Must-Know Car Specs Explained

Understanding Vehicle Specs


Shopping for a new car in Roanoke, Virginia? It makes sense to thoroughly research your options before making a decision, but as you investigate, you might encounter some automotive jargon that you're not sure about. At Jaguar Roanoke, we want to help you make your decisions with confidence, so let's define those common automotive terms for a clearer picture of what the car you want has to offer.

  • Horsepower (HP): This is the rating for power generated by an engine. A higher number indicates a more powerful engine, and it also gives you an idea of how fast the model is and how quickly it can rise to its top speed.
  • Torque: Expressed in pound-feet (lb-ft), a vehicle's torque rating is a measure of the rotational force it's capable of. The higher the torque, the faster it can accelerate from a stationary state.
  • Miles per Gallon (MPG): Fuel efficiency is gauged by how many miles a vehicle can go per gallon of gas used.
  • Engine Displacement (Liters/Cubic Centimeters): This is the volume of how much air and fuel an engine can move with all its cylinders, governing its ability to generate power. Larger engines typically create more power.
  • Transmission: An engine may be paired with several different kinds of transmission, which sends the engine power to the wheels. automatic transmission switches gears for you depending on the speed, while manuals require you to shift gears yourself. Continuously variable automatics (CVT) don't have fixed gears but operate with bands and pulleys instead.
  • Drivetrain: The drivetrain on a car may be either Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD), or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). This has an impact on the model's handling, traction, and fuel efficiency. FWD and RWD are both excellent for streets and highways, while AWD and 4WD come in handy when you go off-road.
  • Curb Weight: This is the vehicle's actual weight without any passengers or cargo.
  • Towing Capacity: This is the maximum towing/trailering weight that the vehicle can pull.
  • Wheelbase: The distance between front and rear axles. A long wheelbase can offer a smooth ride quality, while the longer body also makes more interior space possible.
  • Dimensions (Length x Width x Height): These are the size measurements of the vehicle. They can help you determine how well a model can fit in your garage, in its traffic lanes, and in parking spots.
  • Ground Clearance: This is the distance between the very bottom of the vehicle and the ground. A high ground clearance is advantageous for off-roading.
  • Tire Size: Vehicles are designed with a certain tire size and type in mind, as the tires can influence efficiency, performance, and traction.
  • Infotainment System: This is the system that lets you interact with your onboard tech features and apps. The interface could have a touchscreen, physical controls, and/or display screen to allow access to tech options like audio, navigation, and more.
  • Connectivity: These are features that let you connect your devices with the infotainment system, including Bluetooth®*, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and smartphone synchronization.
  • Safety Features: Your onboard safety tools can range from basics like airbags to state-of-the-art safety systems like Jaguar's inControl tools.
  • Warranty: New vehicles' repairs and replacements may be covered for a time by a warranty. If a manufacturer covers its vehicle with a long warranty, that's a good indicator that they believe the vehicle is reliable and well-built.
  • Resale Value: This is a price estimation for what a vehicle could go for if resold. Vehicles can earn a high resale value if they're thought to be high-quality and reliable.

Visit Our Jaguar Dealership in Roanoke, VA

Whether you value performance, comfort, safety, or style, you'll find it all on our lot. Come visit us at Jaguar Roanoke to discover the luxury vehicle with all the specifications and features that matter to you. It's all waiting for you in our new Jaguar selection, conveniently located at 5000 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, Virginia 24014.

*Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Jaguar is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage and carrier.