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Oversteer generally refers to a car's tendency to lose grip on the rear wheels around corners or when pushed hard. This results in the back end sliding out. Oversteer can be easily seen in older rear wheel drive cars (such as Falcons and Commodores)...
Normally aspirated A Normally (or Naturally) Aspirated engine is one which is not turbocharged or supercharged and takes in air for combustion without any additional devices. For example a typical vehicle is normally aspirated. In general a normally...
A Crumple Zone takes the impact of a crash by, as the name suggest crumpling when a crash occurs. By doing this, the crumple zone provides a space that is designed to take the impact of a crash. The reason for the crumple zone is to increase the time...
Monocoque The most common form of chassis construction for passenger cars and, ever more so, 4WD cars. Monocoque is French for "Single Shell" and unlike a ladder frame, where the chassis and body are separate for high strength, monococques are spe...
Limited slip differential (LSD) LSD is a mechanical version of traction control, limiting wheel spin on an axle in two and four-wheel drives. We can notice the main advantage of a LSD when it is compared to a typical standard differential. Imagine...
Low profile tyres Low profile tyres have excellent grip on dry roads but are stiffer than ordinary tyres and therefore provide a firmer ride. These tyres have a greater width ratio to cope with the demands of higher performance vehicles. "Profile"...
Kilowatts is the measure of power used for cars. The higher the number the better. In order to change Kilowatts into Horsepower use the following formula: Horsepower = Kilowatts x 1.34
Kerb weight - or kerb mass (also known as Curb), is the overall weight of the car, without any load except for half (or sometimes full depending on manufacturer) a tank of fuel. The Gross weight of the car is when it is fully loaded with people, carg...
Four-wheel drive systems There are many 4WD systems, the most common ones are full-time 4WD and part-time 4WD. Obviously in Full Time 4WD the power is sent to all four wheels all the time, in more modern Full Time 4WDs, this setting can be changed...
Four-wheel drive (4WD) | All Wheel Drive (AWD) Four-wheel drive is a system whereby all four wheels receive power from the engine simultaneously. Originally the system was developed for off-road vehicles but has become increasingly more popular on...