The plug-in hybrid carving three-wheeler from Venture (Gizmag.com)

[eppur_se_muova]

February 17, 2007 Venture Vehicles has formally announced in Los Angeles, the development of a revolutionary (not to mention very cool), 3-wheel, tilting, plug-in Hybrid vehicle under the working name VentureOne. It’s a two-passenger Hybrid vehicle that will get 100 mpg, accelerate from 0-60 in 6 seconds, will have a top speed of over 100 mph, while being priced at under US$20,000. In addition to the low-emission, flex-fuel Hybrid model, a zero-emission all-electric version is also being developed that will have an all-electric range of nearly 200 miles. A key feature of the VentureOne is the patented Dynamic Vehicle Control tilting technology from Dutch-based Carver Engineering that allows the body of the vehicle to actually tilt when going through turns while all three wheels maintain firm contact with the road. Carver already sells petrol-engined versions of the machine, and the Phiaro 3-wheeler is also closely based on the Carver. But a plug-in hybrid with a 200 mile electric range and sportscar performance is very enticing. Production is not scheduled until late 2008 and Venture Vehicles will initially offer two propulsion packages for the VentureOne: the hybrid E50 and Q100, and all-electric Venture EV model. The US$23,000 all-electric model will top the range while the E50 hybrid will sell for US$18,000 and the Q100 hybrid is expected to be priced under US$20,000.

“It’s a truly unique and innovative vehicle”, says Ian Bruce, one of the founding partners of Venture Vehicles. “With the same height and length as the MINI Cooper, the VentureOne will have both the performance of a sports car and the agility of a motorcycle... creating an incredibly exhilarating driving experience. The only way I can describe the sensation is comparing it to flying a jet fighter at two feet off the ground. Plus, this extraordinary performance combines the significant environmental benefits of a flex-fuel, plug-in Hybrid with a high level of affordability.” Two electric pancake motors will power the two rear wheels, with a small combustion engine providing on-road recharging. When garaged, it need only be plugged into a normal 110 outlet.

Safety is another crucial aspect of the VentureOne’s design. The vehicle will be surrounded by a steel “safety cell” providing overall protection, along with other important safety features typically found only in cars. Things like a driver’s airbag, front and side-impact protection, and rear bumper will be standard. A host of world-class partners in design, engineering and production are supporting the development of the VentureOne -- firms such as BMW DesignWorks, A123 Systems, Carver Engineering, Swift Engineering, Boshart Engineering and PML FlightLink. The VentureOne weighs approximately 1,200 pounds in prototype form, with an overall width of 48 inches, a length of 11' 8", and a 106 inch wheelbase. The engine is located in the rear of the vehicle at a low height. The passenger compartment and the front wheel tilt when cornering; however, the forces are aligned with the vertical axis of the driver’s body, resulting in the driver being pressed into the seat rather than pushed across it.

Although classified as a motorcycle according to the NHTSA (since it has three wheels), the VentureOne has an enclosed body. The reinforced roll-cage construction in combination with front-and-side-impact protection, and a highly efficient passenger restraint system, give the occupants a level of protection comparable to conventional cars — or statistically, 33 times the safety of a typical motorcycle.




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more: http://www.gizmag.com/go/6842/

Plug-in! Efficient! Economical! Fast!

Can't haul the whole family, but for office to-and-froing it should be just fine. I hope these things TAKE OVER los Angeles!

on edit: another DUer posted some info on this maybe a year ago -- at the time, it was only being shown in the Netherlands (Carver Eng. being Dutch). So as soon as I saw this I realized it was the same thing. (Can't find the old link.)

[msongs]

1. kinda low to the ground, how can one see where one is going at....100 mph? nt

[Ready4Change]

2. Just look under the SUV's

I drive a small/low car. It is frustrating to have my vision blocked by the plethora of huge vehicles I am usually surrounded by.

However, I get along just fine.

[NMDemDist2]

3. how cool is that?!!??

and with my driving, i'd only have to plug it in twice a month :bounce: