Latest Developments in Automotive Field

Above is shown a new type auto wheel fitted with curved, spring-steel spokes, which is designed to cushion the unsprung weight of the car. Broken spokes may be replaced without removing the wheel.

Leo Bazin, of Paris, France, standing beside the new car which he designed. This car boasts of a body which can be opened by means of hinges to facilitate repairs of the chassis and transmission. At the left is a detail of the new English Daimler which embodies the liquid clutch and self-changing gear shift.

This reminds me of the segment Top Gear where they profile the Reliant Robin. If you’ve never seen it I suggest you go watch it now. It is hilarious.

THREE-WHEEL SURREY
LAMBRETTA Surrey with a Ghia-made body is the latest vehicle from the Italian scooter maker. The three-wheel vehicle seats two passengers comfortably on a wide rear seat. The Surrey has a one-cylinder, 150cc two-cycle engine with a top speed of 45 mph. It travels about 75 miles on a gallon of gas. The Surrey will retail in the U.S. for under $1,300 and is designed for resorts, golf clubs, amusement areas and other places where economical short-haul transportation is desired.

That picture makes me really want to try to pull on that bumper so I can insert a giant SIM card.

Designed with passengers’ safety in mind

By December, this model of the Fairchild Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESV) above should be a reality, and in the hands of the Department of Transportation for evaluation. Among the safety features designed into it are: a wide, over-the-roof rear-view periscope; aerospace structural roll cage; hydraulic shock-absorber front bumper; torsion-hinge rear bumper; airbags; and padded interior. Fairchild is competing with AMF for a contract to build 12 test ESVs.