Over the past few years, we have run across some teams who, for the goal of attaining maximum power, chose to run without an alternator. We started thinking about that and decided to see if there were ...

Automotive ignitions systems have seen many transitions over the years. Historically, the designs have matured from a magneto to today’s coil-over-spark plug designs. The progression follows the ...

As the engines in America's production automobiles become more powerful with each succeeding year, it becomes increasingly difficult for engine and accessory designers to cope with some of the ...

So you're wondering what's the big deal with "digital," are you? Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past decade, almost everything you hear about is new, improved, and digital. The "old ...

There are certain things in life we just take for granted, like the sun coming up in the morning, airlines losing our luggage, and a Corvette that will start when we turn the key. Generally, that's ...

The 20th century saw a great many cheap, utilitarian vehicles enter the marketplace. Cars like the Mini and the original Jeep offered low-cost, no-frills motoring. However, they were also decidedly ...

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...