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Car tuning is the modification of a car to optimise it for a different set of performance requirements from those it was originally designed to meet. Most commonly this is higher engine performance and dynamic handling characteristics but cars may also be altered to provide better fuel economy, or smoother response. Often, tuning is done at the expense of emissions performance, component reliability and occupant comfort.

As a culture has grown around modified cars the term tuning has grown to encompass the cosmetic and stylistic changes owners make to personalize their vehicles. These changes are sometimes made so extreme they are actually of detriment to the more traditional aspects of tuning. An example is the recent trend for extremely low cars with exaggerated wheel camber which combine to give low traction and poor handling dynamics.

Car tuning is related to auto racing, although many tuned cars do not compete in any form of sanctioned racing.

Origin

Since their invention, cars have always been subject to aftermarket modification. Both moderate and radical modification have been commemorated in the popular songs Hot Rod Race and Hot Rod Lincoln. The names of Abarth and Cooper appear on models styled after the cars they modified.