Automotive Technology

blog advertising is good for you

Drivin' that Dynaflow: GM's Other Early Automatics

Written by Aaron Severson
Saturday, 05 June 2010 00:00
The Hydra-Matic, GM's first fully automatic transmission, was a great success, inspiring a host of rivals -- including some within General Motors itself. This week, we look at the origins of Dynaflow and Powerglide, the ambitious but ill-fated Turboglide and Triple Turbine, and the second- and third-generation Hydra-Matics. Click here to read more about Dynaflow, Powerglide, and the dual-coupling Hydra-Matic Write comment (11 Comments)
link

It's Systematic, It's Hydra-Matic: The First Automatic Transmission

Written by Aaron Severson
Saturday, 29 May 2010 00:00
By any standard, the original Hydra-Matic transmission was one of the most important innovations in the history of the automobile. It wasn't the first automatic transmission, but it was the first one that really worked, and its resounding commercial success paved the for every subsequent autoshifter. This week, we take a look at the origins of the Hydra-Matic, and its originator, Earl Thompson, who also developed the first synchromesh gearbox back in the 1920s. Click here to read more about the origins of Hydra-Matic Write comment (16 Comments)
Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 August 2010 22:27
link

Hotchkiss Drive

Written by Aaron Severson
Sunday, 22 March 2009 00:00
Another term we have thrown around a lot that bears some explanation is Hotchkiss drive. This is a suspension layout very common on front-engine/rear-drive cars and trucks from the 1920s until the late 1970s, and still used on many pick-up trucks and SUVs. Click here to read more about Hotchkiss drive suspensions Write comment (2 Comments)
link

The MacPherson Strut

Written by Aaron Severson
Saturday, 31 January 2009 00:00
It's one of the most common suspension designs used on modern cars, found on everything from the lowliest Proton Savvy to the fearsome Porsche 911 Turbo. It's also frequently misunderstood and often misspelled. Thhis week, we will try to set the record straight about the origins and workings of the MacPherson strut suspension system. Click here to read more about the MacPherson strut suspension Write comment (13 Comments)
link

The Basics of Turbocharging and Supercharging

Written by Aaron Severson
Wednesday, 19 March 2008 13:44
By popular demand: a Q&A on supercharging (and turbocharging). Click here to read more about turbochargers and superchargers Write comment (4 Comments)
link

Blew a Hole in the Hood of a Yella Corvette: An Explanation of Hood Scoops

Written by Aaron Severson
Wednesday, 05 March 2008 12:38
Even casual observers of things automotive have probably the curious tendency for certain sporty-looking cars to sport prominent, well, holes in their hoods. What are these scoops supposed to be for? Click here to read more about hood scoops Write comment (0 Comments)
Click to read more...