NEW MODELS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 244, 15 October 1929, Page 19

NEW MODELS.

SURPRISES PROMISED.

AMERICAN TREND OP

DESIGN.

HIGHER-POWERED CARS,

Now that new car announcementa, first contributions to the 1930 motor ballyhoo, are making their effervescent appearances, the motorist's mind begins to explore the future. What, he asks himself do these- early 1930's forecast? That question never has been an easy one. This year it is much more difficult than usual. Yet there are numerous ihints and rumours. From these, with a fairly close acquaintance with the history "of those to whom they relate, the ever-busy prophets are making deductions.

These include, at the moment, the following: That there vrill be more etraigfht eights in the price class that once yr&e the stronghold of the eix. That no one would be surprised if one new V-eight made its appearance early in 1930. That the talk of a 12-cylinder car ibeing so voluminous, there must be Borne 3 truth in it. It is an absolute certainty and is coming from the plant Of one of the finest big car makers of the moment, some insist.

That, while it is unlikely that there will be an immediate rush in that direction, the two front-drive cars of the moment may be. supplemented by one or two more early next year. That three or four more converts to the four-speed transmission aTe virtually assured.

Improve the Chassis.

That the chassis, rather than the body, is going to be the object of the designer's greatest attention in many laboratories now experimenting with 1930 products. That silence will be further enhanced through the more advanced use of rubber in various parts of the chassis. That specialists seeking valiantly and vigorously to produce improved -braking systems may see their efforts climaxed by comparatively early success. That the engine, already the most Ixicrhly developed part of the car, is elated to stand pretty much as it is while other features are brought proportionately. to the same high level of engineering. ;•:, . That down-draught carburation, considerably , improved over its first form, may he more generally employed. That the differential will get attention designed to silence the gears through different tooth shape and to improve lubrication. Easier Steering. The" steering will be the object^of further research with a view,, to reducing wheel fight and wheel wabble. That double breaker distributor*' will be more widely adopted to increase the efficiency of the ignition system, which must he efficient in these days of high speed high compression engines. That the front axle to which no end of research has 'been devoted lately will cause fewer complications to driving ease. The front-wheel alignment will be. less of a problem/by the time the 1930** appear en masse. That sloping windshields will 'be more generally used as an antidote to light glare. Very busy individuals, these-prophets. The list of prophecies, long as it is, does not include everything that is likely to happen between the introduction of tie first 1930 cars and the coming of the. larger group, as always, in January. With regard to the trend toward larger engines, that is, engines of eight and even twelve cylinders wfhere sixes and eights'previously bloomed, the constant trend towards refinement in the last four or five years 'baa given smaller engines, in less expensive cars, of greatly improved performance. To give stiS better performance, many believe, it will pay to step into the multi-cylinder field. Of the other prophecies, most of which deal with the refinement of 1929 refinements, that which declares greater engineering attention will be focussed upon the chassis is among the most interesting. Heretofore, it is pointed out, such chassis units as have been markedly improved owe their progress to part? makers in very large degree. The manufacturer has been exceptionally busy with engine development and body design. Now, it is pointed.out, he'is satisfied with the former and not especially desirous of doing anything more with the latter. So he is directing hia attention to such features as brakes, steering, spring suspension, the elimination of vibration, the further, development _ of silence, improved chassis lubrication, shock absorption and the like.