McLaren carbonfibre tub
McLaren made the first ever CRFP F1 chassis in 1981 and has led the way in making road car monocoques since 2010. Now it’s brought previously out-sourced production in-house and tub number 01 was built in March
Technology

Under the skin: How carbonfibre is trickling down to the mainstream

Once set aside for only the most hardcore Lamborghinis and McLarens, the lightweight material is becoming more affordable and widely used

10 June 2019
Under the skin: How carbonfibre is trickling down to the mainstream
Technology

Michelin announces airless tyre deal with General Motors

New puncture-proof technology is set for production in 2024 on autonomous electric vehicles

5 June 2019
Michelin announces airless tyre deal with General Motors
Porsche 918 Spyder chassis diagram
The end game in carbonfibre car production looks like this Porsche 918 Spyder chassis. The way in which the weave of the carbonfibre cloth is laid up in the moulds plays a major part in the structural integrity and rigidity of the structure.
Technology

Under the skin: what exactly is carbonfibre?

The super-lightweight material can be found in most modern sports cars. But how is it made and what does the future hold?

3 June 2019
Under the skin: what exactly is carbonfibre?
Technology

Under the skin: Why aluminium is a weight watcher's friend

With EVs needing increasingly heavy batteries to provide longer ranges, lightweight construction has never been more important to car makers

27 May 2019
Under the skin: Why aluminium is a weight watcher's friend
Electronic power steering
This state-of-the-art electric power steering system from ZF has the electric motor on the front driving a wheel on the internal rack via a belt. The wheel and rack work like a nut and a bolt, so as the wheel spins, the rack moves.
Technology

Under the skin: How EPAS is steering electric assistance to a better future

Electric power-assisted steering systems have become the norm for almost all new cars, and are much improved from their initial versions

20 May 2019
Under the skin: How EPAS is steering electric assistance to a better future
Technology

Mountune launches new brand for VW Group car upgrades

Long-time Ford tuner teams up with Fifteen52 to launch M52 brand, offering Mountune service for VW Group car owners

13 May 2019
Mountune launches new brand for VW Group car upgrades
Volkswagen DSG gearbox cutaway
Dual-clutch transmissions like Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG are light, compact and efficient, saving fuel and reducing emissions
Technology

Under the skin: how Volkswagen's DSG gearbox predicted the future

Entering the mainstream on the first Golf R32, dual-clutch transmissions combine the best bits of manual and auto 'boxes

13 May 2019
Under the skin: how Volkswagen's DSG gearbox predicted the future
Technology

Under the skin: why hybrid makers love a biscuit tin

Axial flux motors are being developed as a new means of hybridising combustion engines

6 May 2019
Under the skin: why hybrid makers love a biscuit tin
BMW iFE electric motor cutaway
FIA Formula E motors are the ultimate in EV drivetrains. BMW's iFE has a power-to-weight ratio three times better than an i3 motor thanks to lightweight parts used in the rotor
Technology

Under the skin: the hierarchy of EV motor technology

Batteries and chargers don't drive an electric vehicle, the motor does. Let's give it some more attention

29 April 2019
Under the skin: the hierarchy of EV motor technology
Toyota 2.0-litre Corolla engine
Toyota's e-CVT multi-tasking hybrid drive is efficient, mechanically simple and electronically complex, and it fits into a small, neat package
Technology

Under the skin: the latest CVT gearbox technology

Drivers may bemoan the CVT gearbox's notorious droning, but the advantages make the headache worthwhile

22 April 2019
Under the skin: the latest CVT gearbox technology

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