The Washington times., 1927-07-20

1t will surprise many to know, for
example, that another four cylinder
car is slated for early production.
One of the largest producers has
stepped out into the parts market
for SO elementary a unit as a
piston which will be one of the
features of the new car. There will
be another new light six that is
certain to create a decided stir in a
field that already is highly conpeti-
tive.
Perhaps one of the most striking
evidences of the speed at which
the automobile industry is travelling
Is the fact that a model which
solely was responsible for the com.
plete rehabilitation of a weak unit
In the industry and it's development
into a headliner in point of sales,
production and reputation will be
discontinued in favor Of a larger
and improved model.
Competition, combined with public
recognition of the merit of many
of the new features embodied in
cars which now are breaking sales
records, forces many concerns to
make changes in their models at this
time. A careful survey reveals no
radical departures and If there is
to be any general swing to four
speed transmissions at this time
very little advance information has
leaked out. It is quite possible,
however. that manufacturers are
guarding this secret more closely
than others.
The chief changes of the day
have to do with making cars and
engines larger. This is directly
opposed to prophecy as we'll as to
current practice and is not to be
confused with the introduction of
smaller versions of present lines
Of cars, but applies to the enlarge
ment of cars and motors of those
which have been on the market for
q long enough period to demon
strate the fact that the public's de-
nand for comfort, power and speed
frequently is greater than that for
low price.
A ear that has been quiet of late,
although its name has been gaining
reputation, now is in production in
greatly revised form. Bodies are
larger and roomier and are fitted
on an improved chassis of longer
wheelbase. The engine has been
enlarged to meet the demands for
greater speed and duration of such
speed. Prices will be higher. One
of the best manufacturers OF a
high-grade large car shortly is to
introduce three seven-passenger
models. Curiously enough, the car
- manufactured by concern that
has featured the midget type OF
automobile.
The apparent confusion chars cter.
ICED by the mixed trends to be dis
played during the next month or SC
reveals the wide difference in
tastes. Americans want cars for
entirely different purposes. and it Is
not unusual to find a person own
ing two cars Numerically opposed
in design.
One manufacturer that has made
quite a spectacular success with a
new and slightly smaller car chat
met an objection in its older prod
uct soon will do two-ring circus
act by developing the original model
in an unexpected fashion. 1t will
be kept heavy and the engine will
be enlarged. Perhaps some may OBJ
ject, but the maker has decided to
cater to a wealthy group that wants
the best regardless of the expense
Many engineers are being forced
TO take their medicine. Their pei
ideas have been shattered in the
grind of actual car service. One OF
the cars that has adhered to sort
of semi-balloon tire will fall in line
by using the larger sizes.
Or course, cars will be lower
One of the most popular makes on
the market will be two and one.
half inches closer to the ground
while body effects will be such
as to give the car a longer and
more raktsh appearance. This con
Germ, which is supposed to be the
sort to discourage the success of
parts manufacturers, will use q
specialized type of piston instead
of its own conventional cast iron
type. Standardization will play an
important role in the new models
although there will be plenty of
evidences of individuality. Manu-.
facturers are taking no chances on
having prospective purchasers balS
over such details as non standard
gear shifting plans. high bodies
Inadequate acceleration and alb
Sence of efficiency devices that
have become necessities. The mo
.torist generally, of course. will
benefit by all such Standardization
Two makers at present are
troubled as a. result of jumping
into unfamiliar fields. But still
they jump. One of them that re.
Gently has leaped into the $1,7OC
class will produce two new models
a four and a six, to be sold in
price classes that are so highly
competitive that the hest brains
and the greatest amount of capital
the world ever has known are a
bit disturbed.
European trends in engine design
seem to have come to a halt
American engines are needed for
the rapid acceleration demanded by
impatient American drivers. An
American company is building a
greater number of engines than
ever before and they all are OF
American type, though there is a
marked tendency toward higher
engine speeds made possible through
elimination of engine vibration.
One of the cars with European
engine features will he revised in
an effort to win wider approval
Engine bore will be increased one