A TREASURE TROVE OF ESSENTIAL AUTOMOTIVE QUICK HITS:
DRAWING BOARD
2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Following years as a truck based body-on-frame offroader, the next Pathfinder will seek greener pastures as a modified passenger vehicle. The seven-seater will also share much of its unitized (frameless) architecture with the new Infiniti JX35 luxo-model, including the 265-horsepower 3.5-litre V-6 and continuously variable transmission.
Nissan claims the new Pathfinder, which arrives this fall, will achieve a 25 per cent overall improvement in fuel economy.
AUTO TRIVIA
- Long before fireproof racing suits became mandatory, 1958 Grand Prix champion Mike Hawthorn never competed without wearing his trademark bowtie.
- The first North American produced automobile fitted with a diesel engine was the 1929 Packard.
WHO AM I?
To guess his secret identity, read the following clues!
1) He grew up in Washington, D.C., loving racing and even competing in the family car, which was a Model T.
2) Early in the century, stockcar racing was haphazard at best. He gave it rules, regulations and a name.
3) NASCAR has many legends and heroes, but only one father.
4) He owned a service station in Daytona Beach, Fla.
5) Although he retired in 1972, the business of NASCAR was passed on to his son . . . and then his son.
Still stumped?
Bill France Sr. died in 1992, but not without establishing NASCAR as his legacy.
WHAT'S UP, AUTO DOC?
Although not a popular thing to do to a family sedan, lowering a sporty car is one way to improve corning ability (by lowering the center of gravity) and, in most cases, improve the appearance.
There are side effects, however, with the process, aside from reduced ground clearance and possible suspension and tire binding, (especially when the car is under load). A vehicle's wheel alignment is also somewhat based on ride height as lowering a car usually alters the camber (the tires will tilt inward at the top), which will have to be corrected. If this is not done, the car's handling could be negatively affected and those fancy and expensive low-profile tires you just put on to match will burn off (because the weight of the vehicle is resting on the inside edges) in no time flat.
If you've committed to the expense of having your car lowered, the extra money for an alignment will be worth it. eBay watch
1963 Buick Riviera, sold, US$6,600 (no-reserve-price auction): "Quick, call the cops, someone has stolen my car!" That's likely the seller's lament, although in noreserve auctions you roll the dice and take your chances.
Buick's answer to the Ford Thunderbird was originally headed for Cadillac, but General Motors management had a change of plans. Buick dealers easily sold all of the 40,000 "Rivs" made that year, most of which sported a 325-horsepower 401 cubicinch V-8. The seller bought a beautiful car at an astonishing price. Visit www.ebaymotors. com.
Top gear
Manifold Destiny: The One! The Only! Guide to Cooking on Your Car Engine!, about $20, www.amazon.com: By Chris Maynard and Bill Scheller, this book is actually an update on the original that was published in 1989. Although the idea might sound silly, the point is made that you can enjoy good, healthy meals on the road and avoid the greasy spoons, fast-food joints and expensive restaurant fare.
And for families on a budget, making use of a vehicle's otherwise wasted engine heat is a great idea.
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