CONTENTS OF ARTICLE Engines 36 Transmissions and Drivelines 42 Chassis, Suspension, and Steering Systems 45 Brakes 49 Electrical Systems 50 Accessories 50 Body Engineering 536L/033(i 1966 PASSENGER-CAR ENGINEERING TRENDS 1966 cars probably include a better- than-average number of significant engineering innovations and changes. Here is a list of a few of them: •The first front-wheel-drive passen- ger car to be mass-produced in this country since the Cord was discon- tinued – the Oldsmobile Toronado. •A variable ratio steering system – on Cadillac. •Automatic transmissions that can also be operated manually. •Higher compression ratio engines on the larger cars – which has been at least partly responsible for the con- tinuing climb in the weighted average compression ratio. •A "stub" frame in the front and unitized construction in the rear of the Oldsmobile Toronado. Apart from this, there were no switches be- tween unitized and body-and-frame construction. •Automatic transmissions are smoother shifting and give more ef- fective downhill braking. •Adhesive mountings are replacing rubber on windshields and backlights. •Noise and vibration levels have been reduced on most cars. •New stereo radios, including a ra- dio that operates from tape or by picking up radio station broadcasts;steering wheels with multiple adjust- ments; new speed control systems; and automatic warning light systems are among the large number of ac- cessories being offered. Car interiors have also received at- tention. Reclining seats and head rests are offered on several models. Richer fabrics, including vinyls, and perforated leather that breathes are used in passenger compartments. One luxury car offers electric seat warmers. Control consoles are de- signed for both visual beauty and functional practicality. Seat adjust-ment is more versatile for greater comfort. In addition, 1966 will probably be remembered as the year government regulations seriously affecting free- dom of design were first imposed on a large scale on the automobile indus- try of this country. The California Emissions Control law, for example, is reshaping many of the industry's long-standing design considerations and test procedures. Emission test and development work is already accounting for hundreds of thousands of engineering man- hours annually. Designing cars for improved protection of the passengers is also getting much attention. Wit- ness, for instance, the fact that up to 16 safety items, previously op- tional, are now standard equipment on most cars built in this country.Walter G. Patton, engineering editor, SAE Journal (Written at the request and with the cooperation of the SAE Passenger-Car Engineering Activity; valuable contributions were also made by members of the SAE Body and Mate- rials Engineering Activities) Volume 73, Number 11 35Downloaded from SAE International by University of Birmingham, Tuesday, August 21, 20181966 will be another year of many and varied engine choices for the American auto buyer. Maximum horsepower and weighted average brake horsepower are both up. So are compression ratios and displace. ment. The ratio of weight to displace- ment has been reduced. Breathing and carburetion have been improved. Crankcase emission control devices are now standard, where required by state laws. Air conditioning has more and more affected engine de- sign. The overhead cam engine has made another appearance in the pas- senger-car field. Modifications of competition engines are offering high performance in conventional road ve- hicles. And the new engines demand and get improved electric compo- nents. The economy engine has not, however, been overlooked. All new cars sold in California, with the exception of a few low pro- duction models, are equipped with an approved antismog control system or device, to comply with the law. Many engineers feel that the introduction of the California law will have a sig- nificant impact on the automotive in- dustry