The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-26

New York.-Thirty-three makes of passenger cars and eleven makes of commercial vehicles and taxicabs are listed to be exhibited at the 32nd National Show In Grand Central Palace, New York, January to 16. Among these, as well as in the colossal accessory and shop equipment exhibit, the visitor will be surprised at many chassis and body innovations offered. Never before have these been quite so apparent. At least, that Is what advance information from the various factories indi- cate.
 The matter of overcoming air resistance will be one of the most noticeable features in bodies for 1932, aside from such matters as appearance, color combinations and comfort reflnements. None but those possessed of technical knowl- edge realize the power required to overcome wind resistance at speeds ranging from SO miles an hour and upwards. Only engineering men fully appreciate that the air flow In the region back of the body is very turbulent in the form of suction forces and eddies which constitute a great part of the air resistance of the body. Recent wind tunnel tests on 6 stock model car made In comparison with streamlined body reveal that the latter showed marked superiority in coasting ability, acceleration, fuel con- sumption, better ventilation. in- creased vibrations and greater safety.
 While 1t is simple to streamline a body, as European engineers do, perfect streamlining In those ex- treme designs Is neither attractive nor beautiful. The American body creator eaters to Q diversified taste, and any attempt at streamlining must bo along practical lines with out losing eye-appeal. Neverthe- less, American engineers are solv- ing the air resistance problem and some interesting developments are anticipated for the show. From the practical and economical view point if, in O head wind, the same given engine can be made to propel the car Ave miles or more an hour faster, because 1t mounts q body with loss air resistance and better looking body, such m improve ment will make Q very strong ap- peal to the car owner.
 It is believed that the 1882 show will reveal 0 larger number of new offerings in roadsters. At last years show, 2l makers offered. 40 models under the name of roadsters, run abouts, speedsters, sport and do luxe cars, to say nothing of the convertible types. The varying styles indicated tho extent of d. versified tastes of those who desire the advantages of the open car without sacrificing the comforts or the enclosed.
 As was predicted 0 few years ago, the convertible type of body is growing in favor. At last years show, i3 makers listed 30 models, and these included several In the low-priced fields.
 The 1882 body will be quieter than It's predecessor because of im- proved sound deadening methods and the use of preparations to eliminate squeaks as well as to prevent resonance. Along these lines will be noted new body con- struction methods and stiffer body frames. Particularly interesting to the mechanical mind will be tho means employed for preventing weaving and twisting. Engineers have accomplished surprising re- suits along the lines of rigidity. They also have eliminated the small. but regular jolting set up by joints In cement roads, small factor, but annoying on long rides.
 Riding comfort will be more pronounced than heretofore. Bet ter insulation will exclude the heat and cold, as we'll as keep out the sounds of the engine and muffler. The more general use of rubber as a sound insulator will be seen, and it will be generously used on the low-priced cars as well as the most expensive.
 The body engineer has anticipat- ed the demand for roomier bodies since the average 5-passenger car, when closed and laden to full seat ing capacity with the family and all their possessions. has not, in the past, made long rides comfort able, The new bodies will be room fer and the rear seats wider. due to increased rear tread. For the tall person, the new body styles