Edited excerpts from Leftlane News (my interjections/wise-ass remarks in roman case):
BMW [has] released the first images of the completed CLEVER (Compact Low Emission VEhicle for uRban transport). As the (frankly awful) name/acronym suggests, the aim of the project was to create a vehicle that was practical, safe, and environmentally-friendly (to compete with the Small Modern And Really Trendy car?).
One fascinating aspect of the vehicle is its unique tilting design for stable, motorcycle-like cornering. A problem with three-wheel vehicles with a symmetrical wheel layout is the tipping moment when cornering, which cannot be controlled at high speeds if the vehicle has a short wheelbase. To solve this problem the CLEVER’s center of gravity can be moved towards the center of the corner by banking the forward portion, while leaving the 'driven' section horizontal.
At just over three feet wide, it is 20 inches slimmer than a SMART car. The hydraulic active tilt system is electronically controlled and keeps the vehicle upright at low speeds.
The 230cc BMW engine runs on compressed natural gas and the vehicle will have a top speed of approximately 50 mph. Its fuel consumption is a frugal 188 miles per gallon.
The vehicle is different from previous attempts to create a small urban vehicle in that it is fully enclosed in a metal framework. Its roof is as high as conventional cars, and it can carry a passenger (behind the driver). Recent crash-test results have been extremely positive.
If the CLEVER makes it to production, it is expected to cost £6,500.
------------
4 comments:
:-) Looks like a C5 on steroids!
(The C5 was the Sinclair electrical three wheeler for those of younger years - not the more modern Citroen variant)
For those who are interested:
http://www.sinclairc5.com/
for those who don't know, mr look is one of many sad souls who suffer from 'C5 syndrome'... a little known, but severe condition involving extreme panic-attacks and nightmarish flashbacks from having attempted a 4 mile journey in one.
Thanks for that site - I hadn't come accross it.
I recomend all of you travel over there - you can even buy DVD's (now up to volume 4) of C5's.
Fantastic...
C5 on DVD!
Available for the first time ever -
The Sinclair C5 on DVD - 4 Volumes Now Available
Volume 1
Running for about 50 minutes, Volume 1 contains the C5 TV advertisement, and lots of TV news reports and other archive footage about the C5. It shows the C5 launch, various C5 test drives (including one by Stirling Moss!) and fascinating footage of the C5 production line at Hoover.
Running time: Approx. 50 minutes. PAL. Colour. Mono. Region Free.
Volume 2
Running for about 52 minutes, Volume 2 contains the Original Top Gear report from 1985, and a brilliant 30-minute documentary made at the time of the C5 launch, just about the C5. This programme has detailed footage of the Hoover production line, and lots of interviews with members of the C5 development team, including of course, Sir Clive himself.
Running time: Approx. 52 minutes. PAL. Colour. Stereo & Mono. Region Free.
Volume 3
Running for about 55 minutes, Volume 3 contains a 50 minute BBC Horizon documentary made in 1989 called "Clive Sinclair - The Anatomy of an Inventor". This programme covers Sir Clive's entire career to that date, and includes a section about the C5, including lots of interviews. This really will give you an insight into the man behind the C5. As Bonus Footage on this disc there is a short film showing a prototype off-road C5, developed in 1986.
Running time: Approx. 55 minutes. PAL. Colour. Mono. Region Free.
Volume 4 - 20th Anniversary Edition
Running for about 47 minutes, Volume 4 contains a whole range of C5 archive footage spanning three decades. There is an excerpt from the 21st anniversary Tomorrow's World programme, a look back at the C5 on its 10th anniversary in 1995, and news coverage from the recent 20th anniversary. This is all topped off with a BBC Radio interview with Roy Woodward, accompanied by brand new original "C5 CAM" footage.
Running time: Approx. 47 minutes. PAL. Colour. Stereo & Mono. Region Free.
Also Available - New Collectible Deluxe Picture DVD
Photo of its current incarnation here:
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/men/news/technology/s/211/211474_new_clever_car_hits_the_road.html
Post a Comment