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AutoStuff is one of the most popular categories at HowStuffWorks. It's no surprise, really. Automotive technology is truly fascinating -- so, we enjoy writing about this stuff as much as you all enjoy reading it. On this page, we've gathered some of our coolest auto-related articles. Keep checking back -- we'll add more articles as we write them!
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How the Mercedes SLR Works
The SLR unites the Formula One-proven technology of McLaren with Mercedes engineering. While most ultra-fast supercars have sacrificed comfort for performance, the SLR tries to give drivers the best of both worlds. Find out what sets this high-performance luxury car apart from other supercars.
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How the General Lee Works
Many fans watched "The Dukes of Hazzard" TV show to see a character that never earned a salary -- the General Lee. The Dukes' 1969 Dodge Charger has also starred in a feature film, and it ain't just whistlin' Dixie. Learn why this unique car has a fan following all its own.
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How the Batmobile Works
The Batmobile in “Batman Begins” is real. Every single time you see the Batmobile in the movie, you are seeing a real, physical object, not a computer-generated graphic. And yet, the Batmobile is also an illusion. How can that be? Learn all about the Batmobile and how it comes to life in “Batman Begins.” |
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How the Porsche Carrera GT Works
Some would say it's the greatest supercar to date. Others would shout it from the rooftops. The Porsche Carrera GT weighs in at just 3,000 pounds and kicks out 605 horsepower off the assembly line. Check out the Carrera GT and see what $440,000 buys these days.
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How the Shelby Cobra Works
The Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 isn't just another souped-up Mustang. With 450 horsepower, it's the most powerful Mustang to ever roll off a factory production line. See what sets the GT500 apart from other Mustang models and find out when you'll be able to get your hands on one.
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How the BMW H2R Works
It's sleek. It's aerodynamic. It's powered entirely by hydrogen. The BMW H2R has already set nine speed records in its class. Learn all about the H2R and BMW's unique, liquid-hydrogen combustion engine.
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How the Ford Shelby GR-1 Works
It's based on the chassis and suspension of the production Ford GT, and it's packing 600 horsepower under the hood. But the GR-1 is a visual throwback to the Shelby Cobras of the 1960s. Check out the vintage-style, fully functioning concept car that could be winning races in the next few years.
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How the Lotus Elise Works
It's not the fastest or the most powerful sports car on the road. And at a mere $40K, the Elise seems downright reasonable as far as high-performance cars go. So what's the fuss? It's about what Lotus does best: The Elise handles like it's an extension of the driver. Learn all about the Elise and why it's one of the most agile cars out there.
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How the Jeep Hurricane Works
What's better than putting a HEMI engine in a Jeep? How about putting two HEMI engines in a Jeep? The Hurricane has more horsepower than an Enzo Ferrari, and that's not even its coolest feature. What is then, you ask? In one of its three steering modes, this off-roader has a turning radius of zero. Find out how Jeep's rugged concept car spins in place -- and other unbelievable stuff.
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How the Ford Synus Works
When you're done with the nasal-congestion jokes (it's actually pronounced sin-you-ehs) and take a good look at this concept car, you'll be either giddy or horrified. The future of city driving is bulletproof, combination locked and sporting a 45-inch LCD.
Learn about the compact, futuristic bank vault that is the Ford SynUS.
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How the Ford Escape Hybrid Works
What's so unique about the latest hybrid car on the market? For starters, it's an SUV. What's more, you'd never know it's a hybrid: The eco-friendly Ford Escape features almost the exact same exterior, passenger room and cargo space as the non-hybrid model. Check out the engineering, specs and features of the Ford Escape Hybrid.
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How the Bugatti Veyron Works
Welcome to the height of high-performance: The Bugatti Veyron is an incredible car built around an even more incredible engine. The 16-cylinder monster produces 1,001 horsepower for a top speed of more than 250 mph. And it’s a passenger car. Find out how it’s possible to build a production car this powerful.
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How Maybachs Work If you’re like most people, you’ve never heard of the Maybach. It’s a luxury item that many of us will never see, let alone buy – this car has more amenities than most nice homes. It’s an unbelievable driving machine complete with back-seat writing tables and an engine that can outperform the Corvette’s. Check out the Maybach.
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How the Enzo Ferrari Works
Every few years, the two facets of Ferrari combine, taking the high-tech, high-performance designs of Formula One (F1) and putting them into the ultimate street car. The latest Ferrari supercar is the Enzo Ferrari, named after the company's late founder. Learn how the Enzo was designed to emulate a Formula One car, what powers it, how fast it goes, and why it's so difficult to get one.
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How the Toyota PM Works
It may look like a flightless helicopter, but this baby is definitely meant for the road. With the unveiling of the Personal Mobility (PM) concept car, Toyota's designers have shared a new vision of personalized travel. And boy is it some vision! Find out all about the PM's design, power, and unique features.
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How the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve Works
What has a better power-to-weight ratio than a Ferrari Enzo, a 0-60 time of under three seconds, and enough room for a normal person to sit comfortably? It’s the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve concept car (that’s right, we said Chrysler), and it’s actually more than a concept: The DaimlerChrysler CEO claims this baby will be road-ready by summer. Check out this phenomenal driving machine.
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How Motorcycles Work
Unlike cars, motorcycles allow riders to connect intimately with the driving experience. But it's not just about adventure and freedom. With gas prices soaring, motorcycles, which can achieve fuel economies as high as 85 miles per gallon, provide an attractive alternative to gas-guzzling cars. Learn how motorcycle design has evolved over the years, how the modern motorcycle operates and how motorcycles might change in the near future.
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How Harley-Davidson Works It could be the distinctive body styling. Or maybe it's that tell-tale sound. There's just something about Harley-Davidson motorcycles that hundreds of thousands of folks can't resist. And, you can count us in that mix -- we couldn't resist writing about them! Find out all about this motorcycle icon.
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How Hybrid Cars Work With urban sprawl on the rise, many of us find ourselves commuting an hour or more twice a day, five days a week! Whether it’s the price of gas or the greenhouse effect that worries you more, the solution could be Insight. Learn the secrets behind hybrid cars and examine two real-world examples.
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How GM's Hy-wire Works What's a car without an engine? A Hy-wire: no combustion, no linkages, and driver controls that work like a video-game joystick. Automakers are moving beyond the conventional car, toward a computerized, environmentally friendly alternative. See what you could be driving in the future.
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How the Gibbs Aquada Works It looks like a high-tech prop for the next James Bond movie, but it's not! The Aquada is an automotive marvel that uses groundbreaking HSA or high speed amphibian technology. Find out how the Aquada can go from roadway to waterway with ease.
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How Flying Cars Work Sitting amidst a sea of cars in bumper-to-bumper traffic on an endless expressway, have you ever daydreamed about your car taking off and flying over the road? Imagine if you could just flip a switch and unshackle yourself from the asphalt, leaving the grid-lock far behind you. Flying cars seem like science fiction but may not be too far off! See how they will work.
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How the Volvo 'Your Concept Car' Works
While the design of the YCC is filled with forward-looking ideas, the most innovative aspect of the car is not the design, but who designed it -- an all-female team. With everything from an interchangeable interior to special features like Ergovision and Autopark, you'll be amazed by this cutting-edge sports coupe. Take a look inside the YCC.
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How NASCAR Race Cars Work The original NASCAR races were run on dirt tracks in regular street cars. Today, almost every piece of a NASCAR race car is handmade. Get a behind-the-scenes look (with lots of photos and videos!) at how these amazing machines come together.
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How Convertibles Work Warmer weather means convertible season -- ever wonder what's behind that thrilling ride? How can a car can go from everyday coupe to sporty convertible at the push of a button? Check out some awesome graphics showing exactly how soft tops and hardtops work.
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How Segways Work At first glance, it really doesn't seem all that remarkable -- it looks like a high-tech scooter. But people who have tried out the Segway claim that it is much, much more -- a completely different way to get around. Find out what's going on inside the Segway and what makes it so unique.
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How Electric Cars Work Electric vehicles, especially EVs powered by fuel cells, are a compelling alternative to gasoline-powered cars. They use environmentally friendly technology to get you to your destination without the need for costly, supply-limited gasoline. Find out how today's electric cars work.
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