NEW METHODS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 17 March 1928, Page 14

NEW METHODS

MOTOR CARS Of THE FUTURE.

Dili V A ol'T<' FxiD'NT AXLE. Under the heading “The Motor Cat oi tiie Future/' a leading article in a lecent issue or the- “Daily Mail” says: “standardisation,” that watchword or the American industrialist, os a mighty factory in modern manufacture, jjut it is not everything. There is no duality in mechanical invention, mature may line to fix its types, out human nature goes on from one form to another. 'lins seems to be happening with the self-propelled vehicie. ror a goou many years it rooked as ir the general principle ana design had become stabilised. There have been constant and ingenious alterations, but these are concerned with details, in essentials the car ol to-day, though neater in shape, smoother in running, ana Handsomer in appearance than its predecessor of ten or a dozen years ago, is not very dinerent. it has been reformed, but not m any aegree revolutionised. i\ow a change is coming. An entirely novel principle in automobile construction nas been introduced. Hitherto cars, of whatever make, have had some main leatures in common. They are all driven irom the bach wheels, and they are ail steered by turning the rigid axle on which the two ironi wheeis are fixed. The new models are built on a ditterent plan. The drive is on the front instead of the back axle. The wheels are separatelysprung and fixed so that each can be steered independently and each can take its individual road shocks without affecting its fellow or the rest of the fabric.

With the modified, type one wheel may drop into a pothole and receive a jar. But that concussion is a purely personal' matter between the wheels and the road. The shock is absorbed by its own private spring. The chassis in general does not feel it, nor do the other wheels nor the engine. There should be less vibration and strain for frame, machinery and. coach work, with a longer and happier life for them all and more comfort for the passenger. f urther, it is claimed that the system will go far to prevent skidding. This, is mostly caused by the wobbling of one wheel which drags the other wheel round with it, and so causes the car to slip sideways instead of running forward. The self-sprung wheel might wobble without affecting its autonomous partner, which would continue honourably on its upright and straightforward course. Our manufacturers are testing these new methods, and the drawing offices of the great machine shops are busy with designs relating to them. If they prove as effective a.s they seem likely to be we shall soon have plenty of British cars constructed on the improved' principle. Fertile and inventive brains are active in this vigorous British industry, and all their eh tend to make motoring pleasanter, easier, safer, cheaper, and, in consequence, more popular than ever.