05 Feb 07
A soundproofing measure, as used by Toyota and Lexus that differs from conventional laminated windscreens in that it has a special layer of transparent sound-absorbing material between two layers of glass.
Maintains a given speed like regular cruise control, but also uses radar to keep a set distance between you and the car in front, so you don't have to constantly brake and accelerate.
Headlights that can 'see' around corners - also known as cornering beams. The angle of the beam is altered via electronic sensors according to steering angle and speed.
Head restraints that pivot forwards in the event of an impact, cushioning the head and helping to minimise whiplash injuries.
A BMW option that works with the electric power steering to adjust the steering ratio (the number of turns lock-to-lock) and level of assistance, according to speed and driving style.
Variable-stiffness suspension systems, electronically controlled these days, which adjust the stiffness of a shock absorber and its damping according to speed, driving style or even road surfaces. Most have selectable 'sport' and 'comfort' modes. 'Active' suspension refers to a system that can also alter overall ride height. Generally more complex than older self-levelling hydraulic or air suspension systems.
The mastery of airflow - how to stop your car lifting off the ground like an aeroplane at high speed. That's why high performance sports cars often have little wings and spoilers at the back - or, in the case of a Subaru Impreza WRX STi, a very big wing indeed. Aerodynamics also influences fuel consumption and performance: the easier a car slips through the air, the less fuel it uses and the quicker it can go. [See also: Downforce]
Parts and services relating to vehicle repair, maintenance, tuning or accessorising, usually offered by companies independent from car manufacturers. This can encompass anything from alloy wheels from the Demon Tweeks catalogue to a fully redesigned or re-engineered and manufacturer-approved car from the likes of Alpina (BMW) or Ruf (Porsche).
Bags placed around the cabin, usually tucked into panels in the dashboard or within the steering wheel, which rapidly inflate with nitrogen gas to provide a cushion between you and the car's hard surfaces in a crash. Some manufacturers are now offering curtain airbags - full-length airbags that inflate from the car's roof to protect the heads of people in the front and back or the car - plus window airbags, knee-protecting airbags and even airbags within seatbelts.
Cylinders of compressed air replace conventional steel springs, powered by a compressor pump, to adjust the ride height at each wheel. It can work in combination with self-levelling, active ride height and adaptive electronically controlled systems, but it also features in cruder, manually activated ride-height adjusters, common on so-called low-rider modified cars.
A synthetic upholstery material, like a cross between velour and suede. Often used on sports seats, or to denote a higher class of car than one with mere cloth or nylon. Not as posh as leather, though.
Wheels made from aluminium alloy are lighter, better-looking and less prone to corrosion than steel ones. They're more expensive, though, and they can look very tatty if you're prone to scraping the kerb when parking. Cast alloy wheels are formed by pouring molten aluminium into a one-piece mould; more expensive forged alloys, sometimes made from magnesium, are formed from a single billet in a high-pressure stamping process.
Aluminium is one third the weight of steel - and tougher, too. Most commonly used in engine construction, such as for engine blocks, but now more widely used for body structures and body panels (for instance, on the Jaguar XJ and Audi A8).
ABS stops excessive pedal pressure from locking the wheels during panic braking. It enables you to brake and steer at the same time and can radically reduce stopping distances, especially in the wet. A must-have safety item, it is now standard-fit on all new cars sold in the EU. These days, ABS usually incorporates EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and brake assist, which keeps the braking pressure even and maintains the braking force in an emergency stop.
The point of the bend that racing drivers aim towards (or rather, to just miss) in order to effect the perfect cornering manoeuvre.
Connects the roof to the body structure at the base of windscreen. Many now have airbags built in, aiding crash protection, but they're thicker these days, which reduces visibility during cornering - Volvo, for example, is working on see-through pillars to counteract this.
This tells you the real cost of the loan, including all the extras, which you took out on your car, in a percentage-paid-per-year form.
An electronic aid which works with ABS to prevent wheelspin. Similar to traction control but often tuned with a view to aiding fast cornering.
A mirror with electrochromatic technology to dim the reflection: reduces the risk of glare from that car behind with its headlamps on full beam. Works in a similar way to photochromatic spectacles, but with small electric current to darken the glass.
All-wheel drive, see Four-wheel drive.
