Glossary of Automotive Terms |
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| 1-box form | A categorization based on overall form design using rough rectangle volumes. In the case of the One-Box, also called a monospace or monovolume, it is a single continuous volume. Slight wedge formed front or rear are still generally placed in this category. e.g., Bus, original Ford Econoline. The equivalent French term is volume, which you will sometimes see used by the British: "1-volume form". (Wikipedia: Glossary of automotive design) |
| 2-box form | A categorization based on overall form design using rough rectangle volumes. In the case of the Two-box form, there is usually a "box" representing a separate volume from the a-pillar forward and second box making up the rest. e.g., Station Wagon, Shooting-brake, Scion xB (2006) The equivalent French term is volume, which you will sometimes see used by the British: "2-volume form". (Wikipedia: Glossary of automotive design) |
| 3-box form | A categorization based on overall form design using rough rectangle volumes. In the case of the Three-box form, there is a "box" delineating a separate volume from the a-pillar forward, a second box comprising the passenger volume, and third box comprising the trunk area — e.g., a Sedan. The equivalent French term is volume, which you will sometimes see used by the British: "3-volume form". (Wikipedia: Glossary of automotive design) |
| 4-bolt main | A 4-bolt main refers to the number of bolts attaching the main bearing caps to the block of an internal combustion engine. Four bolt mains are considered much stronger for high performance use than a 2 bolt main. Using 4 bolts to secure the main bearing caps reduces the amount of flex within the crankshaft as compared to 2 bolts. The first car engine to use four-bolt main bearings was the V12 Maybach Zeppelin of 1928, that used them on three of its eight bearings.(Wikipedia: 4-bolt main) |
| 107% rule | Often used in Formula One or other racing series, it is a time which the driver must qualify the car within 107% of the polesitter's time to be allowed to compete. Variations of this may be used to monitor drivers and warn them to make the required threshold of speed or be parked (disqualified). Similarly, the IndyCar Series uses a 105% rule and NASCAR has a 115% rule, mainly for performance on track, though INDYCAR and NASCAR often adjust the rule for tracks with very abrasive surfaces (such as Atlanta Motor Speedway) where lap times can be considerably faster when a car has newer tires. (Wikipedia: Glossary of motorsport terms) |
Other Sources
Other Definition Resources: Books
A Dictionary of Automobile Terms 1913 dictionary by The Horseless Age
English-French and French-English Dictionary of the Motor Car, Cycle, and Boat 1915 book
Automobile Nomenclature 1916 book of terminology by the Society of Automobile Engineers
Other Definition Resources: Articles
| Date | Article | Details |
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| 24 July 1899 | MORE AUTOMOBILE NAMES The mechanical or self-propelled vehicle for use on streets is drawing so much public attention and meeting with its approval and demand so rapidly, that it seems strange no satisfactory name has has yet been given it, and as this question is one that has come up recently in some of the papers, I have taken the idea under consideration, and, I believe, finally solved the problem. | Commentary (text) Publisher: The New York Times |
| Date | Document | Details |
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| May 1974 publication date | Law Enforcement Standards Program Terms and Definitions for Police Patrol Cars | Research Report ( PDF) 2.3MB · 18 pagesPublisher: National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice |
Sound Diagnostics
Words to decribe sounds that a technician might hear or use. Words are defined by equivalent sounds.
boom distant thunder, bass drum.
buzz bumblebee.
chirp shopping cart wheel squeak.
clang banging pots.
click computer mouse.
clunk dropping a bowling ball on a garage floor.
creak rusty door hinge.
grind sharpening a knife on a stone.
growl marbles in a metal pan.
hiss Air escaping from a tire.
knock knock on a (usually metal) door.
pop like the sound an an empty metal gas can makes when the sides are flexed.
rattle shaking a can of spray paint.
roar waterfall.
rumble rolling a bowling ball down the alley.
scratch sandpaper on wood.
sizzle water dropped on a hot pan.
squeak gym shoes on a wood floor.
squeal fingernails on a chalkboard.
tap pencil (lead end) on a tabletop.
tick clock's second hand.
twang A large spring being spring.
whine electric drill motor.
whistle teakettle boiling.
Colors
Official paint color names used by manufacturers. Marked with the vehicles it has been found on, which can be used to give an idea of the era and perhaps see a picture of the vehicle in the color in our photo archives. It usually does not include every car it's been used on.
Color samples are from paint samples or brochure prints and scanned with a basic non-calibrated desktop scanner, and therefore should be considered estimates only for the purpose of basic vehicle research and not used for mixing accurate paint colors.
| Alien II | Kia | green exterior 2017 Kia Soul  Source: photograph of car |
| Anaconda Gold | General Motors | metallic gold exterior 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Arctic White | General Motors | white exterior 1988-1989 Buick Reatta, 2007 Chevrolet Corvette |
| Aspen White | Nissan | white exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Note |
| Atomic Orange Metallic Tintcoat | General Motors | deep orange exterior 2007 Chevrolet Corvette |
| Barbados Blue Metallic | General Motors | royal blue exterior 2004 Pontiac GTO |
| Berlina Black | Honda | black exterior 2001 Acura NSX |
| Billet Metallic | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | silver exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Black | Chrysler Corporation Ford Motor Company General Motors Saab | black exterior 1989 Eagle Summit, 2006 Ford Explorer, 2006 Ford Mustang, 2005 Lincoln Aviator, 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, 1988-1989 Buick Reatta, 2007 Chevrolet Corvette, 2005 Saab 93 |
| Black Raven | General Motors | black exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Blackberry | General Motors | maroon exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Blue Chip | General Motors | dark blue exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Blue Jeans | Ford Motor Company | dark blue exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Bolero Red | General Motors | red exterior 1955 Pontiac |
| Bright Red | Chrysler Corporation | red exterior 1989 Eagle Summit |
| Bright White | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | white exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Brilliant Silver | Nissan | silver exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Note, 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan |
| Bronze Alloy Metallic | General Motors | brown exterior 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: brochure scan |
| Bronze Fire | Ford Motor Company | dark orange exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| BS Blue | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | blue exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Camel | Honda | beige interior 2001 Acura NSX, 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Cardinal Red | General Motors | red exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban, 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: GMC Canyon brochure scan |
| Caribou | Ford Motor Company | dark gray exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Cashmere Tri-Coat Metallic | Ford Motor Company | pearl white exterior 2006 Ford Explorer |
| Caution Yellow | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Cayenne Red | Nissan | deep red exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Note, 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan |
| Cayenne Red Pearl | Honda | deep red exterior 2001 Acura Integra |
| Chandler Blue | Chandler | exterior 1919 Chandler |
| Charcoal | General Motors | dark gray exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Charcoal Beige | Ford Motor Company | brown exterior 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid |
| Charcoal Beige Metallic | Ford Motor Company | brown exterior 2005 Lincoln Aviator |
| Charcoal Black | Ford Motor Company | black interior 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid |
| Chili Red metallic | Saab | red exterior, 2005 Saab 93 Convertible |
| Claret Red Metallic | General Motors | dark red exterior 1988-1989 Buick Reatta |
| Clover Green Pearl | Honda | dark green exterior 2001 Acura Integra |
| Colonial Yellow | General Motors | light yellow exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Cordova Brown | General Motors | brown exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Cosmos Purple Metallic | General Motors | purple exterior 2004 Pontiac GTO |
| Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat | General Motors | deep red exterior 2012 Chevrolet Sonic |
| Cyber Gray Metallic | General Motors | dark gray exterior 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: brochure scan |
| Danger Zone | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Dark Blue Pearl Metallic | Ford Motor Company | dark blue exterior 2005 Lincoln Aviator, 2006 Ford Explorer |
| Dark Carmine Red | General Motors | dark red exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Dark Charcoal Clearcoat | Ford Motor Company | dark gray exterior 1993 Mercury Capri |
| Dark Cherry Metallic | Ford Motor Company | maroon exterior 2006 Ford Explorer |
| Dark Emerald Pearl | Honda | dark green exterior 2001 Acura CL, 2001 Acura TL |
| Dark Pewter | General Motors | dark gray interior 2012 Chevrolet Sonic |
| Dark Slate Metallic | General Motors | grayish blue exterior 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: brochure scan |
| Dark Titanium | General Motors | dark gray interior 2012 Chevrolet Sonic |
| Dark Violet Pearl | Honda | dark purple exterior 2001 Acura Integra |
| Deep Blue | General Motors | dark blue exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Ebony | General Motors Honda | black interior 2006 Cadillac CTS, 2001 Acura CL, 2001 Acura Integra, 2001 Acura RL, 2001 Acura TL |
| Fast Track Grey | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Fern | Honda | interior 2001 Acura TL |
| Firepepper Red | Honda | deep red exterior 2001 Acura TL |
| Flamenco Black Pearl | Honda | metallic black exterior 2001 Acura Integra |
| Fresh Powder | Nissan | white exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Note, 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan |
| Frost White | General Motors | white exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Geared Up Grey | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Grand Prix White | Honda | white exterior 2001 Acura NSX |
| Granite Crystal Metallic | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | gray exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Graphite | Honda | gray interior 2001 Acura Integra |
| Graphite Blue | Nissan | grayish blue exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan |
| Gun Metallic | Nissan | gray exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Note, 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan |
| Hawaiian Blue | General Motors | blue exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Holly Green | General Motors | green exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Impulse Blue Metallic | General Motors | royal blue exterior 2004 Pontiac GTO |
| Infrared | General Motors | deep red exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Ingot Silver | Ford Motor Company | silver exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Ingot Silver Metallic | Ford Motor Company | silver exterior 2013 Ford Taurus |
| Ivory Parchment Tri-Coat | Ford Motor Company | pearl off-white exterior 2005 Lincoln Aviator |
| Ivory Tri Coat Pearl | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | pearl white exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Java Brown | Ford Motor Company | dark brown interior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Jazz Blue Pearl | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | dark blue exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Laguna Green Metallic | Honda | light silvery green exterior 2001 Acura TL |
| Laser Red | Saab | red exterior, 2005 Saab 93 |
| Le Mans Blue Metallic | General Motors | royal blue exterior 2007 Chevrolet Corvette |
| Legend Lime Metallic | Ford Motor Company | light green exterior 2006 Ford Mustang |
| Light Blue Metallic | Chrysler Corporation | light blue exterior 1989 Eagle Summit |
| Light Buckskin Metallic | Chrysler Corporation | beige exterior 1989 Eagle Summit |
| Light Camel | General Motors | tan exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Light French Silk Metallic | Ford Motor Company | pearl off-white exterior 2005 Lincoln Aviator |
| Light Gray | General Motors | light gray interior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Light Platinum | General Motors | silver exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Lightning McQueen | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Lime Yellow metallic | Saab | lime green exterior, 2005 Saab 93 |
| Machine Silver Metallic | General Motors | silver exterior 2007 Chevrolet Corvette |
| Magnetic | Ford Motor Company | dark gray exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Making Tracks | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Mariner Blue | General Motors | blue exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Medium Blue Metallic | Chrysler Corporation | royal blue exterior 1989 Eagle Summit |
| Medium Buckskin Metallic | Chrysler Corporation | beige exterior 1989 Eagle Summit |
| Medium Earth Gray | Ford Motor Company | brownish gray interior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Medium Red Metallic | Chrysler Corporation | red exterior 1989 Eagle Summit |
| Metallic Blue | Nissan | royal blue exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Note, 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan |
| Metallic Peacock | Nissan | teal exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Note |
| Midnight Black | General Motors | black exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Milano Red | Honda | red exterior 2001 Acura Integra |
| Mineral Grey Metallic | Ford Motor Company | dark gray exterior 2006 Ford Explorer, 2013 Ford Edge |
| Mineral Metallic | General Motors | grayish tan exterior 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: brochure scan |
| Mineral Stone Metallic | Ford Motor Company | grayish tan exterior 2006 Ford Explorer |
| Monaco Blue Pearl | Honda | royal blue exterior 2001 Acura NSX |
| Monsoon Gray metallic | Volkswagen Group | gray exterior 2013 Audi A4 allroad |
| Monterey Blue Pearl | Honda | dark blue exterior 2001 Acura CL, 2001 Acura RL, 2001 Acura TL |
| Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat | General Motors | deep red exterior 2007 Chevrolet Corvette |
| Mosaic Black Metallic | General Motors | black exterior 2018 Chevrolet Sonic |
| Mystic Silver | General Motors | silver exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Naples Gold Metallic | Honda | beige exterior 2001 Acura CL, 2001 Acura RL, 2001 Acura TL |
| New Formula Red | Honda | red exterior 2001 Acura NSX |
| Nighthawk Black Pearl | Honda | metallic black exterior 2001 Acura CL, 2001 Acura RL, 2001 Acura TL |
| Nightvision | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Nocturne Blue metallic | Saab | dark blue exterior, 2005 Saab 93 |
| Onyx | Honda | black interior 2001 Acura NSX |
| Onyx Black | General Motors | black exterior 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: brochure scan |
| Oxford White | Ford Motor Company | gloss white exterior 2006 Ford Explorer, 2005 Lincoln Aviator, 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty, 2022 Ford Maverick |
| Parchment | Ford Motor Company Honda | tan convertible top 2006 Ford Mustang beige interior 2001 Acura CL, 2001 Acura Integra, 2001 Acura RL, 2001 Acura TL |
| Parchment Silver metallic | Saab | tannish silver exterior, 2005 Saab 93 |
| Performance White | Ford Motor Company | white exterior 2006 Ford Mustang |
| Pewter Gray Metallic | General Motors | dark gray exterior 1988-1989 Buick Reatta |
| Phantom Black Metallic | General Motors | black exterior 2004 Pontiac GTO |
| Phantom Black Tri Coat Pearl | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | black exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Pine Green | Suzuki | green exterior, 1973 Suzuki RV-125K |
| Piston Cup Blue | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Pitch Black | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | black exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Premium White Pearl | Honda | pearl white exterior 2001 Acura RL |
| Pueblo Gold Metallic | Ford Motor Company | beige exterior 2006 Ford Explorer |
| Quartz | Honda | light gray interior 2001 Acura RL |
| Quicksilver Metallic | General Motors | silver exterior 2004 Pontiac GTO, 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: GMC Canyon brochure scan |
| Race Red | Ford Motor Company | red exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Radiant Bronze | General Motors | tan exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Rally Blue | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Rave Red | Mitsubishi | deep red exterior, 2010 Mitsubishi Galant |
| Raven Black | General Motors | black exterior 1955 Pontiac |
| Red Quartz Tintcoat | General Motors | deep red exterior 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: brochure scan |
| Redfire Metallic | Ford Motor Company | dark red exterior 2006 Ford Explorer, 2006 Ford Mustang |
| Redline Tri Coat Pearl | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | dark red exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Rose Mist Metallic | Chrysler Corporation | exterior 1989 Eagle Summit |
| Ruby Red Metallic Tinted | Ford Motor Company | deep red exterior 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid |
| Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat | Ford Motor Company | dark red exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Ruby Red Pearl | Honda | dark red exterior 2001 Acura RL |
| Samoa Orange Metallic | Volkswagen Group | dark orange exterior 2013 Audi TT |
| San Marino Red | Honda | red exterior 2001 Acura CL |
| Sand Storm | General Motors | beige exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Santa Fe Tan | General Motors | tan exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Sapphire Blue Firemist | General Motors | blue exterior 1988-1989 Buick Reatta |
| Satellite Silver | Ford Motor Company | silver exterior 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid |
| Satin Silver Metallic | Ford Motor Company Honda | silver exterior 2006 Ford Mustang, 2001 Acura CL, 2001 Acura TL |
| Screaming Yellow | Ford Motor Company | yellow exterior 2006 Ford Mustang |
| Sebring Silver Metallic | General Motors Honda | silver exterior 1997 Chevrolet Camaro, 2001 Acura RL |
| Shadow Black | Ford Motor Company | black exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Shamrock Green | General Motors | green exterior 1979 Chevrolet Suburban |
| Silver | Ford Motor Company | silver exterior 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid |
| Silver Birch Metallic | Ford Motor Company | silver exterior 2006 Ford Explorer, 2005 Lincoln Aviator |
| Silver Metallic | Chrysler Corporation Saab | silver exterior 1989 Eagle Summit, 2005 Saab 93 |
| Silver Smoke | General Motors | metallic gray exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Silverstone Metallic | Honda | silver exterior 2001 Acura NSX |
| Spa Yellow Pearl | Honda | yellow exterior 2001 Acura NSX |
| Stealth Gray | General Motors | dark gray exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| Steel Gray metallic | Saab | gray exterior 2005 Saab 93 |
| Sterling Silver Metallic | General Motors | silver exterior 1988-1989 Buick Reatta |
| Stormy Blue Mica | Mazda | dark blue exterior 2010 Mazda CX-7 |
| Sublime Green | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | lime green exterior 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Summit White | General Motors | pearl white exterior 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, 2017 GMC Canyon  Source: brochure scan |
| Sundance Gold Metallic | Honda | gold exterior 2001 Acura CL |
| Super Black | Nissan | black exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Note, 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan |
| Taffeta White | Honda | white exterior 2001 Acura CL, 2001 Acura Integra, 2001 Acura TL |
| Taillight | Glidden/Disney | Cars interior house paint  Source: scan of paint chip |
| Titanium | Nissan | gray exterior 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan |
| Torch Red | Ford Motor Company | red exterior 2006 Ford Mustang |
| Torred | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles | red exterior ;2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat  Source: online color chart |
| Torrid Red | General Motors | red exterior 2004 Pontiac GTO |
| Tungsten Grey Metallic | Ford Motor Company | gray exterior 2006 Ford Mustang |
| Tuscadero | Stellantis | magenta pink exterior 2022 Jeep Wrangler |
| Velocity Yellow Tintcoat | General Motors | yellow exterior 2007 Chevrolet Corvette |
| Vermont Green Pearl | dark green, Honda, exterior 2001 Acura RL | |
| Victory Red | General Motors | red exterior 2007 Chevrolet Corvette |
| Vista Blue Metallic | Ford Motor Company | royal blue exterior 2006 Ford Mustang |
| Vivid Red | Ford Motor Company | deep red exterior 2006 Mercury Mariner |
| Vivid Red Metallic | Ford Motor Company | deep red exterior 2005 Lincoln Aviator |
| Vogue Silver Metallic | Honda | silver exterior 2001 Acura Integra |
| Voltage Blue Metallic | Honda | blue exterior 2001 Acura Integra |
| White | Chrysler Corporation | white exterior 1989 Eagle Summit |
| White Diamond | General Motors | pearl white exterior 2006 Cadillac CTS |
| White Diamond Pearl | Honda | pearl white exterior 2001 Acura TL |
| White Gold | Ford Motor Company | beige exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| White Platinum Metallic Tri-coat | Ford Motor Company | metallic white exterior 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty |
| Windveil Blue Metallic | Ford Motor Company | light blue exterior 2006 Ford Mustang |
| Yellow Jacket | General Motors | yellow exterior 2004 Pontiac GTO |
