05 Feb 07
Mercedes-Benz's anti-whiplash active head restraints. Linked to sensors which monitor the likelihood of an impact from behind; if you're about to be rear-ended, they move forwards and upwards for optimum protection of the head and neck.
Formerly military-issue kit, now offered in certain ultra-luxurious road cars. Uses a thermal imaging camera (infra-red) to detect pedestrians, animals or other heat-emitting objects, and then projects images of these onto an in-dash screen.
Used to describe engines that produce their power without the assistance of a supercharger or turbocharger, which take in their air naturally.
The Ring. Mecca for road-racers and petrolheads, this legendary 13-mile race track in Germany is said to be the most demanding in the world. In its many incarnations it has hosted grands prix, 24-hour endurance races and many other events since the 20s. The Nordschlieffe circuit circles the Nurburg castle; this is much-used for testing of prototype cars, and is an open public road (one-way, with a toll) for much of the year.
