CYCLING AND MOTOR NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 885, 21 February 1907, Page 12

CYCLING AND MOTOR NOTES.

The models of cars to be placed on the market in 1907, and exhibited at the great Shows, particularly the Paris Salon, did not reveal any apparent advance in the matter of carburation. It was, however, noticeable that the use of the supplementary air inlet, placed on the induction pipe and controlled from the driving seat, has grown very rapidly in favour, and bids fair to become more

popular than the so-called “automatic” carburettor. Particularly is the supplementary air inlet suitable for Australian conditions, with the hot climate and rarefied air of this country. Only practical experience can prove to motorists the great advantage derivable from the use of this inexpensive fitment to their car engine. Not only does the extra supply of air keep down the cost of fuel, but the engine develops more power, the danger of overheating is removed, and the life of the wearing parts is greatly prolonged. It is quite safe to say that five motorists out of ten are using too rich a mixture of petrol vapour and air to produce the best results with the smallest consumption of petrol. The use of the supplementary air inlet-valve is desirable in this climate even on the engines of cars supplied with automatic carburettors.

It is proposed to hold the Grand Prix de France between the dates of June 25 and July 8 next, but it is almost certain that the contest will be robbed of much of its distinction by the action of the Italian and German makers in transferring their patronage to the Emperor’s Cup, a race for a Cup given by the German Emperor over the famous course on whicn the Gordon-Bennett contest of 1904 was run. Several of the new conditions of the Grand Prix do not meet with approval, particularly that condition which allows an increase in the weight of the vehicle, but imposes a test of consumption of fuel. The Emperor’s Cup contest practically adopts the old Gordon-Bennett rules, and, following on the lead given by the German Automobile Club, the Automobile Club of Italy is moving to have the Florist Cup contest run under similar rules. However, it is certain th st, although Italy has raised a protest officially, some. Italian makers will compete in the French race.

The growth of the motor ear industry is and will be the marvel of the twentieth century. It is divided between six countries —viz., France, England, United States of America, Germany, Italy and Belgium. One of the leading authorities in France recently compiled a table to show the growth of the industry between the years 1898 to 1906. The figures are

as follows: —France —lB9B, 1631; 1906, 55,000. England—lB9B, 682; 1906, 28,000. Germany—lB9B, 894; 1906, 22.000. Belgium—l9oo, 400; 1906, 12,000. Italy—l9ol, 300; 1906, 19,000. United States —1902, 314; 1906, 60,000. It will be seen that, although the Americans started late in building, they have made very rapid progress. The same remark applies to Italy and Belgium, who have profited by the work of France. France holds the record for having produced the greatest number of cars —viz., 240.000 in eight years, with a value of about £50,000,000. One wonders who have bought them, and where they have all gone.