HIGH ROAD AND BY-ROAD

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17679, 6 April 1929, Page 23 (Supplement)

HIGH ROAD AND BY-ROAD

HUDSON-ESSEX. ANNOUNCES TWO NEW MODELS. Within the last few days two new Hudson-Essex Models have been introduced to the New Zealand market: Essex, the Challenger, and the Greater Hudson Challenger. Motorists generally will And a great many points of interest in these two new cars. Seventy-six improvements have been incorporated in the new Essex. Power has been increased by 24 per cent, to 55 h.p., and although the car is reported to be capable «of more than 70 miles per hour, it is claimed that fuel economy is greater than ever before. A very interesting feature is a new type of two-shoe four-wheel brakes. No textile linings are used, but solid drum-shaped composition blocks. Brake adjustment is a matter of a few moments; no tools are required. Another unique feature, which will be appreciated, is an electric gauge operated by a button on the dash which gives the oil level in the crankcase without the driver having to leave his seat or lift the bonnet. All seats are adjustable to the physical characteristics of the driver. Hudson is improved in 64 ways. A road speed of 80 miles per hour is claimed with greater fuel econmy. Power is increased from 80 to 91 h.p. Body lines are bolder and beautifully moulded, and the bodies themselves are slightly longer and wider. All seats are adjustable. A neutralised clutch eliminates shocks due to stopping and starting. These are only a few points of interest in two very attractive newcomers.

NEW DRIVING CONVENIENCE. FINGER-TIP CONTROL. A remarkable new feature in the motor world is the introduction of the “Finger-Tip Conrtol.” By means of this ingenious device, all functions of starting the motor, controlling the lighting system and sounding the horn are operated from a single button conveniently located in the centre ol' the steering wheel. This system has been subjected to exhaustive tests and characterised by experts as the greatest driving convenience sijice the electric self-starter. A mere pull upon the button starts the motor. No longer is it necessary for the driver to fumble with his or her foot groping for a starter button which is so often placed in a rather inaccessible position. While this feature will undoubtedly be welcomed by all drivers, it has a special appeal to ladies. A distinct safety factor is also seen in this improvement since in night travelling Ihe driver is net required to remove a hand from the wheel and reach to the dash to control lights—the new “Finger-Tip Control” operating them completely from its position at the centre of the steering wheel.

TESTING ENDURANCE. HIGH SPEED STRAINS. * In view of the fact that new motor racing speed tests surpassing all those attempted hitherto are now being prepared throughout the world many medical experts in Australia and elsewhero are studying the effect upon the average human body of extremely high motor power speeds, and also of the strain imposed by swift acceleration and deceleration changes in racing cars (states a medical correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald). Not so long ago a certain group of experts believed that anyone who attempted to travel at 120 m.p.h. would die of heart failure. Two miles a minute! to-day motor racing specialists are driving at four miles a minute. Wonder cars, equipped with secret devices and steered by means of “sights,” like a rifle, which are magnified by a telescope, are now being got ready to dash miles along the earth at a speed unattainable hitherto. Consultant .engineers arc discussing the

“bodies 11 of new streamlined “projectiles” which are to hurtle past at 2GO miles an hour,.or 4 1-3 miles a minute! The racing car in its speed and power is progressing with giant strides. But what of the man who controls its tor-pedo-like course across the earth? Gan he sufficiently adapt himself to the strain? What is the greatest strain he can stand? A famous Australian racing motorist confessed once to me that for many years the nervous wear and tear of i high-speed motoring was tremendous, j It almost proved too great for him. j Another expert road racer has de- ! scribed the dreadful sensation which I overcame him soon after he had achieved a world's record. For the. fraction of a second he felt unequal to the task of any longer controlling his tearing machine. Then the skill and courage that have since brought, him to the pinnacle of world fame in motor racing triumphed. He conquered the fear of being unable to conquer, and believed in_ his own power' so strongly that he was master of the machine. His experience agrees with the medical aspect. It is amazing how the habits of man adapt themselves to the result of his inventions. The human senses may in time become accustomed to hitherto undreamed-of speeds. Of course, to travel at even 100 m.p.h. requires nerves of steel. It lakes time. One naturally practises the pace gradually —here a little on an open road, there a Little on a holiday jaunt, then again on a “speed track.” And soon one, grows used to an indistinct blurr of passing objects. Yet. is it really worth it?. The answer is that such experiments affect the whole organism. Every cell is stimulated and calls for more and still more speed. Habit, in other words, is the basis of progress. Providing, he is physically fit, any man can stand' a speed test of endurance. The human body is singularly like the mechanism it creates, and there is no limit yet in, sight to the physical endurance of the specially-trained speed motorist, assuming, of course, that he is suitably protected against wind and dust. ■ Nevertheless in one direction a boundary limit does seem indicated' from recent medical research. There is the. problem of negotiating sharp turns in a tremendously fast car. The wind pressure of cross currents may in such a case react over-powerfully upon tlie lungs, restricting a supply of oxygen, and producing in extreme cases suffocation. »

Hence, although they may accustom themselves to meteor-like rushes over the straight earth when travelling along a straight course, the drivers of super-speed cars now being designed will have to be specially cautious when turning so as to avoid any ultra-rapid change of direction bringing cross currents of air too violently upon the driver or passenger in the machine.