The removable or lift-up part of an auto body that covers the engine and allows access to it. (Bonnet in U.K.)

The unit for measuring the power output of an engine. Net horsepower or bhp (brake horsepower) and Kw (kilowatts) are the standard units. Higher horsepower increases vehicle top speed. Equal displacement (size) engines that rev higher often produce more power than lower revving engines, because more air and fuel is burned in a given time. A typical 3.0L 24V V-6 produces 190 bhp @ 6400 RPM. A lower revving 3.0L 12V V-6 produces 160 bhp @ 5000 RPM. The 24-valve V-6 makes 190 bhp because it can rev higher (and breathe better) than the similar 12-valve V-6. One horsepower is defined as lifting 33,000 pounds one foot per minute. One horsepower equals 550 foot-pounds per second, the power needed to lift 550 pounds one foot off the ground in one second: or one pound 550 feet up in the same time.

A production auto that has been modified by the owner for outstanding speed and acceleration through extensive changes to the engine, chassis, and body.

A live-axle rear suspension in which leaf springs handle both the axle's springing and its location.

The center part of a wheel or gear.

A mechanical operation based on incompressibility of liquids, generally oil and sometimes water, and their ability to offer resistance when being forced into a small cylinder or through an orifice, thereby transmitting an increase in applied force. Hydraulic brakes and clutches use this principle.

Valve lifter using hydraulic oil pressure to operate and capable of maintaining zero clearance between metal parts. Thus, valve noise and wear are considerably reduced as are the periodic valve adjustments.

Any chemical compound made up of hydrogen and carbon. A major pollutant formed by the engine as a byproduct of combustion.

An instrument used to measure the specific gravity of a solution.

A type of differential final drive using a spiral bevel gear on the drive shaft, allowing it to be located below the center of the ring gear on the axle. This makes possible a lower floor in the car.