[sheepdog 44]

I was at work today and i came across a 4 high (a wheeled multiple shelf) only the wheels were off. Instead of the two front wheels being turnable and the back two fixed, it was in a diamond pattern with the front and back wheels turnable and the side wheels fixed. It made the 4 high more manueverable with comparable stability.

What are the possible automotive applications? Lets do a thought experiment on a possible future concept car.

I imagine a pure 3D teardrop sliced in half and laid over the frame. Aerodynamics would be beyond concept car territory.

......W......
..----------..
.------------.
w..........W
.------------.
..----------..
... --W--....
.....-----.....
......---......
.......-.......

(My thoughts lean more towards a light enclosed vehicle)
Obviously this would be the optimal 4 wheel layout for aerodyamics with the front and back wheel being fully enclosed (solving adjustable front wheel skirts on a normal design) and the two side stabilization outrigger wheels faired into the body. This also gives the widest wheel distance both side to side and front to back (for maximum roll stability) over a conventional design adapted to the teardrop shape (Where the conventional square wheel template infringes on the rounded curvature making the length of the car unreasonably long if it were to follow the streamling template perfectly). This solves the aerodynamic issues of the aptera by moving the front wheels to the side back into the optimal teardrop shape, while maintaining front and back balance. It also avoids the unstable retractable wheels of the Monotracer. And seating can be made for two or four people doubling the passenger capacity over both vehicles.

It can be mid-engine for the center of gravity, with direct drive to the enclosed "outrigger" side wheels to eliminate some transmission losses. Or it could be rear wheel drive like a converted motorcycle; or i think the more practical for design issues: rear and front wheel drive through electric hub motors with free wheeling side wheels. That would propel you into and out of turns at the same time for enhanced manueverability.

Steering is the biggest issue. I don't know the possible pitfalls of such a configuration. I think the front and back wheels could deflect at the same angle and that would be fine. Handling would be interesting if your turning around the center of gravity. With the driver ahead of the side wheels though i believe the experience would be the same as driving a motorcycle with a side car. Parking would be interesting.

Is such a design Possible?