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Old 01-13-2011, 10:18 PM   #112 (permalink)
NeilBlanchard
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This is just a 1/4 scale conceptual model -- it does look like a challenge to get the front wheel "pods" to pivot, considering their length. I was pondering some sort of telescoping wedges that allow the surfaces to be smooth and continuous, but to let the wheels and the pods pivot?

On the X-Prize cars, the trailing tips came withing about 1" of touching the sides of the car, and there was a slight interference with the entry door.

Having the mirrors on the pods makes some sense because of their proximity, but they will move when the wheels are steered, so they would not be practical to use except when driving on the highway.

I think they have some more design work to do? This new car by the way, they say could fit up to 7 people. The X-Prize version were 4 seat, so it certainly is possible.

Oh, the skidpad number is on record with the X-Prize data -- it is a crisp handling car; by all accounts. They had Emanuele Pirro as one of their drivers, so I'm sure he wrung it out!
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