December 4, 2004 Despite being classified as a motorcycle, the radically styled T-Rex three-wheeler handles more like a sportscar with the help of huge, sophisticated rear suspension that significantly enhances road holding. A distant relative of the Morgan automobile, the T-Rex exploits Japanese motorbike technology to create a 1200cc superbike engine that can go from 0-97 km/h in a lightning 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 225 km/h.
The chassis features a multi-tubular steel-roll cage for maximum protection and the glass-fibre reinforced plastic body contains a carbon-fibre windscreen and headrest. The driving position, the angle of the steering wheel and the suspension make this three-wheeler respond like a car while a wide front track and a balanced geometry give T-Rex drivers extraordinary control. Additionally, the new TR V-Twin offers an open-air cab that adds an extra level of street cred to an already eye-catching vehicle.
The combination of motorcycle technology and precision steering provides the T-Rex with optimal handling. The 28 litre fuel tank supplies a 1200 c, 4 cylinder engine that exploits Japanese superbike technology to give the T-Rex it's astounding acceleration. A six-speed close ratio gear box allows sequential change, with a purposely designed final drive housing the reverse gear and a torque damper in the rear wheel.
Inside the cockpit, two seats fit a driver and a passenger and featue an adjustable back and foot-pedal box along with three-point retractable security belts. The compact design doesn't leave much room for luggage - but this is taken care of with an optional extra suitcase by the wheel designed by Giva Maxia in soft cover, chrome or carbon-fibre.
History
Founded in 1990 in the Province of Quebec (Canada), the Campagna Corporation has acquired a reputation within the automotive industry since the development of the first T-Rex prototype in 1994. Campagna's founder Daniel Campagna has devoted more than eight years to creating the T-Rex, personally handcrafting the first vehicles. Since then, Campagna has gathered a creative team of technicians carrying the mission, the vision and the T-Rex heritage.
Daniel Campagna is no newcomer to the automotive industry. In addition to participating in Formula Ford competition championships held in Quebec (1976, 1977 and 1979), he built the off-road racer Voodoo in 1982 and created the twin-track snowmobile in 1984. Meanwhile, Campagna was one of the mechanics to the Formula 1 legend: Gilles Villeneuve.
Paul Deutschman is an internationally known designer who developed the bodywork for the T-Rex. After graduating from Hatfield (England) with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Deutschman was employed by Rover and Jaguar before he returned to his native Quebec to work in design and prototype construction. As a designer from Callaway, he was responsible for all Callaway cars, from Corvette aerobody to C-7 and C-12.
T-Rex's are available for a suggested retail price of US$43,190 and can be ordered direct from:
