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Awkward Piaggio Tricycle Could Be First Mass-Produced Plug-in Hybrid
Posted by John Herrman at 10:45 PM on November 11, 2008
You know that plug-in hybrid revolution everyone keeps talking about? Well, apparently this is what it is going to look like. If Piaggio keeps its word, the first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle will be an updated version of its MP3 scooter, identical to its older brother in nearly every way except for its powertrain. The company claims that the paired engine and motor will let this backwards trike cover over 225km on a gallon of gas, and launch it to 100kph in an amazing five seconds.
This $US2,500 tricycle is pretty straightforward. Made of titanium, the hook is the trike is nigh indestructible, meaning rich little snots can pedal around the driveway without fear of bending the frame or snapping it in two. Racing to the mailbox for the latest Hammacher Schlemmer catalog has never been safer. A carbon (fibre?!) seat, white leather saddle and white rims complete the look. Just be wary of that silver spoon in your kids' mouth as jockey for position at playtime. Hello? Choking hazard, anyone? [
While the tricycle/Big Wheel are both throwbacks to our past, one designer believes that three wheels are the future. Felipe Tolomei designed this three-wheeled Rabbit bike with a clever idea--put two small electric motors on each back tire. Now if we would only widen each of those motorised wheels to dragster dimensions and stick in a carbon-spewing dual exhaust, I think we'd have ourselves a serious concept. [
We immediately noticed there's not much steam to be had with this steampunk tadpole tricycle, but those criticisms were forgotten when we saw video of designer Alan skirting around on it, period piece clothing and all. Officially known as the Brass Lion, the three-wheeled wonder is pedal-powered and sports some seriously cool (and functioning) brass coach lamps. The ride looks pretty smooth, too.
