A long, flat, thin, flexible section of spring steel or composite material used in suspensions (especially rear suspensions) to deflect force.

A vertical upward force caused by airflow around or under a vehicle’s body.

A handling characteristic that causes the rear tires to lose grip when the throttle is released during hard cornering.

A differential fitted with a mechanism that limits the speed and torque differences between two outputs so torque is always distributed evenly to both wheels, even on slippery surfaces.

Inspired by aircraft door design, limousine-type doors wrap around into the roof panel to help reduce wind noise and improve aerodynamics. They are generally larger than conventional doors and also provide easier occupant entry and exit.

A rigid axle incorporating a differential assembly, housing and axle shafts to power the two wheels it is supporting.

The point at which a tire starts to skid during braking.

Because the automatic transmission is linked to the engine by a fluid coupling, rather than by the mechanical clutch of a manual transmission, there is a potential loss of efficiency due to slippage. The lockup torque converter improves fuel economy by eliminating this slippage. An internal clutch system provides a positive, direct connection between the engine and transmission. It is usually controlled by the powertrain computer and will operate only after the vehicle has moved away from a stop or shifted out of low gear.

An engine compartment layout in which the engine is mounted front to rear, as opposed to side to side. This layout is most often found in rear-wheel-drive vehicles, where the power must run from the front of the vehicle to drive the rear wheels.

This system incorporates rigid metal anchor bars built into the vehicle structure, which are located in the two rear outboard seating positions where the seatback meets the seat bottom. The child-safety seat is placed directly on the seat and attaches to the rigid anchor bars and the top tether anchor, in addition to the safety belt.

The lumbar region of the spinal column is located at the base of the spinal chord just above coccyx. Lumbar support refers to any curved device that lends support to these vertebrae.