Modern Car Tech Features Explained
EBD, AFS, AWD. These are some of the common vehicle jargon that swirls around in a steaming car conversation. While it is quite likely that you’ve heard of these innovative automotive acronyms before, you may not be completely aware of their implications. In part 1 of this series, we’ve broken down and explained some common automotive lingo you are likely to encounter, especially with the recent proliferation of safety, handling and luxury features.
In this section, we’ll take a look at the next set of commonly used technical vehicle terms and understand how they matter:
Advanced Driving Autonomous Systems (ADAS)
This refers to a broad suite of vehicle safety-enhancing features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, drowsiness detection, pedestrian avoidance, and onboard cameras that assist drivers with the safe operation of a vehicle.
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
An electronically controlled system designed to assist in preventing the vehicle from slipping sideways during steep off-road hill descents. This system enables a “feet off” driving experience down a steep incline.
DCT: Dual clutch transmission
A subtype of Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that employs two clutches to preselect the next gear before shifting. It aims to merge the performance advantages of manual transmissions with the smooth transitions and user-friendly nature of automatic transmissions.
Turbo: Turbocharging
Turbocharging provides additional engine power without compromising fuel efficiency. It is often incorporated into smaller engines for performance enhancement. Turbocharged engines are found across various vehicle types, including sports cars, trucks, sedans, and luxury vehicles.
EAT: Electronically assisted turbocharging
EAT involves an electric motor aiding a traditional turbocharger to provide forced induction. This configuration is particularly useful when exhaust gas flow is insufficient to achieve the desired boost.
EFI: Electronic Fuel Injection
This optimizes fuel consumption by electronically injecting fuel directly into an engine’s manifold or cylinder. It further helps to reduce emissions of polluting particles from the exhaust pipe.
EGR: Exhaust gas recirculation
Exhaust Gas Recirculation is an emission control technology that delivers significant reductions in NOx emissions in a wide range of diesel engines, including light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty applications.
GDI: Gasoline direct injection
GDI represents the very latest technology in fuel delivery systems for gasoline internal combustion engines. Using a high-pressure common rail, it injects fuel directly into combustion chambers, improving fuel efficiency and power output, eliminating throttle losses, and enhancing engine timing flexibility.
ICP: Intake cam phaser
This refers to a component in the engine that adjusts the timing of the intake camshaft, optimising performance by varying the timing of the opening and closing of the intake valves.
ISG: Integrated starter-generator system
ISG is a hybrid vehicle technology that combines the functions of a starter motor and a generator. The ISG system can start the engine and generate electrical power to charge the battery and assist the engine during acceleration.
ULEV: Ultra low emission vehicle
A ULEV (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) is any vehicle that uses low-carbon technologies and emits less than 75g of CO2/km from the tailpipe. This category includes a spectrum of vehicles, such as pure electric, fuel cell electric, plug-in hybrids, and extended-range electric vehicles.
ZEV: Zero-emission vehicle
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEVs) is any vehicle that uses a propulsion technology that eliminates the production of internal combustion engine exhaust or other carbon emissions during operation. Many of them utilise hydrogen fuel cell technology. Note: All ZEVs are ULEVs.
HAD: Highly Autonomous Driving
Highly Autonomous Driving is a technological advancement that enables vehicles to function without human intervention by implementing progressively advanced levels of driving automation systems. These solutions facilitate highly predictable, accurate, and real-time responses, enhancing the vehicle’s ability to navigate autonomously.
TRR: Tire rolling resistance
TRR refers to the force opposing the motion of a tire as it rolls on a surface. Lower tire rolling resistance is desirable for improved fuel efficiency in vehicles, as it reduces the energy required to move the vehicle forward.
FWD: Front-wheel drive
This is a vehicle propulsion system in which power is transmitted to the front wheels, providing traction and steering control.
AWD: All-Wheel Drive
An AWD system delivers power to all four wheels simultaneously, enhancing traction and stability for on-road driving and light off-road use. It lets your vehicle automatically decide when to drive all four wheels.
4WD: Four Wheel Drive
4WD links the front and rear wheels via a transfer case, distributing power evenly. It’s meant to be used at lower speeds and in challenging terrain, usually found on larger SUVs and trucks.
V8: V-formation eight-cylinder
V8 refers to a V-formation eight-cylinder engine configuration known for its power and performance, often used in high-performance vehicles and trucks.
Central Locking
Central locking provides the convenience of simultaneously locking or unlocking all the car doors, either through the key fob or by pressing a button inside the vehicle.
Crumple zones
Crumple zones are strategically engineered components of a car intended to deform upon impact in the event of a collision. They absorb crash energy, thereby minimising the force transmitted to the occupants and enhancing overall safety.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading through some of the most used vehicle acronyms and initialisms. Be on the lookout for Part 3 of the series. If you need more help with any car questions, driving or car maintenance-related information, do contact us or check out our other blogs.
