Auto Tech
2010 Taurus technology
The redesigned 2010 Ford Taurus includes some advanced technological features, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. For example, a programmable microchip in the ignition key allows parents to limit the car’s top speed when their teenage children are driving it.
Keeping up appearances - the importance of detailing
Master detailer, Ken Wilson, discusses how the average consumer can detail his or her own car with far less effort than expected in just a couple of hours.
Progressive throttlesDifferent vehicles have different throttle response but new electronic throttles can adjust throttle response automatically to different situations, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. “Drive-by-wire systems programming is continually getting better, making vehicles easier to drive,” he says.
Powder coating finishesIf you have metal car parts that need refinishing, consider powder coating, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. “Powder coated parts are extremely durable and can withstand bumps, knocks and blows that would destroy paint,” he says.
Downshifting automatic transmissionsOne reason for downshifting an automatic transmission manually is to reduce the load on the brakes on long downhill grades. “Trailer towing downhill can overheat brakes, so downshifting the transmission improves braking and your safety,” says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Ford’s Ecoboost Engine
Ford’s new Ecoboost engines produce lower emissions, more performance and up to 20 per cent better fuel economy and will eventually be offered in up to 90 per cent of all Ford models, reports Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Tesla Motors
Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla Motors is the only company that builds highway-capable electric cars, reports Technical Editor Jim Kerr. Daimler AG recently bought a 10% stake in Tesla.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid powertrain
Ford’s all-new Fusion Hybrid powertrain offers a number of improvements over the Escape Hybrid’s powertrain, including 20% more power and a battery pack that is 14% smaller, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Energy sustainabilityFuel prices have dropped recently, but energy sustainability is a complex issue, says Technical Editor Jim Kerr, who looks at several issues, including supply and demand, vehicle size and weight, performance, and the pros and cons of alternative fuels.
Roll stability controlWith a higher centre of gravity, pickups and SUVs are often more prone to rolling over than cars are. To help prevent this, engineers developed roll stability control, a sophisticated electronic system that senses impending rollovers and helps prevent them.
High performance exhaustsTechnical editor, Jim Kerr, discusses how performance exhaust systems differ from standard systems and how they affect performance and emissions.
Honda Insight’s dash display
The Honda Insight hybrid has a unique dash display that uses colours and growing plants to motivate, and even reward the driver to drive more efficiently. Technical Editor Jim Kerr reports.
Cars for the environment
The goal of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from vehicles in order to slow global warming is driving the development of new engine technologies, but which technology is best? Technical Editor, Jim Kerr, examines all the current alternatives.
New regulations for air conditioning refrigerants
Beginning in 2011, European Union regulations will require a new type of air conditioning refrigerant that contributes less to global warming. Currently, three kinds are under consideration, but a winner hasn’t been decided yet.
GM’s battery strategy
GM and LG Chem are developing an advanced lithium ion battery system for the upcoming Volt electric car, and eighty Volt prototypes will hit the streets this summer, reports Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
Subaru’s PZEV vehicles
A Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) is very close to a Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV), but has some distinct advantages, reports Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. Subaru already has two PZEV models on the market.
Modern seatbelt technologyThere are more to modern three-point seatbelts than meets the eye, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. Many now work in conjunction with crash sensors to provide extra support before and during a crash.
Wheel alignment
Winter takes its toll on a car, and that can include the suspension. Technical Editor Jim Kerr suggests an annual check-up to be sure that everything is within specifications, along with an alignment to reduce unnecessary tire and suspension component wear.
Tire rotation
Tire rotation is a mystery for many drivers. Look to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for instructions, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. “The vehicle manufacturer wants to keep tire wear as even as possible.”
Honda’s new Insight Hybrid technology
The new five-passenger Honda Insight features Honda’s improved hybrid technology that includes a battery pack that is 19 per cent smaller, 28 per cent lighter with a 30 per cent higher power output. Technical Editor, Jim Kerr reports.
Buying another vehicle: Part two
When shopping for a new vehicle, don’t buy the first one you test drive, warns Technical Editor Jim Kerr. “Any newer vehicle will feel far superior to your old worn out one.....test drive as many vehicles as possible.”
GM’s Extended Range Electric Vehicles
Different from hybrid technology, E-REV (extended range electric vehicle) technology uses a battery to power the vehicle and a small gasoline motor to charge the battery when it runs low. E-REVs can also be plugged in at night.
Buying another vehicleWhen buying another vehicle, you should ask yourself three questions, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. What do I need? What do I want? And how much will I spend?
Direct fuel injection vs port fuel injection
Direct fuel injection is replacing port fuel injection, says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr. “Direct fuel injection can increase fuel economy by 15 to 20 per cent and when combined with turbocharging, may see 20 to 30 per cent economy improvements.”
Fuel efficiency
To improve fuel efficiency, some observers look to the electric car, while others to hydrogen. “In reality, we are likely to see several technologies converge to produce the fuel efficient cars of tomorrow,” says Technical Editor, Jim Kerr.
