Posted on 02/26/2006 10:49:16 PM PST by Lorianne
Cross a motorcycle with a small car, and you get a new kind of hybrid -- the three-wheeler
Auto makers -- even some big ones, like Daimler-Chrysler's (DCX ) Mercedes-Benz -- have been developing car-motorcycle hybrids and other three-wheeled vehicles for years. But what's different now is that some of these concepts, such as the Volkswagen GX3 unveiled this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, could actually make it to the marketplace (see BW Online, 1/12/06, "Concept Cars Are Getting Real"). And the GX3, backed by VW's global distribution capability, would stand a chance to develop a niche market.
Three-wheeled vehicles of one kind or another are quite common in the developing world, and were familiar sights in European countries as recently as 20 years ago. In emerging markets, three-wheel vehicles are basically large mopeds, according to Sam Fiorani, forecast manager of research firm AutomotiveCompass.
The concept of three-wheelers is, in fact, as old as the modern car itself: The first gas-fueled car as we know it today, patented in 1886 by Karl Benz, had only three wheels. The jet-powered Spirit of America three-wheeler recorded a time of 566.27 mph in 1964. Three-wheeled and other small vehicles rose in popularity in Europe when the 1956 Suez crisis made gas prices soar.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessweek.com ...
I had a Morgan Supersport, Al body, 1300 lbs, TR3 motor and a Moss racing tranny....went like bloody hell.
The Sparrow is all electric, but the Roadster is the cool V-twin! :-)
The kid on that bigwheel will go through a new pair of shoes everyday as he puts on brakes.
Man-purses... LOL!
Ah, right you are.
It won't be as easy to obtain a mechanic who feels like wrestling with the idiosyncracies of these trikes as you think.
Thanks, but I'll stick with a traditional motorcycle for fuel-efficient, zippy commuter transportation on days when I don't feel like taking the train or a car. They'll need to sink LOTS more engineering brainpower into this concept before it really makes sense.
~ Blue Jays ~
Oh, PLEASE. ANY decent mechanic should be able to handle it. Except for the microprocessor stuff, engines and running gear are NOT complicated. I grew up rebuilding tractors and cars, and wouldn't hesitate to tackle one of these with a decent repair manual.
Warranty work would be handled by the dealers, obviously.
Hydraulic lifts have lots of flexibility. To handle three wheels, you just don't use one of the arms, and swing the other to the center wheel.
Better mileage than an new Toyota Corolla---almost definitely. Less weight, good aerodynamics.
How do you know it won't have AC??. And air circulation can be handled with air scoops.
Same size parking spot as a car?? I doubt it--especially if you drive into the parking spot "end-on".
"I'll stick with a traditional motorcycle for fuel-efficient, zippy commuter transportation on days when I don't feel like taking the train or a car. They'll need to sink LOTS more engineering brainpower into this concept before it really makes sense."
Well, maybe where YOU live---but I live in Washington, where it rains most of the winter. NOT good for a motorcycle commute. As to engineering brainpower--do you think that Volkwagen is lacking in such?? After all, it is the Germans who produce the BMW motorcycle.
Forgot to add one last bulletpoint to my previous post:
~ Blue Jays ~
Makes a hell of a lot of sense from an efficiency standpoint. Two wheels out front. Two in-line seats. Aerodynamic, torpedo-shaped passenger compartment. I'd commute in one. It would make a very sensible second car.
There is a mechanic near my home who specializes in Mercedes vehicles. He won't do a simple oil change on my Ford because he says he doesn't "have the right tools" to perform the work. The simple fact-of-the-matter is that there is a huge number of picky mechanics out there who will turn down trike work because they don't feel like dealing with the extra expense or hassle. If you wish to wrench on your brand-new vehicle on your own dime, that's your choice.
Yeah, the dealerships may offer warranty work on the Volkswagen or the Mercedes Benz versions if they ever see the light of day...not so easy for the Peugeot 20Cup, Aprilia Magnet, or Phiaro P67B Eternity. Oh, you mean there isn't a network of Phiaro dealerships near Milwaukee? I wouldn't have guessed.
How do I know they won't have air conditioning? Look at the vehicles, the majority of them are open to the elements just like a motorcycle. In fact, since they're much lower to the ground one would likely endure a few more stone impacts from passing cars. I'd prefer the rocks smack my shins which are covered by high boots and leather riding pants while riding a motorcycle, thank you very much.
If it rains so much near your home, why in the world would you want to commute with one of these vehicles? You could get a reliable commuter car (like a diesel-powered Volkswagen Golf) that gets tremendous fuel mileage and still have plenty of money leftover to purchase a slick and fun motorcycle. I'm not just speaking for myself, I fail to see anything compelling that would help these vehicles sell successfully in the marketplace...even if they were a hoot to drive on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
~ Blue Jays ~
Just remember that both you and your passenger will need to wear helmets, gloves, boots, and leathers to boost safety, just as if you were on a motorcycle. You'll both have to switch into your suits, skirts, or casual clothes one your reach your workplace.
I only see this vehicle attracting current motorcyclists to expand what is in their stable...it doesn't have the draw to pull motorists out of a car. It would be tons of fun to try one, but I just don't think they'll make it happen in this country.
~ Blue Jays ~
That video of the Merlin Roadster was neat. The partially-exposed V-Twin engine out front is an especially slick touch.
~ Blue Jays ~
That Peugeot actually looks cool.
Damn, did I say something nice about a French car company? Well it would probably break down every other week, so it's unlikely to find itself in my stable of vehicles.
Note the qualfying term "majority". I'd never buy one of the open versions--it's too damned cold in the winter, and too damned wet. Up here in the "great Northwest", we don't need AC , particularly---heat is more essential. But I would bet that AC "will" be an option on the closed versions.
"If it rains so much near your home, why in the world would you want to commute with one of these vehicles? You could get a reliable commuter car (like a diesel-powered Volkswagen Golf) that gets tremendous fuel mileage and still have plenty of money leftover to purchase a slick and fun motorcycle.
Because it will, very probably, get far better gas mileage that even that "diesel-powered Volkswagen Golf", and being closed, be far safer and more comfortable in winter than a motorcycle (which I wouldn't own one of under any circumstances--as I have no desire to bounce my tender cranium off the pavement).
Which said, I oppose both mandatory helmet laws and seatbelt laws, because I think every individual should have the freedom to make the decision to bounce HIS particular cranium off the pavement.
You've precisely mirrored my exact sentiments! I was immediately attracted to the French vehicle...shudder
If it is any consolation, the Peugeot company is absolutely notorious for bringing fantastic new concept cars to worldwide automobile shows...but then never launching them to market. This is just one of many of their vehicles that will suffer the same fate.
I'd love to get that thing out for a nice, dry autumn day with temperatures in the fifties or sixties. It would be a scream.
~ Blue Jays ~
Several of your points make perfect sense...and don't be lulled into believing one of these tiny trikes will be much "safer" than a motorcycle. Any accident suffered in them would be traumatic and ugly. They're only as wide as your shoulders and hips, which is why rugged protective gear would make so much sense.
A VW Golf TDI with the 1.9 liter diesel engine gets mileage that hovers around 42-45 miles to the gallon. I have a friend whose father drove one for years in the early-1990's. When he drove as if he had eggshells beneath his right foot he could squeeze 49 miles per gallon out of it on his highway commutes when A/C wasn't needed. I'm sure the modern ones do even better.
~ Blue Jays ~
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