Ford Once Tried To Replace The Steering Wheel With A “Wrist Twist” System
Cars have changed the world, but not every idea from automakers works out. Like the time Ford tried to reinvent the (steering) wheel.
When Gas Was In Short Supply, Some Europeans Drove Firewood-Powered Cars
During National Car Donation Month, some drivers may trade out gas-powered cars and trucks for electric ones. But EVs aren't the only alternative: for decades, people have built and driven cars powered by firewood.
Scientists Once Trained Rats To Drive Little Cars
Today in 2019, New Scientist published a study that trained rats to maneuver little cars around to find Froot Loops.
Sputnik Kicked Off The Space Age, And Also Gave Us The Word “Beatnik”
Today in 1957, Sputnik because the world’s first artificial satellite. This changed the world around us in countless ways, including one that doesn’t get a lot of attention: it gave the English language a brand new word.
Michigan’s Official State Vehicle Fleet Includes A Vintage Model T
Michigan's official state vehicle fleet includes a vintage Ford Model T, and not just as a nod to the state's long history with automaking.
Ford Once Tried To Turn A Station Wagon Into A “Pushbutton Camper”
Today in 1958, the Washington Post reported on a way to transform a Ford station wagon into a full-service campsite with the push of a button.
Kansas City’s Subtropolis Is A Huge Business Complex That’s 100 Feet Underground
There's a story you see online about how Ford stashed some surplus cars in an underground cave to preserve them until they could sell. We can't verify that entire story, but there is an underground business park in Kansas City that Ford has used for decades.
Auto Companies Hire People To Make Sure The New Car Smell Is Just Right
The auto industry is pleased to report that last year was the best year for new car sales since 2019. That means a lot of people are breathing in the scent we call new car smell, which… well, what the heck is that smell anyway?
High Tech Snow Chains Could Pop Out When Your Car Needs Them And Retract When It Doesn’t
For drivers in very snowy places, winter is time to put snow chains on car tires. It’s neither easy nor fun - but a new concept from two automakers could change that, by embedding snow chain-like paddles right into the tires.
How Google Street View Could Help Stop Invasive Weeds
A project out of the University of California - Davis uses images from a very well known navigation system to help slow the spread of invasive species.