A differential is a simple piece of gearing that has been refined over many years. It allows wheels mounted to the same axle to rotate independently. Early auto mobiles failed to master the process and instead powered one wheel on an independent axle. This caused underpowering and problems with traction on anything but firm, level ground.

Back in 2018 we launched a series on the future of roads, previewing new technology and legislation set to modernise and improve our highways. One article focused on smart motorways, then set to grow in number following a successful trial in Birmingham. It’s fair to the say the subsequent rollout has not been without controversy.

If you happened to be driving along the M1 last November, there’s every chance you passed a self-driving car. Not that you’d have noticed. That’s because the longest autonomous journey ever completed in the UK passed without incident. That was the plan. In fact until earlier this month, only a select few even knew of the experiment. That’s all changed now, as this victory lap promises to transform our roads.

In April 2019 it was announced the mythical PlayStation 5 would soon become a reality, news that melted minds of gamers the world over. Those able to peel themselves from their bedroom ceilings were expecting a preview of sorts at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, an event in which makers Sony deliver a keynote presentation.

The latest series of hit BBC show The Apprentice concluded just before Christmas and in doing so shone a light on women in engineering.

Engine braking restricts airflow when a driver releases the accelerator. This creates a high manifold vacuum that cylinders are made to work against. Energy is sapped from the engine, causing a drop in power and speed.

The motoring industry is by its very nature fast paced.

New technology continually alters our perceptions and expectations of what can be achieved on four wheels. Yet while a great many car features have evolved - some beyond recognition - others have remained largely untouched.

Two years ago we wrote about the flying car and asked whether us mere mortals could ever hope to replicate the likes of Doc Brown and take to the skies via our wheels.

We’ll be honest in admitting we felt this idea was farfetched at the time and (light) years away. As it happens, we and a great many sceptics were wrong. That’s because the future we spoke of is here, at least according to one Dutch automaker.