UNIQUE FEATURES OF NEWEST DODGE CARS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22267, 21 May 1934, Page 4

UNIQUE FEATURES OF NEWEST DODGE CARS

It is, perhaps, only natural that the increased buying power and the return of confidence which has lately been evident in certain directions should have stimulated widespread interest in the unique features recently introduced into American motor engineering practice. For months past old friends and many intending owners,, as well as many to whom the name "Dodge" has always been a symbol of super-reliability, have speculated freely as to .what new and revolutionary features the New Dodge Six for 1934 would introduce. One of the most important of the. new features is "Cushion Wheel," or independent front-wheel suspension. Although many developments have been perfected by the engineers to assist in easier riding qualities, and easier steering, ruch as steering shock eliminators, shoe* absorbers, oilite springs and silent "U spring shackles, the conventional design of front axles and spring suspension of manv new cars is still far from perfect. When one front wheel strikes an obstacle the opposite wheel is always directly affected, and the entire car thrqwu oil centre with resulting road instability and wheel slippage. There is also a regular series of frequent vibrations due to the rebound characteristics of pneumatic tvres, and to correct these defects Dodge now introduces independent front-wheel springing. , The "Pantograh" type ot independent front-wheel suspension is used on the New Dodge Six. This permits radical changes in the front-end design, especially as to springs, axles, and shock absorbers. Aacn wheel is free to move up and down without in the least affecting the opposite wheel. Shocks encountered by one wheel arc not transmitted to the other, which means that the fundamental cause ot shimmy, wobble and cross shake is removed* The shock is not transmitted to the other front wheel, and consequently the pivotal point remains at the centre. Any shocks encountered are confined to that side of the pivotal centre where eontact with the road obstacle is made. The shock does not tend to lift the entire car up and at an angle. At the front a sturdy, flexible coil spring, which is interposed between the lower suspension member and the extended cross member, is used. The use of this type of spring completely eliminates the objectiouable retaring or dampening action common to ceuyeutioual springs in which inner leaf friction is always present. There is no external friction whatsoever in this new spring. Rubber bumpers inside the coil spring effectively absorb any violent shocks, while the heavy duty two-way shock absorber provides a force essential to a correctly-contiolled uniform retarding action. Other outstanding features of this newwonder car are " floating power, a refinement that makes Dodge engines smootber than ever; a new frictionless steering gear which permits effortless steering through wrist action alone; a revolutionary ventilating system which introduces an entirely new conception of drausjhtless ventilation; large Airwheel tyres as standard equipment; larger engine of 82 horse-power, giving a most thrilling performance. A visit to the showrooms of the Otago distributors, Messrs Cossens and Black. Ltd.. Crawford and Manor streets, will amply demonstrate the outstanding value of the New Dodge Six.**