- Home
- Automotive Industry
- Auto Manufacturing & Design
Auto Manufacturing & Design
The Amazing History of American-Made Sports Cars and US Specials of the 1950s and 1960s
The origins of 20 great American cars.
Inertia Report: The FCA Issue and Why The PSA Merger Probably Won't Solve It
The Inertia Report: Where I give my opinion of topics in the automotive world. This time, I'll talk about what is wrong with Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles and why the PSA merger may not lead to better pastures.
"Cars: Accelerating the Modern World" Exhibition at the V&A Museum
The V&A Museum presents “Cars: Accelerating the Modern World." The invention of the car had profound effects on culture, the landscape, and even fashion. Here's my experience at the exhibit! Was it worth it?
How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles: Maserati
This is a "special" tackling a very big issue. How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles. Explaining why the change of corporate image is necessary, we will jump into the past & build up every brand under the FCA correctly. In this article, we rebuild and change the brand direction of Maserati.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Car?
How long does it take to assemble a car, including multiple coats of paint, the interior, wiring, and electronics—12 hours? 24 hours? 48 hours? Who does it faster? Henry Ford in the 1920s? Or a factory full of computer-controlled high-speed robots? Let's take a look.
How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles: Chrysler
This is a "special" tackling a very big issue. How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles. Explaining why the change of corporate image is necessary, we will build up every brand under the FCA correctly. In this article, we COMPLETELY rebuild Chrysler, taking the brand in a new direction.
How "American" Is My American Car or Truck?
We live in a global economy with complex trade & supply systems. It used to be that if you wanted an American car - you bought one from and American car maker. Those days are gone. We have trade agreements & manufacturer's alliances that make it far less clear. So, just what is an American car?
How To Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles: SRT
This is a "special" tackling a very big issue. How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles. Explaining why the change of corporate image is necessary, we will jump into the past & build up every brand under the FCA correctly. In this article, we relaunch SRT.
Inertia Report: Why Kia May Be the Next Luxury Brand Coming Up
Why I feel Kia may have become the "dark horse" competitor coming up behind the Germans. The Germans might be taken by surprise.
Why So Many Gears on Automatic Transmissions?
Notice a lot of gears in your automatic car? Wondering what all of the gears mean? There's a consistent trend in the automotive industry towards automatic transmissions with more gears. Why is that?
How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles: Dodge
This is a "special" tackling a very big issue. How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles. Explaining why the change of corporate image is necessary, we will jump into the past & build up every brand under the FCA correctly. In this article, we rebuild Dodge's lineup.
How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles: Fiat, Ram & Jeep
This is a "special" tackling a very big issue. How to Rebrand Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles. Explaining why the change of corporate image is necessary, we will jump into the past & build up every brand under the FCA correctly. In this article, Jeep & Ram get rebuilt & we access Fiat.
Fastest SUVs in the World
When Supercar makers like Lamborghini make SUVs, they end up making Super SUVs. But SUVs made by traditional SUV makers like Jeep are not far behind in terms of speed.
The General Motors C-1 Is Overpriced
Do you drive a GM C-1? Are you thinking about buying one? Don't. Many people drive a GM C-1 but have no clue what a C-1 is. Today, I explain why your money is better spent elsewhere.
Kickdown: Not All Fast Cars Are the Same
Kickdown is a column where I talk about random topics, usually car-related, that don't deserve long articles. This time, because of how confusing the term "performance car" is, I will attempt to essentially classify categories of which vehicles compete with other vehicles.
How Mercedes-Benz Met Higher Emission Norms With Lower-Grade Fuel
India, one of the fastest growing and the most competitive car markets, is seeing a rapid rise in pollution, and so India is looking for cleaner cars. With BS4 emission norms being mandated, emission norms have become more stringent. With the new S350d, Mercedes-Benz meets BS6 using BS4 fuel!
All About Teslas
Learn about the brand of premium electric autos that is changing the driving landscape. From its early days to its nameplates to where the brand might go in the future, this article has Tesla covered.
The Ford Ghia Barchetta That Became a Mercury Capri
If you have ever wondered how a car evolves from a prototype to production, here's an interesting story about one car. Why did the Ford Ghia Barchetta become the Mercury Capri?
Fantasy Branding: Relaunching the Chevy SS
Fantasy Branding is a series where I take a scenario in the automotive world (past, present, or future) and explain how I would have done it. This time: Relaunching and bringing more prestige to the Chevy SS!
Did the Chevy SS Pick Up Where the Pontiac G8 Left Off?
Was the Chevy SS a solid replacement for the Pontiac G8? Here's why the underpowered Chevy SS underachieved.
Fantasy Branding: Changing Volkswagen's 2016 Lineup
Fantasy Branding is a series where I take a scenario in the automotive world (past, present, or future) and explain how I would have done it. This time: Refreshing Volkswagens 2016 lineup to reflect a more performance-oriented objective.
Why the Infiniti QX50 Gets Bullied in Its Class
Thinking about buying the QX50? There are some things you should know. The QX50 is the odd child at school. Here's why.
All About the 2017 Dodge Challenger TA 392
Can the muscle car compete in the modern world? Lower displacement and more boost is the name of the game today. Dodge is fighting back with classic inspired V8 power.
The Lockup: Why Infiniti Isn't Taken Seriously as a Luxury Car Company
The Lockup: Where I review & critique a car or company to prove a point. Here's my in-depth view of why Infiniti isn't taken seriously as a luxury brand.
When Will Hybrid/Electric Tech Trickle Down to Your Car?
Tired of your non-electric car? When will your car get the hybrid/electric technology that exotic cars have begun using recently? That's the question we will try to analyze today.
Is the BMW M3/M4 Still the Benchmark?
The BMW M3 and its M4 sibling have dominated the segment they inhabit for about 50 years. But can the most powerful letter in Motorsport save the 3&4? Or is it falling off?
Why Infiniti Decided Not to Build the Q50 Eau Rouge
Miss the Q50 Eau Rouge? Why was the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge killed off? Let's find out.
The Kickdown: The Ferrari FXX-K EVO and What Came Before
Kickdown is a column where I talk about random topics, usually car-related, that don't deserve long articles. With Ferrari launching the FXX-K EVO, I figured it was time to take a stroll down memory lane & look at some of Ferrari's past special ballistic missiles.
Inertia Report: Pros and Cons of Lamborghini Going Electric
The Inertia Report: Where I give my opinion on topics in the automotive world. The Huracan's successor will be a plug-in hybrid, and Lamborghini has unveiled an all-electric concept. It's clear to see hybrid-electric technology is in Lamborghini's future. I assess the pros & cons of such a future.
Fantasy Branding: How I Would Relaunch the 2nd Gen SRT Jeep
Fantasy Branding is a series where I take a scenario in the automotive world (past, present, or future) and explain how I would have done it. This time: How I would relaunch the 2nd Gen SRT8 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Inertia Report: Why the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk Is the Wrong Long-Term Solution
Why the Hellcat engine is the wrong long-term solution for the SRT Jeep.
Everything You Need to Know About Car Suspension and Handling
We present an inventory of the most commonly used suspension architectures. There are several types of suspension systems. They differ depending on whether they are on the front or rear drive trains.
Creating a Classic: The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gullwing 2011-2015
How Mercedes-AMG created their first ever super car, the SLS AMG, from drawing board to dealer showrooms in just 37 months.
New Ideas for Solar-Powered Cars
The recharging capacity of a solar-powered car can be increased if its solar cells are placed outside the car.
The Porsche 911: The Car With the Worst Ergonomic Design
The Porsche 911 is the worst-designed car from an ergonomic perspective. It has issues with the interior, engine, tires, and more.
Why Tesla Has Been So Successful
A brief look at what makes Tesla such an interesting company to invest in and why it matters in today’s vehicle industry, as well as why it is surpassing analyst expectations.
Miracle Mileage Claims
Almost since the first gasoline-powered cars hit the road, people have been inventing ways of making them go farther on a gallon of fuel. Is the Pogue Carburetor or Tom Ogle's filter as good as some theorists claim?
The 10 Best Cars of All Time
The 10 best cars built for normal use in the last seven decades, based on six reasonable criteria.
The History of the Early Shelby Mustang (1965/66)
Everyone's favorite: The early Mustang GT-350 built by Carrol Shelby. Everything about this car was just right: the Cobra-based 289 cubic inch Ford V8 engine with 4-speed manual transmission.
Diesel Cars Were Over-Hyped and Are Losing Value
Drivers of diesel vehicles in the UK could face massive increases in road tax and see the value of their vehicle depreciate rapidly as pollution from diesel emissions rises.
The World's Ten Fastest Cars: Record-Setters From 1980 to Now
Which cars have dominated world speed records since 1980? Let's find out.
Top 10 List of Funny Car Model Names
Here is a list of the top 10 funny car model names. Motor manufacturers have the unenviable task of thinking up new names for each model of car, and sometimes the names they choose do not translate well to other languages.
Making Clay Models of Cars as Part of Car Design
Luciano Bove, car designer and former instructor, explains the importance for transportation design students of learning clay modeling.
The Top 10 Sleeper Cars of All Time
Love fast cars? Sleeper cars like the Buick Grand National might look tame, but they'll smoke you in a race. Here are the top 10 sleeper cars that you should look out for.
How Car Designers Work in a Design Studio
How do car designers work in a real design studio to make concept drawings? Let's take a look. There's a lot to know about how cars are designed!
How to Draw a Simple Side View Car Sketch: Basic Steps
Luciano Bove's tutorial for a side view car sketch. A step-by-step tutorial from line drawing proportions to quick shading.
How to Make a Professional Car Design Portfolio
Trying to make a car design portfolio? It's easy to expertly display your car design abilities. Here's how to do it.
Hood Ornaments on American Classic Cars of the 1930s–1950s
Several decades ago, car hood ornaments were more than just emblems identifying car manufacturers—they were adornments that made bold statements. Let's take a look at some of the best ones.
French Car Manufacturers
Did you know that 23% of all vehicles sold in Europe are French?
Corvair Corsa Versus Monza: Nearly Identical Classic Cars
There is a mystery or oddity about the Corvair Corsa and Monza built between 1965–1966. Why did Chevrolet produce two cars that are nearly identical? Here's what you need to know about both of these classic rides.