05 Feb 07
More commonly referred to as a rev counter. Indicates the amount of revolutions per minute at which the engine is turning - and has a red section on its dial to tell you when you're revving too high. Not to be confused with a tachograph, which is what lorry drivers have in their cabins to tell them how many working hours they have left.
A type of convertible with lift-out solid roof panels instead of a folding canvas hood or retracting hard-top. Usually leaves a central T-bar above the occupants.
Where car security systems are tested: the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, near Newbury. The centre rates and certifies security systems and is also involved in safety testing - it has recently been researching whiplash protection. It provides most of the data insurance companies use to set a car's insurance grouping.
An entirely electronic throttle control system in which there is no mechanical link between the driver's right foot and the engine.
A patented Porsche/Audi/Volkswagen automatic gearbox design that features a manual gear selection facility - known as a sequential shift - allowing you to shift up or down a ratio. Has subsequently been copied by other manufacturers.
Traditionally a canvas cover for the open section of a convertible, though usually now - in these days of full hoods and folding hard-tops - the cover (hard or fabric) over the hood/roof itself when it slides away.
The turning or twisting force imparted on the driveline by the engine, also known as pulling power, it indicates an engine's strength and flexibility (ie the ability to pull in each gear) rather than its power and overall speed. Normally measured in lb-ft or Newton metres (Nm). Big torque figures at low revs are a feature of large V8s, while high-revving four-cylinder engines normally have lower torque at higher revs. Diesels typically develop their maximum torque low down the rev range. [See also BHP.]
A fluid coupling used in automatic transmissions to transmit power from the engine to the wheels.
The tendency of a powerful front-wheel-drive car to pull to one side or become unstable during hard acceleration, due to excessive engine torque. Usually felt as a tug to the steering wheel. Common in turbocharged engines, though these days, usually curbed by traction and electronic stability control systems.
Body rigidity. Aside from crash safety, indicates how much the structure is likely to flex and whether it'll get wobbly over bumps. A phrase usually used when describing convertibles and roadsters, as it determines whether they'll suffer from scuttle shake.
The distance of the width between the centre of each of the front or rear wheels: the wider the track, the more stable the car should be.
A device that detects wheelspin and cuts power or applies pulse braking to the offending wheel in order to regain grip, or traction. [See also: ESP]
Volkswagen term for an engine with both turbocharger and supercharger - how to extract large power outputs from small engines, in combination with FSI direct-injection technology. The supercharger boosts torque and power at the low end of the rev range, before the turbo takes over. Cuts out turbo lag, gives instant boost at all engine speeds.
Forces compressed air into the engine with a turbine; like a supercharger, but driven by exhaust gases rather than the crankshaft. The delay common in early turbocharged cars between pressing the throttle hard and achieving acceleration is known as turbo lag. [See also: Supercharger]
The smallest circle in which a vehicle can turn 360 degrees with its steering on full lock. A tight turning circle means better manoeuvrability around town: the traditional black London taxi cabs are noted for their ultra-tight turning circles.
As in Alfa Romeos; two spark plugs per cylinder. Used in early Alfa race cars, said to help extract more power from an engine without increasing emissions; gives more explosive and more thermodynamically efficient ignition, but it's costly and complex.
