This is shamlessly lifted from wiki

 

Original link here - it does make some fascinating reading. One particular one that stands out. First Digital climate control in 1975 on a roller and another is first drive by wire throttle on the 1988 750i. Amazing really!

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_automotive_superlatives#Engine_technologies

 

Engine capacity/displacement

1 L = 1,000 cubic centimeters = 61.0237 cubic inches

1 in³ = 16.3871 cubic centimeters

 

[edit] Engine output

Power

 

1 horsepower (hp) = 1 brake hp (bhp) = 1.0139 metric hp (PS) = 0.7457 kilowatts (kW)

1 metric hp = 0.9863 hp = 0.7355 kilowatts

1 kilowatt = 1.3410 hp = 1.3596 metric hp

Torque

 

1 foot-pound force of torque ( ft•lbff) = 1.3558 newton-meter (N•m)

1 newton-meter = 0.7376 foot-pound force

 

[edit] Fuel economy

1 mile per US gallon = 1.2009 miles per imperial gallon = 0.4252 kilometers per L = 235.208 liters per 100 kilometers

1 mile per imperial gallon = 0.8327 miles per US gallon = 0.3540 kilometers per L = 282.4731 liters per 100 kilometers

1 kilometer per L = 2.3521 miles per US gallon = 2.8247 miles per imperial gallon

1 L per 100 kilometers = 235.208 miles per US gallon = 282.4731 miles per imperial gallon

 

[edit] Power to weight or weight to power

(See also: weight-to-power ratio)

 

1 hp per short ton = 1.12 hp per long ton = 0.82199 kilowatt per metric ton

1 hp per long ton = 0.89286 hp per short ton = 0.76890 kilowatt per metric ton

1 kilowatt per metric ton = 1.2166 hp per short ton = 1.3625 hp per long ton

1 pound per hp = 0.60828 kilogram per kilowatt

 

[edit] Engine capacity

 

[edit] Flat-twin

Smallest flat-twin engine (gasoline) - 0.38 L (375 cc/23 in³) - 1948 Citroën 2CV

Largest flat-twin engine (gasoline) - 4.83 L (4838 cc/295 in³) - 1904 Lanchester 18 [1]

 

[edit] Straight-3 (I3)

Smallest I3 engine (gasoline) - 0.36 L (357 cc/22 in³) - 1967 Suzuki Fronte

Smallest I3 engine (Diesel) - 0.8 L (799 cc/48.8 in³) - 2000 Smart Fortwo cdi

Largest I3 engine (gasoline) - 1.2 L (1198 cc/73 in³) - 2002 Volkswagen Polo/SEAT Ibiza/Škoda Fabia

Largest I3 engine (Diesel) - 1.8 L (1779 cc/109 in³) - 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 1.8 TD

 

[edit] Straight-4 (I4)

Smallest I4 engine (gasoline) - 0.36 L (356 cc/21.7 in³) - 1963 Honda T360 AS250E

Smallest I4 engine (Diesel) - 1.25 L (1248 cc/65 in³) - 2003 Fiat Nuova Panda MultiJet

Largest I4 engine (gasoline) - 3.2 L (3202 cc/195.45 in³) - 1965 IHC Scout

Largest I4 engine (Diesel) - 4.1 L (4100 cc/250.2 in³) - Toyota Mega Cruiser 15B-FTE Diesel

 

[edit] V4 engine

Smallest V4 engine - 0.7 L (746 cc/46 in³) - 1960 ZAZ 965 V4

Largest V4 engine - 2.6 L (2568 cc/157 in³) - 1930 Lancia Lambda V4

 

[edit] Flat-4

Smallest Flat 4 engine - 0.9 L (897 cc) - Lloyd Arabella

Largest Flat 4 engine - 2.5 L (2484 cc) - Lancia Gamma

 

[edit] Straight-5 (I5)

Smallest I5 engine (gasoline) - 1.9 L (1921 cc/117 in³) - 1981 Audi 100 1.9 E

Smallest I5 engine (Diesel) - 2.0 L (1986 cc/121 in³) - 1978 Audi 100 2.0 D

Largest I5 engine (gasoline) - 3.7 L (3653 cc/223 in³) - 2007 GM Atlas L5R 3700

Largest I5 engine (Diesel) - 3.5 L (3469 cc/212 in³) - 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser 1PZ Diesel

 

[edit] Straight-6 (I6)

Smallest I6 engine (gasoline) - 1.1 L (1087 cc/68 in³) - 1933 MG K-Type

Smallest I6 engine (Diesel) - 2.4 L (2383 cc/145 in³) - 1979 Volvo 240 D24 engine

Largest I6 engine (gasoline) - 8 L (7983 cc/487 in³) - Bentley 8 Litre

Largest I6 engine (Diesel) - 6.7 L (6690 cc/408 in³) - 2007 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Cummins B series turbodiesel

 

[edit] V6 engine

Smallest V6 engine (gasoline) - 1.6 L (1597 cc/97 in³) - 1992 Mitsubishi Lancer 6A1

Honorable mention: - 1.0 L - 1960s DKW F102 (a two-stroke V6) (about 100 produced for testing, 13 fitted to road cars)[2]

Honorable mention: - 1.4 L (1396cc) Smart V6 consisting of two combined 3-cyl Smart Roadster engines. This twin turbocharged gasoline engine develops 225 bhp (168 kW/228 PS) at 5500 rpm with 162 ft·lbf (220 N·m) of torque from 2250-4500 rpm). Only 10 prototype Smart Coupé Brabus were fitted in 2003 with this engine made by Mercedes-Benz.

Smallest V6 engine (Diesel) - 2.5 L (2496 cc/152 in³) - 1996 Audi/VW 2.5 TDI (in multiple cars)

Largest V6 engine (gasoline) - 7.8 L (7800 cc/478 in³) - 1966 GMC 1000-3500 series 478E 60° V6

Largest V6 engine (Diesel automobiles) - 4.3 L (4304 cc/262 in³) - 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Supreme Brougham, Calais GM LT6

 

[edit] Flat-6

Smallest Flat 6 engine - 2.0 L (1991 cc) - Porsche 911

Largest Flat 6 engine - 5.5 L (5490 cc) - Tucker Torpedo

Honorable mention - 9.7 L (9651 cc) - Tucker Torpedo prototype, never saw production

 

[edit] V8 engine

Smallest road car V8 engine (gasoline) - 2.0 L (1990 cc/121 in³) - 1975 Ferrari 208 GT4

Smallest V8 engine (Diesel) - 3.3 L (3328 cc/203 in³) - 2000 Audi A8 3.3 TDI

Largest V8 engine (gasoline) - 8.2 L (8194 cc/500 in³) - 1970 Cadillac Eldorado 500

Honorable mention: 12.8 L (12782 cc/780 in³) - 2006 Weineck Cobra 780 (limited edition tuner car)

Largest V8 engine (Diesel) - 7.3 L (7275 cc/444 in³) - 1997 Ford F250 Power Stroke

 

[edit] W8 engine

 

Honourable mention: 4.0 L - 2002-2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4 Motion

 

[edit] V10 engine

Smallest V10 engine - 4.9 L (4921 cc/301 in³) - Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

Largest V10 engine - 8.4 L (8381 cc/511 in³) - 2008 Dodge Viper

 

[edit] Flat-12

Smallest road car Flat 12 engine - 4.45 L - Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer

Largest Flat 12 engine - 5.0 L - Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer

 

[edit] V12 engine

Smallest road car V12 engine - 2.0 L (1995 cc/122 in³) - 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Colombo

Honorable mention: - 1.5 L (1497 cc/91 in³) - 1947 Ferrari 125 S Colombo (Not a production road car).

Largest V12 engine - 11.5 L (11,508c cc/702 in³) - 1960 to 1965 GMC Twin-Six "702" for commercial trucks

Honorable mention: - 7.5 L (7467c cc/456 in³) - 1934 Packard Twelve Victoria (pre-WWII)

Honorable mention: - 7.7 L (7730 cc/471 in³) - TVR Cerbera Speed 12 (Vehicle never reached production).

 

[edit] W12 engine

Largest W12 engine - 6.0 L (5999 cc/366 cu in³) 2005 Audi A8 Quattro

 

[edit] V16 engine

Largest V16 engine - 8.0 L (8046 cc/491 in³) - Marmon Sixteen

Honorable mention: 13.6 L (13600 cc/829 in³) 2003 Cadillac Sixteen (concept car)

Smallest road car V16 engine - 7.1 L (7062 cc/431 in³) - Cadillac Series 90

Honorable mention: 1.5 L (1488 cc/91 in³) BRM British Racing Motors V16 (not a production engine)

 

[edit] W16 engine

Smallest W16 engine - 8.0 L (7993 cc) - 2005 Bugatti Veyron

Largest W16 engine - 8.0 L (7993 cc) - 2005 Bugatti Veyron

 

[edit] Dimensions

 

[edit] Overall

Longest - 6650 mm (261.8 in) - 2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab Long Bed

Passenger car - 6426 mm (253 in) - 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five [3]

Honorable mention - 6400 mm (252 in) - 1932 Bugatti Royale (Few produced)

Commercial - 6852 mm (269.8 in) - Checker Aerocar

Honorable mention - 6680 mm (263.0 in) - 2005 Mercedes-Benz (in US Dodge) Sprinter High Roof

Widest - 2474 mm - 2002 Unimog U5000

Highest - 1632 mm (64.3 in) - 2006 Rolls Royce Phantom ("Highest passenger car")

Shortest - 1340 mm (52.8 in) - 1962 Peel P50 (3 wheels)

Honorable mention - 2286 mm (90 in) - 1956 Isetta (4 wheels)

Lowest - 39 in (991 mm) - 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (18 produced)

Honorable mention - 37 in (940 mm) - Concept Centaur GT (Not a production car)

Honorable mention - 32 in (813 mm) - Adams Brothers Probe 16 (Only 3 produced)

 

[edit] Wheelbase

Longest wheelbase - 4475 mm (176.2 in) - 2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty Chassis Crew Cab (truck)

Honorable mention - 3900 mm (153.3 in) - 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 - longest wheelbase car

Honorable mention - 4800 mm (189 in) - Checker Aerocar (Not a consumer vehicle)

Shortest wheelbase - 1270 mm (50 in) - 1962 Peel P50

Honorable mention - 1500 mm (59.1 in) - 1956 Isetta

Honorable mention - 1800 mm (70.9 in) - 2003 Suzuki Twin

 

[edit] Track

Widest Front - 1,920 mm (75.6 in) - 2002 Unimog U5000

Widest Rear - 1,920 mm (75.6 in) - 2002 Unimog U5000

Narrowest Front - 990 mm (39 in) - Peel P50

Narrowest Rear - 521 mm (20.5 in) - Isetta

 

[edit] Weight

Heaviest - 3681 kg (8114 lb) curb weight - 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha Wagon

Lightest - 59 kg (132 lb) DIN - 1962 Peel P50 (3 wheels)

Honorable mention - 350 kg (770 lb) DIN - 1956 Isetta (4 wheels)

 

[edit] Other

Largest iron brake disc - 405 mm (16 in) - 2004 Bentley Continental GT

Largest carbon ceramic brake disc - 420 mm (16.5 in) - 2006 Bentley Continental GT Diamond Series, 2007 Bentley Continental GT Speed

Largest fuel tank - 290 L (76.6 US gal/63.8 imp gal) - 1986 Lamborghini LM002

Largest tires (height) - 1041.4 mm (41 in) - 2006 International CXT

Largest tires (weight) - 90.71 kg (200 lb) - 2006 International CXT

 

[edit] Power

 

[edit] Most power

Petrol/Gasoline - (naturally-aspirated) - 485 kW (660 PS/651 hp) - 2003 Enzo Ferrari V12 engine

Honorable mention: 820 kW (1115 PS/1100 hp) - 2006 Weineck Cobra 780 (limited edition tuner car)

Front-wheel drive: 226 kW (307 PS/303 hp) - GM LS4, 2005 Chevrolet Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS

Honorable mention: 298 kW (400 hp) 1970 Cadillac Eldorado (400hp and 550ft/lbs measured at the crank)

Petrol/Gasoline - (forced-induction) - 736 kW (1001 PS/987 hp) - 2005 Bugatti Veyron (quad-turbocharged W16 engine)

Honorable mention: 879.9 kW (1196 PS/1180 hp) - 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero TT (appears that less than 20 will be produced)

Diesel - 368 kW (500 PS/493 hp) - Audi V12 TDI in the Audi Q7

 

[edit] Most torque

Petrol (naturally-aspirated) - 775 N·m (572 ft·lbf), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 6.9 L (5987 cc/365 in³) M120 V12 engine.

Honorable Mention: 1760 N·m (1298.1 ft·lbf), 2006 Weineck Cobra 780 cui Limited Edition (12782 cc/780 in³) V8 engine. (Production car status is debatable.)

Petrol (forced-induction) - 1250 N·m (922 ft·lbf), 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 L (7993 cc/488 in³) quad-turbocharged W16 engine.

Honorable Mention: 1303 N·m (961 ft·lbf), 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero TT (6345 cc/387.2 in³) twin-turbo V8 engine. (limited production of 25)

Diesel - 1000 N·m (738 ft·lbf), Audi Q7 V12 TDI 6.0 L (5934 cc/362 in³) Twin Turbo V12

 

[edit] Most specific power (power to weight ratio)

100–200 hp — 288.75 hp/metric ton (7.64 lb/hp) — Lotus 340R, 190 hp (142 kW) and 658 kg (1451 lb)

200–300 hp — 657 hp/metric ton (3.35 lb/hp) — Ariel Atom 2 supercharged 300 hp (224 kW) and 456 kg (1005 lb)

300–400 hp — 381 hp/metric ton (5.79 lb/hp) — 2003 TVR Tuscan S 400 hp (298 kW) and 1050 kg (2315 lb)

400+ hp — 1045 hp/metric ton (1.91 lb/hp) - 2007 Caparo T1 V8 engine 575 hp (429 kW) and 470 kg (1036 lb)

400+ category previously listed as 949 hp/metric ton (2.33 lb/hp) — 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero TT V8 engine 1180 hp (880 kW) and 1247 kg (2750 lb).

 

 

[edit] Most specific engine output (power per unit displacement)

Petrol/Gasoline (naturally-aspirated) piston engine - 92.1 kW (125.2 PS/123.7 hp)/litre - 2000 JDM Honda S2000 F20C (184 kW (250 PS/247 hp) JIS 2.0 L I4)

Honorable Mention 126.49hp/litre - Ascari A10 (625hp/466kW/634PS 4941cc V8) (Limited production, only 50 to be produced)

Honorable mention: 125.3 kW (168 hp)/litre - 2002 Radical Sportscars SR3 (252 hp (184 kW) 1.5 L I4 engine) - (Note: The Radical's status as a production car is disputed, and numbers refer to the competition version, there are no official data for the road version)

Petrol/Gasoline (forced-induction) piston engine - 149 kW (203 PS/200 hp)/litre 400 hp - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII FQ400 (298 kW (405 PS/400 hp) 2.0 L I4 (The FQ400's status as a "production car" is disputed)

Diesel (naturally-aspirated) - 33.4 kW (45.4 PS/44.7 hp)/litre (100 kW (136 PS/134 hp) DIN 3.0 L I6) - 1995 Mercedes E 300 D

Diesel (forced-induction) - 75.2 kW (102,2 PS)/litre (150 kW (204 PS) 2.0 L I4 twin-turbo) - 2007 BMW new 2L engines

Honorable Mention: 81.6 kW (111 PS/109.5 hp)/litre (156 kW (212 PS/209 hp) 1.9 L I4 twin-turbo) - 2003 Opel Vectra OPC Concept (Not a production vehicle)

Naturally-aspirated pistonless rotary engine - 140.5 kW (191.1 PS/188.8 hp) /litre - Mazda RX-8 Renesis (184 kW (250 PS/247 hp) JIS 1.3 L)

Forced-induction pistonless rotary engine - 157.4 kW (214.1 PS/212.3 hp)/litre - 2003 Mazda RX-7 13B-REW (206 kW (280 PS/276 hp JIS 1.3 L)( Numbers based on insurance claims for lower premiums, all Japanese supercars of that era (1988 to 2003) were rated at 276hp)

 

[edit] Most specific torque (torque per unit displacement)

The mean effective pressure (MEP) is a useful comparison tool, giving the average cylinder pressure exerted on the piston.

 

Petrol (naturally-aspirated) - MEP 14.3 bar, 114 N•m (84 ft•lbf)/litre (370 N•m (273 ft•lbf)) - 2003 BMW M3 CSL

Petrol (forced-induction) - MEP 30.3 bar, 241.4 N•m (177.7 ft•lbf)/litre (482.1 N•m (355 ft•lbf)) - 2004 Mitsubishi Evo VIII MR FQ-400

Honorable mention: MEP unknown, 157 N•m (115.8 ft•lbf)/litre - 156 N•m/115 ft•lbf Suzuki Forsa (Turbocharged L3 Sohc 993cc)

Petrol (naturally-aspirated pistonless rotary engine) - MEP 21.5 bar, 170.8 N•m (126.0 ft•lbf)/litre (222 N•m (164 ft•lbf)) - 2005 Mazda RX-8

Petrol (forced-induction pistonless rotary engine) - MEP 28.4 bar, 226.3 N•m (166.9 ft•lbf)/litre (294 N•m (217 ft•lbf)) - 1995 Mazda RX-7 Turbo

Diesel - MEP unknown, 209 N•m (154.1 ft•lbf)/litre (400 N•m (294 ft•lbf)) - 2007 Fiat new 1.9 JTD Twin Stage Turbo engine (also used on 2007 Saab 9-3 1.9 TTiD)

Honorable mention: MEP 26.5 bar, 210.5 N•m (154.8 ft•lbf)/litre (400 N•m (294 ft•lbf)) - 2003 Opel Vectra OPC Concept (Not a production vehicle)

 

[edit] Economy

Highest USA EPA mileage - 48 mpg (US) (4.9 L/100 km/58 mpg imp)/60 mpg (US) (3.9 L/100 km/72 mpg imp) - 2001 Honda Insight 5-speed

Note: in 2007 the EPA changed its measurement standards, changing the rating to 48 mpg (US) (4.9 L/100 km/58 mpg imp)/58 mpg (US) (4.1 L/100 km/70 mpg imp)

Lowest USA EPA mileage - 8 mpg (US) (29 L/100 km/9.6 mpg imp)/12 mpg (US) (20 L/100 km/14 mpg imp) - 2008 Hummer H2

Lowest EU fuel consumption - 2.99 L/100 km (94.5 mpg imp/78.7 mpg US) - 2002 VW Lupo 1.2 TDI 5-speed

Honorable mention: 0.89 L/100 km (320 mpg imp/260 mpg US) - 2002 Volkswagen 1-litre car (Not a production car) [4]

Highest EU fuel consumption - 24.1 L/100 km (11.7 mpg imp/9.76 mpg US) combined city/hwy 2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Longest 90% range - 1500 km (932 mi) - 2005 Mercedes E220 CDI with 6-speed manual and optional 80 L (21 US gal/18 imp gal) fuel tank, calculated by using extra-urban Euro cycle mileage of 4.8 L/100 km (59 mpg imp/49 mpg US)

 

[edit] Price

Most expensive - $1,600,000 - 2006 Bugatti Veyron

Most inexpensive - $125 - 1922 Briggs & Stratton Flyer ($1,364.22 in 2006, inflation adjusted) Note that this would be the factory price. The car is probably worth more due to its collector's value.

Most inexpensive (currently in production) - $2500 Tata Nano

 

[edit] Performance

It has been suggested that Fastest production car be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

 

Quickest 0-60 mph (roughly equal to 0-100 km/h):

2.46 seconds - 2006 Bugatti Veyron[citation needed]

4 seater - 3.5 seconds - 2009 Nissan GT-R[1]

4-door car - 3.5 seconds - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII FQ400 2.0 L[citation needed]

Pickup truck - 4.9 seconds - 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10[citation needed]

Honorable mention: 1991 GMC Syclone - Car & Driver got 0-60 in 4.6 Seconds (Nov '90) and later 5.3 Seconds (Sep '91), Sport Truck (Jan '91) got 4.8 seconds, Off Road magazine (Feb '91) got 4.3 Seconds (Feb '91), and Autoweek got 5.2 seconds but quoted GMC's estimate of 4.6 seconds and cited unfavorable temperature and track conditions.

Sport Utility Vehicle - 4.5 seconds - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8[citation needed]

Quickest 0-200 km/h (124 mph) - 7.4 seconds - Auto Motor und Sport - 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4[citation needed]

Quickest 0-300 km/h time (185 mph) - 18.2 seconds, Auto Motor Und Sport - 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Quickest 0-400 km/h time (248 mph) - 55 seconds - 2006 Bugatti Veyron 16.4[citation needed]

Quickest 0-100-0 mph: sports car: Caparo T1 it goes 0-100 MPH in under 5 seconds

Sports car (2 seat) - 9.9 sec - 2006 Bugatti Veyron[citation needed]

Honorable mention: 9.4 seconds - 2006 Ultima GTR-720[5] - (Note: production numbers for GTR-720 are not available and the GTR's status as a "production car" is disputed.)

Highest top speed:

Sports car - 411 km/h (255 mph) - 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero TT[citation needed]

Honorable Mention: 407 km/h (253 mph) - Bugatti Veyron 16.4[citation needed]

4-door car - 366 km/h (227 mph) - Brabus Rocket[6]

Pickup truck/Utility - 271.44 km/h (168.66 mph) - 2006 HSV Maloo R8[citation needed]

Honorable mention: 360.9 km/h (225.609 mph) Estate Car - MG ZT-T (One-off modified for land speed record use)

 

[edit] Sales

See also List of bestselling vehicle nameplates

Best-selling models:

Best-selling car nameplate - Toyota Corolla (more than 32,000,000 sold in nine generations since 1966)

Best-selling vehicle nameplate - Toyota Corolla (more than 32,000,000 sold in nine generations since 1966)

Best-selling single model - Volkswagen Beetle (21,529,464 of the same basic design sold worldwide between 1938 and 2003)

Best single-year sales - 1.36 million - 2005 Toyota Corolla.

Best single-month sales - 126,905 - July 2005 Ford F-Series [7]

Best-selling coupe - Ford Mustang (1964–present) — over 8,000,000 in five generations.

Best-selling 2-seat car - Chevrolet Corvette (1,302,401 sold between 1953 and 2003 (1,407,858 between 1953 and 2006, not including 2006 Z06)) [8]

Best Selling Minivan - Dodge Caravan, over 11,000,000 sold.

Lowest-production models: (excluding limited-production vehicles)

Pickup truck - avg. 223 per month, Lincoln Blackwood (3,356 sold in 15 months)

Sports car - avg. 6 per month, Toyota 2000GT (337 sold in 5 years)

SUV - avg. 4 per month, Lamborghini LM002 (301 sold in 6 years)

Supercar - avg. 2 per month, MG XPower SV (64 sold in 2 years)

 

[edit] Firsts

Full-production vehicles are listed here. Many were preceded by racing-only cars.

 

 

[edit] Industry

First automobile manufacturer - Benz (1871), Panhard et Levassor (1889) (followed by Peugeot in 1891)

First standardized automobile - Benz Velo (1894) or Duryea Motor Wagon (1893)

First mass-produced automobile - Oldsmobile Curved Dash (1901)[citation needed]

Honorable Mention - Ford Model T, first car produced on a moving assembly line.

First auto company technical institute - General Motors Institute (now Kettering University)

First automotive proving ground - General Motors Milford Proving Grounds

[edit] Engine types

V4 engine

First V4 - 1922 Lancia Lambda

Honorable mention - 1903 Marmon (few produced)

Honorable mention - 1904 Christie (race only, few produced)

Straight-6

First 6-cylinder - 1903 Napier & Son (few produced)

V6 engine

First V6 - 1950 Lancia Aurelia

Honorable mention - 1904 Marmon (few produced)

Straight-8

First I8 - 1919 Isotta-Fraschini Tipo 8

Honorable mention - 1903 CGV (first eight-cylinder design; none built)[2]

Honorable mention - 1920 Duesenberg Model A

V8 engine

First V8 - 1904 Marmon (few produced)

Honorable mention - 1905 Rolls-Royce V-8[3] (three produced, one sold, none surviving)

First commercially successful V8 - 1910 de Dion CJ[4][5]

First OHV V8 - 1949 Oldsmobile/Cadillac (Not the same engine, but both released the same year)

V10 engine

First V10 (road car) - 1992 Dodge Viper (Previously V10s were only used in race cars and trucks)

First V10 sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton

First V10 wagon - 2007 BMW M5 Touring

V12 engine

First V12 - 1916 Packard "Double-Six"

W12 engine

First W12 - 2001 Audi A8 (5998 cc W12 engine - four banks - two banks per cylinder head, with two cylinder heads)

V16 engine

First V16 - 1930 Cadillac V-16

Honorable mention - 1931 Marmon and 1932 Peerless

W16 engine

First W16 - Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Jimenez Novia (used a 4.1 L W16 based on four I4 Yamaha motorcycle engines.)

W18 engine

No production cars yet are known to use a W-18 configuration, however Bugatti has experimented with both three-bank and four-bank designs for various concept cars.

 

[edit] Engine technologies

First carburetor - 1896 Daimler

First overhead cam engine - 1898 Wilkinson

First variable displacement engine - 1905 Sturtevant 38/45 six

Honorable mention - 1917 Enger Twin-Unit Twelve

First DOHC engine - 1921 Ballot

Honorable mention - 1913 Peugeot (DOHC four-valve Grand Prix car)

First Diesel-engined production car — 1935 Citroen Rosalie.

Multi-valve engines

First 3-valve engine - 1924 Bugatti Type 35 (Type 18 had a 3-valve in 1912, but only 6 or 7 were made. The Type 35 used the engine from the 1922 Type 29 racing car.)

First 4-valve engine - 1913 Peugeot Grand Prix

Honorable mentions - An SOHC 4-valve engine appeared in 1910's Bugatti Type 13 racing car, while a 4-valve straight-4 was also developed by Bugatti in 1914. The Linthwaite-Hussey Motor Company of Los Angeles manufactured and advertised a four-valve straight-4 engine in 1916.

First 5-valve engine - 1989 Mitsubishi Minica 548 cc 3G81 I3 (Peugeot had a triple overhead cam 5-valve Grand Prix car in 1921).

First 6-valve engine - 1985 Maserati Biturbo 2.0L V6 36V 261 hp (prototype)

First 3-valve Diesel - 1989 Citroën XM

First 4-valve Diesel - 1993 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (OM604 engine)

First multi-valve turbocharged engine - 1980 Maserati Biturbo AM452

First carburetor air filter - 1915 Packard Twin Six

Honorable mention - 1922 Rickenbacker had a modern dry element

First crankcase ventilation - 1926 Cadillac V8 engine

First automatic choke - 1932 Oldsmobile

First four-barrel carburetor - 1941 Buick

Fuel injection

First FI engine - 1910 Adams-Farwell Diesel

First non-Diesel FI engine - 1952 Goliath GP 700 / Gutbrod Superior 600

First gasoline direct injection - 1952 Goliath GP 700 / Gotbrud Superior 600

First electronic fuel injection - 1968 Bosch D-Jetronic - Volkswagen Type 3/Type 4

First Diesel direct injection engine - 1986 Fiat Croma Turbo D i.d.

First electronic gasoline direct injection - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant/Legnum 4G93 GDI I4

First common rail diesel direct injection engine - 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 JTD

First supercharged car - 1921 Mercedes 6/25/40 hp

Honorable mention - 1906 Chadwick (6 produced)

First turbocharged car - 1962 Oldsmobile F-85 Turbo Jetfire

Honorable mention - 1962 Chevrolet Corvair flat-6

First turbocharged diesel car - 1978 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

Honorable mention - 1978 Peugeot 604

First variable-nozzle turbocharger - 1989 Shelby CSX-VNT/Garrett Systems

Honorable mention - 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo/BorgWarner

First quad-turbocharged car - Bugatti EB110

First supercharged and turbocharged car - 1985 Lancia Delta S4 (Homologation special, 200 road cars produced for Group B regulations)

Honorable mention - 1989 Nissan March Superturbo MA09ERT

First point ignition - 1910 Cadillac Model Thirty/Delco

First electronic ignition - 1960 General Motors/Delco

First alternator - 1960 Chrysler Corporation, Plymouth Valiant

First flat-engine - 1905 Knox

First square engine - 1906 Premier

First engine with removable cylinder head - 1908 Ford Model T

First counterbalanced crankshaft - 1908 Mercer Type 35

First split-plane crankshaft - 1923 Cadillac V8 engine

Variable valve timing

First VVT engine - 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 L

First electronic VVT - 1987 Nissan 300ZX VG30DE NVCS V6

First gas turbine car - 1950 Rover JET 1 (Experimental only; no gas turbine car ever reached real production)

****el engines

First ****el engine - 1964 NSU Spider

First 2-rotor ****el - 1965 Mazda Cosmo (60 preproduction examples were produced and registered)

Honorable mention - 1966 NSU Ro 80

First 3-rotor ****el engine - 1991 Mazda Cosmo

Honorable mentions - 1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 Felix ****el-refitted Mercedes-Benz 300SL (Not production cars)

First turbo ****el engine - 1982 Mazda Luce/Cosmo

First front-wheel drive car with ****el engine - 1966 NSU Ro 80

First Miller cycle engine - 1996 Mazda Millenia

First Atkinson cycle engine - 2004 Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid

First Hydrogen vehicle - 2006 Mazda RX-8 (Japan commercial leases only)

First California ULEV emissions compliant - 1995 Honda Accord

First sleeve valve - 1909 Daimler (used Charles Knight 1903 design)[6]

 

[edit] Hybrid vehicles

First gas-electric hybrid - 1899 Lohner-Porsche Mixte (about 300 produced)

First modern hybrid car - 1904 Auto-Mixte (Belgium)

First modern hybrid car - 1997 Toyota Prius NHW10/Honda Insight (Japan)

First hybrid bus - 1997 Hino (Japan)

First all-wheel drive hybrid - 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid

First hybrid SUV - 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid

First hybrid luxury car - 2005 Lexus RX 400h (introduced January 2004)

First hybrid pickup truck - 2005 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid

First rear-wheel drive hybrid car - 2007 Lexus GS450h (on sale March 16, 2006 in Japan)

First three-cylinder hybrid - 1999 Honda Insight

First four-cylinder hybrid - 1997 Toyota Prius NHW10 (Japan)

First six-cylinder hybrid - 2005 Lexus RX 400h (introduced January 2004)

 

[edit] Body

First sedan — 1911 Speedwell Motor Car Company

First motorized truck — October 1896 Daimler

First production closed-body car - 1910 Cadillac Model Thirty

First monocoque - 1924 Lancia Lambda

Honorable mentions - 1917 Ruler Four (few produced), 1934 Citroën Traction Avant, 1914 Cornelian race car

First shatter-resistant windshield glass - 1926 Cadillac

First coupé convertible - 1934 Peugeot 401 D Eclipse

First Pickup / Utility (Ute) - 1924 Holden Coupé utility

First safety windshield - 1948 Tucker Torpedo (popout safety glass)

First fiberglass body - 1952 Woodill Wildfire (low production)

First MPV - 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla

First retractable hardtop - 1934 Pourtout Lancia Belna Eclipse-coachbuilt

Honorable mention -first production models- 1934 Peugeot 401d éclipse and Peugot 601d éclipse

First hatchback - 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4

Honorable mentions - 1958 Austin A40 Farina, 1962 Innocenti Combinata, and 1965 Renault 16

First fiberglass monocoque - 1956 Berkeley SA322

Honorable mention - 1959 Lotus Elite

First SUV - 1916 Ford Model T

honorable mentions:

1941 Willys army jeeps (first sport utility convertible)

1942 Dodge Carryall (arguable example)

1957 Moskvitch 410 (first crossover SUV/XUV)

First all-aluminium body - 1932 Riley Kestrel

Honorable mention - 1947 Land Rover (used Birmabright, an aluminum alloy)

First all-aluminum space frame - 1990 Honda NSX

First carbon fiber monocoque - 1991 McLaren F1

First stress-bearing engine acting like a structural member - 1995 Ferrari F50

First aerodynamic design - 1921 Rumpler Tropfenwagen

First body made of recycled material - 1954 Trabant P70

First tricar - 1902[7]

First cyclecar - 1910 GN/1910 Bédélia[8]

First production station wagon (estate) - 1923 The Star

Honorable mention - 1919 Stoughton Wagon Company, which put wagon bodies on Model T chassis[9]

 

[edit] Transmission

Manual transmissions

First synchronized transmission - 1929 Cadillac

First overdrive - 1934 Chrysler Airflow

First modern cone synchromesh transmission - 1952 Porsche 356

First 5-speed manual - 1948 Lancia Ardea

Honorable mention - 1953 Ferrari 212

Honorable mention - 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint

First 6-speed manual - 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

Honorable mention - 1986 Porsche 959

Honorable mention - 1957 Moskvitch 410/411 (three forward gears with high and low selection)

First 8-speed manual - 1960 Moskvitch 410/411

Honorable mention - 1931 Maybach Doppelschnellgang - fitted to various marques (four forward gears with high and low selection)

Automatic transmissions

First automatic transmission - May 1939 Oldsmobile Hydra-Matic (also the first 4-speed automatic)

Honorable mention - 1934 REO (a pair of self-shifting manuals)

Honorable mention - 1937 Oldsmobile Automatic Safety Transmission

First torque converter automatic - 1948 Buick Dynaflow

Honorable mention - 1949 Packard Ultramatic (torque converter automatic)

Honorable mention - 1946 Chrysler Presto-Matic (torque converter manual)

First non-planetary automatic - 1968 Honda Hondamatic

First 5-speed automatic - 1991 BMW E34 5-Series and E36 320i/325i ZF 5HP18

First 6-speed automatic - 2002 BMW E65 7-Series ZF 6HP26

Honorable mention - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 45RFE had an automatic transmission with 3 planetary gearsets capable of six speeds, but only 5 were used, and the company advertised it as a 4-speed.

First 7-speed automatic - 2003 Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic

First 8-speed automatic - 2007 Lexus LS 460

First limited slip differential - 1956 Studebaker

First continuously variable transmission - 1958 DAF 600 "A-Type"

-

 

 

[edit] Layout

First FR layout car - 1895 Panhard et Levassor

First RR car - 1896 Hertel

First front-wheel drive - 1924 Tracta (Gregoire-Tracta)

Honorable mention - 1900 Pennington

Honorable mention - 1928 Alvis (did not sell more than 150 units)

Honorable mention - 1934 Citroën Traction Avant

Honorable mention - 1929 Cord Automobile L-29

Honorable mention - 1930 Ruxton

Honorable mention - 1904 - 1909 Christie (seven race cars built)

First transverse front-wheel drive - 1931 DKW F1[citation needed]

Honorable mention - 1904 - 1909 Christie (seven race cars built)

Honorable mention - 1947 Saab 92

Honorable mention - 1950 Lloyd LP300

First transverse FWD I5 - 1993 Volvo 850

First transverse FWD I6 - 1970 Austin Kimberley and Austin Tasman

Honorable mention - 1959 Saab Monster (Not a production vehicle)

First transverse FWD V8 - 1985 Cadillac DeVille

First transverse all-wheel drive - 1968 Austin Ant (never entered production)

First four-wheel drive vehicle - 1910 Caldwell Vale or 1911 Four Wheel Drive

First all-wheel drive car - 1966 Jensen FF

Honorable mention - 1901 Lohner-Porsche ,Hybrid with electric 4WD

Honorable mention - 1902 Jacobus Spyker (One produced), first mechanical 4WD

Honorable mention - 1932 Bugatti Type 53 (Three produced)

Honorable mention - 1958 Citroën 2CV Sahara (Dual-engine all wheel drive)

Honorable mention - 1981 Audi Quattro(first mass-production car with permanent all wheel drive)

First FR transaxle - 1950 Lancia Aurelia (the 1914 Stutz Bearcat featured a primitive transaxle)

First MR car - 1921 Rumpler Tropfenwagen

First MR AWD car - 1984 Ford RS200 (Homologation special, 200 road cars produced for Group B regulations.)

Honorable mention - 1990 Panther Solo 2 (Only between 16-25 Produced)

Honorable mention - 1985 Peugeot 205 Turbo-16 (Homologation special, 200 road cars produced for Group B regulations.)

Honorable mention - 1985 Lancia Delta S4 (Homologation special, 200 road cars produced for Group B regulations.)

Honorable mention - 1985 Rover Metro 6R4 (Homologation special, 220 road cars produced for Group B regulations.)

Honorable mention - 1983 Honda Acty4WD (Kei car)

 

[edit] Suspension

First torsion bar suspension - 1921 Leyland

First front independent suspension - 1911 Morgan three wheeler

First hydraulic shock absorbers - 1933 Hudson (Monroe)

First coil spring/shock absorber suspension - 1934 Cadillac, Chrysler, and Hudson

First four wheel brakes - 1909 Argyll (developed by Arrol-Johnson)[10]

First MacPherson strut suspension - 1949 Ford Vedette

First Chapman strut suspension - 1958 Lotus Elite

First air suspension - 1958 Cadillac Brougham

Honorable mentions - 1909 Cowey and 1933 Stout-Scarab (Firestone)

First self-levelling suspension - 1955 Citroën DS

Honorable mention - 1954 Citroën Traction Avant 15HHydropneumatic

First electronically-controlled suspension - 1985 Nissan Maxima (Japan-market model)

First fully active suspension - 1990 Nissan Infiniti Q45, 1991 Toyota Soarer [9]

Honorable mention - 1983 Lotus 92 (raced at the Long Beach Grand Prix, began road development in 1987 but never applied to a road car[10])

Honorable mention - 1991 Toyota Celica (300 experimental vehicles produced)

First active anti-roll bars - 1994 Citroen Xantia Activa (Active Roll Stabilization)

First active differential - 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R Vspec - Active LSD

Honorable mention - 1986 Porsche 959 PSK (limited production of 200 vehicles)

Honorable mention - 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IV, AYC is a factory option. Became standard in EVO V.

Honorable mention - 2005 Ferrari F430 and Acura RL feature fully-integrated electronic differentials

 

[edit] Brakes

First four wheel brakes - 1909 Argyll (developed by Arrol-Johnson)[11]

Honorable mention - 1922 Austin 7[12]

First power brakes - 1919 Hispano-Suiza H6 (mechanically assisted)

Honorable mention - 1921 Duesenberg Model A

First four wheel power brakes - 1919 Hispano-Suiza H6[13]

First vacuum-assist power brakes - 1928 Pierce-Arrow

First hydraulic power brakes - 1921 Duesenberg Model A[14]

First standard disc brakes - 1949 Crosley Hot Shot

Honorable mentions - 1955 Citroën DS, 1956 HRG twincam (used helicopter disc brakes), Triumph TR3, Girling (Jaguar pioneered disc brakes at Le Mans in 1953)

First antilock braking system - 1966 Jensen FF (Dunlop Maxaret system, previously used in aviation)

First electrical antilock braking system - 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III

Honorable mention - 1970 Cadillac (rear only)

First electronic antilock braking system - 1978 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

First electric parking brake - 2003 Lincoln LS

First diagonally split, dual brake circuits - 1962 Saab 95/96

First asbestos-free brake pads - 1983 Saab Automobile

First electro-hydraulic brakes - 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

First regenerative brakes - 1997 Toyota Prius

 

[edit] Driver-aids

First standard rear-view mirror - 1912 Marmon[citation needed]

First power steering - 1951 Imperial

First cruise control - 1957 Imperial

Honorable mention - Peerless had a centrifugal governor speed control system in the 1910s

First traction control - 1987 Bosch Mercedes-Benz S-Class/BMW 7-Series

First drive-by-wire throttle - 1988 BMW 750iL

First electrochromic rear-view mirror - 1989 Lexus LS

First dynamic stability control system/Electronic Stability Program - 1996 BMW 7-Series/Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

First adaptive cruise control - 1997 Toyota Celsior

First heads-up display - 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

First factory GPS navigation - 1990 Mazda Cosmo, 1991 Toyota Soarer

First night vision - 2000 Cadillac DeVille

First power door locks - 1914 Scripps-Booth

First integrated car dynamics control system: 2005 Toyota Crown Majesta (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)

First self parking - 2004 Toyota Prius [11]

Honorable mention - 2007 Lexus LS 460 (first available in American market)

 

[edit] Active restraint

First car to come standard with safety belts - 1958 Saab GT 750 ([12] [13])

 

[edit] Passive restraint

First airbags - 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado

First car to come standard with dual airbags - 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo

First six-airbag system - 1994 Audi A8

First head airbags - 1997 BMW 7-Series

 

[edit] Tires

First use of pneumatic tires - 1895 Peugeot L'Eclair (Michelin)

First standard pneumatic tires - 1896 Bollée Voiturette

First radial-ply tires - 1949 Michelin "X" (patented in 1946)

First self-repairing tires - 1950 Goodyear

First run flat tire - 1974 Mini 1275GT (Dunlop Denovo; optional)

 

[edit] Lighting

First electrical lighting - 1898 Columbia electric

First standard lights - 1904 "Prest-O-Lite" acetylene

First standard electrical lights - 1908 Peerless

First integrated electrical and lighting system - 1912 Cadillac Model 1912 Delco

First "dipping" headlights - 1915 Guide Lamp Company

First dual-beam headlight - 1924 Bilux

First retractable headlights - 1936 Cord[citation needed]

First directional headlamps - 1930s Tatra

Honorable mention - 1948 Tucker Torpedo (originally designed with swivel lights, but replaced with third "cyclops light" turned on when cornering).

First fog lights - 1938 Cadillac

First auto-dimming headlights - 1952 Cadillac Autronic Eye

First auto-on/off headlights - 1964 Cadillac Twilight Sentinel

First headlight wipers - 1970 Saab (95, 96, 99) [14]

First modern U.S.-market car with sealed beam headlights - 1984 Lincoln Mark VII[citation needed]

First AC HID lights - 1991 BMW 7-series

First DC HID lights - 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII

First neon lights - 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII

First all-LED tail lights - 1998 Maserati 3200 GT

First bi-xenon HID headlamps - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

First all-LED headlights - 2007 Audi R8 (road car)

 

[edit] Electrical system

First magneto - 1897 Lanchester[15]

First twin-spark engine - 1921 Bentley 3 Litre

First electric self-starter - Arnold (copy of the Benz Velo) before 1900.[16]

Honorable mention - 1912 Cadillac (all models)[17]

First electric windows - 1938 Buick Y

First combination key and ignition switch - 1949 Chrysler

First AC alternator - 1960 Valiant

First sealed battery - 1971 Pontiac "Freedom Battery"

First multiplexed wiring - 1987 Cadillac Allanté

First integrated car systems control - 1987 Toyota Soarer (Electro Multi Vision)[15]

First built-in 110V AC inverter - 2000 Toyota Avalon

 

[edit] Climate control

First windshield defroster - 1928 Studebaker

First windshield washer - 1937 Studebaker

First air conditioning - 1938 Studebaker Commander

Honorable mention - 1939 Packard and 1941 Cadillac

First rear window defogger - 1948 Cadillac

First heated seats - 1966 Cadillac

Honorable mention (first electrically heated) - 1972 Saab 99

First automatic climate control - 1964 Cadillac

First digital climate control - 1975 Rolls-Royce Camargue

First ventilated seats - 1998 Saab 9-5

[edit] In-car electronics and entertainment

First original-equipment radio - 1923 Springfield

First navigation system - August 1981 Honda Accord (analog, dealer-installed) [16]

First navigation system with acoustic output - 1989 Infiniti Q45

First digital navigation system - 1990 Acura Legend

First GPS navigation system - 1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo

Honorable mention - 1991 Toyota Soarer [17]

Honorable mention - 1990 Pioneer Electronics/Trimble (aftermarket)

First active audio volume control - 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Bose/Delco Gold Series

First telematics assist system - 1996 tie 1997-model Cadillac Seville (OnStar) and Lincoln Continental (Motorola RESCU)

First DVD navigation system - 1996 Matsushita/Pioneer Electronics (aftermarket)

First in-car PC - 1997 Microsoft Auto PC (aftermarket)

First Bluetooth-capable audio system - 2000 Chrysler

First THX-certified stereo system - 2003 Lincoln LS

First in-car karaoke machine - 2003 Geely BL

First active noise cancellation - 2005 Acura RL

First digital television reception - 2004 E60 BMW 5 series

 

[edit] Other

First steering wheel - 1899 Packard

First speedometer - 1901 Oldsmobile

First tilt-away steering wheel - 1912 Peerless

First dash-mounted fuel tank gauge - 1914 Studebaker

First tilt-away steering column - 1928 Buick

First turn signals - 1939 Buick

First split folding rear seats - 1961 Renault 4 (Fiat patented the system in 1978)

First tilt/telescope steering wheel - 1965 Cadillac

First four wheel steering - 1985 Nissan Skyline HICAS

Honorable mention - 1938 Mercedes 170VL (miltitary truck only)

Honorable mention - 1987 Honda Prelude 4WS

First composite wheels - 1989 Shelby CSX

First capless fuel filler - 2005 Ford GT

First active exhaust - 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT

First front moveable air dam - 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT

 

[edit] American types

First standardized American automobile - Duryea Motor Wagon (1896)

First American electric car - Detroit Electric (1907)

First American hybrid SUV - Ford Escape Hybrid

First Chinese-made vehicle sold in America - 2006 Miles ZX40

my god you must have been bored!

lol, is it bad to say ive read and digested all of thsoe tonight?? I'll be honest, ive not had alot to do tonight!

Short of work expenses and planning tomorrows visits (neither of which ive done...LOL) there was absolutly nothing on tv and i forgot to bring any films or downloaded tv with me to watch.

the Z31 gets a mention:

 

"First electronic VVT - 1987 Nissan 300ZX VG30DE NVCS V6"