NEW CARS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22768, 21 July 1939, Page 8

NEW CARS

LIGHT STUDEBAKE/? MODEL THE CHAMPION SIX FOR 1940 POWER WITH ECONOMY AND COMFORT On* of the. latest cars to come on to the market in Christchurch Is the new Studebaker Champion Six. It is claimed that this car has created more interest in the United States than any new car in the last decade, and it may safely be assumed that in this country it will quickly attain the popularity it deserves.

The Champion represents a serious attempt to break the tradition that safety, performance, and comfort depend upon size and weight. For four years, when plans were being prepared and tests completed, elaborate precautions were taken to ensure secrecy. In a factory which was guarded day and night, engineers and designers worked to produce a new light car which would give them economy and performance. When the engineers were satisfied with each part, assemblies were made and submitted to ruthless tests for strength and durability.

One of the most severe tests was; made when an experimental car was run, nose on. against a brick wall, time and time again, with the rear wheels spinning in low gear on the concrete floor until the tyres were stripped of their tread, ~ At last came the actual test of the first complete car on a specially prepared “torture” course, on which heavy logs were laid at intervals of every few yards, and tipping platforms, hurdles, and steeplechase hedges were used as objects. The car rushed at the tipping platforms, but it failed to overturn. Then it was driven furiously over the log? and hurdles to land again on its four wheels without any apparent damage. In one of the leaps the Champion cleared 68 feet. Out of this extensive research and these rigorous tests has come a handsome car in which the motorist knowing the background of its production can have the fullest confidence. Here are the brief specifications:— Cylinders, six; horsepower, brake 78, S.A.E. 21.6: bore and stroke, 3 inches by '3S inches; displacement. 164.3 cub. in.; compression ratio, 6.5 to 1; transmission. three-speed synchromesh; front suspension, planar (Studebaker exclusive): brakes, hydraulic; overall length, 1851 inches; steering, cam and twin lever; shock absorbers. Houde double acting: tread, front 56J inches, rear 57 inches; weight, 23cwt. ' Strong Frame

According to Studebaker engineers, the frame of the Champion is the stillest and strongest, per lb, that Studebaker has ever used, yet is claimed to have 30 per cent, less weight than competitive car frames. Straight cross members of the X type and of extraordinary depth and full box section at the centre form the backbone of the frame. Liberal use of welds and reinforcements serves to v make the frame a ’dose-Knlt tmlt, well able to resist the severest stresses of the roughest road.

The compact, sturdy, well-propcpr-tioned engine is new. Proved principles of engine construction have been retained but bulkiness and excess weight have been discarded in favour of compactness without loss of ruggedness or strength of parts. Smoothness In operation is augmented by threepoint rubber suspension. Front-wheeil Suspension

The planar, self-stabilising independent front-wheel suspension, Studebaker’s time-tried version of springing front wheels, has been further improved in this new car. A transverse front spring of generous proportions with 11 leaves connects the lower ends cf both steering knuckles, threaded bolts being used for attachment. The spring is firmly clamped to the strong cross member of the frame. The knuckles are firmly supported at the upper «nds by heavy steel forgings with legs diverging to widely separating frame mountings. This wide footing gives the utmost in strength and Btiffinfijss against brake , torque and road shocks from ruts or obstructions. The fine riding qualities imparted by this system of springing were amply demonstrated in a test, conducted by “The Press” this week. There was a complete absence of twisting or turning in the front wheels and the ride generally was soft blit steady, with no shakiness or body movement. Friction between spring leaves prevents any tendency to roll on curves or sharp swerves. . The steering linkage is of the type used on other Studebaker models and gives steady and firm control without road shocks. , . Gear control is by a lever conveniently mounted on the steering column and operated .with the greatest ease. A double blocker synchroniser is used in the transmission.

Handsome Body The bodv of the Champion was designed by • Raymond Loewy, the designer of some of America's finest streamlined trains, and as well as being Handsome' incorporates many useful improvements. The bodies are, of course, all steel. The grille work in the front forms a wind tunnel to the engine; head-lamps are recessed into the fenders; door hinges are concealed and rotary latches of the type used on other Studebakers are used. There are no running boards. The rear sections and the large streamlined luggage compartment are all in tune with the modern styling evident in the forward treatment Inside, the well-up-holstered seats are deep and comfortable and the fittings are as neat as could be wished for. In general road performance, it can be said without exaggeration that the

new Studebaker Champion Six sets a new standard. For a car of its size and weight, it holds the road with a firmness little short of amazing. No less surprising is the car’s economy, petrol consumption being at the rate of 24 to 25 miles a gallon. And besides this, the car has power. In the test this week, it took Dyer’s Pass in top witn t’-.e greatest of ease. In fact, at all parts of the road, there was power in reserve for acceleration. The Champion sells from £495.