Autoblog

We all learn the theory of what happens inside an internal combustion engine; a mixture of fuel and air is ignited by a short electric spark. Some people describe the ensuing event as an explosion, but the ideal is a controlled burn, but it's still so fast that it could be confused for an uncontrolled explosion. An engine is a practical application of thermodynamics, when it comes right down to it. The piston moves by the pressure exerted by the burning fuel mixture, and as the piston moves down the bore, pressure reduces, and work is extracted from the fuel.

Of course, there's a lot more to it, but that's the basics. We're sure you had a little animated diagram dancing around in your head the first time you really tried to understand the common Otto cycle. My mental flash player still fires up when I'm trying to figure out different cycles like the Atkinson. Wouldn't it be great to actually see inside the cylinder during combustion events? No, we didn't videotape our lawnmower with a Colortune plug -- this technique is far fancier.

Video and technique info after the jump

[Source: Hemmings]

At least they're not mocking men or making light of depressed robots. Nissan's latest marketing effort for the Altima has the auto company messing with patrons of entertainment venues. 200,000 sets of faux keys will be planted in clubs, bars, concert venues, and other congregation locations. The way the ruse works is that someone picks up the keys, and takes in a tidy little marketing message about the Altima's keyless ignition as they read the keychain. It's a great example of thinking outside of the box by agency True. It was also reportedly cheap, ringing in at a cool 100 grand. That sounds like a lot of money, but the cheapest TV commercial costs more to produce and air at an effective frequency. Hopefully the general public delights in being fooled; the prizes you can register for at Altimakeys.com or by texting "keys" to the number on the tag will likely help goodwill. It'll be interesting to see what kind of uproar it will inevitably cause - People For The Ethical Treatment of Keys? Perhaps a Boston-style overreaction will ensue? We just wish that they were keys to real Altimas. Giving away free cars, now there's a campaign we can get behind.

[Source: Winding Road]