People fascinated with cars often take the time to research the brands they’re interested in. And thanks to the internet, gathering information is so much easier. But there is still so much to learn about the automotive industry’s history and engineering. Some details are not even mentioned in mainstream sources. Here are 10 intriguing car facts that only true enthusiasts already know about.
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Nissan Doesn’t Own Nissan.com
So, who does? A computer services guy called Uzi Nissan. He bought the domain name in 1994 when the car company was still Datsun. Nissan sued him to obtain the rights but lost the case.
Passenger Side Mirror Was an Optional Add-On
Until the mid-90s, people would drive without the passenger side mirrors. And you might not know that “it’s still not required by U.S law to have a passenger mirror, just rear view, and driver’s side.”
Some Cars Share the Same Rear Lights
Indeed. This is the case with McLaren F1 and Bova Futura Coach Bus, Mazda 323F and Aston Martin DB7, Lotus Esprit and Toyota Corolla Coupe, Morgan AeroMax and Lancia Thesis, and Daewoo Nubira and Maserati Quattroporte.
Additionally, “the Lamborghini Diablo uses Nissan 300zx headlights,” as the Bugatti Chiron shares a similar wheel design with Vauxhall Insignia VXR.
MINI’s Exhaust Tip Is Based on A Beer Can
It turns out the design team forgot to include an exhaust tip in their final model and had to come up with one quickly. What better way than to stick a beer can there? And it worked!
Karmann Built the Volkswagen Golf Mk1
Another interesting fact is that Karmann built the MK1 Gold/Rabbit Cabriolet and the “Chrysler Crossfire, Ford Escort Cosworth, Porshe 914, and AMC Javelin.”
“Until 2020, Karmann was an independent factory in Germany. They took chassis and engines from other brands and built their cars around them or were commissioned to reproduce some models,” explains a VW MK1 owner.
McLaren F1 Is Still the Fastest Naturally Aspirated Car
Think about that. Even after 20+ years, the McLaren F1 still delivers a speed of 240 mph without forced induction.
Volkswagen Owns Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche, and Ducati
In addition to these five, VW Group owns SKODA, CUPRA, SEAT, and, of course, Volkswagen.
Elon Musk Did Not Start Tesla
Elon Must started as a big initial investor in Tesla, “but he didn’t invent a breakthrough in battery-powered vehicle technology.”
A poster writes, “He invested in Tesla early, then got himself a board seat. Once there, he forced out the founder and the CEO and made himself CEO and board chairman.”
Ferrari “Points” System
Did you know Ferrari can outright refuse to sell you a car even when you have the money to pay for it? The brand is big on customer loyalty. They reserve their VIP or most expensive cars for their regular customers, so first-time clients have to work their way up, too.
The Designer Who Created the Minivan Worked at Ford
Lee Lacocca was the genius who invented the minivan. He suggested the model to the Ford board, but “it was too radical of an idea for them, so he went to Chrysler.” Interestingly, his idea paid off, generating profits for years.
Lee also created legendary cars, including the Ford Mustang, Ford Pinto, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
GM, Ford, and Chrysler Stole the Design for Intermittent Windshield Wipers
This was Robert Kearn’s invention. He pitched the idea to these three big brands, but they rejected it while, at the same time, installing his design to their models. Sadly, the constant legal battles with the companies affected his marriage and health.
Engine Will Warm Faster Being Driven
This is a useful fact when the temperatures get too cold. Rather than leave the engine idling, start driving while it’s cold to allow faster heat circulation while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Source: Reddit
Featured Photo from Shutterstock
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