Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle back on the roads

Back in 1967, when a unique two-wheeled vehicle called the Gyro-X was built. At that time the prototype was built by a California-based company named Gyro Transport Systems. Physically the vehicle only has two wheels, one in front and one behind which at first glance looks more like a motorcycle than a car. The vehicle utilized a built-in gyroscope able to make it remain upright while on stationary condition or not moving.

Bizarre two-wheeled self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle gave an impressive demonstration at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este near Cernobbio, Italy. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RNWWd)

Even though the car developers initially hoped to take Gyro-X into production, it all faded when the company went bankrupt in the 1970 before the two-wheeled vehicle entered into production lines, and the only one of prototype was orphaned and neglected. Over the past 40 years, the vehicle has moved from one owner to another, which has made its conditions being more worse along the time.

Designer Alex Tremulis with the Gyro-X. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OmoxAh)

The Gyro-X single-seat vehicle was created by a renowned industrial designer named Alex Tremulis. He had previously designed vehicles (the four-wheeled variety) for another big names of American automotives manufacturers such as Cord Automobile, Duesenberg, General Motors, Tucker Car Corporation and Ford, where he worked as Chief of Advanced Styling.

Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle takes to the stage (on its two wheels) after winning the Dean Batchelor Trophy at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/338dHSl)

According to an article in the September 1967 issue of Science & Mechanics, a ready-made two-wheeled Gyro-X can drive up to a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph), and could swoop through 40-degree banked turns without tipping. It weighs only 1,850 pounds (839 kg), measured 47 inches (119 cm) in height, only 42 inches (107 cm) in width, and 15 feet,5 inches (4,7 meters) in length. It rolls on two 15-inches wheels, and uses a small engine with power of 80-horsepower.

Its single 20-inch hydraulically-driven gyroscope – developed by noted “gyrodynamist” Thomas O. Summers Jr. – spun at up to 6,000 rpm, creating 1,300 foot pounds (1,763 Nm) of torque. It did take approximately three minutes to build up to that speed, however, meaning that drivers couldn’t just get in and go. A set of training wheel-like retractable outriggers held the vehicle up in the meantime.

Bizarre self-balancing Gyro-X vehicle able to drive up to a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph), and could swoop through 40-degree banked turns without tipping. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2okogmJ)

Now, this bizzare two-wheeled vehicle has been owned by the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, United States since 2011 after it had passed hands several times and many modifications had been done. And finally the museum has successfully carried out a restoration project so that the vehicle condition has been recovered as it was in its hey days in the late 1960s.

Part of the restoration project was involved rebuilding the rear, replacing the two rear wheels with one, according to the original configuration. The missing gyroscope must also be rebuilt from scratch. To handle this, the museum has registered the service of Thrustcycle Enterprises - a company that is currently developing a gyroscopically-stable two-wheeled vehicle, known as SRT. Thrustcycle will also be tasked with rebuilding control and outriggers.

"The gyro people, their thing was that the cars were going to be narrower, they were going to take up half as much room - they will be more fuel efficient, they will be safer because it will be very difficult to flip them over," explained Jeff Lane, director of Lane Motor Museum. "The ideas are good, but I think in reality the gyroscopic part is very complicated and quite expensive... it always works on paper, but it doesn't always work in the workshop. This is a very obscure and strange part of history, but also is a very interesting part of history." he said further.

An impressive demonstration of a fully restored two-wheeled self-balancing 1967 Gyro-X vehicle at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RNWWd)

And finally in 2017 the vehicle was fully restored and exhibited to the public at the the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. And again on this year, the bizarre 1967 Gyro-X two-wheeled vehicle was shown off in front of the world's automotive lovers at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este near Cernobbio, Italy.

See it for yourself on display at the Lane Motor Museum on a normal day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LANE MOTOR MUSEUM | BUZZ ANYTHING | AUTOWEEK | WIRED | NEW ATLAS]
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A tiny compact urban EV concept from Citroën

Citroën, one of the leading French car manufacturers has confirmed their readiness to present mini electric-powered cars that can be used instead of bicycles and scooters named Ami One Concept.

Ami One Concept - Experience of the urban mobility by Citroën. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KbKU9e)

The car that has a tiny body shape is indeed predicted as a compact vehicle for urban mobility. Ami One Concept was built with a configuration of two passengers with a range of around 100 kilometers. Not only that, this car can only go up to 45 kph.

A red-black colored tiny EV named Ami One Concept (right) posed with Citroën 19_19 Concept (left) while shown at the Citroën booth in the VivaTech 2019 in Paris. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2HLSncs)

Reportedly, this electric-powered car will become a mode of transportation provided by Citroën for the French community. And to be able to use it, you must order it first through a ride-sharing application from a smartphone or computer device.

Interior view of Citroën Ami One Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2I73AnX)

In addition, the car is also equipped with a variety of powerful features in the cabin, ranging from wireless charging to cellphones, then there is a 5-inch screen that serves as a setting panel and a simple interface with voice control. And not to forget, bluetooth speakers that replace conventional stereo systems are also installed in the cabin.

This tiny car has also been displayed alongside the Citroën 19_19 Concept (another sophisticated car from these French auto manufacturer) at the VivaTech 2019 exhibition in Paris.

Citroën still continues to develop these tiny electric powered vehicle, because it still in the concept stage. And it is not yet known whether these green car will be produced or only as a model at the concept stage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PRESTIGE ELECTRIC CAR&BIKE]

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This is not a Vespa scooter but a car

So far, if we hear the name Vespa, then what comes to mind is a classic two-wheeled scooter with a cute rear, but there are still many who do not know that actually Piaggio, a renowned scooter manufacturer from Italy once produced a mini four-wheeled vehicles (which is common called a micro car or city car) by using the same brand as the scooter product, ie the Vespa in 1957 and marketed in the period between 1959 and 1961.

Piaggio micro car named Vespa 400. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

This tiny car figure is known as the Vespa 400, and is produced by a French automotive manufacturer called ACMA (Ateliers de Constructions de Motos et Accessoires) with a design patent from Piaggio Italia. This French manufacturer is also known to have produced a military version of the Vespa which was named the Vespa 150 TAP or The Bazooka Vespa in the early 1950s. These Vespa 400 has two variants, namely Lusso and Turismo.

Drawer that serves as a place to put the battery on the front. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

This tiny car is armed with an air-cooled two-cylinder 393 cc two-stroke engine. The engine's own character is square, which is a bore x stroke 63mm x 63mm and of course it has a balanced character between the top and bottom turns. Then the compression ratio is very low at only 6.4: 1 (which allows the use of fuel with low octane values ​​or below 90).

This mini car has a capacity of 4 passengers, but the rear is still too small for adults. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

While the engine placement on the back, while for the space in the front can be used to put things. The power produced by the engine reaches 18 horsepower. And the power is then sent to move the rear wheels through a 3-speed manual transmission system. and able to deliver this car running up to speeds of 80-90 kph. Yes, that is indeed enough power for a micro car, especially in the 50s.

This 393cc capacity engine is capable of producing up to 14 horsepower of power. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

Then the model itself still reflects the Vespa's distinctive design ie compact and simple. The uniqueness of this car is on the door hinges in the middle pillar, the direction of opening the door automatically. Unlike the usual cars that exist today. The roof also uses a canvas model that can be opened when you want to enjoy the panorama.

Rear side view of Vespa 400. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)

The interior as is usually a micro car is only available two seats at the front, and a cushion for small children to sit on the back. So ideally this car can carry 2 adult passengers and 2 small children. Physically, this micro car is wider than the Mercedes Smart which can only be carried two people inside.

There are approximately 20 thousand cars produced in the first two years and finally in 1961 the car production was stopped, while Piaggio did not disclose the reason for the production halt. But at least the micro car Vespa 400 has proven that the Italian manufacturer Piaggio is also able to produce transportation other than scooters. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOSIA]

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This MINI version promising "racing without compromise"

For those of you probably already know the figure of this little car. Yes, this iconic car is very familiar with Mr. Bean (a funny and silly character played perfectly by Rowan Atkinson) in a television series of the same name. But if you think that this car always runs slowly, then you are wrong.

MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2qqhMQG)

Yes, truely MINI has launched a special edition of John Cooper Works (JCW) for racing tracks such as touring racing. Even the British manufacturer has also introduced a concept car touted as an environmentally friendly vehicle, with a very attractive appearance and was named the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017.

Front view of MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DhyOJb)

Overall, the MINI JCW GP Concept was inspired by the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally racing event. The appearance of this car is almost entirely equipped with black color. Then as a sweetener and giving an aggressive impression, some parts are given red accents.

Interior view of MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P4Qder)

It's wider and lower than the regular John Cooper Works Hardtop, with a gaping mouth up front, massive air intakes, new side skirts, a huge diffuser, and a wing that could easily have been pulled off a World Rally Championship car.

Left side view of MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DhyOJb)

An aggressive appearance is also shown from the front fascia design that uses a honeycomb model grill and a large splitter. Then the appearance looks more sporty thanks to the hood scoop, front fender, and 19-inch cross rims. The most unique design is in the side mirrors and side skirts made of carbon fiber. The rear fender is also made very large plus the wings are also no less large to improve the aerodynamic side.

Rear side view of MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2P4Qder)

Since this car is inspired by the world of racing, a number of additional components also occur on the inside. Starting from the aluminum built-in roll cage and two seats with five-point racing harnesses and not a lot else. A head-up display helps the driver keep their eyes on the road, while paddle shifters let your hands stay on the wheel.

Rear view of MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DhyOJb)

Unfortunately, MINI is still reluctant to reveal the details of the engine under the hood of this car. But they promise that this car will be very fun when driving. The last MINI GP was only slightly more powerful than the John Cooper Works version, instead focusing more on improved handling. Based on what MINI's executives have said about the GP concept, this one will be no different.

Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president of BMW Group Design, claims that the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept has a MINI design feature and that it is very attractive and sporty, complete with an amazing performance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | CARVAGANZA | MOTORTREND]

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Smart celebrates its 20th anniversary with the cool Forease Concept

You may have heard and known the tiny 'Smart' car? Yup, because it still has potential large-enough market, Mercedes-Benz wants to continue manufacturing the Smart cars. The latest news says that Smart has announced the presence of their newest electric-based called "Smart ForEase" concept car at the Paris Motor Show 2018. The presence of this car as well as to celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Smart ForEase concept car made its debut at the Paris Motor Show 2018. (Picture from: https://engt.co/2yjG5mX)

The Forease is a two-seat roadster made to pays tribute to other "pioneer" concepts such as Crossblade 2001 and Forspeed 2011. These tiny car has a slogan 'Fully-Fungctioning ForEase open-top Concept,' is indeed still small like its predecessor. 

Right side view of Smart ForEase concept car . (Picture from: https://engt.co/2yjG5mX)

It claimed to be "very open" and "reduced to leaving an important part," the Forease concept is based on EQ Fortwo Cabrio and is equipped with a low windshield and low door handle. This model also has a metallic white body that contrasts with green accents and a matte silver Tridion security cell.

Smart ForEase's seats wrapped in two-tone color with green accents. (Picture from: https://engt.co/2yjG5mX)

This electric-powered tiny car is claimed to be a suitable vehicle for driving in the city. In addition, different designs try to be given this tiny urban car, as in the spoiler design display. This concept is said to have a hot rod-style design with tiny versions and electricity.

The multi-color theme is also seen on the white dashboard with a black panel underneath. (Picture from: https://engt.co/2yjG5mX)

Judging from other designs, the Smart ForEase will be equipped with LED headlights, besides running lights will also be inserted in the grill. Likewise, the tail lamp display with 3-dimensional effects also be given.

Smart ForEase's has a unique-shaped steering wheel like as it is owned by aircraft. (Picture from: https://engt.co/2yjG5mX)

The unique design continued in the cabin, where the driver is greeted by a unique-shaped steering wheel and the seat cover wrapped in two-tone color with green accents. This multi-color theme is also seen on the white dashboard with a black panel underneath.

Smart ForEase's tail lamp display with 3-dimensional effects. (Picture from: https://engt.co/2yjG5mX)

While elsewhere on the cabin, this concept has a stainless steel pedal and a green honeycombs accent in the AC ventilation holes. Speaking of the latter, those 2 AC holes have been replaced by digital displays that can be used to display information from the "ready to" Smart application.

If it's truly produced, the Smart ForEase will be marketed in Europe, the United States, Canada, Norway. Most likely the ForEase will use the same electric motor as the ForTwo Cabriolet EQ, which can produce 80 hp of power with a 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.

According to the upcoming Smart CEO, Katrin Adt, "Smart Forease embodies a simple, refreshing form of fun driving in the city, standing for uncompromising urban electricity mobility."

There is no more detailed information about this tiny car. But it looks like the ForEase is suitable for use as an urban car. With advantages such as its small-sized can overcome the problem of a narrow parking lot in the urban neighborhood. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ENGADGET | CARSHOWROOM | CARSCOOPS]

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Finally, Google's autonomous car has a name

Google began to develop autonomous technology since 2009 at a secret leboratorium called 'X,' which is run by company co-founder Sergey Brin. And since then the car have covered more than 2.3 million miles while steered by a robot. Now, the Google's car with autonomous technology got the name 'Waymo'. And Waymo stands for the "new WAY forward in MObility'.

Finally, the car with autonomous technology of Google-owned uses the name 'Waymo'. And Waymo stands for the "new way forward in mobility '. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1gjEIs)

"We believe this technology can begin to reshape the tens of trillions of miles the route of the vehicle around the world every year, it becomes more secure, efficient, as well as being a means of transportation that is easily accessible," said John Krafcik, Waymo's chief executive, as quoted by Techcrumch on Wednesday, December 14, 2016.

Waymo will become an independent company are under the management of Google's parent company, Alphabet. By doing so, Waymo expected to be more free to develop its autonomous car products.

"We see that the (autonomous) technology is useful for use in private vehicles, rental transportations, logistics, or public transport," he said. And he believed, the use of autonomous technology can bring greater benefits in the future, such as creating jobs on the service sector.

Steve Maham rode the Google's autonomous car for several test events in Austin, Texas. (PIcture from: http://adf.ly/1gjEud)

"We are a company that makes autonomous technology with one mission, which is making it more secure and helping people and goods to travel," said Krafcik more. 

To demonstrate the reliability of Waymo autonomic technology, then the company is carried out the tests to deliver a citizen of Austin, Texas, named Steve Maham. He had ridden in Google test vehicles previously, but he was always accompanied and escorted by police. This time, he rode with neither, and the car negotiated four-way stops, pedestrians, narrow streets and more in public in Austin.

"This car is very likely used because it can pass through heavy obstacles, such as detecting and responding ambulances, moving from one lane to another lane, and anticipate the sudden movement of a human being on the highway," Waymo said in a statement. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABC | TECHCRUNCH]

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This Honda's tiny electric car made of 3D printer

At the Paris Motor Show 2016, Honda showed a tiny electric car. Interestingly, some of the car panels and components are made using a three-dimensional printer. It’s also as yet unnamed, but will make its full debut at the Japanese tech exhibition, CEATEC 2016.

This car can be used to haul a lot of stuff because there is spacy room in the back or it could also be used to accommodate up to three people. Not only that, the car can also be used by the elderly because it is small and very easy to drive.

Honda's 3D-printed customizable EV at the Paris Motor Show 2016. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1eeaI9)

The Honda's tiny electric car relies on an electric motor. And declared cruising range is claimed to reach 80 km. Interestingly, the news just three battery packs. Main is located in the bottom of the zone and it provides around 65 km of the total mileage on a single charge.

Two more battery units are installed in the cockpit (on the left and right of the driver’s seat). These modules provide a power reserve of approximately 15 km. And they are removable, allowing you to easily take them on an additional charge, for example, in the office.

Dashboard view of Honda's 3D-printed customizable EV at the Paris Motor Show 2016. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1eeaI9)

As quoted from Engadget on Thursday, October 6, 2016, the design of this car took a lot of the design of Honda's motorcycle division, including the use of vehicle frames of a strong but lightweight pipe.

A Japanese tech company Kabuku also involves in the car development. One of the Kabuku panel's work is a three-dimensional bird motifs on display in the back door, doors, and seats.

Rear view of Honda's 3D-printed customizable EV with the Kabuku's three-dimentional bird motifs on its back door. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1eeZDB)

This car is the first step of Honda to use more components of the three-dimensional printer in the vehicle. In the future there will be more three-dimensional components.

One advantage is the use of three-dimensional components that can cut production time is shorter than components made conventionally. In addition it is no less important is its low cost. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STARTLR TECH | ENGADGET]

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British robot cars ready to challange the Google's

Oxbotica, an Oxford-based start-up company have made an autonomous technology software that can be used by any type of car. As befits the products of Tesla Motors or Google, any car that uses such software can drive itself to the destination without being controlled by the driver. As a trial in London recently, the the software in question named Selenium is applied to a robot car with a capacity of two persons.

Selenium uses a GPS-free approach, where the vehicle’s environment is mapped using a patented laser and vision-based system. The technology automatically detects and removes 3D objects from point clouds in real time, creating an accurate picture of the car’s surroundings.

An Oxbotica robot car equipped with an autonomous technology software named Selenium. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cXp3k)

This means the system can operate indoors, outdoors, and underground, with vehicles capable of autonomous operation in both pedestrianised areas and open stretches of road such as motorways.

According to an expert of Oxbotica named Paul Newman revealed that the rapidly growing automobile technology from time to time. However, the software that makes the car be smart not widely used.

"We make the operating system for the autonomous car. Even, for the forklifts and farm vehicles could drive themselves, "said Newman, as reported by the BBC on Wednesday, July 19, 2016.

Furthermore according to him, the next autonomous cars were circulated in the community does not 100 percent safe. Potential accidents can happen. However, this technology will continue to be refined. "There was an accident there would be development on this technology for years to come," he said.

While the Oxbotica CEO Dr Graeme Smith said, "Selenium represents the culmination of about 130 person years’ worth of work in mobile autonomy.

"Selenium is an important chapter in the ever-changing story of autonomous vehicles. As a result of the team’s hard work on Selenium, our customers are able to take full advantage of the benefits on offer from this futuristic technology today rather than tomorrow."

The technology is set to be deployed at a series of upcoming driverless trials, including the £8 million GATEway project in Greenwich and the LUTZ Pathfinder self-driving pod project in Milton Keynes. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OXBOTICA | BBC | THE ENGINEER]

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