An engine running so hot that it vaporizes its lubricating oil seems a prelude to catastrophe. But a group of researchers at Pennsylvania State University theorize that it is possible to lubricate an engine with oil vapor successfully, opening the…
There’s only one problem with two seaters: there are only two seats. After all, when you have a two-seater, you want to take people out for a ride to show off your new toy. With a two-seater, you can take…
The Renault Alliance was dull. Born in France as the Renault 9 in 1981 and built beginning in 1982 in Kenosha, Wis. by American Motors during that company’s, well, alliance with the French automaker, the Alliance was powered by a…
Audi excised 12.6 inches from the wheelbase of the standard Quattro coupe to make the Sport Quattro. Drastic surgery perhaps, but nothing like what Peugeot would do to make the 205 Turbo 16, which was eating Audi’s lunch in international…
History originally published in Sport Compact Car November 1998; republished by the author Shakespeare said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Sure, Bill, but would it sell? When Renault began importing its new econobox in 1976,…
Originally included in Mazda RX-7 Sports Car Color History, by John Matras, published by Motorbooks International, 1994; republished by the author Just looking at the first-generation RX-7 was enough to provoke speculation about Mazda’s Rotary sportster’s appearance as a convertible….
History/driving impression originally published in AutoWeek November 12, 1990; republished by the author English is an efficient and purposeful language, but Italian is more exquisite and elegant. Consider the descriptive and direct term “four-door.” Then consider the Italian equipment: “Quattroporte.”…
Feature originally published in AutoWeek, July 15, 1985; republished by the author The two drivers are buckled in and helmeted. Each cranks the giant Chevy motor, mere inches behind his back, and it responds with the vigor and volume of…
History/buyer’s guide originally published in European Car, August 1996 Anyone partial to European automobiles was all the more frustrated by the new Ford Sierra XR-4i. The Sierra debuted in 1983, replacing the Cortina and Taunus , and the XR-4i was…
History originally published in the Illustrated Volvo Buyer’s Guide, 1983, by John Matras; republished by the author The 1983 Volvo Limited Edition 240 Turbo is called the “Flat Hood” because it has a flat hood. If politics makes strange bedfellows…