Technology & Infotainment
Variable valve timing explained
What is variable valve timing and how does it work to improve power and efficiency. Here’s a simple 300-word guide without the white-coat language.
Explained: Continental MK C1 ‘Brake by Wire’
We delve into the science behind an evolutionary new braking system in which the traditional complexities of master cylinders and boosters are consolidated into one small package
Explained: GKN Tungsten-carbide coated brakes
We explain the science behind the new braking technology first seen on the 2018 Porsche Cayenne
Android Auto vs Apple CarPlay
We compare the two smartphone mirroring apps you can use today
Volkswagen moves into supercomputing to cut commute times
Tie-in with Google will use quantum computers to solve highly complex problems, and make VW’s products even better
Sat-nav more distracting than texting and driving: study
Programming the satellite navigation system can distract a driver for an average of 40 seconds, research shows
Explained: V2X Vehicle-to-everything communication
Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication will soon become a mainstay of our roads, but our cars could soon after be talking to traffic lights and buildings. Wheels delves into the What? How? and Why? in this edition of Explained.
Mazda demonstrates new SkyActiv-X engine tech
Mazda builds game-changing engine that aims to achieve the impossible
Explained: Mazda G-Vectoring Control
Wheels delves into the tricky tech behind Mazda’s software-based torque-vectoring system
The 10 most annoying features of modern cars
No one is perfect and neither are our cars, so here are some suggestions that could make the latest vehicles even better to live with
What will the next wave of car technology bring?
We’ve come a long way since the horseless carriage, but the next major automotive milestones look set to be among the most significant
What is Level 3 autonomous driving tech and when do we get it?
Level 3 driving autonomy is here but it may still be some time before anyone is allowed to actually use it
Race to autonomy: who are the key players?
Research ranks the carmakers pushing towards a self-driving future, and puts established marques on top
Explained: Electric compressors
Electric compressors are becoming increasingly popular among car makers. But what are they? And how do they work?
Speaker-less car stereo system developed by Continental
Emerging technology could send car speakers the way of the dodo
Vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure systems explained
Cars that can chat with each other – and the world around them – are just beyond the horizon. Here’s how the driver assist technology will work
Electric power steering: the pros and cons
It’s the bit of the modern car that connects you with the road ahead. But what does it need to do?
What’s the difference between 4WD and AWD?
They both turn all four wheels, but four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive are very different systems.
What is a catalytic converter and how does it work?
Find out what the catalytic converter in your car does, and how it does it, in simple terms
Stop-start systems: Pros and cons
They’re meant to save us fuel, but sometimes stop-start engine systems can be a bit of a challenge
Longitudinal and transverse engines explained
A quick guide breaking down north-south and east-west engine configurations
Front-engine, mid-engine, rear-engine: what’s the difference?
Mid, front or rear-engines; where is your donk and what are the advantages of locating engines in different parts of the car?
BMW’s ‘ultimate self-driving machine’ plan
Fully automated driving so good BMW says drivers will be able to sleep at the wheel
Explained: Twinster differential
We explain the tech behind Holden’s innovative new differential in the next-gen Commodore, in simple terms.
