Since the early days of the automobile, designers and car manufacturers
have continued to pioneer new techniques and technologies to improve
efficiency, reliability and performance. For some drivers, speed is one
of the most important characteristics of a car, both in terms of
acceleration in daily driving conditions and top speed for racing. There
are many different ways, ranging from simple to very complex, to make a
car go faster.
Engines
One
of the most straightforward ways to increase a car's speed is to outfit
it with a new, more powerful engine. Larger engines generally produce
more horsepower by burning more fuel. For this reason, most automakers
offer larger engines as options for buyers not concerned with fuel
efficiency as much as speed. In addition, aftermarket car builders may
install a larger engine in a vehicle to improve its speed, though at a
significant additional cost.
Blowers
Turbochargers
and superchargers, known collectively as blowers, are another means of
making a car go faster. Both of these devices force additional air into
an engine's combustion chambers, resulting in a more powerful combustion
and more power for driving the car with the same amount of fuel.
Turbochargers mount to the car's exhaust system, while superchargers
receive their power directly from the engine. To improve a car's speed,
blowers are much more cost-effective than installing a new engine.
Tires
A
car's tires are often a limiting factor in trying to achieve top speed.
The drive wheels represent the only point where the engine's power can
actually propel the car forward. Large tires with aggressive tread
patterns produce more friction for faster acceleration, but also slow
down the car at higher speeds. Narrower tires, which provide better
turning accuracy, may result in slower acceleration.
Weight
Weight
is another important part of the automotive performance equation. A
lighter car will be able to travel faster than a heavier model with the
same engine. Automakers continually search for new lightweight materials
to use in cars, making them faster and more fuel efficient. While
plastics and fiberglass have been popular materials in the past, today
automakers are using aluminum alloys and carbon fiber to produce strong,
light body panels and interior surfaces.
Other Technologies
Other
technologies can also improve a car's speed. One of these is electronic
fuel injection, which uses a computer to control the amount of fuel the
engine draws in prior to combustion. Fuel injectors replace the
carburetor that was once standard in cars, giving them more power and
efficiency. Aerodynamics also play an important role. Car designers test
their models in wind tunnels to ensure that they will face very little
wind resistance and remain firmly planted on the ground, giving the
tires a firm grip on the road surface.
