Sending power to every one of the vehicle’s wheels all the time, or only when needed, through active or non-active differentials or a transfer case.
AVCS – Active Valve Control System
The Active Valve Control System (AVCS) is a variable valve timing engine technology used by Subaru. Using similar ideas as Honda’s VTEC, the system squeezes the best performance from the engine while also minding emission standards. It works by varying the timing of the intake valves and adjusting the positions of the camshafts based on […]
AUTOMOBILE – Automobile
An automobile is a self-propelled wheeled vehicle that carries its own means of propulsion and is used for transport on land.
AUTOMATIC PARKING – Assisted or automatic parking
A number of car companies have started to offer automatic parking features on their models nowadays. In theory, as the vehicle equipped like this passes a parking spot, the system ascertains the dimensions of the available space and if any obstacles might be in the way. Once it has evaluated this sensory data, it automatically […]
ATV – All-terrain vehicle
The term All Terrain Vehicle is usually used to describe small open motorized vehicles with three or four wheels that are designed for off-road use. The versions with four wheels are also called quad-bikes or just quads.
ATTS – Active Transfer Torque System
The Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) is basically Honda’s example of a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), since is also used to transfer as much as 80% of the engine torque to the outside driving wheel. By using information gathered from multiple sensors, including yaw rate, steering angle and lateral acceleration, ATTS can transfer torque to […]
ATC – Adaptive Transmission Control
The Adaptive Transmission Control system is found only on automatic and sequential transmissions and is based on a fuzzy-logic processor which can recognize individual styles of driving and adapts transmission shift parameters accordingly. It usually uses a microprocessor to read data from various sensors, and with the help of a complex algorithm it decides when […]
ATC – Active Tilt Control
The Active Tilt Control is a technology used by some SUVs belonging to brands from the Ford Motor Company. Like other similar systems, ATC is used primarily for controlling body lean while the vehicle is cornering. A mounted accelerometer gives a lateral acceleration signal to a control module, which in turn directs pressure from pumps […]
ASSYST – Active Service System
Engines are equipped with a microcomputer that monitors the aging of the motor oil via data transmitted by sensors and calculates an individualized maintenance plan for the engine. A digital indicator in the cockpit notifies the driver of the number of kilometers remaining before the next maintenance check. All engines fitted in newer Mercedes’ are […]
ASR – Acceleration Slip Regulation
ASR prevents the driving wheels from spinning unnecessary while on slippery surfaces, or when the power coming from the engine is too much for ensuring good traction (unnecessary wheel spin). It also improves directional control with better traction during high speed cornering. Developed by Mercedes-Benz in the 1980’s, the system uses the ABS speed sensors […]