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CLEVER Car One Meter Wide
The CLEVER car prototype, a result of a collaboration between European partners from industry and academics, is just one meter wide (that's just over three feet for Americans). The CLEVER car has a top speed of about 100 km/hr (60 mph) and does 0-40 mpg in just seven ecological seconds.
(CLEVER Car interior and exterior)
How is it different from all those other futuristic tiny cars? Well, it's fully enclosed in a metal framework, stylishly designed and is safer. It's roof is just as tall as that of a regular car. The passenger sits right behind the driver. It has a tilting chassis that keeps it stable when cornering; the vehicle controls tilt automatically.
although this is not an sf prediction, this car does remind me of the flitter car in Frank Herbert's Dosadi Experiment
He activated the grapple tracks. The skitter jerked into motion, danced sideways, and slid smoothly down the driveway to the street.As they emerged from the parking spire's enclosing shadows, even before the grapple released and Havvy activated the skitter's own power, Jedrik firmed her decision not to look back.
(Read more about the skitter car)
Vehicle enthusiasts may enjoy the Volksvegan, the Mac Mini KITT Knight Rider car and the EMBRIO tumblebug concept. Read more about the CLEVER car.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 4/25/2006)
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