MAKING WAVES

My daily commute often involves a Kawasaki. Now, before you conjure images of me in leathers, let me temper those expectations. The Kawasaki in question is a, somewhat less thrilling, metro train. Yes, the same company that makes those amazing, fast motorcycles also builds the trains for city transit systems. It’s during these rather ordinary rides that my mind often wanders. I know auto manufacturers sometimes make quite an eclectic mix of products, but do any of them make things that are more exciting than cars?

- ADITYA UPADHYAULA

Think about Saab, a name once known for cars that felt like they were designed by pilots. Which, honestly, they mostly were. Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, or Swedish Aeroplane Limited, started by making aircraft, eventually producing planes like the Viggen and the very capable Gripen jets. Its car division took on that careful, safety-first, and very aerodynamic way of thinking. The original Saab 92 was incredibly aerodynamic for its time and the fighter jet influence carried on to subsequent products like the 900 and the 9-3, too. Its cars were, in the best way, over-engineered, with a clear link to the sky with features like the night panel, which dimmed all the gauges except the speedometer so you could drive without any distractions.