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Multi Mode Vehicle : You Can Turn Your Motorbike to Aircraft

TheFuture — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:56:26 +0000

Multi Mode Vehicles or MMVs are an effort of Samson Motorworks to overcome the car’s inability to fly, and considering the aerodynamic and weight related issues of 4-wheel vehicles, they have embarked on an assignment to develop a flying 3-wheel motorcycle. Two models of duel-use MMVs are under development, first one is Skybike with a patent telescoping wing and the other one is the Switchblade that utilizes a scissors wing design and can retract the wings when you are riding in the freeway.

Although both the MMVs are light and small, they can attain a maximum altitude of around 10,000 foot above sea level. The overall size and strong structure around the riders ensures passenger safety and can be spotted easily by other vehicles in traffic. The front shock absorber, a side door protection and ballistic shaft recovery system are few safety features of these three-wheelers. Both models include air conditioning and heating, rear view video monitor, automatic vehicle leaning, dual lighting system for ground and air, and stereo MP3 input CD player.

Unlike the conventional aircraft engines, the engines of these MMVs have emission controls, therefore, motorcycle engines and transmissions are being used after modification to provide power reverse to the propellers for both the models. From the test result of the current pre-production engines, it’s been predicted that they would pass the ultra-low emission vehicle standards of California without exhaust treatment.

Designer : Samson Motorworks via Gizmag

Citroën’s C-Métisse Car Concept at Festival of Speed at Goodwood This Year

TheFuture — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:25:11 +0000

One of the models that sure will grab eye balls at this year’s Festival of Speed at Goodwood would be the Citroën’s C-Métisse concept. Its appearance is the first in the UK for this 155mph supercar which made its debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

It’s marked by front and rear gull-wing doors, with an cockpit that is “aviation-style”, the and is powered by a 208bhp V6 HDi diesel engine. Also there are two separate electric motors placed on the rear wheels, enabling a top speed of 155mph, and reaches 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds while producing a torque of 400Nm, all this while retaining exceptional fuel economy a whopping 45 miles per gallon on the combined cycle! and maintaining low-emissions. So just zip zap and zoom!

via Gizmag, Image Credit : SeriousWheels

TVA Gazelle Tilting 4-wheeler Car Concept by Philip James

TheFuture — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:57:33 +0000

It is a fact that today we are on a verge of new commuting age where cars are too heavy, bulky, and dirty. Even the motorcycles are too inflexible and hard to ride on traffic-clogged roads. If someone adds a hybrid nature to existing cars, they can be best solution for your survival. TVA Gazelle tilting 4-wheeler is a car which is not at all wider or heavier with an ability to tilt for stability around the corners. The Australian inventor Philip James has designed this vehicle that will make well over 100 mpg with the help of the vehicle design. Its steering wheel is totally isolated from the front wheels because of Gazelle’s radical new steering and handling system.

Tilting 3- and 4-wheelers like the Carver, Phiaro and Venture are a step in the right direction, says James, but they still can’t offer total stability because the steering is still directly connected to the steering wheel – so when traction is lost or the vehicle goes to topple under cornering forces, the driver is completely responsible for any corrective action; a fundamental issue with any vehicle that uses direct steering control.

James’ solution is simple yet revolutionary – his narrow, 4-wheel TVA Gazelle concept vehicle connects the steering wheel directly and exclusively to the vehicle’s tilt angle. The front wheels are effectively then completely free to dynamically respond to the vehicle’s momentum and inertia, turning into the lean all by themselves and maintaining exceptional stability in corners. This cue vehicle seems like a dream come true for all those who are fed up of rising traffic on roads.

Designer : Phillip James via Gizmag