05 Feb 07
Satellite navigation. Uses a sophisticated locator device that gets a fix on the car's position, speed and direction of travel from satellites above the Earth. Linked to a CD or DVD of maps, the system can then direct you, road by road, to your desired destination. Simple sat nav systems can be bought from accessories shops as devices to stick onto your dashboard: more sophisticated systems use full 3D-effect colour mapping on a large display screen.
A familiar one for classic convertible drivers, this is where the dashboard shakes and rattles over a bumpy road, due to the loss of structural rigidity from having a canvas, rather than fixed steel, roof. Still an issue in some convertibles today, though the new coupe-cabriolets with metal folding roofs have overcome the problem.
Alfa Romeo's F1-style semi-automatic clutchless transmission option.
A manual gearbox that changes gear automatically by replacing the clutch pedal with a system of electronic sensors and hydraulic mechanical actuators. You drive it through the gears as if you were in a manual, but do not need to push down a clutch pedal with your left foot.
As semi-automatic transmission, but with a simpler forwards-backwards gear lever motion to take you up and down the gears, rather than a manual-style H gate - invariably in combination with a fully automatic mode and usually with selectable 'sports' or 'comfort' modes determining gearchange time. Most sequential-shift transmission systems have steering wheel-mounted paddleshift-type buttons as well as the lever.
A documented history of a car's maintenance, this shows where and when each service has taken place. A manufacturer-supplied handbook, with stamps from main dealers, is the most desirable. You will need to show this if you have to make a claim on a car's warranty, to prove that it has been properly looked after, and when you sell your car, most buyers will expect to see it.
Honda system similar to Ferrari's e-diff, but with four-wheel drive. Sends torque to the wheel where it's most useful - up to 100% to either rear wheel. Differs from other AWD systems in having an electromagnetic clutch at each rear half-shaft in place of a rear differential. If both rear wheels are slipping, torque goes up front. And instead of a centre differential, there's a device called a speed multiplier which allows front and rear axles to spin at different speeds. Maintains rear-biased handling, with super-quick reactions.
Beams or bars of solid metal in the doors designed to stop them caving in and squashing the occupants in side-on collisions.
Maserati's name for its multi-mode adaptive damping suspension system.
BMW system based on a conventional manual gearbox but with the gearshift and clutch mechanisms operated by hydraulic actuators. Basically a semi-automatic gearbox; the fun of a manual without having to use your left foot - and with a full auto mode for lazy moments. Has steering wheel-mounted paddleshifts and a choice of sports settings ranging from smoothness to super-quick race-style shifts. There's a launch control mode in recent models, too.
A loop of wire that produces a magnetic field when an electrical current is passed through it. In a car, the starter solenoid receives a large electrical current from the battery and a small electrical current from the ignition switch. When the ignition switch is turned on (when the key is turned to start the car), the small electrical current tells the starter solenoid to relay the large electrical current to the starter motor.
Usually aluminium these days, but steel in many classic racing cars. A body structure from tubular metal struts forms an integrated frame or 'cage' to which the body panels, suspension etc are then attached. Lightweight and strong, advances in production technology now make spaceframe construction more affordable and ideal for low-volume sports cars, specialist vehicles and racers.
Sum-up of a car's equipment, gadgets, gizmos, refinements, accessories and so on. A car described as high spec these days should have air conditioning, nice seats, a CD player and sat nav; if it's low spec, you're winding the windows by lever and sitting on nasty nylon.
An aerodynamic device that diverts the flow of air in order to reduce drag or lift. Not strictly necessary in most road-going cars at legal road speeds, so in most cases it's a largely cosmetic device. Some high-performance cars have small spoilers that automatically rise up when a certain speed is reached. Often used interchangeably with 'wing', although strictly speaking a wing lets the air pass above and below. [See also: Aerodynamics, downforce]
Refers to the relationship between the amount cornering force (in 'g') being produced and the resistance felt through the steering wheel. Good steering feel gives the driver a good sense of how much grip is left and, therefore, more confidence in fast corners.
The ratio of how far you have to turn the steering wheel to how far the wheels turn. A car with a low steering ratio means reaction to small wheel inputs, and thus a sporting steering feel; one which demands turn after turn of the wheel won't feel quite so obliging. Also measured in terms of the number of turns a car needs lock-to-lock; influential on turning circle.
Turns the engine off when idling, such as when sitting in a traffic queue, and restarts it again when the brake is lifted or throttle pressed, cutting both fuel consumption and emissions. As seen in the early 90s in the Golf Eco, now making a comeback - on offer from Citroen and BMW but set to be used by many more manufacturers in the near future. In combination with integrated starter-generator (ISG) technology, can offer fuel savings near to those of hybrids without the extra weight and cost of a full hybrid powertrain.
Describes how a car occupant can slide down and under their seatbelt in a crash, thus evading the restraint and losing protection from airbags. A particular danger for kids not in child seats, as adult seat belts are not designed to restrain them. Anti-submarining seats aim to reduce this risk, as do child booster seats.
A mechanically driven turbine that boosts engine power by forcing compressed air into the cylinders. As used in the first BMW-era Mini Cooper S and in many Mercedes models, where it is known as a Kompressor. Thought to give a smoother power delivery than a turbocharger.
Loved by posh school-run mums (hence the nickname Chelsea tractor), wealthy footballers and farmers alike, the SUV is a tall, high-riding, four-wheel-drive vehicle designed to negotiate muddy terrain - though most rarely go further off-road than a supermarket car park. Now seen as politically incorrect due to high fuel consumption and arrogant road presence.
