Fiat Espresso Maker
While most of the world gets the practical, yet boring Panda, the only choice for American motorists who want a Fiat for their commute is the tiny Panda-based 500. To help draw in U.S. customers who need to seat more than two people, the company has developed a stretched four-door version called the 500L. That [...]
Read More →Dubs
Custom Wheels: Then and Now Customized wheels are nothing new. Believe it or not, the practice predates even the invention of the automobile. In Old West times, pioneers and settlers were known to decorate the wheels of their wagons and stagecoaches. The term hub cap, in fact, originally referred to metal or wooden caps fitted [...]
Read More →Banks Power
Company History Started in 1958, Banks Power began as an engineering firm that specialized in automotive engineering. The company has grown consistently, and it currently employs over 200 people. Banks has also expanded into areas of product innovation, research and development, testing and manufacturing of its various products and designs. Company Products Banks has designed [...]
Read More →Open Source Maps Revolutionize the GPS Industry
Users of GPS navigation systems have had to buy proprietary maps for regions that were not included with their original purchase. In addition, GPS manufacturers have issued and charged for updated maps that their customers have felt compelled to purchase in order to get the most out of their navigation devices. Now, however, users of [...]
Read More →Smart Tires
Designing a tire means making compromises. Wide tires offer better traction for high speeds, but narrow tires are better for biting into ice and snow. Low air pressure and tall sidewalls help the tire wrap around rough terrain, such as that on dirt roads, but that same flexing hurts performance on paved surfaces. Maximum tire [...]
Read More →The Warn Company
History In 1948, Arthur Warn founded Warn Industries in Seattle, Washington. During World War II, Warn produced locking hubs for surplus Jeeps to convert them into practical vehicles that could change from four to two-wheel drive automobiles. That innovation led to the revolution of the hub industry and widespread use of 4WD vehicles. The company [...]
Read More →Are K&N Air Filters Worth the Added Expense?
The air filter in a car is one of its most critical replaceable components. The filter blocks dirt and other contaminants from entering the car’s combustion chamber and provides a measure of air resistance that prevents the engine from running lean. This dual purpose requires that the filter be replaced on a regular basis. K&N [...]
Read More →The Effect of Tire Choices
Low Rolling Resistance As a tire spins, the bottom flattens out to provide a larger contact patch. Bending the tread like this requires energy. A low rolling resistance tire reduces this effect by using a sidewall that is designed to flex vertically. As a side benefit, this helps the tire absorb bumps, improving the ride. [...]
Read More →Turbocharged or Supercharged – Which Makes A Better New Car?
With new fuel economy standards across the globe putting pressure on auto manufacturers to build more efficient new cars, forced induction is becoming a more and more popular way to add power. Turbo chargers and super chargers allow manufacturers to build smaller displacement engines with better fuel economy, without sacrificing power. A turbo charger uses [...]
Read More →Top 5 iPad Car Apps
Just as they revolutionized music players, Apple’s entry into the tablet market has revolutionized the segment. It’s already seen plenty of use in cars, and been featured in numerous customs as a media player and as a replacement for a traditional paper user manual in the Hyundai Equus. What about people who already own iPads? [...]
Read More →