form. The name comes from the French word meaning "will be", indicative of both the overall futuristic design and also the closeness of the concept car to the final production version. The Sera is most notable for its butterfly doors which tilt up and forward when opened, and the canopy constructed largely of glass panels.

Honda Integra DC5

The Honda Integra DC5 (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ DC5) is a Japanese vehicle, which was also known as the Acura RSX in North America. It is available in base and "Type-S" trim levels in North America, and a "Integra iS / Integra Type S" and "Type R" version sold in Japan and Oceania. However, the "Type R" sold in Oceania is very similar to the "Type-S" sold in North America, and the Integra line naming in Oceania has recently been realigned to be similar with North American conventions.

Canada had three models: Base (cloth interior, no sunroof, steel wheels with wheel covers), Premium (leather interior, sunroof, alloy wheels) and Type S. In other places, (eg. Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia) only the base version is available.

Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a coupe that has been in production since 1989 for left hand drive markets. It was named after an eighteenth century English racehorse which won 26 races,^[1] and has also been sold as the Eagle Talon and the Plymouth Laser captive imports through Mitsubishi Motors' close relationship with the Chrysler Corporation. Their partnership was known as Diamond-Star Motors, or DSM, and the vehicle trio were sometimes referred to by the DSM moniker among enthusiast circles.

As of 2009, the Eclipse is officially available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, China, South Korea, the Philippines, and Brazil.

Bentley Continental GT

The four door Continental Flying Spur saloon was first displayed at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The Flying Spur utilises the most of the technical underpinnings of the Bentley Continental GT, and was introduced to European and North American markets in the summer of 2005. Together, the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur have boosted Bentley's annual production from around 1,000 units in 2003 to 9,200 units in 2006.

One notable aspect of the Continental Flying Spur is its grille. Made to look like traditional chromed brass mesh, it is a metal-covered plastic-core. This was fitted as a safety feature; it is designed to break apart upon impact with a pedestrian.

The convertible version of the Continental GT, the Continental GTC, was first presented in September 2005, and was introduced to several world markets in the autumn of 2006. With the second generation Azure, it is the second Bentley convertible released in 2005. The roof is produced by Karmann in Osnabrück, Germany.

Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sport/luxury sedan which was first shown at the 2003 New York Auto Show as a concept car and first introduced in the spring of 2004 as an early 2005 model, becoming North America's first mainstream rear-wheel drive sedan with a V6 engine since the 1995 Mazda 929.

Designed by Ralph Gilles, the new 300 was built as a high performance, sporty sedan. The 300C is also sold in Australia, the first large Chrysler sold there since the Valiant was discontinued in 1981.

The Chrysler 300 is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform which features components derived from the discontinued W210 Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 1996 to 2002. Such components include the suspension design, front seat frames, wiring harnesses, steering column, the 5-speed automatic's design, and a derivative of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

2006 Camaro Concept

2006 Camaro Concept

The return of the Camaro name has been anticipated by enthusiasts since fourth generation production ended in 2002. On January 6, 2006, the first official word regarding a fifth generation Camaro from General Motors came at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, where the 2006 Camaro Concept was released.^[5] AutoWeek editors unanimously awarded the Camaro Concept "Best In Show." The concept is based on the new GM Zeta platform and was designed by South Korean-born Sangyup Lee.^[6] Road & Track offered an exclusive first look at the car which had photos as well as a short video on the day the concept was released.^[7]

2006 Camaro Concept

The concept car features the same formula the Camaro has always stuck with: 2-door, 4-passenger, rear-wheel drive coupe. The wheelbase is 110.5 in (281 cm), which is 9 in (23 cm) longer than the previous generation, but an overall length of just 186.2 in (473 cm), 7 in (18 cm) shorter. The Camaro Concept is powered by a 400 hp (298 kW) 6.0 L (366 cu in) LS2 V8 with Active Fuel Management and is equipped with the T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Other features include four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with 14 in (36 cm) rotors and four-piston calipers, and 21 in (53 cm) front / 22 in (56 cm) rear wheels covered in huge 275/30R21 front / 305/30R22 rear tires.^[5]

Porsche SE or Porsche

Porsche SE or Porsche (/ˈpɔrʃə/^[1]) is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury high performance automobiles, which is majority-owned by the Piëch and Porsche families. Porsche SE holds two chief assets, the first of which is Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (which stands for Doktor Ingenieur honoris causa Ferdinand Porsche Aktiengesellschaft), often shortened to Porsche AG, manufacturer of the Porsche automobile line. The second asset was until june 2009 a majority stake in Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG), the largest car manufacturer in Europe, and the third largest in the world. The company is headquartered in Zuffenhausen, a city district of Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. Porsche AG is by august 2009 a subsidarie of Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG)

It was founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, an Austro-Hungarian engineer born in Maffersdorf, Austria-Hungary (today Vratislavice, Czech Republic). Porsche is also known for designing the first Volkswagen, but Béla Barényi is credited with having conceived the basic design five years earlier.^[2] The company currently produces 911 (997), Boxster and Cayman sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles. The latest model line, the four-door Panamera saloon (sedan), was launched on Monday, 20 April 2009.

Mazda6

The Mazda6 or Mazda 6 (known as the Mazda Atenza in Japan) is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002. The Mazda6 has sold over one million units worldwide since its introduction, hitting that sales milestone faster than previous Mazdas.^[1]

The Mazda6 was the first example of the company's new Stylish', Insightful, and Spirited design philosophy followed by the Mazda 2 in December 2002, RX-8 in August 2003, Mazda3 in January 2004, Mazda5 in the summer of 2005, MX-5 in October 2005, and Mazda CX-7 in November 2006. The Mazda6 is the successor of Mazda 626, also known as Mazda Capella and Mazda Cronos. The 2002 Mazda6 is essentially the 4th generation Mazda 626 as the Mazda6 continues on the G-platform, progressing from the GF-platform 626/Capella to the GG-platform Mazda6.

The Mazda6 is currently raced in the SCCAPro Racing Speed World Challenge Touring Car Series. Mazda finished first in the manufacturer's championship standings.^[2] Mazda6 drivers also finished first and second in the Touring Car driver points.^[3]

Audi R8

The Audi R8 is a sports car with a longitudinally mounted mid-engine, and uses Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.^[4] It was introduced by the German automaker Audi AG in 2006. The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, and is derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo.^[5] The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the "Audi Space Frame", and uses an aluminium monocoque which is built around a space frame. The car is built by quattro GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi's 'aluminium site' at Neckarsulm in Germany.

In 2005, Audi announced that the name of the successful Audi R8 race car would be used for a new road car in 2007, the Audi R8, based on the Audi Le Mans quattro concept car, appearing at the 2003 International Geneva Motor Show, and 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The R8 road car was officially launched at the Paris Auto Show on 30 September 2006. There was some confusion with the name, which the car shares with the 24 Hours of Le Mans winning R8 Le Mans Prototype (LMP), and also the 1989 Mk2 Rover 200, codenamed R8.

The Audi R8 is used as a safety car in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters and British Superbike Championship racing series.

Chevrolet Cobalt SS

The Chevrolet Cobalt SS is a sport compact high performance version of the Chevrolet Cobalt, featuring three inline-4 Ecotec engines, built on the General Motors Delta platform. The car debuted with a 205 hp (153 kW) supercharged 2.0 L engine in late 2004, the only transmission option being the F35 manual of GM Europe. The engine had been first introduced one model year prior on the Saturn Ion Red Line. For 2006, a naturally-aspirated Cobalt SS with both automatic and manual transmission options was one of three Delta cars to carry GM's new 2.4 L,171 hp (128 kW) engine. A second 2.0 L engine exclusively mated to the F35, with power upped to 260 hp (194 kW) by way of a turbocharger, revived the Cobalt SS in the second quarter of 2008 after a brief hiatus (See timeline).

The powertrain of the Cobalt SS has received generally positive reviews, especially the turbocharged version, but the car has been criticized for poor interior quality and exterior styling that is too reminiscent of its predecessor, the Chevrolet Cavalier.^[2] The Super Sport moniker had not been used on the Cavalier, a compact built on the widely used and now obsolete J platform. Though the car was produced until 2005, it saw its most powerful trim, the Z24 featuring a 2.4 L 150 hp (112 kW) engine, cancelled in 2002 as GM prepared to phase out the platform.^[3] Chevrolet will end production of the Cobalt at the conclusion of the 2010 model year and replace it with the European-developed Cruze after producing the two simultaneously for the North American market, but a high performance version to directly replace the Cobalt SS has not yet been announced, nor any possible powertrains.^[4] Reports surfaced in May 2009 that General Motors will be eliminating the Cobalt SS coupe even earlier than expected, possibly as soon as December 2009.^[5][6]

Cadillac CTS

The Cadillac CTS is a mid-size luxury sports sedan and executive car manufactured by the Cadillac marque of General Motors. It was introduced in 2002 as the replacement for the unpopular Cadillac Catera. The release of the CTS is credited with reinvigorating the Cadillac brand. The car's exterior was designed by Wayne Cherry and Kip Wasenko, and marked the production debut of the stealth aircraft-inspired "Art and Science" design language, which was first seen on the Evoq concept car.^[1] During the 1990s, Cadillac had attempted to capture a younger demographic with cars such as the Catera and Allanté, but the company did not achieve success until the introduction of the CTS. As part of its marketing campaign, the sedan was featured prominently in an action film, and enjoyed a stellar reception from the motoring press, who have granted the car numerous awards and accolades over its lifetime.^[2]

Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH

Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH (German pronunciation: [ˈmaɪbax]) (founded 1909) is a German luxury car manufacturer. It was founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach with his son Karl Maybach as director. The company was originally a subsidiary of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH and was itself known as "Luftfahrzeug-Motoreinbau GmbH" (literally "Aircraft Engine Installation Company") until 1918. Today, the brand is owned by Daimler AG and based in Stuttgart.

Range Rover Sport

The Range Rover Sport is a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Land Rover since 2005. The fifth model in the Land Rover lineup and the first completely new model since the inception of the Freelander in 1996, the Range Rover Sport represents a new design direction for the marque as foreshadowed by the Range Stormer concept unveiled in 2005. An evolution of the concept, the Sport is marketed as a sports tourer and is intended to be Land Rover's most driver focused vehicle as indicated by its subtle rear spoiler and tail lights shaped for aerodynamic efficiency. Despite this, the Sport has serious off-road capability at its core, matching the rest of the Land Rover range. Like the Range Rover, it is only equipped with an automatic transmission.

Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is a luxury crossover SUV sold by Lexus since 1998. The RX is designed to combine the functional characteristics of an SUV with ride and features of a luxury sedan.^[1] The RX series has comprised multiple V6 and hybrid-powered models (such as the RX 300, RX 330, RX 350, RX 400h, and RX 450h), in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions. Three generations of the Lexus RX have been produced to date, in compact or mid-size form.^[2] The Lexus RX has been the best selling crossover luxury SUV on the US market since its introduction and has ranked as the best-selling luxury vehicle in the United States.^[3]

The Lexus RX first premiered in 1997 as a Lexus concept, followed by the debut of the production RX 300 model at the 1998 North American International Auto Show.^[4] In 2003, the second generation RX debuted in the U.S., and the redesigned RX 330 went on sale shortly after. Equivalent versions of the first and second generation models were sold in Japan under the Toyota Harrier (トヨタ ハリアー) nameplate until 2008. In 2006, the RX line added the world's first luxury hybrid,^[5] the RX 400h. The redesigned third generation RX went on sale in 2009.^[6]

Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper (sold as the Dodge SRT-10 in the United Kingdom) is a V10-powered sports car manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler LLC. Production of the two seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly in 1992 and moved to its current home at Conner Avenue Assembly in October 1995. The car, as well as numerous variations of it, has made countless appearances in TV shows, video games, movies, and music videos. All generations had the same 6-speed manual transmission. According to 2009 research by internet company Yahoo, the Viper is the second most fuel consuming car on sale in the United Kingdom.^[1]

Volkswagen Phaeton

The Volkswagen Phaeton (pronounced "fay-ton") is a full-size luxury saloon (sedan) manufactured by Volkswagen Passenger Cars, and is described by Volkswagen as their "premium class".^[1] Introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, and marketed worldwide, the Phaeton was sold in North America from model year 2004 through 2006.

The name Phaeton derives from Phaëton, the son of Phoebus (or Helios) in Greek mythology, and also the Phaeton, a type of horse-drawn carriage from the 19th century.

Alfa Romeo 156

The Alfa Romeo 156 (known internally as the type 932) is a compact executive car introduced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show^[4] as the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 155. Cars were assembled at Fiat Group factory in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy and General Motors facility in Rayong[1], Thailand (production in Thailand started March 2002 and lasted couple of years, cars were targeted for Asia Pacific markets^[5]). Between 1997 and 2005, 680,000 examples of the 156 were produced,^[6] a huge success for the brand.

The 156 was available in saloon and estate 'Sportwagon' bodystyles with seven engine configurations and it went through two facelifts, first in 2002 and second in 2003.

The 156 saloon was discontinued late in 2005 in Europe, the four-wheel drive Q4 Crosswagon was produced to the end of 2007.^[7][8] The 156 was replaced with 159, which also spawned the Brera, the two door coupe that replaces the Alfa Romeo GTV along with its convertible sister the new Spider.

Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord Hybrid was a Hybrid vehicle version of the North American Honda Accord, offered in model years 2005 through 2007. It was the company's third hybrid when the 2005 model was introduced in late 2004, following the Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid. The Accord Hybrid was priced US$3,000 higher than the EX V6 model Accord, and retained substantially the same trim and feature levels (although the 2005 model did not include the power sunroof). Honda positioned the Accord Hybrid at the top of its (non-Acura) lineup.

While this new vehicle shared the same displacement as the regular seventh generation Accord V6 powerplant, the engine in the Hybrid was derived from the 2005 Honda Odyssey minivan and has the ability to shut off 3 of the 6 cylinders under certain conditions for better fuel economy (a technology that Honda calls Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)). The new engine features iVTEC technology and drives a new compact transmission, developed to allow the inclusion of the electric motor sandwiched between the transversely-mounted engine and automatic transmission. Power of the gas engine is up from 240 to 255 hp (179 to 190 kW) and torque rose from 212 to 232 ft·lbf (287 to 315 N·m). However, there was no four-cylinder on this car.

Fuel economy was originally estimated at 29 mpg_-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg_-imp) city and 37 mpg_-US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg_-imp) highway, but was later changed to 25 mpg_-US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg_-imp) city, 34 mpg_-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg_-imp) highway, after Honda's addition of standard sunroof and spare tire (not included on the 2005 model) bumped the car to a higher weight class for United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ mileage testing. The 2006 model has also been rated an AT-PZEV vehicle. AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) is an emissions standard created by the California Air Resources Board. In 2007, the EPA estimates were changed yet again to 28 mpg_-US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_-imp) city and 35 mpg_-US (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg_-imp) highway.

Peugeot 306

The 306 was developed between 1990 and 1992 ready for 1993. It was a replacement for the Peugeot 309 (which had broken with Peugeot's normal ascending numbering system partly due to it being released before the older and larger Peugeot 305 was axed).

Mechanically, the 306 is virtually identical to the Citroën ZX, which was launched two years before the 306: both cars use the same floorpan and core structure. The 306, with its attractive Peugeot 205 derived Pininfarina styling, was a more successful car than its twin. The Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner were also built on the same platform. The chassis used by the 306 and ZX was also used in the ZX's replacement, the Citroën Xsara. The sharing of platforms between Peugeot and Citroën has been parent company PSA Peugeot Citroën policy since the late 1970s, after the Peugeot takeover of the then bankrupt Citroen in the wake of the 1974 oil crisis. The first car being the Peugeot 104 based Citroen Visa and Citroën LNA. The policy continues today with the Peugeot 107, Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, colloquially known as the Lancer Evo or Evo,^[1] is a car manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. There have been ten official versions to date, and the designation of each model is most commonly a roman numeral. All of them share a two litre, turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive system. Evolution models prior to version VII were the homologation models for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship. In order to follow these rules, the Evolution was based on the same unibody as the Lancer.

The Evolution was originally intended only for Japanese markets but demand on the 'grey import' market led the Evolution series to be offered through RalliArt dealer networks in the United Kingdom and in various European markets from around 1998. Mitsubishi decided to export the eighth generation Evolution to the United States in 2003 after witnessing the success Subaru had in that market with their Impreza WRX, a direct competitor in other global regions.^[2]

Japanese-spec cars were limited by a gentleman's agreement to advertise no more than 276 hp (205 kW), a self imposed limit, 280 hp (210 kW) by the state, a mark already reached by Evolution IV. Therefore, each subsequent version has unofficially evolved above the advertised power figures, with the Japanese-spec Evolution IX reaching a real power output of around 321 PS (317 hp/236 kW). Various versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 405 bhp (302 kW).

In 2008, the latest generation Lancer Evolution X was launched worldwide, and featured an all-new 291 hp (217 kW) inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a full-time all wheel drive powertrain.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German supercar jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, built in Portsmouth and the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. Daimler AG, owner of Mercedes-Benz, also owns 40% of the McLaren Group.

Due to the presence of the automatic gear box, front mid-engined arrangement and its driving characteristics lead some commentators to classify the SLR McLaren as a GT whose rivals can be considered to be vehicles like the Aston Martin DBS V12, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Mercedes decided to drop the SLR due to lack of sales in late 2007.

SLR stands for "Sport, Leicht, Rennsport" (sport, light, racing). Mercedes-Benz has stated that they will build 3500 SLRs in a span of 7 years, with an annual production of 500 cars.^[1] The car's base price is GB£300,000 (approx. US$495,000 or €475,000, c. 2007).^[2] However demand was insufficient to meet targeted sales numbers, production will end in 2009 as planned.^[3]

Catalytic Convertor

How the Catalytic Converter works
There are millions of cars on the road that are potential sources of air pollution. In a major effort to reduce vehicle emissions, carmakers have developed an interesting device called a catalytic converter, which treats the exhaust before it leaves the car and removes a lot of the pollution.

Pollutants Produced the Engine
In order to reduce emissions, modern cars have been designed to carefully control the amount of fuel they burn. The goal is to keep the air-to-fuel ratio very close to the "stoichiometric" point, which is the calculated ideal ratio of air to fuel. Theoretically, at this ratio, all of the fuel will be burned using all of the oxygen in the air. [For petrol, the stoichiometric ratio is about 14.7 to 1, meaning that for each pound of fuel, 14.7 pounds of air will be burned. The fuel mixture actually varies from the ideal ratio quite a bit during driving. Sometimes the mixture can be "lean" (an air-to-fuel ratio higher than 14.7); and other times the mixture can be "rich" (an air-to-fuel ratio lower than 14.7).]

The Final Drive (Differential)

A differential is a device, usually but not necessarily employing gears, capable of transmitting torque and rotation through three shafts, almost always used in one of two ways. In one way, it receives one input and provides two outputs; this is found in most automobiles. In the other way, it combines two inputs to create an output that is the sum, difference, or average, of the inputs.

In automobiles and other wheeled vehicles, the differential allows each of the driving roadwheels to rotate at different speeds, while for most vehicles supplying equal torque to each of them. In automotive applications, the differential housing is sometimes colloquially called a "pumpkin"^{[citation needed]} (because the housing resembles a pumpkin).

ABS ( Anti-Lock Brake System)

Early ABS

Anti-lock braking systems were first developed for aircraft in 1929, by the French automobile and aircraft pioneer, Gabriel Voisin, as threshold braking an airplane is nearly impossible. An early system was Dunlop's Maxaret system, introduced in the 1950s and still in use on some aircraft models.

In 1958 a Royal Enfield Super Meteor motorcycle was used by the Road Research Laboratory to test the Maxaret anti-lock brake.^[2] The Maxaret works by detecting rapid decelerations of the wheel that may cause it to lock and releases and re-appllies hydraulic pressure to the brake several times a second, keeping the average braking effort at the maximum that can be used by the road surface and tyre combination. The experiments demonstrated that anti-lock brakes could be of great value on motorcycles, where skidding is involved in a high proportion of accidents. Stopping distances were reduced in almost all the tests, compared with locked wheel braking, but particularly on slippery surfaces, where the improvement could be as much as 30 percent. Enfield's Technical Director at the time, Tony Wilson-Jones saw little future in the system, however, and it was not put into production by the company.^[2]

A fully mechanical system saw limited automobile use in the 1960s in the Ferguson P99 racing car, the Jensen FF and the experimental all wheel drive Ford Zodiac, but saw no further use; the system proved expensive and, in automobile use, somewhat unreliable.

[edit] Modern ABS

Chrysler, together with the Bendix Corporation, introduced a true computerized three-channel all-wheel antilock brake system called "Sure Brake" on the 1971 Imperial.^[3] It was available for several years thereafter, functioned as intended, and proved reliable. General Motors introduced the "Trackmaster" rear-wheel (only) ABS as an option on their Rear-wheel drive Cadillac models in 1971.^[4][5]

In 1975, Robert Bosch took over a European company called Teldix (contraction of Telefunken and Bendix) and all the patents registered by this joint-venture and took advantage out of this acquisition to build the base of the system introduced on the market some years later. The German firms Bosch and Mercedes-Benz had been co-developing anti-lock braking technology since the 1970s, and introduced the first completely electronic 4-wheel multi-channel ABS system in trucks and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 1978. The Honda NSX was the first to mass produced automobile with the modern 4-channel ABS system sold in the United States and Japan, it applies individual brake pressure to each of the four wheels.

In addition, ABS is now gaining popularity on Heavy-duty trucks.

Intake manifold

Intake manifold:

The primary function of the intake manifold is to evenly distribute the combustion mixture (or just air in a direct injection engine) to each intake port in the cylinder head(s). Even distribution is important to optimize the efficiency and performance of the engine. It may also serve as a mount for the carburetor, throttle body, fuel injectors and other components of the engine.

Due to the downward movement of the pistons and the restriction caused by the throttle valve, in a reciprocating spark ignition piston engine, a partial vacuum (lower than atmospheric pressure) exists in the intake manifold. This manifold vacuum can be substantial, and can be used as a source of automobile ancillary power to drive auxiliary systems: power assisted brakes, emission control devices, cruise control, ignition advance, windshield wipers, power windows, ventilation system valves, etc.

This vacuum can also be used to draw any piston blow-by gases from the engine's crankcase. This is known as a closed crankcase ventilation or positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. This way the gases are burned with the fuel/air mixture.