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Innovations

Chassis of Traction

Engineer André Lefebvre’s three priorities of economy, comfort and safety were, to a large extent, at the root of the model’s wealth of innovations.

The front-wheel drive system was the most emblematic of these technological innovations, hence the vehicle’s name (“Traction Avant” is French for front-wheel drive). The design principle was to group the engine and gearbox assembly on the front wheels, which would be both powered and steered. This lowered the vehicle’s centre of gravity – notably by doing away with the transmission driveshaft – and provided unheard-of roadholding.

Eliminating the transmission driveshaft also meant that the traditional ladder chassis could be replaced by all-steel, one-piece bodywork. The new chassis was lighter than and just as stiff as the old one, and also had an aerodynamic shape that increased the vehicle’s top speed.

The floating power engine, introduced in 1932 on the Rosalie, was another major innovation. This technology was essential for the Traction because its all-steel, one-piece bodywork could never have withstood the vibrations of a fixed engine. With this system, the powertrain is positioned on flexible silentblocks in rubber that absorb impact and vibration from the powertrain.

The Traction also featured a hydraulic handbrake. Like the innovations above, this system is still in use today, demonstrating the importance of the Traction’s innovations and its extreme modernity.

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