6 Brilliant Car Technologies Inspired from the Race Track

 Automotive  

The race track is the testing ground for many automotive technologies that eventually make it into our everyday cars.  Here are a few examples.

Have you ever thought of owning a race car? Well, for most car competition enthusiasts, this could be a living dream or a life-goal. Some of the technology and speed in these automobiles can only draw a comparison with jet engines. Here are six brilliant car technologies that have made there way from the racing world to the car you may be driving today courtesy of Tischer Auto.

1. Easier ignition

The push button ignition is originally attributed Porsche sports cars. The start and stop engine button was initially designed to enable their drivers shift from start to the first gear within no time at all. Then BMW-produced vehicles have incorporated this. Now push button ignition is common across many manufacturers' lines, from high end performance vehicles to economy models. The Infiniti also has a fob that electronically speaks to the car. It unlocks the doors, and after the start button, the car will be running.

2. Quality suspensions

Suspension systems are also a technology that borrows heavily from the world of racing. For control and stability, all the four wheels of your car should be glued to the ground; a characteristic of race cars and their low center of gravity. Today's quality suspensions are made to handle turns and accelerate with ease and comfort for the vehicle occupants. The suspensions used in high performance race cars: MacPherson struts and the multi-links are the same ones used in your car. The only difference is that in vehicles off the assembly line, rider comfort is optimized.

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3. Changes in tire quality

Before deep threads and grooves came to tires, a rainy day, muddy or a snowy one were probably the worst days to drive. However, these specializations derived from race cars have made driving easier and safer. Racing tire technology is much different than that of your commuter vehicle. Race tires are usually constructed from much softer material and heat up fast. Their heating up makes them sticky and easy to handle corners even in the rain, but it also means they wear-out quickly. That is why drivers change them repeatedly per race.

4. Application of ceramics

Firm, fast-breaking system in cars also stems from the race track. In the 1950s, disk brakes were unveiled. They were reliable, efficient and safe as compared to their predecessors, drum brakes. Advancements in the use of ceramics for longevity, the use of lighter materials and more continue to push the limits of ceramic brake pad technology.

5. Improvement in safety

Safety is more essential to driving than speed, on the racetrack and on the highway. No driver can compromise on this and race drivers know too well. The use or roll cages to protect them in the event an accident has also been imported to our cars.

6. Improvement in vehicle appearance

The exterior design or some Toyota vehicles can have you guessing it’s a race car. The love of race cars has pushed many producers to change their creations. The entry of new aerodynamically tested and approved racing models have also retailed as production cars. For many, the sleeker the model, the more appealing the car. Engine advancements to speed and use of material such as dual overhead camshafts and carbon fibers present in most BMV and Mercedes vehicles, were previously only forn race cars.

The race track has undoubtedly shaped the automobile industry. The latest technologies like carbon brakes could in future make their way to our vehicles. For this reason, while overtaking or accelerating on your way home from the office, know that in a small way, you too are racing.

By Karleia Steiner

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