New Light 4 x 4 from Volvo
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ANEW design of lightweight four-wheel-drive crosscountry vehicle may be put into production by A.B. Volvo, GOteborg, Sweden. The model is known
as the L 2304 and it is unusual for a vehicle of this type in having full forward control, with the cab steps
ahead of the front wheels. It can carry a driver, two passengers and a payload of. 5 cwt, across country, or a driver, five passengers and 6 cwt. on normal road work.
There are three models in the new series. One is completely open, with a canvas top; one has a steel cab and canvascovered „payload space, and the third is completely enclosed by a steel superstructure. They have kerb weights of 1 ton 7+ cwt., 1 ton 8+ cwt. and 1 ton 9+ cwt.
respectively. •
All models have a standard wheelbase. of 6 ft. 10+ in., the overall length being 12 ft. 8 in. and the width 5 ft. 3 in. Front and rear axles have a common track of 4 ft. 31 in., and the quoted turning circle is 34 ft.
.A Volvo BI6A 1.58-litre four-cylindered petrol engine, similar to that used in certain Volvo private cars, is employed. The maximum output is 60 b.h.p. at 4,500 r.p.ni., the peak torque of Si lb.-ft. being developed at 2,500 r.p.m.
Power is transmitted through an 8-in.diameter clutch to a four-speed synchromesh gearbox, integral with which is a two-speed auxiliary and transfer box. The main gearbox ratios are. 3.45, 2.18, 1.31 and 1 to 1, whilst the auxiliary gearbox has ratios of 2.85 and 125 to 1 when 7.00-16-in. tyres are fitted, and 3.24 and 1.37_ to 1 when 9.00-16-in.
equipment is employed. • Spicer front and rear axles are used, the front axle having Rzeppa constant velocity joints, whilst the rear axle has a Power Lok automatic differential lock. The final-drive ratio is 5.38 to 1.
Semi-elliptic leaf springs, working in conjunction with double-acting telescopic dampers, provide the suspension for both axles and the steering gear is of ZF manufacture. The braking system is Forward control is a feature of the new Volvo L 2304 4 x 4 crass-country vehicle. Power is supplied by a 60 b.h.p. fourcylindered petrol engine with an 8-in.-diameter clutch.
hydraulically operated, incorporating Bendix 11-in.-diameter wheel units, whilst the hand brake acts on a drum mounted behind the auxiliary gearbox.
Welding is employed throughout the frame assembly, which has U-section side members.
With 7.00-16-in. tyres the Volvo L 2304 has a speed of 57.5 m.p.h. at 4,500 r.p.m. in high auxiliary ratio and 25 m.p.h. in low auxiliary. With the larger tyres these speeds become 60 m.p.h. and 25.75 m.p.h. respectively.
Two prototypes are in Africa on a journey from Goteborg to Cape Town, and two more are on trial runs in Denmark. Germany, Holland, and Belgium. Endurance runs through the U.S.A., Canada and Finland are to take place, and a test through Norway has just been completed. If successful, the 4 x 4 will go into production.