Automobiles have been in existence for centuries, and a number of innovators have contributed to their development. In this article, you’ll learn about the history of cars, from the earliest one-cylinder engines to the mass production techniques of Chrysler and Daimler-Maybach. From there, you’ll learn about the different types of automobiles and how they were designed to achieve speed and efficiency.
Benz’s inventions
While most people associate Benz with the invention of the car, he was not the first to create it. In the 1670s, a priest named Ferdinand Verbiest developed a self-propelled small vehicle. Later, in the 18th century, other innovators contributed to the development of the automobile, including William Murdoch, Summers and Ogle, and Goldsworthy Gurney.
Mercedes model
If you are looking for a new luxury car, it may be time to consider buying a Mercedes model. This German luxury car manufacturer is headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The company’s cars are marketed under a range of names, including Mercedes, Benz, and the common shortened version Mercedes-Benz.
Daimler-Maybach engine
The Daimler-Maybach engine was a revolutionary invention in the early years of the automobile industry. It was developed by Daimler and Maybach and was the first four-stroke engine to be used in a production vehicle. This engine was designed for low weight and compactness. It was able to produce up to 1 hp at 600 rpm. It was dubbed the “grandfather clock” by Henry Adams and was a major step towards the automobile we know today.
Chrysler’s mass production techniques
While the 1980s were a golden age for mass production techniques for automobiles, the 1990s were a downturn. The US economy suffered from the Savings and Loan Crisis and Black Monday, which hurt Chrysler’s bottom line. At the time, most of Chrysler’s lineup used a K-car platform, and critics noted that the company lacked innovation in new designs. Under Iacocca, Chrysler’s engineers were given freedom to explore new ideas, but were also discouraged from doing so.
Chrysler’s computerized systems
Recently, Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.4 million vehicles because of computer security risks. The company is citing a hack by professional hackers who worked with Wired magazine to hack into a Jeep Cherokee. The hackers were able to disable the car’s brakes and engine, and even mess with the A/C and radio.
Airbag
When a car is in an accident, airbags are designed to prevent injuries to passengers. The underlying mechanism of an airbag is an electronic circuitry that is triggered by a crash sensor. This circuitry is made up of a woven nylon bag and a breakaway plastic horn pad cover. These components fit into a module that fits in the steering wheel on the driver’s side and above the glove compartment on the front passenger’s side.