Urban Transport

T-Rex three-wheeler superbike

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The TR-V Twin model
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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:

http://www.go-t-rex.com

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13 comments
Facebook User
this is my next dream car.. check it out.. saw one in knoxville the other day.. was just too neat..
Gargamoth
T-rex isn\'t new, they\'re everywhere :/ Still I want one!
Facebook User
!
Frederics
WHAT is that about talking about the Morgan whenever a three-wheeler comes up? The Morgan was uncomfortable, noisy, brutal and decidedly inelegant; the same type of person was drawn to it as the American Gang Bangers on their traditonal, truly horrid Halrey-Davidson `Hogs´. The most successful three-wheeler in history was the Fend designed Messerschmitt Karo 201 which to this day is unequalled in overall efficiency and comfort. There was a MYRIAD of three-wheelers in the 1950´s, most of which were quite fabulous, even if UNDERpowered by todays standards. In case you are NOT aware of these things, may I refer you to the website www.germanmotorcycles.cl. Trust me it will be an eye opener. Gerry Fredrics
Facebook User
Ya, lots of German tech was way ahead of it\'s time, what I keep thinking about is if the German people weren\'t lead by Hitler and made into the bad guy as perceived by the rest of the world, and this includes Japan, in so much as they both needed a butt kicking to put them back into line or under control, however you look at it, where would we be as a world in the technology game. I for one will always buy German first, followed by European before Japanese or Chinese just because of the workmanship and quality.
How much of the German Tech was made available to the Japanese by the German Government/Military to further the war effort? is this where they got the inside tech and then greedily began the theft of the industries?
WWII was a great disservice to the world as far as advancement of society and technology, it\'s a shame, but there is no changing history, and by the looks of what is going on in the Middle East, they haven\'t learned much from it.
Gargamoth
I would love to design my own! I really like this trike idea, fit and finish needs to be better; I\'ve seen alot of trexes but they don\'t look finished :/
bf_308
OK lets take off the rose coloured spectacles and really talk horsepower / handling etc etc etc. Just go to http://www.arielatom.com/specs/atom-500-v8 and you will see the real meaning of motoring enjoyment. No stories, no bull just enjoy..................sorry I forgot its got 4 wheels.........damn go get yourself a car license. Its made in England with some outlets / manufacturing in US but its the same beast that gives you a petrol-head orgasm from whatever side of the Atlantic you are on.
Thomas Landers
0-60 in 3.5 seconds. FAST
Stily1
So lets see, none of the conveniences of a car: *limited cargo, *only two seats, *no climate control, *no protection from the elements, *reduced crash protection, *trivial licensing requirements (in the USA, anyway),
Many of the drawbacks of a car *high cost (as much as many luxury cars!), *difficult to park (it may as well *be* a car), *can\'t lean in the curves, *can\'t filter (lane split, for those of you in the US), *can\'t hop the sidewalk to park in that little out-of-the-way nook,
Missing most of the good bits of a motorcycle *cheap to buy, *fuel economy, *cheap and easy to park, *can filter, *hops small lawns in a single bound, *LEANS IN THE TURNS,
And HAS many of the drabacks of a motorcycle *challenging licensing requirements (well, sort of in the USA), *exposed to the rain, cold, wind, snow, falling branches, *very limited cargo capacity, *very limited passenger capacity, *minimal crash protection
So in short this thing is an expensive, lame motorcycle that go\'s quick but is basically a silly-looking track toy at ten times the price of a very good motorcycle and will NEVER GET YOU LAID.
And you wonder whey they aren\'t more successful??? Give it a rest.
Gargamoth
I have to agree with stily, Greed has made a half built vehicle over priced for it\'s value. Making a fiber glass mold is only part of the way to making a finished product adding a glaze on top it doesn\'t make it worth anymore except for the material added to it. I happen to love the idea of a reverse trike just not this brand in particular (as is anyway).