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| Morgan Threewheeler Making A Return Posted: 08 Nov 2010 12:23 PM PST
Such was the case with Morgan, who from 1912 to 1952 built over 30,000 of its infamous threewheelers. Now Morgan, which is already planning a diesel-electric hybrid, might be bringing the Threewheeler back. I can dig it. H.F.S. Morgan built his first threewheeler as a practical means of getting around, before eventually starting the Morgan Motor Company in 1912. Interest in his unique contraption was high, since it avoided the hefty motor car tax by being classified as a motorcycle. These peppy little trikes went on to win a number of races, including the 1913 Cyclecar Grand Prix in France. Yet despite being so fast, they still managed to get over 50 mpg at a time when most cars didn’t top 15 mpg. These Morgans always maintained a racing heritage, though eventually the three-wheel design fell out of favor as more conventional four-wheel automobiles fell in price enough that the average Brit could purchase them. However, Morgan could bring the Threewheeler back, this time powered by an 1800 cc “Screaming Eagle” V-Twin Harley Davidson engine making about 100 horsepower. Not a lot of power, right? Well consider that the Morgan’s tubular frame design and use of lightweight materials keeps weight down to just under 1,100 pounds. That means this peppy three-wheeler could sprint from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds, while returning excellent fuel economy. That is, if you can afford the estimated $72,000 price tag. Ok, so this Threewheeler isn’t likely to save the world anytime soon (though it looks frightfully fun). However, the idea of a cost-efficient threewheeler with seating for too, and space enough for some groceries or a couple of duffel bags sounds mighty tempting to me. Mayhaps Morgan will even make an electric one? Now that’d be awesome. Source: Morgan Chris DeMorro is a true gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout. |
| BMW Confirms Efficient Dynamics Concept Heading To Production Posted: 08 Nov 2010 07:44 AM PST
Wrong. In a press release sent out last week, BMW confirmed that the Vision Efficient Dynamic concept would indeed be heading for production. Time to get excited. The Vision Efficient Dynamic Concept is a 2+2 sports coupe that uses mostly off-the-shelf technology to get over 75 mpg in Euro standards, or about 62 mpg in US standards, while maintaining a very futuristic look and sporty driving experience. The concept has won plenty of awards and elicited enthusiastic responses from auto fanatics the world over. Just don’t expect the final production car to look just like the concept, though it will hopefully maintain a sportier look. I’m happy to see at least one major automaker stepping up and saying “hybrids can be fun”. The Efficient Dynamics will be of the plug-in hybrid variety, but the electric motors combined with the turbodiesel engine should certainly make for a spirited driving experience. I was doubtful the Efficient Dynamics concept would actually become a production car, but people really seem to be buying into the idea that hybrids can be fun. That is, if you can afford it. It is a BMW after all, and while it may use “off-the-shelf” technology, that technology isn’t necessarily cheap. Expect a price well north of $100,000 when this concept finally does become a reality. Source: BMW Chris DeMorro is a true gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout. |
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