AS PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, THE WORLD PICKS FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE

Design of the front-wheel drive 1959 Morris Mini Minor built by British Motor Corporation was guided by three principles: maximum interior room for an 80-in. wheelbase, front engine for maximum directional stability, and front-wheel drive for maximum traction. The two-box concept was utilized: all machinery in front of the firewall (one box), and the remaining space for people and luggage (second box). The "econobox" had Moulton rubber springs for saving space and reducing weight, the gearbox situated inside the engine's sump, 10-in. wheels, and an 850-cc., four-cylinder powerplant. The car weighed 1250 lb., had a top speed of only 73 mph but reached a quarter mi. in 23.5 sec., and provided excellent cornerability. The Mini is still in production, offering efficient packaging, rugged reliability, and excellent fuel economy. Controversy continues regarding the issue of front-vs. rear-wheel drive; Renault, for example, has eliminated rear-drive cars from its lineup, while Porsche is adamantly opposed to front-wheel drive (fwd). By 1985, it is estimated that 90% of U.S. models will be equipped with fwd. Recent fwd cars offered by the American automakers include General Motors' X cars, Chrysler's K cars (Aries and Reliant), and Ford's world cars (Ford Escort and Mercury Lynx). All are well balanced and packaged to fit the needs of most American drivers.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00324558
• Corporate Authors:

  Hearst Magazines

  224 West 57th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10019
• Authors:
  • Assenza, T
• Publication Date: 1980-10

Media Info

• Pagination: 3 p.
• Serial:
  • Popular Mechanics
  • Volume: 154
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Hearst Magazines
  • ISSN: 0032-4558

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Front wheel drive; Vehicle design
• Identifier Terms: Chrysler Corporation; Ford Motor Company; General Motors Corporation; Renault automobile; Renault S.A.
• Old TRIS Terms: British motor corporation
• Subject Areas: Design; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00380639
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 335
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 30 1984 12:00AM