05 Feb 07
The distance between the centre of the front and rear wheels, as viewed from the side. A car's wheelbase indicates how roomy its cabin is: a small car can have a long wheelbase yet be compact overall, if it has short overhangs. Often used to denote different-length variants of the same model: eg short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions of a car, the latter perhaps with an extra row of seats, or more limousine-like rear legroom.
An expensive aerodynamic research tool used to assess and improve airflow over a car's body. Anybody who's anybody in F1 has one and these days even the most humble superminis are wind-tunnel tested. Aerodynamics are not only important for stability and performance, but a crucial method of reducing a car's fuel consumption. The easier it slips through the air, the less fuel it needs to drink. [See also: Aerodynamics]
