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The Evolution of Modern Cars

Evers since humankind started developing vehicles back in 1672 using a steam-powered engine, we have had the curiosity and willingness to go further. As years went by our inventions became more sophisticated and more useful. 

Today, various cars are used for many different things. You have stock cars for racing events, such as Echopark Texas Grand Prix where people use information obtained from betting guides to determine which vehicle is the most modified and thus most likely to win the race. 

We have come so far with automobile development and who knows where we might end up in the future. With that in mind, let’s have a look at the evolution of modern cars. 

Steam engines

The very first model of a steam-powered car was built by Ferdinand Verbiest, a Flemish missionary in China. He built a model car for the Kangxi Emperor in 1672. The model was small and couldn’t fit a driver but the model paved the way for future car development.  

By the early 18th century, steam-powered vehicles large enough to carry people on board were popular in most parts of the modern world. By 1930, steam-powered vehicles reached their peak with features, such as hand breaks and multi-speed transmissions aboard every car. 

The age of gasoline

Back in 1913, William Meriam Burton patented his process of turning oil into gasoline and by 1918, the very first U.S. gasoline pipeline began operating. As you’d imagine, this was an evolutionary moment for car development. We now have fuel that can boost vehicle performance and speed. 

We only needed an engine that could support it. The fact of the matter is that an internal combustion engine (ICE) already existed and just needed to be perfected. After the great depression in 1930, gasoline-powered car manufacturing began to bloom and it exploded after World War II ended. 

Modern cars

Science fiction novels told us that by the time we reached the 20th century there’d be flying cars. That was unfortunately false but we did get pretty far when it comes to the evolution of cars. Modern cars run on fossil fuels, electricity and hybrid engines. 

They are connected and have access to the Internet making them computerized vehicles. What’s interesting is that these cars can drive and park themselves. All you need to do is pretend you’re the one in control and enjoy the ride. 

Closing words

With self-driving cars and cars that can communicate with each other to regulate speed and traffic obstacles, we might as well have flying cars by now. As technology continues to evolve, so do vehicles. No one knows for sure in which direction the evolution of cars will go from here on out. 

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