Project: Chinese Wildfire 250-C
 

Just tried to buy one of these things to go on a hypermiling odyssey across the US. It's a 49-state EPA certified 250cc twin cylinder with a 72 mpg EPA rating and manufacturer's VNE of 50 mph. Recommended cruise speed of 45 mph, proven top speed of 60. I think these 250s are rare because you can't get them anymore. Same story as the Smart Car, they'll keep bumping up the engine size for more power.

A neat thing about the transmission is that you can go to neutral from high gear!

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• Fuel Efficiency: Up to 72 Miles Per Gallon
• L x W X H: 102 X 51” X 64.5”
• Engine: 198cc Hi-Po Liquid Cooled
• Rated HP: 17
• Ignition : CDl Ignition
• 5 Speed Manual Transmission with Reverse
• Max Speed: Up to 50mph
• Cruising Speed: Up to 45mph
• Net Weight: 790lbs
• Gross Weight: 1340lbs
• Wheel base: 48”
• Load Capacity : 550 lbs
• Front Tire Size: 4.00”x12”
Rear Tire Size: 4.50”x12”
• Front Heater

I plan to modify it extensively before the trip. Suggestions are welcome.

My thoughts right now.

1) aerodynamic skirt on front wheel, side skirts on rear
2) replace driver's seat with a comfortable one
3) toss the passenger seat and rear seat
4) install a comfortable passenger seat over the right rear wheel that folds down for sleeping
5) 12" scooter tires all around with larger o.d. than stock
6) bigger battery
7) solar charging roof cover
8) pull the rear doors and cover openings with aluminum sheeting
9) turbocharger! (for mileage)
10) lose the roofrack

Craig V. says to put a 4-foot tail on it! That's a great idea.

If you want one, I found a new one here for $7400 (pictured)
Other : 2008 WILDFIRE 5 DOOR WF250C 3 WHEEL VAN @ Expert Autos

With a shape like that, Craig's suggestion is right on for most bang for your buck!

Also: undertray? I'm betting the motor is in the back, so a full tray may be feasible.

Maybe you've seen Phil's VW Van mod thread: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-van-8675.html

I'd also suggest instrumentation. Get yourself an MPGuino. It will work, provided the engine is fuel injected.

Neat car, but how are you going to get across the country at 45mph? Doesn't sounds like fun to me! I'd rather take a 250cc cruiser motorcycle, get a full fairing for it, and get the same mileage with more fun, and a higher speed.

I'd argue X-c touring enjoyment is independent of speed! (Assuming your enjoyment comes from the touring aspect, vs. speed itself.)

As long as he can plan an appropriate route (where he isn't under constant threat of being rear-ended and/or holding up other drivers) should be fine.

There's more to see & experience on the slower side roads anyway.

With the aero, tire, turbo and gearing mods, I expect the Wildfire to cruise at 60-65 when needed. But I am more interested in hypermiling on backroads at slow speeds, using all the hypermiling tricks to see if I can get a consistent 100 mpg.

Some posters here don't realize that, compared to a motorcycle, the Wildfire is already vastly aerodynamically superior. Motorcycles are notoriously dirty wake turbulence generators - worse than many full-size automobiles. A 2009 Harley Heritage Softtail Classic has 35" handlebars. The Wildfire is only 19 inches wider with pretty clean lines if you pull off the junk.

The engine is under the driver's seat, mounted sideways with a shaft drive to the differential. A belly pan is a good idea. I wonder if an air dam would help? Looking at the Aptera I have on order, the belly pan might be better.

There is another Wildfire model for a 1K less. It seems to be an updated & a more aero body shell as well. Optional AC.
I have view them as enclosed motorcycles so I could get over the typical 'car safety' expectations.
I can see front wheel & rear wheel spats. Belly shell. Lowered ride height. F1 side mirrors. Why not...boat tail.

AutoCycle Sales - Home


Wildfire Motors. Peruse their interesting clone catalog.

Wildfire Motors

Check ebay for some Cessna 150/2/70/2 gear fairings. There are usually a few sets on there. Might be able to use all 3.

I'd hate to have to ride in that on any very long distances. Just looks like it would beat you to death. LOL

In terms of Cd, sure. But CdA is the thing. A motorcycle will probably have less total drag.

I briefly toyed with the idea of getting a WuLing Dragon and registering it as a road-vehicle. Then I realized that I could get better economy w/ a Metro. Or several other cars. And still be comfortable.

The newer WuLing cars are much better though.