ENGINE AT THE REAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 115, 16 May 1936, Page 30

ENGINE AT THE REAR

PROBLEM FOR ENGINEERS

In a. recent article concerning "the future design of motor-cars, Mr. L. .H. Pomeroy mentions the shifting of the engine to the rear of the vehicle. This is practically necessary before streamlining in the true aerodynamic sense is possible. The idea, he says, simple in itself, implies enough work to keep engineers busy for a long time to come, since many related problems have to be solved. Rear-engined cars present the dilemma of either increas: ing the unsprung weight of the rear axle by mounting the. engine on it, with a host of associated difficulties in operating an engine in a state of rapid vertical alternating movements, or of carrying the .engine on the chassis and transmitting- its power to the, rear wheels by short universally-jointed axle shafts. ' v The difficulties arising with universal joints working through large angles are well known. . Yet passenger comfort demands large axle movements to use low-rated springs, which make these difficulties somewhat formidable. It is highly possible, in fact almost certain, that rear-engined cars will not be suitable for the average user until roads are much smoother and more uniform than now. . ' ,: There seems no way, however, bi taking advantage of the possibilities oi streamlining other than by the rearengine. construction. Further, it will be necessary to redesign the whole exterior to. reduce parasitic resistance, just as it has been necessary to do so in the case of aeroplanes. At the same-time the advantages to be .gained afeyso. enormous as to make the effort.-worthvwhile. Very seldom, indeed, in any accepted construction can advantages.in.the order of 30 per 'cent, in performance and economy be effected by a studied redisposition of its components. r ■■'./' : V:Even .if, and.when, it is an accomplished fact, we shall experience the reluctance of the public to purchase a new form of car. .From the early days of the "torpedo" body to the modern concave rear panel and built-in luggage compartment definite sales resistance has.been experienced from 90 per cent, of the public. The remaining 10 per cent, have jibed at motor manufacturers for being slow-witted and out of date. Therefore good, as always, has to be done by stealth. ' : , :