NEW CHEVROLET IS ANNOUNCED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 184, 5 August 1931, Page 11

NEW CHEVROLET IS ANNOUNCED.

IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE A LONGER WHEEL BASE. Tasteful redesigning of the body, particularly at the front end, lengthening of the wheelbase two inches, and a number of mechanical alterations to increase the usefulness of the vehicle, mark the New Chevrolet models placed on display throughout New Zealand by General Motors New Zealand, Limited. The keynote of tlie changes was expressed by Mr W. M’Hardy Forman, managing director, who said: “In producing the 1931 Chevrolet the single purpose has been to make a car of such quality and refinement that its superiority will be plainly visible. Each year has marked a definite advance in the Chevrolet car, and 1931 is no exception.” Longer Wheelbase. Externally, the front end of the car has been entirely redesigned. The headlamps are entirely chromium plated and an improved, arched tie bar replaces the former tie bar and headlamp standards. A Hat projector horn is mounted at the centre of the new tie rod, hanging below it. A cadet visor on closed models and safety indicator fender lamps on sports models neatly finish off the front view. Appearance has been enhanced generally by the two-inch increase in wheelbase length, now 109 inches. New Zealand Fabric. New Zealand woollen fabric is provided in upholstery of closed models. The steering wheel now is of threespoke, thin hard rubber rim design. The accelerator and dimmer switch pedals have been moved to the right @3 3Ej EB Si EE3 @3 EE! @ IS S 3 HI S 3 El EE3 ID IS EE EE iU E*)!

and left to afford greater driver accessibility and driving comfort. , Improvements have been made to the engine. A new crankcase ventilation system is provided, operating from a flow of air forced by the fan, the outlet being baffled to prevent loss of oil. Performance. Exhaustive tests show that the average Chevrolet acceleration from 10 to ■ 25 miles per hour is 6.6 seconds; from 10 to 35 miles per hour, 11.8 seconds, , and from 10 to 45 miles per hour 18.2 seconds. The average maximum speed is over 60 miles per hour. The average maximum brake horsepower is fifty at 2600 revolutions ier minute, forty horsepower being developed at 1600 r.p.m. This speed is safely controlled by the efficient brakes, which have a stopping distance at 25 m.p.h. of 27 feet; of 57 feet at 35 m.p.h., and of 91.5 feet at 45 m.p.h. Mechanical Features. The gear ratio of 4.10 to J, with the greater power of the Chevrolet engine, gives better acceleration and flexibility. The dimensions of the engine are: Bore and stroke of 3 5-16 inches by 3! inches; piston displacement, 194 inches; displacement per cylinder, 32.3 cubic inches. There is a three-bearing crankshaft, weighing forty-eight pounds, with main bearing area of 11.89 square inches. An electric gauge on the dash, with a double float in the tank, ensures accurate gauge readings regardless of the motion of the fuel.