From introducing new technology to reaching incredible performance feats, some cars changed the world - read our list of groundbreaking cars
in comparison. Adding a turbo could help, and Mercedes did it for the first time in S-Class 300SD. With America shocked by soaring fuel prices, the model was only available in that market., with 168lb ft of torque. A decent 28,634 examples were sold until 1980, though the engine in more powerful forms returned in the new W126 S-Class series that arrived that year; once again, it was sold in the US only, up to 1985.
Short-lived Boston-based firm Sturtevant built the first known cylinder deactivation system in 1905 . It invented a set-up that let the driver shut down three of the six cylinders while cruising; the technology didn’t catch on and Sturtevant shut down in 1907.to bring cylinder deactivation back on stage when it bravely made the technology standard across its entire 1981 line-up.
California has long led the way in clean air legislation. In 1985, as production of its W123 was drawing to a close, Mercedes introduced a diesel particulate filter on its 300D. However, the system was offered only in California and it wasn't reliable which is why Mercedes soon gave up on it. It would be another 15 years before a reliable DPF was available, this time from Peugeot which introduced a DPF with regeneration capabilities, on its 607 2.2 HDi of 2000.
Ford is justly proud of this technology, which can clear frost off a windscreen in under 60 seconds. Other brands’ cars now feature the technology, but Ford is still flying its flag. It’s widely fitted to its vehicles today, even those with a modest overall specification.We've got used to active aerodynamics, with pop-up spoilers now par for the course on high-performance sports cars.
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