1.
Geo Storm
–
The Geo Storm is a sport compact car manufactured by Isuzu and sold in the United States by Geo from 1990 through 1993. The same vehicles, with variations, were sold in Canada in the 1992 and 1993 model years only. The Storm was intended to be a car with the look. It can be considered to have replaced the related Geo Spectrum, the Geo Storm was a rebadged version of the sporty, second generation Isuzu Impulse minus some of that cars more expensive features. The Storm was sold in Japan as the PA Nero and related Gemini Coupe, the Storm lacked the Impulses Lotus-tuned suspension as well as the Impulses optional turbocharger and all-wheel drive drivetrain. Although they were essentially the same car, sales of the Storm were much stronger than those of the Impulse—indeed, the Storm sold better than most small GM cars of that era. Slow sales of the Isuzu version doomed the Storm when the Isuzu Impulse was canceled, for The GSi hatchback Model was replaced by GM Delta platform based Chevrolet Cobalt SS in 2004 The Cobalt SS was built at the Lordstown Assembly at Lordstown, Ohio. As of 2010, there were only 40,300 Storms registered for road use, the Storm was manufactured at Isuzus main plant in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan. The Storm and Impulse were sold in Canada by General Motors Canada as the Asüna Sunfire, the most common body style for the Storm was a three-door hatchback. The 1990 and 1991 hatchbacks were produced in two packages, but all Storms shared front disc and rear drum brakes and had an anti-sway bar to tighten the front suspension. The base model was priced at $10,390, and the GSi was $11,650. USD The base models SOHC inline-four engine produced 95 hp and had a 9.1,1 compression ratio. The more powerful 1990–1991 GSi used a 1. 6L DOHC engine that produced 130 hp and had a 9.8,1 compression ratio. The GSi package also included driving lights, a spoiler, a rear anti-sway bar, for 1991 and 1992, customers had the option of purchasing a two-door station wagon body style, also called a wagonback. The base price of the wagon was $11,450. The station wagon was marketed as a hatchback and the normal Storm – a more traditional hatchback – was marketed as a coupé, in 1992, the Storm was restyled to have a smoother front fascia without the pop-up headlight covers on earlier models. The GSi version from these years cost considerably more but this included a larger 1.8 L140 hp engine. Modern sport compacts have faster acceleration and better handling, but the figures for the Storm were quite respectable for an economical compact car from that era. Autoweeks 1990 review of the Storm was titled Slick, Quick And Inexpensive, skid pad test figures ranged from 0.81 g to 0.85 g, meeting or exceeding those of the Mazda RX-7 convertible
2.
Brake
–
A brake is a mechanical device that inhibits motion by absorbing energy from a moving system. It is used for slowing or stopping a vehicle, wheel, axle, or to prevent its motion. Most brakes commonly use friction between two surfaces pressed together to convert the energy of the moving object into heat, though other methods of energy conversion may be employed. For example, regenerative braking converts much of the energy to electrical energy, other methods convert kinetic energy into potential energy in such stored forms as pressurized air or pressurized oil. Eddy current brakes use magnetic fields to convert energy into electric current in the brake disc, fin, or rail. Still other braking methods even transform kinetic energy into different forms, Brakes are generally applied to rotating axles or wheels, but may also take other forms such as the surface of a moving fluid. In practice, fast vehicles usually have significant air drag, almost all wheeled vehicles have a brake of some sort. Even baggage carts and shopping carts may have them for use on a moving ramp, most fixed-wing aircraft are fitted with wheel brakes on the undercarriage. Some aircraft also feature air brakes designed to reduce their speed in flight, notable examples include gliders and some World War II-era aircraft, primarily some fighter aircraft and many dive bombers of the era. These allow the aircraft to maintain a speed in a steep descent. The Saab B17 dive bomber and Vought F4U Corsair fighter used the deployed undercarriage as an air brake, Friction brakes on automobiles store braking heat in the drum brake or disc brake while braking then conduct it to the air gradually. When traveling downhill some vehicles can use their engines to brake, when the brake pedal of a modern vehicle with hydraulic brakes is pushed against the master cylinder, ultimately a piston pushes the brake pad against the brake disc which slows the wheel down. On the brake drum it is similar as the cylinder pushes the brake shoes against the drum which also slows the wheel down, Brakes may be broadly described as using friction, pumping, or electromagnetics. Typically the term brake is used to mean pad/shoe brakes and excludes hydrodynamic brakes. Friction brakes are often rotating devices with a pad and a rotating wear surface. Other brake configurations are used, but less often, a drum brake is a vehicle brake in which the friction is caused by a set of brake shoes that press against the inner surface of a rotating drum. The drum is connected to the rotating roadwheel hub, drum brakes generally can be found on older car and truck models. However, because of their low production cost, drum brake setups are also installed on the rear of some low-cost newer vehicles, compared to modern disc brakes, drum brakes wear out faster due to their tendency to overheat
3.
Car controls
–
Car controls are the components in automobiles and other powered road vehicles, such as trucks and buses, used for driving and parking. While controls like steering wheels and pedals have existed since the invention of cars, for example, manual transmissions became less common as technology relating to semi-automatic and automatic transmissions advanced. Earlier versions of headlights and signal lights were fueled by acetylene or oil, acetylene was preferred to oil, because its flame is resistant to both wind and rain. Acetylene headlights were popular until 1898, when the first electric headlights were introduced, the first automobiles were steered with a tiller. The steering wheel was first used when Alfred Vacheron competed in the 1894 Paris–Rouen motor race in a Panhard et Levassor, in 1898, steering wheels became a standard feature of Panhard et Levassor cars. They were introduced in the U. S. by Packard in 1899, power steering helps drivers steer by augmenting the drivers steering effort. Power steering has used hydraulics to reduce a drivers steering effort, however, hydraulic steering is being replaced by electric power steering, because it eliminates the hydraulic pump, and increases fuel efficiency. Foot pedals are levers that are activated by the feet to control certain aspects of the vehicles operation. Pedals usually hang from the bulkhead on smaller vehicles, while standing on the floor in heavy-duty vehicles. Regardless of where the pedals are mounted, the arrangement is the same for both right- and left-hand traffic, normally the throttle and brake are operated by the right foot, while the clutch is operated by the left foot. In the US, drivers who mistake the accelerator for the brake, leading to sudden unintended acceleration, however, there are drivers who practice left-foot braking. Vehicles that generate power with a combustion engine are generally equipped with a transmission or gearbox to change the speed-torque ratio. This does not usually apply to vehicles because their motors can drive the vehicle both forward and backward from zero speed. In some four-wheel drive vehicles there is a lever that engages a low-ratio gearbox. Other levers may switch between two- and four-wheel drive and differential locks, some cars have a freewheel that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft. This happens when the shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft. For example, Saab used a system in the Saab 96 V4. It was also used in Saabs two-stroke models at the cost of engine braking, some cars, such as the Rover P4, include a manual switch to engage or disengage the freewheel
4.
Saab 900
–
The Saab 900 is a compact luxury automobile which was produced by Saab from 1978 until 1998 in two generations. The first generation from 1978 to 1993 is known as the classic, the classic Saab 900 was based on the Saab 99 chassis, though with a longer front end to meet U. S. frontal crash regulations. The 900 was produced in 2- and 4-door sedan, and 3- and 5-door hatchback configurations and, from 1986, as a cabriolet model. There were single- and twin-Zenith carburettor, fuel-injection, and turbocharged engines and it was originally introduced in May 1978, for the 1979 model year. Like its predecessor the 99, the 900 contained a number of design features that distinguish it from most other cars. First, the engine was installed backwards, with power delivered from the crank at the front of the car, second, the transmission, technically a transaxle, bolted directly to the bottom of the engine to form the oil pan. Thus, power from the crank would be delivered out of the engine at the front, then transferred down and back to the transmission below, refined over several decades of two-digit Saab models, the 900s double wishbone suspension design provided excellent handling and road feel. The rear suspension comprised a beam axle design, stabilized with a Panhard rod. Early models did not have bars, they began appearing on certain models in 1985. The sway bars decreased body roll, but at the expense of some ride comfort, the front and rear bars diameters were unchanged throughout the models run. The 900 utilized a deeply curved front windshield, providing the best driver visibility, also underscoring their aircraft lineage, the 900s dashboard was curved to enable easy reach of all controls and featured gauges lit up from the front. This is why, for example, the radio is placed so high in the dashboard. The 900 underwent minor cosmetic changes for 1987, including restyled front-end and bumpers that went from a vertical to a more sloped design. Being a small car factory, for reasons, Saab kept the basic undercarriage more or less unchanged throughout the 900s production run. The Saab 900 could be ordered with different options, one highly sought-after option was called the Aero or Sports Package, or, as it was known in the U. S. Special Performance Group or, correctly, Sports PackaGe, each of these features could, of course, be ordered independently from Saabs Accessories Catalog for fitment to standard models. Another desirable UK option at this time was the fitment of very distinctive Minilite alloy wheels, initially these had the words Minilite and Saab cast in raised lettering. Power output varied by year and market but 900S and 900 Turbo models produced after 1985 were fitted with a 16-valve engine
5.
Parking
–
Parking is the act of stopping and disengaging a vehicle and leaving it unoccupied. Parking on one or both sides of a road is permitted, though sometimes with restrictions. Some buildings have parking facilities for use of the buildings users, countries and local governments have rules for design and use of parking spaces. In the U. S. after the first public parking garage for vehicles was opened in Boston, May 24,1898. In cities of the Eastern US, many former livery stables, with lifts for carriages, the following terms give regional variations. All except carport refer to outdoor multi-level parking facilities, in some regional dialects, some of these phrases refer also to indoor or single-level facilities. Elsewhere, the ramp would apply to the inclines between floors of a parking garage, but not to the entire structure itself. Multi-storey car park Car park Parking structure Parking garage Parking building Carport Cycle park Parkade In addition to basic car parking/parking lots variations of serviced parking types exist. Common serviced parking types are, Park and ride Valet Parking Airport Parking Meet and Greet Parking Park, Parking lots specifically for bicycles are becoming more prevalent in many countries. These may include bicycle parking racks and locks, as well as modern technologies for security. For instance, one parking lot in Tokyo has an automated parking system. Urban parking spaces can have a value where the price of land is high. In Boston in 2009 a single parking space sold for $300,000, in congested urban areas parking of motor vehicles is time-consuming and often expensive. Urban planners who are in a position to override market forces must consider whether, the costs or subsidies of such parking accommodations can become a heated point in local politics. For example, in 2006 the San Francisco Board of Supervisors considered a controversial zoning plan to limit the number of vehicle parking spaces available in new residential developments. Heated social discourse sometimes revolves around the sense of ownership that informally arises, many use parking chairs and other markers, usually without approval of municipal authorities. For example, during the winter of 2005 in Boston, the practice of some people saving convenient roadway for themselves became controversial. At that time, many Boston districts had a convention that if a person shoveled the snow out of a roadspace
6.
Lock (security device)
–
A lock is a mechanical or electronic fastening device that is released by a physical object, by supplying secret information, or by a combination thereof. The earliest known lock and key device was discovered in the ruins of Nineveh, Locks such as this were later developed into the Egyptian wooden pin lock, which consisted of a bolt, door fixture, and key. When the key was inserted, pins within the fixture were lifted out of drilled holes within the bolt, when the key was removed, the pins fell part-way into the bolt, preventing movement. The warded lock was also present from antiquity and remains the most recognizable lock, the first all-metal locks appeared between the years 870 and 900, and are attributed to the English craftsmen. It is also said that the key was invented by Theodore of Samos in the 6th century BC, affluent Romans often kept their valuables in secure boxes within their households, and wore the keys as rings on their fingers. The practice had two benefits, It kept the key handy at all times, while signaling that the wearer was wealthy and important enough to have money and jewelry worth securing. The lever tumbler lock, which uses a set of levers to prevent the bolt from moving in the lock, was perfected by Robert Barron in 1778. His double acting lever lock required the lever to be lifted to a height by having a slot cut in the lever. This type of lock is currently used today. The lever tumbler lock was improved by Jeremiah Chubb in 1818. A burglary in Portsmouth Dockyard prompted the British Government to announce a competition to produce a lock that could be opened only with its own key, Chubb was awarded £100 after a trained lock-picker failed to break the lock after 3 months. In 1820, Jeremiah joined his brother Charles in starting their own lock company, the Chubb brothers also received a patent for the first burglar-resisting safe and began production in 1835. The designs of Barron and Chubb were based on the use of levers, but Joseph Bramah. His lock used a key with precise notches along the surface. The lock was at the limits of the manufacturing capabilities of the time and was said by its inventor to be unpickable. Hobbs attempt required some 51 hours, spread over 16 days and this lock design used pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key. The modern Yale lock is essentially a developed version of the Egyptian lock. Despite some improvement in key design since, the majority of locks today are variants of the designs invented by Bramah, Chubb
7.
Automatic transmission
–
The number of forward gear ratios is often expressed for manual transmissions as well. The most popular form found in automobiles is the automatic transmission. Similar but larger devices are used for heavy-duty commercial and industrial vehicles. This system uses a coupling in place of a friction clutch. These systems have a set of gear ranges, often with a parking pawl that locks the output shaft of the transmission to keep the vehicle from rolling either forward or backward. Some machines with limited speed ranges or fixed engine speeds, such as forklifts and lawn mowers. Despite superficial similarity to other transmissions, traditional automatic transmissions differ significantly in internal operation and drivers feel from semi-automatics and CVTs. In contrast to conventional automatic transmissions, a CVT uses a belt or other torque transmission scheme to allow a number of gear ratios instead of a fixed number of gear ratios. A semi-automatic retains a clutch like a transmission, but controls the clutch through electrohydraulic means. The ability to shift gears manually, often via paddle shifters, can also be found on certain automated transmissions, semi-automatics, the obvious advantage of an automatic transmission to the driver is the lack of a clutch pedal and manual shift pattern in normal driving. This allows the driver to operate the car with as few as two limbs, allowing amputees and other disabled individuals to drive, the automatic transmission was invented in 1921 by Alfred Horner Munro of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, and patented under Canadian patent CA235757 in 1923. Being a steam engineer, Munro designed his device to use compressed air rather than hydraulic fluid and they were incorporated into GM-built tanks during World War II and, after the war, GM marketed them as being battle-tested. However, a Wall Street Journal article credits ZF Friedrichshafen with the invention, zFs origins were in manufacturing gears for airship engines beginning in 1915, the company was founded by Ferdinand von Zeppelin. Modern automatic transmissions can trace their origins to an early horseless carriage gearbox that was developed in 1904 by the Sturtevant brothers of Boston and this unit had two forward speeds, the ratio change being brought about by flyweights that were driven by the engine. At higher engine speeds, high gear was engaged, as the vehicle slowed down and engine RPM decreased, the gearbox would shift back to low. Unfortunately, the metallurgy of the time wasnt up to the task, and owing to the abruptness of the gear change, the next significant phase in the automatic transmissions development occurred in 1908 with the introduction of Henry Fords remarkable Model T. The pedals actuated the transmissions friction elements to select the desired gear, in 1934, both REO and General Motors developed semi-automatic transmissions that were less difficult to operate than a fully manual unit. These designs, however, continued to use a clutch to engage the engine with the transmission, parallel to the development in the 1930s of an automatically shifting gearbox was Chryslers work on adapting the fluid coupling to automotive use
8.
Volkswagen Touran
–
The Volkswagen Touran is a compact MPV based on a vertically stretched fifth generation Volkswagen Golf Mk5, and sold in Europe and other select markets. It was launched in 2003 to fill a gap in Volkswagens model lineup, the vehicle is delivered in five- or seven-seat versions. It can be considered a version of the Golf Plus, since their front ends are similar in size. In some regions, such as Japan, the car is called Golf Touran, the name Touran derives from the combination of Tour and Sharan, the bigger MPV by VW. Despite the similarity of their names, the Touran is not related to the North American-market Volkswagen Routan, the Touran, launched in 2003, is the first Volkswagen MPV based on a Golf platform. It joined Volkswagens existing MPV line-up that included the Sharan and Caravelle, the Touran introduced electro-mechanical steering, a first in its class and for Volkswagen. It is able to vary the weight of the steering depending on the road speed, due to the lack of energy consumption in idle it also improves the overall efficiency of the vehicle. The Touran was the first vehicle to use Volkswagens 2.0 TDI engine, the engines available at the launch included a 1.6 FSI and two diesel engines, the 1.9 TDI with 74 kW and the 2.0 TDI103 kW. The engines are EURO4 compliant, except the 1.9 TDi when paired with the DSG, the Touran launched with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and a DSG for the 1.9 TDI Engines. The initial test of the Touran in 2003 resulted in a rating for adult protection. Volkswagen made slight changes to the Touran from November 2003, adding an intelligent reminder for the driver, the 2007 model year Touran was the first production vehicle in the Volkswagen Group to be released with the new Park Assist technology. Park Assist helps the driver parallel park the vehicle, firstly, after having activated the feature and whilst travelling up to 30 km/h Park Assist uses sensors to attempt to identify a suitable parking spot. At the December 2006 Bologna Motor Show, Volkswagen released the third Cross vehicle designed by Volkswagen Individual GmbH, all CrossTouran engines are EU4 compliant. The aerodynamics of the car were also improved, the Cw improved from 0, at the end of 2010 Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive released the new Touran in China. Though its front was updated to the German style, the keeps the design of the phase II model. The electronic systems of this domestically produced car were upgraded as its relative in Europe, a 1.4 TSI which can output 93 kW was added to the new model. New engines were available following the trend, a 1.2 with 77 kW. They replaced the 1.6 and 1.9 TDI from the previous model, the 1.2,77 kW and 1.6 TDI77 kW were also available as BlueMotion, Volkswagens low fuel consumption vehicle program
9.
BMW 7 Series (E65)
–
The BMW E65 is the chassis designation for the fourth generation 7 Series full-size luxury sedan produced by BMW. Introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2001 alongside the BMW E53 X54. 6is, in order to produce the E657 Series and other future models the BMW plant at Dingolfing was retooled at a cost of approximately €500,000,000. Upon release the new 7 Series was met with criticism for its controversial looks as well as the steep learning curve presented by the new iDrive system. So unimpressed was the market with the new car sales of remaining E38 stock increased markedly after the launch. Despite the initial quality problems and customer gripes the E657 Series became the generation of this full-size luxury sedan. After a 7-year production run the BMW E65 was replaced by the BMW7 Series in late 2008, development for the BMW E657 Series began in early 1996, and production specifications were frozen in January 1999. The design of the BMW E657 Series was patented 16 November 2000, the car was first launched in Europe 17 November 2001 and then appeared in US and other markets in the spring of 2002. Early BMW E657 Series models had many problems due to the functionality of the iDrive system. However, UK models were still protected by their original 3-Year/Unlimited-Miles warranty, under the direction of Chris Bangle, BMWs Design Chief at the time, the arrival of the BMW E657 Series heralded a new styling era for BMW. The design of the new car contrasted dramatically with the styling on the BMW E387 Series, the BMW E657 Series two-level rear end styling with separate rear fenders for a bustle-back boot lid was derisively known as the Bangle Butt by critics. In fact, van Hooydonks original sketch in 1998 for the BMW E65 was much more of a sleek fastback. Bangle was widely criticised for the departure of the styling from the BMW E387 Series. He was however supported by the BMW board of directors, who wanted to move BMWs image into the future. Dan Neil of The Los Angeles Times named the new 7-series one of the 50 Worst Cars of All Time, dimensionally the E657 Series is 45mm longer, 38mm wider and 60mm taller than the E38. The wheelbase was increased by 60mm over the outgoing model, despite these increased dimensions the E657 Series is only 15 kg heavier than the E38. BMW removed the traditional console mounted gear selector replacing it with a steering-column mounted stalk, peeling paint and textured materials are a well documented problem, so BMW addressed this issue by using still higher quality paint in the LCI model. Compared to the outgoing E38 model, the E657 Series has more room in the front. The BMW E657 Series was the most technically advanced production vehicle BMW had ever produced at the time, as the flagship model, it introduced a large number of new technologies that were eventually carried over to the next generation of BMWs
10.
Audi A8
–
The Audi A8 is a four-door, full-size, luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and now in its third generation, the first two generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB platform. After the original models 1994 release, Audi released the second generation in late 2002, notable for being the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have used this construction method co-developed with Alcoa and marketed as the Audi Space Frame. A mechanically-upgraded, high-performance version of the A8 debuted in 1996 as the Audi S8, produced exclusively at Audis Neckarsulm plant, unlike the donor A8 model, the S8 has been available only in short-wheelbase form and is fitted standard with Audis quattro all-wheel drive system. In 1982, Ferdinand Piëch signed an agreement with Aluminum Company of America, the objective was to design and develop a car that would be substantially lighter than any other vehicles in its class. In the late 1980s, it was decided that the vehicle would be a successor to the V8 flagship introduced in 1988. By 1991, a design by Chris Bird and Dirk van Braeckel was chosen and frozen for series production in 1992. In September 1993, the Audi Space Frame Concept was unveiled at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show as a D2 Typ 4D prototype in polished aluminum, pilot production began in December 1993 and development ended in early 1994, at a total cost of $700 million. The saloon/sedan was offered in both the A8, and the A8 L extended or long-wheelbase version, the A8 L adds 5 inches of rear legroom. Updates to the car in 1997 included the addition of six interior airbags. The A8 was designed as a competitor to fellow German rivals Mercedes Benz S Class and the BMW7 Series. In 1997, Audi introduced the first series production ESP Electronic stability control for all-wheel drive vehicles – the worlds first production cars with front and rear side airbags. For 1997, the new A8 was available with either front-wheel drive, or the Torsen-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The FWD models are powered by a 2. 8-litre V6 engine, producing 142 kilowatts, the A8 is available with standard luxury amenities, including dual-zone climate control, wood and leather interior trim, 14-way power and heated seats, and an enhanced Bose audio system. In 1999, Audis flagship received side airbags, new colours. The North American warm weather package added a sunroof which allows the interior ventilation fans to run. Changes to all models included a larger passenger-side mirror, and a first aid kit located in the centre armrest. In 1999 for the 2000 model year came a minor front-end restyle, with new, larger, clear headlights, a revised grille, on the interior, the seats received a new, horizontal stitch pattern. Also, the 3. 7-litre V8 FWD model was dropped, leaving the 2.8 V6 model and these restyled cars also featured revised external door handles and an integrated radio antenna
