SIX-CYLINDER DODGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 124, 16 August 1927, Page 7

SIX-CYLINDER DODGE

ATTENTION TO DETAIL NEW STANDARDS SET One of the most interesting of the recent developments in the automobile world is the entrance of Dodge Bros, in the six-cylinder field. The Dodge Senior, as it is known, is a radical departure from the established Dodge custom of four-cylinder cars. This new Six has been undergoing development for about two years. It has been thoroughly worked-out by every manner of road and laboratory test, so that all guess-work has been eliminated from it, and it measures entirely up to Dodge Bros.’ well-known standards. THE ENGINE The L-liead engine follows conventional design, with 3$ x 4£ inch cylinder dimensions. The crankshaft is carried on seven bearings and lubrication is by pump. Valve guide, tappet and camshaft construction in a general way follow Dodge previous practice except that the lifters are now mounted in gangs to facilitate service work. Equipment includes oil cleaner and filter. Water Circulation is controlled by a thermostat, and the cooling system has an interesting detail in a distributing manifold, which assures uniform circulation of the water round all six

of the cylinders and thus maintains uniform temperatures between the different cylinders. The Carburettor is a specially designed double-venturi Stromberg, having simplified control and feeding through a hot zone manifold, in which special provision is made for a quick warm-up at starting, by circulation of exhaust gases. Braking equipment on the Senior line is particularly good. The Lockhead hydraulic system of four-wheel braking is used with internal-expanding shoes. A useful provision is a master cylinder

so that the system is automatically kept full of liquid at all times. The hand brake operates a separate set of shoes on the rear wheels. 14-inch drums are used. The Gear-box is built in unit with the engine, the drive being taken through a single-plate clutch and an enclosed propeller shaft to a semifloating, spiral-bevel type axle. Semi-Elliptic Springs are fitted front and rear. Perhaps one reason for the easy riding is that the rear springs, instead of being parallel with the wheels, are in line with the frame. Or perhaps the almost “dead-beat” performance of the suspension may be largely governed by the snubbers. It is evident that care and thought has been given to every feature of the engine and chassis, and all sorts of little conveniences have been added. For example, an automatic take-up on

the steering rod connections is fitted, and again, there are two strainers and a filter in the benzine line. THE BODY The first model produced is a fiveseater sedan, as illustrated on this page. Its size is rendered indefinite by the gently rounded contours, but the suggestion is distinctly that of sturdiness, while the high bonnet and horizontal louvres give an imposing appearance. The entire front of the car is

distinctively new. Colours and toning appeal to the most artistic, and it is understood that other colours will be available shortly. The interior work, as is usual with Dodge cars, is of the highest quality, combined with real comfort. THE INSTRUMENT BOARD This is unusually comprehensive, comprising clock, speedometer, ammeter, oil-pressure gauge, and fuel gauge, grouped together on a walnutfinished panel, under glass. The dashlamp is adjustable. As for speed, the car on smooth pavement picks up uniformly to its 60 or more, and no one doubts the speedometer. In second speed it flashes to 30, 35, or even 40, without perceptiblevibration. The price is somewhat lower than would be expected, and the new Senior will well repay inspection.

MOTORISTS’ LECTURES A system of “safety schools,” where motorists violating minor traffic regulations are lectured, is spreading through Chicago. The system was inaugurated on the west side and since its inception 20,000 reckless motorists have been lectured at a loss of fines estimated at 75,000 dollars. The north side parks have adopted this plan that has worked successfully on the west side, and it ,is believed that schools may soon be aeld in all parts of the city. The lectures are delivered by members of the traffic commission and are instructive and interesting.