THE UP-TO-DATE MOTOR CAR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6, 7 January 1908, Page 4

THE UP-TO-DATE MOTOR CAR.

The motor show at Olympia ha 3 been drawing an attendance of about 16,000 or 17,000 a day. All the big British makers and a number of foreign ones are exhibiting, and the show offers a fine opportunity for comparison of results and appreciation of the immense strides made by the motor industry in the last few years. The differences between the machines of leading makers are now chiefly differences of detail. The general underlying principles of motor construction are in nearly every case identical, and it looks as though complete standardisation and finality of model are near at hand. As regards engines, the long battle between the 6-cylinder type and the 4cylinder is beginning to be settled by a process of adjustment. Thus amongst the high-powered machine it has become the practice to fit 6-cylinder engines, for experience has proved beyond all doubt that this is the form which secures an elasticity and power closely approximating that derivable from the steam engine. The 8-cylinder engine, which was foisted upon the market a year or so ago with loud trumpeting, is now practically non-existent, while the singlecylinder types are occasionally met with; and while they meet the requirements of a certain class, it cannot be said that they have a great vogue. The 3-cylinder vertical engine (in regard to which many extravagant claims were made two or three years' back) has shrung into oblivion, or nearly bo, in consequence of its want of proper mechanical balance. For irioderately-powered cars the tendency is now to use 4-cylinder engines, which secure reliability and elasticity, and thus ensure quiet and easy running. As regards minor details, it is interesting to note that in nine cases out of ten lubrication is now effected by mechanical means, the arrangement being such that the motor will take in automatically the exact amount of oil that is necessary. The multiple disc type of clutch is becoming the favourite, and the one-time popular metal to metal variety is gradually dying out. The modern clutch is naturally a great improvement on the types which were used a year or two ago, and the ease in which they engage and the gradual manner in which they take up the drive is in marked contrast to the jerking and jarring action which characterised the old patterns. Gears are usually of the three or four speed variety, and direct drives on one or other of the speeds are now practically universal. Carburation has readied a high standard of perfection, and the latest carburetters differ only in small details from the types fitted to 1907 care. Ball bearings are very generally fitted throughout the running parts of the modern car, and the lighter form of wire wheel is gradually asserting itself, while detachable rims are becoming more popular than ever. The carriage-building in connection with motors has been developed to a wonderfully high standard, and the latest cars are models of luxurious ease.