Tires, More Important than you Thought

The latest vehicles on the market are the most efficient, best handling, and most quiet of all time. For the most part, this is the result of excellent engineering by auto manufacturers, but don't forget about the tires. Tires are one of the most overlooked technologies in the automotive industry. They are what link your vehicle to the road.

Tires are now produced with different compounds, like high silica rubber, and innovative tread designs to achieve specific handling characteristics. These new rubber compounds and tread designs help vehicles attain a higher standard for traction and efficiency. Let's look at a few.

Specific compounds can actually minimize the rolling resistance created by the tire. This can improve fuel economy by up to 4.5%! Although this might not sound like much, the fuel saved over the lifespan of a vehicle is substantial. Hybrids, well known to be very efficient, use low rolling resistance tires, like the Toyota Prius.

Also, compounds can be manufactured for varying conditions. For example, in winter conditions, tires are made with soft rubber compounds that increase grip in the snow and ice. There are also tires made to grip best for dry conditions, but keep in mind they offer lower wet traction and absolutely no snow traction. It is these tires that are found on vehicles where extreme dry grip is an absolute priority.


Tread design is another area improving on tires, as mentioned earlier. It is the tread design that keeps tires planted on the road in different conditions. Here's how it works. In wet conditions, the treads channel water out of the tires' footprint, keeping the tires connected to the road reducing hydroplaning. In snow and ice, additional voids in the tread pattern helps improve grip on slippery terrain.

If it wasn't for these improvements, there is no way that modern vehicles would drive and handle the way they do in different conditions. So, the next time you replace your tires, do your research. I suggest that you choose a tire that provides the best combination of attributes to meet your driving needs.

Darryl

Photos Courtesy of Car and Driver

The 2011 Ford Mustang is Back with Some Serious Punch!

The Mustang serves as Ford's front engine, rear drive sports coupe. It has been in production, without interruption, for 45 years and continues to march on! The Mustang actually created the "pony car" segment, which later included the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, and Plymouth Barracuda to name a few. These "pony cars", also known as the "muscle cars", sparked the interest of the public, which led to a huge following. People wanted to be seen in these high powered, tire smoking, hooligan-creating vehicles! And, this is exactly what the manufacturers wanted. The Mustang was an instant success and Ford dealers couldn't keep them on their lots.

New for 2011 is the return of the 5.0 liter V8 found in the GT Mustang, which is positioned above the V6. It packs 412 hp and 390 lb-ft. This is a major boost in power, considering the 2010 GT used a 4.6 liter V8 that produced 315 hp and 325 lb-ft. In order to achieve this additional power, Ford uses four valves per cylinder verses three, an increased  compression ratio of 11.0:1, and variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust. If that's not enough, this engine spins to 7000 rpm. I hope you didn't buy a 2010 GT.

Also new, is the V6 powering the 2011 standard Mustang. It mustards 305 hp and 280 lb-ft using a 3.7 liter V6, and actually weighs 40 pounds less than the 4.0 liter V6 it's replacing.

The interior upgrades for the Mustang include a new message center, programmable key, and illuminated visors with storage. The exterior hasn't changed much from the 2010, except for a few minor upgrades to improve aerodynamics.



Additional upgrades include a six speed manual transmission, and a six speed automatic transmission. There is also a new electric power steering system, anti-roll bars, rims and tires, upgraded stock brakes, and an optional 14'' Brembo brake package.

And, to sweeten the deal, Ford claims that the 2011 Mustang achieves better fuel economy than the 2010 Mustang, in both V6 and V8 form.

Wow, Ford has really turned it up a notch. I always thought the Mustang was more fun to drive than the Camaro and Charger, because it's lighter and more responsive. Now, since Ford has closed the power gap between its' two main competitors, dealers will have a problem keeping the new Mustang on their lots once again this Spring.

Darryl

Photos courtesy of Car and Driver magazine  

Direct Injection, It's Here to Stay

Gas prices are going up, and as a result, consumers are seeking vehicles with improved fuel economy. Also, environmental concerns and emissions laws pressure manufacturers to make a product that produces fewer emissions. With that being said, consumers are still looking for more power. This is a big problem for the automotive industry. Typically, more power equals poorer fuel economy and higher emissions. So, what's the answer? Direct injection.

  

Here's how it works. Fuel is injected at high pressure directly into the combustion chamber, instead of mixing with air in the intake or cylinder port.  The gains in power and efficiency come from precise control over the amount of fuel being delivered. Also, engines using direct injection are able to run at higher compression, which further improves its’ power characteristics.        
      

Direct injection was actually first used in the 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL, but didn't really become popular until roughly ten years ago. When it was first used, its’ electronic controls were costly and unreliable. But, technology has come a long way, and now it's found in many new vehicles, even economy cars.

The use of direct injection has allowed auto manufacturers to achieve more power, improved fuel economy, and to create fewer emissions. This certainly is a win-win for the consumer and manufacturer.


Darryl

Photos courtesy of Car and Driver magazine