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MotorWeek 90's Retro Marathon | Seasons 9-19 on shuffle (1990-1999)

Glossary: X

X-Drive all-wheel drive system X-Drive X-Drive is BMW's trademarked name for the all-wheel drive system used on the X5, X6, X3, 3, 5 Series and other future series. Its latest generation employs a multi-plate clutch transfer box situated between the axes to direct the power split between front and rear wheels. Not depending on the ABS sensors alone, like the previous generation, the X-Drive is now controlled by a central ECU which transformed the system from a reactive to an active one. In other words, if just one of the wheels starts slipping the ABS sensors detect it and send the gathered data to the ECU which in turn commands the wet multi-plate clutch trough a high speed electric servo-motor which turns an actuator shaped like a disc. In normal driving mode, the system splits the torque with a 38% - 62% distribution ration between the front and rear axles, but depending on driving conditions it can send up to 100% to a single axle.

Glossary: W

WEIGHT-TO-HORSEPOWER RATIO The weight to power ratio is the result of a vehicle's weight divided by the power its engine develops, thus enabling a measurement of performance. WHEELBASE Wheelbase is the distance between the front axle and the rear axle of a vehicle. Cars with a longer wheelbase are more stable at high speeds and provide better interior room, while cars with a shorter wheelbase have better city handling and are generally shorter. WINCH A winch is an externally mounted mechanical device consisting of a cable spooled onto a drum. It is used to pull heavy or bulky objects or to retrieve a vehicle that is stuck in mud. The drum can be driven in a rotating motion by the engine itself, by hydraulic power or even electrically. WINDOWBAGS Like any other airbag, windowbags are designed to protect a vehicle's occupants in case of an accident. They are called windowbags because in the event of a side collision

Glossary: V

VALVES A valve is a device that regulates the flow of gases in and out of the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. Intake valves allow the air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber, while exhaust valves allow the burned gases to exit after combustion. Viscous Coupling VCU Viscous Coupling (VCU) can act either as limited slip differential (LSD) or as a central differential in some all-wheel drive vehicles. The device itself consists of two sets of alternating and perforated metal plates mounted in a sealed drum, which are engulfed into a silicone or similar liquid. Each set of plates is connected to a propshaft, and can transmit or limit the power between the two shafts depending on the speed of the plates, which heat up the aforementioned liquid, thus modifying its viscosity. In turn, more or less torque can be transmitted between two axles or two wheels according to the individual speed of the axles (or wheels.) Vehicle Dy

Glossary: U

Universal Joint U-JOINT Designed to transmit a rotary motion between an output shaft and an input shaft with a different angle between them, the U-joint (or Universal) is comprised of two rods (or shafts) connected via a pair of hinges. Unified Chassis Control UCC The Unified Chassis Control (UCC) is a Delphi technology which integrates different safety systems under the same umbrella in order to provide enhanced vehicle control. By integrating systems like the ABS, stability control, traction and even suspension control under a single ECU, the Unified Chassis Control can respond better to unforeseen driving situations. UNITIZED CONSTRUCTION A unitized (also called unibody or monocoque) body integrates the chassis and other structural elements into the construction of the vehicle, and does not require a separate frame or chassis to provide rigidity to the body, thus reducing the total weight.

The New Twelve-Cylinder And The New ISR Transmission

Yesterday I posted that the new Lamborghini will feature a new V12 engine and some cutting edge touches. I ended the post by saying more news soon. ( Lamborghini Aventador 700-4 ) Today is soon. We have the press release. First on GMI.

Glossary: T

TACHOMETER The tachometer is essentially a gauge that can display an engine's revolutions per minute (rpm or revs). Traction Control System TCS Developed to minimize wheel slippage through turns and low grip surfaces, Traction Control works by using the ABS wheel sensors to detect if any of the wheels is spinning uncontrollably and individually brake it or even reduce engine power until the grip is restored. Turbo Diesel direct Injection TDI TDI is Volkswagen's AG trademarked moniker for their Turbo Diesel direct Injection engines. While in the beginning they were all direct injection engines, now common rail ones also bear the same name in the VAG group. TELEAID The TELEAID is a Mercedes-Benz optional feature based on a built-in telephone. Essentially, it can emit an automatic distress call to alert emergency services in the case of an accident. Depending on the type of accident or vehicle, th

Glossary: S

SEDAN The sedan is the most common configuration of a modern automobile. Sedans usually have four doors, although the term can be used to describe a two-door body also. Most of them have a three-box configuration, but two-box bodies are also common, mostly in Europe. SEMI ELLIPTIC MULTI LEAF SPRINGS Usually found on trucks and sport utility vehicles, this type of springs consists of arched steel leafs that are stacked together horizontally to form the foundation of the rear suspension. SEQUENTIAL TURBOCHARGERS Sequential turbochargers were created from the need to decrease spooling lag. Two or sometimes more turbochargers are put to work in sequence. Usually, a smaller one begins working at low rpms and the other(s) at higher rpms, thus improving the power delivery throughout the power curve, not only above a certain number of revs. SHIFT-ON-THE-FLY Most part-time four-wheel drive systems in the past required their dri

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