XNovo Three Wheeler from Sidam

After the popularity of three-wheelers is rising, started by Piaggio MP3, Gilero Fuoco and Vectrix, a French scooter importer Sidam try to enter the market by building another type of three-wheel scooter. But this time, instead of putting two wheels at the front, they decided to put the two wheels at the rear of the vehicle. Kinda remind me of Thai Tuk Tuk, but Xnovo concept is somehow some crossover between a minivan and Thai Tuk Tuk.

The design sketches seem to suggest that both rear wheels will be belt driven in the 500cc Piaggio-engined petrol version – although hybrid and fully electric versions are also on the cards, the latter featuring twin electric motors, one in each wheel hub. The luggage angle is definately a big part of the concept fot Sidam.

We’ll wait to learn more as the Xnovo moves towards a launch date rumoured to be late 2008. Price is expected to be around ?8000 for the 500cc model.

sidam xnovo

sidam xnovo three wheeler

sidam xnovo minivan

via thebikergene

Pushchair Design for 3 Children

Nick Colvin redesigned a child’s pushchair to meet the rugged demands of everyday life. He wanted the pushchair had to be able to accommodate 3 children of varying ages with enough storage space to carry any accessories & toys etc. One of the stipulations the group included was to ensure that the pushchair would last as the children grew up, as the cost of pushchairs has vastly increased in recent years. The pushchair had to be of solid build quality to ensure it passed any health and safety standards, all of which had to be achieved whilst retaining a contemporary aesthetic. As with all pushchairs size is a major issue especially when dealing with a 3 seater pushchair. Which is why his design features a unique folding design to minimize space when folded but retain maximum seating and room capacity.

pushchair design for 3 children

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Modern Urban Folding Bike

Genius is a modern urban folding bike, ideal for commuters who need to travel short distances of 10 to 20 minutes between underground stations, the workplace and the home. It still rolls when folded and can therefore be comfortably used even in large congested cities. The compact design of the Genius ensures unlimited mobility. It can be carried, rolled or ridden, and with its well-thought-out functional and ergonomic design and release mechanism it is easy to handle. The aerodynamic look of the Genius makes it clear that this is not a child?s bike. Its three gears provide the necessary speed, and the bike can be unfolded and refolded within three seconds thanks to a convenient kick-bar and push-down / pull-up handle system. Made of aluminium (80 per cent) and stainless steel (10 per cent) it is lightweight, stable and 90 per cent recyclable.

future folding bike

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Renovatio Concept by Confederate Motor Company

I’m a little bit confused with this motor design, where do I sit ? This renovation concept by Confederate Motor Company uses minimal machine, using the fewest pieces, moving parts and systems to accomplish its dynamic mission. The word “Renovation” itself means rebirth, which also represent the rebirth of their headquarters company after destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The Driving concept was the creation of a conceptually flexible foundation to allow a place for growth and further iteration; a utilitarian modular flexible foundation.

renovatio project

renovatio concept

Conceived by the leader of our conceptual design team, Mr. Ed Jacobs, the motorcycle is at once primitive, bohemian, and yet highly technical. Renovatio is un-compromised, light weight, possesses enormous torque, is capable of extreme performance, yet has maximum real world streetable active safety. It is graceful in motion, yet potentially brutal. It exudes inner beauty through absolute follow through of truth of concept. Renovatio has great proportions, holistic brand gestalt, is original, impactful, alluring and elegant

renovatio design

renovatio design

Specification :

Dimensions:
Weight: 340lbs.; Wheelbase 60″; Seat Height 30″; 27 degree rake.

Engine:
103 cubic inch Confederate Water cooled 90 degree utilitarian modular platform
150 HP normally aspirated – 190 HP optional supercharger

Transmission:
Confederate design; six speed, close ratio.

Primary:
Internal gear driven

Front End:
Girder-type aircraft aluminum and titanium multi-link with
shock centered on steering axis; Carbon fiber struts.

Swingarm:
Single sided aluminum cast piece.

Suspension:
Rear-Penske coil over shock with remote reservoir multi adjustable; Front-Penske coil in shock, multi adjustable.

Lighting:
Forward LED headlight and blinker system; integrated into girder.

Fuel Cell:
Confederate design, one piece composite fiber cell;
Fuel Capacity 4.5 gallons with integrated air box.

Gauge:
Single integrated tachometer and speedometer.

Wheels:
Blackstone structural carbon fiber.

Identification:
Engine & Neck contain ID numbers.

Preliminary Engine Specifications:
Type: V-twin

Displacement: 1686 cc (103 cu. in.)

V-angle: 90 degrees

Compression ratio: 11.0:1

Valve configuration: Over head valves, 2 per cylinder

Valve lifters: Hydraulic roller

Bore x stroke: 108 x 92mm (4.252 x 3.622 in.)

Fuel system: Sequential fuel injection

Fuel Type: Premium unleaded

Horsepower: 135 hp (SAE Certified)

Torque: 125 lbs-ft (SAE Certified)

Fuel shut off: 7800 rpm

Block: 356-T6 Sand cast aluminum

Cylinder bores: Liner-less Nicom coated parent aluminum

Cylinder head: 356-T6 Sand cast aluminum

Intake manifold: Carbon runner, dual throttle body

Exhaust manifold: 321 Stainless steel headers

Crankshaft: Billet 4340 steel

Camshaft: Billet 8620 VAR steel

Connecting rods: Forged Powder Metal Titanium

Pistons: Forged 4032 Aluminum

Valves: Forged titanium

Audi A2 in 2009 : More Space and Fuel-Efficient Cars, Watch Out BMW and Mercedes !

audi a2BMW and Mercedes would have to struggle for lower emissions and higher fuel efficiency. With European CAFE regulations, measured in tailpipe CO2 emissions rather than fuel economy, also getting much tighter, Germany’s luxury automakers, too, are feeling the heat from global warming. Even Audi which can average out its CO2 figures across the entire VW Group portfolia, feeling the pressure to build more fuel-efficient cars and smaller body.

Audi management has settled on a strategy of making its 2009 A2 a straightforward subcompact with mass appeal, rather than leftfield, like the Gen I aluminum A2. This would be key rival for BMW and Mercedes if they bring it to USA, since they offer more interior space than a Mini. The 2009 A2 won’t have a unique platform, but will use the VW subcompact underpinnings, like the Polo, with gasoline engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters, plus diesels.

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