Spira4u recently announced that is had begun pilot production of its three-wheeled urban vehicle. To be available in both an electric- and a gas-powered version, the Spira4u employs a honeycomb composite chassis and a fiberglass and foam body to achieve a unique combination of economy, safety and convenience. Gizmag took time out from the floor of NAIAS in Detroit to take the Spira4u for a spin.
The US$9,000 electric version of the Spira4u that we drove in Detroit weighs in at around 236 kg (520 lb) and is fitted with a 10 kW (13.4 hp) motor that delivers a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), with the option to add a second motor. It also uses an unconventional tiller steering mechanism. So how does it drive? Check out our video review to find out:
Visit our gallery for a closer look at the Spria4u, or to get the full story on its development and move into production see our previous coverage.
Product page: Spira4u
Thanks guys. This thing looks like a BLAST. I love the concept of putting foam on the exterior of the vehicle. Not sure if I like the idea of a plastic-frame or the 3-wheeled design, but I love this thing as a concept. I'd totally scoot around in one.
Also, the luggage compartment at the back should be a seat, so that you can take a passenger.
I thought it was clear to the sentient by now that if one wants to be able to turn corners at any speed, there would have to be 2 wheels up front. This design has failure designed in. Pity, that.
I seem to recall a Nissan race-car that defied the "trike-like" properties. I'm not saying this eco-box (saying that with good intentions) is stable, I'm just saying we should all be asking for proof before bashing the design out of existence.
That's not to say that this design, with more modern construction, will prove dangerous- although I think a 60mph top speed does sound on the high side.