Racecars are designed to optimize performance and safety, so it makes sense that some racetrack-born automotive features have now found their way into everyday vehicles. However, you might be surprised at just how many super common car features, like rearview mirrors, began in motorsports. Let’s explore some of the most common car features that began in motorsports!
Rearview Mirrors
Rearview mirrors might seem like the most basic safety device, but it took racecars to make them popular in everyday vehicles. These mirrors originated in motorsports as an ingenious yet simple solution for improving driver awareness. First used in the 1911 Indianapolis 500, rearview mirrors allowed drivers to see approaching rivals without turning their heads. These mirrors quickly made their way to consumer cars, becoming a standard safety feature we can’t imagine driving without.
Aerodynamic Wings
Those sleek, sculpted wings you see on high-performance and everyday cars alike? Thank motorsports. Aerodynamic wings debuted in Formula 1 and other racing series to generate more downforce, improving a car’s grip at high speeds. Today, manufacturers apply similar principles to vehicles for improved stability and handling.
All-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive (AWD) systems might feel like a modern necessity for bad weather, but they were perfected on the track. Rally racing in particular pushed AWD to its limits. The technology allows drivers to maintain control even on the slickest and bumpiest terrain. The technology proved so effective that car manufacturers incorporated it into passenger vehicles, offering drivers more confidence in all kinds of conditions.
Turbocharging
Turbocharging is a dream come true for anyone wanting more speed and power because you can add a turbocharger to almost any car! First tested in motorsports to squeeze more performance out of smaller engines, turbos became essential to boost acceleration without increasing engine size. Today, turbocharged engines dominate consumer vehicle modifications.
Camshafts
Precision timing is everything in motorsports, which is why racecars utilize high-performance camshafts to optimize engine power. Improved camshaft designs now benefit us by providing smoother, more efficient performance in everything from muscle cars to daily drivers. Your car already has this part, but you can upgrade it. All you have to do is choose the right camshaft for your engine and take it to a mechanic.
Engine Air Intakes
Originally engineered to help racecars “breathe” better during intense competitions, air intakes maximize engine airflow for enhanced power and efficiency. While consumer cars don’t need quite the same performance boost, the same design principles add a sporty touch and improve engine responsiveness.
From the Track to the Street
Motorsport innovations aren’t just for racers; they help make everyday driving safer, smoother, and more fun. The next time you drive, take a moment to appreciate the common car features that began in motorsports thanks to the cutting-edge ingenuity of racing engineers.
Recommended reading: Why a Street Car Feels Different To Drive Than a Race Car
