Automotive X-Prize: "The Very Light Car" (also very aero) with conventional engine - Page 11 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

NeilBlanchard · 01-11-2011, 11:58 AM

We have a very tantalizing update on the Edison2 VLC!

I like it! The wheel pods are now much more firmly attached -- it looks good. I'm puzzling about the tube-like form on the top edge of the from wheel pods...

I think we are seeing the hand of Jason Hill in this design?

I looking forward to more updates -- information will build interest!

mnmarcus · 01-11-2011, 12:23 PM

Quote:

I like it! The wheel pods are now much more firmly attached -- it looks good. I'm puzzling about the tube-like form on the top edge of the from wheel pods...

Maybe a conventional mirror &/or wheel venting? I like it too. I wonder why the didn't use larger radii between the body and the wheel pod arms? Also the trailing edge of the rear arm seems bluff and why would it protrude from the wheel pod? And where does the license plate go?

Very cool though!

Patrick · 01-11-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

I'm puzzling about the tube-like form on the top edge of the from wheel pods...

Rearview mirror?

NeilBlanchard · 01-11-2011, 03:40 PM

I'll bet they are for side view mirrors -- they would then swing when you steered; which would be different. They do look slightly angled like a mirror would need to be. Also, they would have to be rigid with very little vibration.

So, another question I have is -- *how* do the front wheels steer? I.E. if the front strut is forming a bumper, then it would have to telescope a wedge-shaped section, allowing the pod to pivot, but not have a gap?

user removed · 01-11-2011, 04:02 PM

It's a real shame I never received a reply to my email to Brad Jaeger from October 09. He responded to my contact in February and said they would like to communicate after the Xprize competition was over.

Also a shame that I missed their appearance at the Hampton Va Coliseum where we could have talked face to face and maybe shared some of my ideas without any obligation on the part of either party.

Also a shame that I tried to contact Neil for the purpose mentioned above, with no response.

Truly a shame considering I live just over two hours from their home location.

regards
Mech

NeilBlanchard · 01-11-2011, 04:14 PM

I apologize for not following up with you -- I don't think I could have done anything more than you yourself can. You can email them via their blog (linked on the photo I posted above), and explain your proposal better than I ever could.

user removed · 01-11-2011, 04:26 PM

Brad told me in his reply email that they were aware of the design and interested. He asked me to contact him after the contest was finished, which I did. When I read about their change of direction towards electrification and did not receive any response, positive or negative, I could only assume they have decided they are no longer interested.

The lack of any response leaves the question somewhat unanswered, but it's something I have become used to in the age of the Internet and email.

Thanks for the response Neil. My offer to drive to their location for a meeting without any expectations of any further communication stands, but on the other hand I am not one to bombard people with requests for meetings, when the follow up produced no response whatsoever.

regards
Mech

NeilBlanchard · 01-13-2011, 10:03 AM

Some screen shots of the Engadget video:

Frank Lee · 01-13-2011, 08:39 PM

Now that they're done with the contest they can ditch that extra wheel.

brucey · 01-13-2011, 09:17 PM

You know, that model is looking almost mainstream... At least in Prius standards. I'm sure it's still very light and way more aerodynamic as well. I could get on board one for sure. If it will do 1.18G (can someone verify this?) I can see the race autocross guys grabbing them up as well.