CARS OF THE FUTURE

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 232, 2 October 1935, Page 13

CARS OF THE FUTURE

American Makers’ Hopes IMPROVEMENTS OUTLINED The road, the tyres and the car of past, ptesent and future underwent scientific appraisal before the American Society for testing materials recently. The occasion was a symposium incidental to a convention in which the results and possibilities of research were discussed. ' For the roads, Prof. Johon S. Worley, of tho University of Michigan, told the "story. The subject of tyres was dealt with by Mr IC. D. Smith, and tho cars were described by Mr O. T. Kreusser, director of the Jfuscum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Mr Kreusser’s views commanded attention because of his long, previous experience. No other person has over had such opportunity of gaining first-hand knowledge of what all of tho world's cars were capable of under uniform conditions of performance. “As designers, engineers and fabricators, we must and will continue to pay more attention to,better utilisation oi the right material distributed most effectively,” ho said. “Wo need a conitinually bettered instrumentation that will permit more accurate analysis of stresses in operation. We require closer control of metallurgical characteristics and variation, in fabrication so that material used will be reliable at higher stresses.

“Improved engines and reduced weight, particularly weight in the differential, wheel, rim and tyre, will permit continued attainment of higher acceleration, which is, after all, more useful to ’ most drivers than excess of SO miles por hour top speeds. Transmission and rear axles, which provide uscfl variable speed ratios between engine and Toad have their place in the economics of the car of to-morrow. Improvement in brakes to provide higher accelerations, particularly at high speeds without harshness, must also receive consideration.

ELIMINATIONS NEEDED.

‘.‘We can still do much for comfort cooling solution different in summer and winter, oil changes, ignition points, filter and spark plug, replacements, leaky mufflers and gaskets, etc., and eliminate the frequent need for chassis greasing, putting water in the battery, or at least make their operation more continuous without attention. 'The advent of metal tops for automobiles is already adding to the appearance of cars, and eliminating top material failuro, with the resultant leaks. “We can sctill do much for comfort in winter and summer driving. Uncontrolled draughts, fumes and sizzling ihqat on one’s feet and back take away much of the pleasure of driving. With Uie rapid acceptance of noiso measuring we can look forward to quieter cars to [drive and ride. Cold weather starting lias shown average improvement with automatic, choking and better cranking speeds, but still does not satisfy the owner who cannot get his car started in weather high above the zero mark. Sheet metal and plated parts that do •not corrode readily, upholstery more adaptable to cleaning and floor coverings that do not warp, shrink and wrinkle offer room for appropriate engineering and new materials. “Streamlining, l even if it has not fulfilled advertising claims, has shown that changes in appearance are acceptable [Without . undue sales resistance. It should lead to the utilisation o£ the .useless volume of body and fender, for luggage, spare tyres, tools, battery, Tadio set, to make them more accessible.' as well ah provido convenient hiding, places for trinkets. Although still in: [the experimental stage, the problem of preventing tho breakdown of oil at ■ improved foundry and forging methods. ; soon be solved, and the solution will not i .be unlike that of addin'* tclra ethyl I lead to gasoline. improvements booked ruff.

‘‘The use of molybdenum ana other low cost alloying metals to provide better heat, strength and corrosion resistance offers interesting outlooks. The active work on Diesel engine design undoubtedly will lead to invention and improved foundry and forging methos. Even, the injection system may ultimately lead to variable' speed-delivery pumps that balance the factors of speed and load, and might compel present carburetter manifold practice to look to its laurels.

“Independent Springing or ‘knee action ’ has added safety to the higher speeds quite independent of added road comfort. Ability to minimise the effects of a blown tyre at high speed cannot be overlooked,'' concluded Mr Kreusser. i In listing requirements for tyres, Mr Smith shid present tyres have been found to be a contributing factor to vibrations at high speeds. This condition reaches a maximum after tyres have b<ien used for several thousand miles and have worn unevenly. “The more nearly an approach is made to a flat tread,: tho greater tho thumping noise wo. get when running over raised joints in concrete roads,” he said. “But here we find a desirable properly from the standpoint of tread wear counteracted by an, undesirable effect in objectionable noise. We must accept the best compromise.’ -