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Glossary of Automotive Terms

Anti-roll bar: An anti-roll bar is a transversely mounted link connecting the right and left sides of the suspension. Body roll or individual wheel movement causes the bar to twist, adding its own spring rate to that of the vehicle's springs to help reduce body roll. Also called anti-sway or stabilizer bar.

An anti-roll bar improves vehicle stability by reducing body roll or sway, especially when turning or maneuvering. An anti-roll bar contributes to more controlled, predictable handling than suspension designs without one.
From CarsDirect.com

 
Axle Ratio: The number of times the driveshaft turns for each full turn of the axle and wheels.
From CarsDirect.com
 
CCA: Battery Cold Cranking Amps

CCA, or Cold Cranking Amperage, is a measurement of the electrical current a fully charged battery can deliver at 0 F ( -17.8 C) sustained for 30 seconds.
From CarsDirect.com

 
Disc Brakes:

Disc brakes consist of a disc at the wheel that rotates at wheel speed, straddled by a caliper that squeezes the disc (rotor) with friction pads to provide braking.

Disc brakes markedly reduce stopping distance and are efficient at high temperatures to resist fade. A 4-wheel disc brake system provides the maximum braking performance available without technological enhancements, such as ABS.
From CarsDirect.com

 
DOHC: Dual Overhead Camshafts

Two camshafts (DOHC), one operating intake valves and the other exhaust valves, are located above the cylinders. This construction is highly efficient, compared to the common pushrod design, and more responsive than SOHC design. The design is very adaptable to multiple intake and exhaust valves.

Dual overhead cam engines are very powerful and more efficient than most pushrod engines of comparable size. Dual overhead cam engines developed out of racing technology. They easily operate at higher RPM and develop more horsepower than older engine designs. Twin-cam engines are typically more responsive than single overhead cam engines.
From CarsDirect.com

 
Limited Slip Differential:

A limited slip differential is a mechanical device that moderates wheel spin by transmitting torque to the driving wheel with the best traction, using a series of gears and clutches.

Its design function is to enhance dry pavement traction for improved performance. A limited slip differential provides grip under acceleration by preventing one or both wheels from spinning.
From CarsDirect.com

 
RBL: Tires with Raised Black Lettering.
 
SMPI: Sequential Multiple-Point Injection

Whereas MPI systems sometimes fire fuel against a closed intake valve, SMPI systems only fire a fuel injector when the fuel can go straight into the cylinder (when it's needed, in other words). This is the best system; it generates the most power and the most gas mileage.
From the online FAQ For Rec.Autos.Makers.Chrysler

 
Variable Valve Timing:

Variable valve timing electronically controls valvetrain lift and duration to deliver good low speed torque and generous horsepower at high RPM. This provides optimum performance while balancing government mandated fuel efficiency and emissions levels.

Variable valve timing eliminates the performance compromise of fixed valve timing between low-speed driveability and high-speed power. It tailors engine breathing characteristics, on demand, for excellent response and fuel efficiency throughout the driving range. Variable valve technology provides an advantage over typical fixed-valve strategies with increased specific power output, enhanced driveability, improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.
From CarsDirect.com