Last month's "How It Works" story gave you the basics of the four-stroke cycle, describing the motion of the intake and exhaust valves in relation to the piston moving up and down in the cylinder.

The Lamborghini Aventador became the first mass-produced car to feature a racing-inspired pushrod suspension design when it debuted in 2011. A pushrod or pull-rod suspension is unlike the outboard ...

Since its U.S. release in 2000, the Toyota Prius has been the subject of both mockery and admiration. While some deride the hybrid for its inconspicuous look and lack of traditional power, others ...

General Motors has spent decades refining overhead-valve V8s while much of the industry pivoted to dual overhead cam designs, turbocharging, and downsized blocks. I set out to understand why Chevrolet ...

NOTE: With this issue of HOT ROD, your Shop Series begins a slightly different and more comprehensive approach to the discussion of engine and vehicle basics. In the coming months, you'll find a frank ...

A fundamental difference between gasoline and diesel engines is that a gasoline engine uses spark ignition while a diesel engine uses compression ignition. Before we delve deeper, let's understand how ...