The Transfer of Torque

The workings of an engine are marvelous and elegant. Here is the gist. In a car's engine, each piston is connected to the crankshaft through a connecting rod. When the intake valve opens, the piston then moves down and lets the engine take in air and gasoline. Right after, the piston moves back up to compress the mixture, making the explosion more powerful. 

After the piston reaches the top of its stroke, the mixture is ignited by a spark. This explosion drives the piston down and once the piston hits the bottom of the its stroke, the exhaust valve opens up, letting the exhaust leave the cylinder. The cycle is ready to repeat.

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If we analyze the process above, we realize that the motion produced by the pistons of an engine is linear motion. Then, this linear motion is converted into rotational motion by the crankshaft. This power from the rotating engine is known as torque, or turning force. 

This mechanical turning force from the crankshaft is then transferred through a group of parts and systems known as the drivetrain, that then gives torque to the driving wheels. It is typical to hear a torque number when talking about the power of a car. The torque specification given by manufacturers is the maximum toque of the internal combustion. Although this number is higher than the actual torque on the wheels, it tells important information about the car. 

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But what exactly? The torque can tell you a lot about how fast a car can accelerate. Along with other variables (a lighter, car, a lower center of mass, larger diameter wheels and tires), the torque number can help you calculate the acceleration of a car.