Modern Car Construction Materials
Once upon a time, cars and trucks were made of heavy steel. That changed decades ago, leading to the use of aluminum and lighter metal alloys. Other materials that have been used are fiberglass and even plastic (ala Saturn and even some Hondas). However, carbon fiber is rapidly becoming the material of choice for both automakers and tuners alike. Will we see cars with carbon fiber body panels rolling off the assembly line? While that is not likely (the costs would be somewhat prohibitive), it has not stopped automakers from using the material in other places.
While most tuners focus on replacing their OEM hoods and trunk lids with carbon fiber accessories, OEMs have focused on trim and accessory parts, (you can find a carbon fiber hood or trunk lid for your ride at AndysAutoSport.com). OEMs cite the increased cost that would be associated with manufacturing body panels from carbon fiber, as well as the need to pass those costs along to the customer. In their view, it would reduce owner loyalty, simply due to price.
Suspension Modifications and Your Ride
September 17, 2008 by Malcolm
Filed under Automotive, Technical
Suspension Modifications and Your Ride
Tuning you car for performance includes numerous different options. Body kits, cold air intakes, turbo chargers and super chargers, performance ignition systems and many other options provide benefits. However, tuning your suspension is just as important as adding horsepower under the hood. In fact, if you do not tune your suspension as well as your engine, you can actually decrease the performance capabilities of your car. How do you tune your suspension? Below, you’ll find a quick outline of what you’ll need to do (A visit to AndysAutoSport.com will give you options from body kits to coilovers and more).
The place most people start tuning their suspension is by lowering their vehicle. There are two ways in which this can be accomplished: lowering springs and coilovers. Here’s what each offers:
- Lowering Springs – Lowering springs do exactly what it sounds like they do. These replace your OEM springs (on your struts/shocks), lowering your ride height. While these are the most affordable option, they only provide a single height setting for your ride.
- Coilovers – If you’re going to lower your car or truck, coilovers are the only way to go. These usually come as a complete set (coilover sleeve, strut, spring and camber kit). In addition, they provide you with the means to adjust your ride height to an almost infinite number of settings.
The Not-So-Slow Death of the SUV
September 15, 2008 by Malcolm
Filed under Automotive, Automotive News, Hybrid, SUV, Technical
The Not-So-Slow Death of the SUV
Not too long ago, the vehicle of choice for many Americans was the SUV. However, soaring gas prices have resulted in a tremendous shift in consumer purchasing. The SUV is no longer the king of America’s roads. Families, couples and even single people are now opting for smaller, lighter vehicles that don’t guzzle gas.
Have high gas prices sounded the death knell for the SUV? Take a look at the average car dealership today. While you will still find SUVs for sale, chances are they are outnumbered by crossover vehicles, slimmer sedans, sport coupes and, of course, hybrid vehicles. Even hybrid SUVs haven’t been able to make a dent in the new pattern of consumer spending.
Hybrid Technology versus Full Electric Cars
September 15, 2008 by Malcolm
Filed under Automotive, Electric, Hybrid, Technical
Hybrid Technology vs. Full Electric Cars
The looming energy crisis is not far off, adding impetus to the search for viable alternative fuels and transportation methods. Both hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have been around for some years now. GM introduced full electric vehicles quite some time ago and hybrids have been introduced by every automaker from Honda to Ford. However, the technologies used in these two applications are widely different. Which one will stand the test of time? Which technology will rise to save the daily driver from fuel prices that seem set to put consumers on the track for bankruptcy?
Full electric vehicles are the dream of many automakers. Rather, electric vehicles with unlimited range are the dream of automakers. Today’s electric cars are sadly lacking when it comes to range of driving. For instance, they are fine for puttering around town for a few minutes each day, but don’t try taking a longer trip in one. The charge time for the batteries is usually overnight, meaning that if you become stranded, you’re stuck that way. This is the major contributing factor (other than sheer cost) to the unpopularity of fully electric vehicles.
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Car Customization and Fuel Economy: Poor Bedfellows?
September 11, 2008 by Malcolm
Filed under Automotive, Technical
Car customization is an enormous industry. The “tuner” world began long ago, during Prohibition and has only accelerated in the years since. However, a debate rages about the viability of customizing your ride and attaining the optimum fuel economy. The debate is particularly pertinent in today’s world of soaring gas prices, alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. What customizations help your fuel economy? Which customizations can hurt your fuel mileage? Here are a few tips.
Surprisingly, many customizations actually increase your fuel economy, during normal driving. For instance, a custom air filter, or even a full cold air intake system, can increase your available horsepower, but also your fuel economy. A cold air intake supplies cooler, denser air to your combustion chambers. This results in a longer burn from each injection of fuel. While that does give your car more “get up and go,” it also provides better economy if you’re not a lead foot driver (to see cold air intake system for your ride, visit AndysAutoSport.com).
