New Aptera

[groar]

Originally Posted by trebuchet03

I see lights on the Type 1 front wheels... Am I missing something?

I was drunk, or missing cafeine, or missing sleep, or...

But even with these lights, I think this is a dangerous configuration in daily commutes. This morning several people overtook me too closely. People from their SUV will see the main body of the aptera, but may not see/remember the front wheel... May be this is why I never saw side-cars on the left of a motorcycle.

Denis.

[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by groar

I was drunk, or missing cafeine, or missing sleep, or...

But even with these lights, I think this is a dangerous configuration in daily commutes. This morning several people overtook me too closely. People from their SUV will see the main body of the aptera, but may not see/remember the front wheel... May be this is why I never saw side-cars on the left of a motorcycle.

Denis.

My experience riding recumbent bikes in the city tells me that it likely won't be too big of a problem. When drivers (people in general) see something that's "odd" (in this case, it's not an SUV and not a typical car, motorcycle, bicycle etc.) they give more attention. For me, on my 'bent, I have smaller visible area but I'm noticed much more than other bikes - which ultimately equates to larger clearance when a car is overtaking

Of course, if the car design becomes the norm, it then looks more transparent... But that would be a good problem to solve

[tjts1]

As of mid November they had 4000 $500 deposits in California alone. The car has switched to FWD for several reasons. The production electric motor is much more powerful. They found that the single tire RWD created some traction and stability problems in the rain. An inexperienced driver could spin out really easily in the rain. Moving the whole drive train into the front (its extremely compact) also frees up more room in the trunk. Overall a win win.

Expect to see front, side and head airbags, ABS and traction control as either standard or optional equipment.

[some_other_dave]

Originally Posted by tjts1

... They found that the single tire RWD created some traction and stability problems in the rain....

Good move, I say. A friend of mine found that getting his Corbin Sparrow (AKA "The Nose") moving on wet pavement could be a very, uhhh, "interesting" proposition.

-soD

[MetroMPG]

Single rear drive surely isn't an insurmountable problem with an electronic traction control system. (Probably much easier to implement with electric drive as well.)

The single driven rear wheel was possibly more efficient though.

Anyhoo, they've confirmed the FWD change: Aptera switches to front-wheel drive - listing 6 reasons:

1. Better weight distribution, which, in turn, maximizes stability
2. Improved traction during acceleration and in inclement weather wet conditions
3. More efficiency at higher speeds
4. Increased durability during the life of the vehicle
5. Improved noise insulation
6. Increased rear cargo space (without sacrificing front legroom)

As well, they've announced production delays: Aptera likely to miss end-of-year delivery date - AutoblogGreen

[NachtRitter]

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[moorecomp]

Saw an Aptera in a commercial on tv the other night for Great Lakes Energy here in Northern Michigan.

[Curly1]

I think it would look cool with the headlights on the front wheel covers and it would make the lights turn with the wheels to give you better night visablilty.

I think the Aptera is a really neat design and I see no reason why they can not mass produce them for $12,000 to $15,000 and sell them by the millions. $30,000 to $40,000 it is really not worth that but at $12,500 it would be a good value and sell as many as they can build.

There is so many good things about this design, light wieght, aerodynamic and good mileage.

Does not matter to me if it is front wheel drive or rear wheel drive.

[Cd]

One of the things that strikes me as genius is the way that the car does not give up its aerodynamics, yet rides very high off of the ground.

This is not only great for safety,( from jacked up SUVs crashing into you ) but it also would help to make people that are used to SUVs ( a huge percentage of the American population ) more comfortable in the car.

Anyone else feel this way ?

[trikkonceptz]

I'm hoping it is a success in California, because it is ideally suited for Florida. I would be the first to drop a deposit for one. Not because it is the cheapest alternative to saving fuel, but a true first step in the right direction.

Not to mention I would love to work for them ....