Pros And Cons Of Transaxles Vs. Standard Transmissions
Transaxles, which combine the transmission and differential in a single housing, dominate front‑wheel‑drive cars because they are compact, lightweight, and improve cabin space. Their design delivers power directly to the wheels, boosting fuel efficiency but making repairs more labor‑intensive and costly. Standard transmissions, common in rear‑wheel‑drive trucks and performance vehicles, separate the gearbox from the differential, allowing higher torque capacity and easier service at the expense of added weight and reduced interior room. The choice between the two hinges on vehicle purpose—efficiency versus power handling.
How Ford's SVO Gave Way To The SVT We Know And Love
Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) launched the turbo‑charged Mustang SVO in the mid‑1980s, a European‑style experiment that, despite limited sales, laid the groundwork for the later Special Vehicles Team (SVT). SVT turned that concept into a line of high‑performance Mustangs,...
The Liberty V12 Aircraft Engine Was Designed In A Hotel Room And Forged Lincoln
The Liberty V12 aircraft engine was sketched in a Washington hotel room in 1917 and quickly became a cornerstone of the Allied war effort, delivering 400 hp from a 27‑liter displacement and later 449 hp with a supercharger. Its modular design allowed...
The Hot Vee Engine Layout Revolutionized Turbocharging, And This Was The First Carmaker To Use One
The hot‑vee engine layout, which places turbochargers inside the V of a V‑engine, was first used in production by BMW’s 2008 X6 with its N63 twin‑turbo V8. The design shortens exhaust gas travel, speeds turbo spool, and allows a cooler...
2027 Audi RS5 Puts The Fun In 'Vorsprung Durch Technik'
Audi’s 2027 RS5 plug‑in‑hybrid sedan arrives with a 630 hp powertrain, combining a twin‑turbo 2.9‑L V6 and a 173‑hp electric motor. The car features a 22 kWh battery delivering roughly 54 mi of electric range and a new Dynamic Torque Control rear differential...
Don't Get Stuck Behind Slow Semis, Avoid These Truck Bottlenecks
The American Transportation Research Institute’s 2026 truck GPS analysis identified the nation’s five worst freight‑heavy highway bottlenecks. Chicago’s I‑294 corridor leads the list with an overall average speed of 39.5 mph, 5 % slower than a year earlier. New York’s George Washington...
These Are The Only New Diesel-Powered Trucks And SUVs Available In America Right Now
Diesel-powered trucks and SUVs are now a niche offering in the U.S., with only five brands still selling them and diesel vehicles accounting for roughly 3% of new light‑duty sales. General Motors dominates the segment, providing 3.0‑liter Duramax diesel engines...
Where Can You Go To Learn To Drive A Stick Shift Car?
Manual transmission instruction remains available despite declining stick‑shift car sales. Dedicated schools such as The Stick Shift Driving Academy have taught nearly 15,000 learners since 2017, offering 2‑4 hour sessions with flexible scheduling nationwide. Traditional driving academies like Alafia and...
Here's How Much A 2021 BMW M4 Has Depreciated In 5 Years
The 2021 BMW M4 has shed roughly 35‑40% of its original price after five years, according to iSeeCars, CarEdge and Kelley Blue Book. The coupe’s resale value now averages $57,000, while the convertible depreciates even faster at about 45%. Sources project a...
When Did Subaru Switch To CVTs?
Subaru introduced its modern Lineartronic continuously variable transmission in the 2010 Legacy, and by 2015 it became the sole drivetrain option on models such as the Outback, Legacy and later the Forester and Ascent. Early CVT versions, especially the TR690,...
Owners Say These Are The Biggest Problems With The 2021-2024 Porsche Macan
Porsche will halt production of the gasoline‑powered Macan in summer 2026, leaving the all‑electric version as the sole offering and delaying a direct gas‑engine replacement until at least 2028. The gap is expected to boost demand for pre‑owned Macans, especially as...
Hyundai Just Patented An Electronic Gated Manual Shifter And It Might Be For More Than Fake EV Gears
Hyundai has filed a patent for an electronic‑gated manual shifter that can operate in both automatic and traditional manual modes. The design features seven shift gates and a clutch pedal, allowing three distinct shifting methods. While the patent does not...
Honda Teases An Even Hotter Civic Type R With HRC Magic
Honda unveiled an HRC‑tuned Civic Type R prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon, cloaked in camouflage to hide new components. The concept features a GT‑style rear wing, revised front bumper, side skirts and likely upgraded throttle mapping, Akrapovic exhaust, and additional...
The New Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe's Synthesized V8 Sounds Might Be The Best EV 'Engine' Noises Yet
Mercedes‑AMG unveiled the 2027 GT 4‑Door Coupe, its first purpose‑built electric performance sedan, boasting 1,153 horsepower and active aerodynamics. The highlight is the new AMGFORCE Sport+ mode, which projects a synthetic V8 soundtrack both inside and outside the cabin, emulating the roar...
Are Toyota And Lexus Parts Interchangeable?
Toyota and Lexus share many platforms, engines, and supplier networks, allowing certain components to be interchangeable. Whether a part fits depends largely on matching OEM part numbers and the vehicle's VIN, especially for models built on shared platforms like the...
You Don't Necessarily Need To Buy Or Install A Complicated, Expensive Home Charger To Drive An EV
The article argues that most EV owners can rely on a standard 120‑volt household outlet (Level 1) rather than installing an expensive Level 2 charger. A Level 1 cable adds roughly 2‑4 miles of range per hour, delivering 50‑60 miles overnight—enough for the...
Why Turbos Fail Prematurely (And The Simple Fixes You Shouldn't Ignore)
Turbocharged engines are not inherently unreliable, but premature turbo failure often stems from oil starvation, oil contamination, and debris ingestion. Contaminated oil raises friction and temperature, damaging seals and bearings, while insufficient oil flow can cause catastrophic failure. Simple fixes...
Why Honda Made A Formula Car With Its Engine In This Weird Location
In 1997 Honda unveiled the Side‑by‑Side, a single‑seater formula car that famously mounted its V‑twin motorcycle engine beside the driver. Weighing just 860 lb, the 56‑hp, 742 cc powerplant delivered modest performance but exceptional balance, thanks to a low polar moment of...
What Are The Differences Between GMC's Denali And AT4 Trims?
GMC’s Denali and AT4 trims cater to distinct buyer priorities. Denali delivers a premium, luxury‑focused experience with upscale interior materials, advanced tech and a smoother ride, while the AT4 is built for rugged off‑road use, featuring higher ground clearance, specialized...
I Have A Second Kid Coming Soon And My Sports Car Is Too Small! What Should I Buy?
A Cleveland dad is trading his two‑seat BMW Z4 M for a family‑friendly, fast car with a $50,000 ceiling. Experts propose three distinct paths: a used BMW M550 sedan for V8 performance, a new or lightly used Acura Integra Type S for...
Honda CEO Tries To Distract From $5.7 Billion Annual Loss With Promise Of 15 New Hybrids And By Dropping 2040...
Honda posted a ¥414.3 bn ($2.59 bn) operating loss for FY2026, its first annual deficit since 1957, after a costly EV rollout. CEO Toshihiro Mibe announced the abandonment of the 2040 combustion‑free target and a new strategy to launch 15 hybrid models...
2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Is An Incremental Improvement Upon An Already Brilliant Car
Mercedes‑Benz unveiled the 2027 S‑Class, the most extensive facelift of its flagship sedan, with over half of its components refreshed. The update introduces a new glass‑backed superscreen cockpit, the latest MB.OS operating system, and a reengineered flat‑plane V8 that complies...
The Saab Story Finally Ends As It Auctions Off The Last Of Its Cars
Swedish automaker Saab, owned by NEVS since 2012, is auctioning its last eight vehicles on Sweden’s Klaravik platform. The lot includes three low‑mileage 2014 Saab 9‑3 Aero coupes, a single Evergrande‑produced Hengchi 5 electric SUV, a NEVS‑badged 9‑3 EV, and three...
I'm Driving The New Audi RS5 And The Polestar 5 This Week, What Do You Want To Know About Them?
Audi unveiled a redesigned RS5 that pairs its twin‑turbo 2.9‑liter V6 with a 175‑hp electric motor, delivering a combined 630 hp and a 54‑mile electric‑only range. Polestar introduced the 5, a fully electric fastback offering a dual‑motor 748 hp version with a...
What Automotive Project Would Be Your Dream To Complete?
Jalopnik’s latest piece invites automotive enthusiasts to reveal their ultimate dream projects, shifting focus from everyday repairs to aspirational builds. The author shares a personal wish to turbocharge a classic Datsun 240Z rather than perform a full engine swap, sparking...
At $11,995, Is This Low-Mileage 2000 BMW 740i Sport A Stately Steal?
The 2000 BMW 740i Sport, an E38‑generation 7 Series, is listed on Craigslist for $11,995. It has logged only 98,500 miles and is equipped with the Sport package, which adds upgraded suspension, Style 37 wheels and premium interior trim. The ad highlights flawless...
How To Tell You Have Bad Gas In Your Tank
A bad batch of gasoline—often contaminated with water, rust or degraded over time—can mimic mechanical failures such as clogged injectors or a faulty air filter. Drivers typically notice hard starts, choppy acceleration, reduced fuel economy, or complete no‑starts shortly after...
Here's How Much A 2021 Nissan Sentra Has Depreciated In 5 Years
The 2021 Nissan Sentra depreciates roughly 35% over five years, dropping from its $21,495 MSRP to about $14,000 in dealer listings. CarEdge and iSeeCars predict 34.7% and 33.3% depreciation respectively, and real‑world prices on Autotrader and CarGurus confirm those forecasts....
There Can Be Some Terrifying Stuff In Your Car's Air Filters
Changing a car’s air filter every 15,000‑30,000 miles is a cheap, DIY task that typically costs under $50. Neglecting this service can lead to clogged filters, reduced performance, and surprising debris ranging from dog food to live snakes. Rodents are...
The Griffith 200 Wasn't Just A Tiny Car With A Big Engine, It Was The World's Fastest
The Griffith 200 was built in the mid‑1960s by dealer Jack Griffith using TVR Grantura chassis and a 289 ci Ford V8 that produced 192 hp (267 hp with a performance package). Weighing only 1,900 lb, the car claimed the title of the world’s...
Consumer Reports' Top Used Cars List Shows Why We Must Choose Older Vehicles Wisely
Consumer Reports’ latest used‑car ranking highlights that older models can offer better value than newer, lightly used alternatives amid persistently high new‑vehicle prices. A 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid now sells for about $16,850, reflecting roughly 20% depreciation, while a 2024...
For Better Or Worse, The Tiptronic Transmission Was Revolutionary
Porsche’s Tiptronic, launched for the 1990 911, combined the ease of an automatic with driver‑selected gear changes, creating the first practical “manumatic” transmission. Built around a torque‑converter architecture, it let drivers shift sequentially or let the computer choose optimal points,...
11 New SUVs With Impressive Towing Capacity
The article surveys eleven new SUVs that blend family comfort with serious towing ability, ranging from the Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s 10,000‑lb capacity to the Subaru Forester Wilderness’s modest 3,500‑lb rating. It highlights a mix of powertrains—including turbocharged V6s, a hybrid...
What Are The Differences Between The Ford And GM 10-Speed Automatic Transmissions?
Ford and GM co‑developed a common 10‑speed automatic platform but released distinct models—Ford’s 10R80 for rear‑wheel‑drive trucks and GM’s Hydra‑Machanic 10L80/10L90 for front‑wheel‑drive cars and SUVs. While both use six clutch packs and four planetary gear sets, they differ in...
The Differences Between Trailer Tires And Regular Passenger Car Tires
Trailer tires, designated as Special Trailer (ST) tires, are built with stiffer sidewalls, tougher steel belts, and antioxidant‑rich compounds to handle higher loads and resist UV damage. Their shallower tread (≈8/32 inch) reduces rolling resistance and heat buildup on long...
Here's How To Drive If Your Clutch Pedal Fails
A clutch pedal failure can leave manual‑drive owners stranded, but drivers can still move the car using the starter motor and clutch‑less shifting techniques. The guide explains how to start the vehicle by holding the key in first gear, how...
These Tires May Have Long Warranties, But Do They Have Long Lifespans, Too?
The article compares high‑mileage tires—Michelin Defender2, Hankook Kinergy PT, Goodyear Assurance MaxLife, Continental TrueContact Tour, and Bridgestone Alenza Ultra—focusing on their UTQG treadwear ratings and real‑world lifespan claims. Consumer Reports estimates the Defender2 can last up to 100,000 miles, outpacing...
GM's Rare Quadrasteer System For Pickup Trucks Was Innovative (And A Massive Failure)
General Motors introduced Quadrasteer, a rear‑wheel steering system, on early‑2000s GMC Sierra Denali trucks, shrinking the turning radius to 37.4 ft versus the typical 43‑52 ft. The technology cost $7,000 as an option in 2002, later discounted to $1,995 before being dropped in...
A Different Kind Of 'Drone Strike': A Passenger Airliner Reported Hitting A Consumer UAV
United Airlines flight 1980 reported a possible collision with a consumer drone at 3,000 feet while approaching San Diego, but post‑flight inspection found no damage and the aircraft landed safely. The incident highlights growing safety concerns as FAA data shows many...
These Are Your Airport Rituals
The article crowdsources a range of airport rituals that seasoned travelers use to tame the chaos of modern air travel. Contributors recommend arriving far ahead of departure, leveraging lounge access, and maintaining a courteous attitude toward airline staff. Others highlight...
James Webb Space Telescope Brings Details Of Nearby 'Super-Earth' Into Focus
The James Webb Space Telescope used its Mid‑Infrared Instrument to obtain the first surface‑level spectroscopy of the nearby super‑Earth LHS 3844 b. The data reveal a dark, olivine‑rich, featureless crust and a complete lack of CO₂ and SO₂, suggesting an old, airless...
I Need A Modestly Priced Ride To Survive Minneapolis Winters! What Should I Buy?
A Minneapolis med student needs an affordable, automatic vehicle for winter commuting, with a budget capped at $10,000. Experts recommend three options: a practical 2009 Honda Fit priced around $5,000, a quirky 2010 Mini Cooper convertible, and a high‑performance VW...
Airport Left With No Commercial Flights After Spirit Airlines Collapse
Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy last weekend, instantly canceling all flights and leaving Arnold Palmer Regional Airport—the only U.S. airport served exclusively by Spirit—without commercial service. The airport had been preparing a $22 million expansion to attract new carriers, but the...
Edmunds' Dodge Charger EV Lost $50,000 In Value In A Year
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV has experienced a dramatic drop in resale value, with some models losing up to 50% within a year. Kelly Blue Book data shows the R/T coupe fell from $61,590 to about $30,000 and the Scat Pack...
If The World Ran Out Of Gas, What Would You Drive?
Jalopnik asks readers to imagine a world without gasoline as U.S. pump prices hit $4.53 per gallon amid geopolitical tension with Iran. The article highlights how soaring fuel costs are pushing drivers to consider electric vehicles, conversions, or alternative transport...
What's Your Airport Ritual?
The piece explores how travelers cope with the chaos of modern airports, highlighting personal rituals that range from early arrivals to lounge retreats. The author describes a typical routine: arriving two hours before departure, securing a meal, enjoying a few...
Why Do Diesel Engines Need A Crankcase Breather?
Crankcase breather systems vent blow‑by gases from an engine’s lower chamber to prevent pressure buildup, oil leaks, and contamination. Modern regulations since the 1960s require these gases to be recirculated rather than released, especially in diesel engines that produce higher...
With 12,000 Flights Canceled In May Already, We've Got Bad News About Your Summer Vacation
The United States recorded roughly 12,000 flight cancellations in May, a figure amassed in just five days of the month. A war with Iran has slashed global jet‑fuel exports by about 35%, driving fuel prices up 70‑110% and creating a...
The First-Ever Crew Cab Truck Wasn't Made By Ford Or Chevy
In 1957 International Harvester introduced the Travelette, the world’s first crew‑cab pickup, featuring a three‑door layout and a smooth‑sided (fleetside) bed. Only 17 of the 8,873 chassis built that year were equipped as crew cabs, limiting its market impact. The...
How The Rokon Two-Wheel Drive Motorcycle Works
Rokon, a New Hampshire‑made two‑wheel drive motorcycle, employs a fully mechanical AWD system that routes power to both wheels through a torque converter, chain and shaft arrangement, allowing it to climb 60‑degree grades and even float when its hollow wheels...