Interesting Aerodynamic Cars (Mike Vetter's ETV, also Avion)

[NeilBlanchard]

Here's an old car, that I either have never seen - or I forgot that I saw it, called Leyat Helica.



And there are a couple of versions:

[freebeard]

Luigi Colani claimed this was copied from the Water Strider insect:



Now, I'm not so sure.

I would not back that thing up with the cable tension trailing arms, but without a reversible prop I guess you only nave to worry about rolling backward down a hill.

[freebeard]

Four wheel skirts:

justacarguy.blogspot.com/2020/12/honest-charlies.html

In 1953 on the Daytona Beach Road Course his modified '39 Ford sedan with a Mercury 59A engine won the Daytona Century Race with a speed of 137 mph.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honest_Charley#Racing_sponsorship

[Joggernot]

https://newatlas.com/automotive/apte...BZNO4troaTkF1U

[Cd]

Originally Posted by Joggernot

https://newatlas.com/automotive/apte...BZNO4troaTkF1U

Didn't this thing die a crushing death a decade ago ?

[samwichse]

The founders got kicked from the old company when they brought in the gm guy (Paul Wilbur) who insisted on burning through the capital the company had re-redesigning everything into the Fatera instead of spooling up manufacturing. Then when he burned through everything and they went into receivership, he specifically destroyed the bucks and bodies for the earlier body style and sold the IP to a Chinese company (Zap-Jonway iirc).

They sat on it for years, then decided they were never going to do anything with it and sold it off in 2019... to the original founders (I assume they got it pretty cheap). I assume they're a bit wiser about keeping control of their own company now.

If they can start at least low volume production like the FUV, maybe they have a chance. But the new design has hub motors now, so... *doubt*



https://youtu.be/yGqhKLFS62k

[freebeard]

Which led to this:

Aptera Factory

I've been in Arcimotot's AMP. There's quite a contrast.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by samwichse

...... But the new design has hub motors now, so... *doubt*

Do you suggest that hub motors are a bit of a stretch, and there is technological overreach?

Hub motors would help lower the center of gravity, but also increase unsprung weight.

I wish them luck, I've always thought the Aptera was a sexy design, unlike the TUV.

December 04, 2020
Aptera opens orders on 1,000-mile solar EV that never needs charging
https://newatlas.com/automotive/apte...BZNO4troaTkF1U

As to the powertrain, multiple options are available, with liquid-cooled electric motors either in the front two wheels, or in all three. Power outputs around 50 kW (67 hp) per motor were planned last time we checked in with these guys, but the company's staying mum on final specs for the moment. In terms of performance though, they'll get off the line quickly, handling 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in a supercar-like 3.5 seconds in certain configurations. Top speed is limited at a pretty sporty 110 mph (177 km/h).

Tesla Model-S and Porsche Taycan level 0-60 is a different demographic than the first generation.

I think this is a very smart move, one that allows for higher pricing and sure to distance it's self from TUV comparisons.

On the below pic, ignore those fat tires, just look at that beautiful roof-line, it's just gotta be kind to the air flow.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-t...ures-2415.html

[aerohead]

Looks like Zagato has used a AST-II-esque roofline since at least the 1963 Alfa Romeo TZ.

[freebeard]

Only in profile. It's no match for the Volkhart-Sagitta.