Volga Atom: The USSR's Ambitious Fictitious Cold War Nuclear Car

⛔Just Dream⛔ - In our relentless pursuit of advanced energy solutions, nuclear energy has always held a prominent place despite its potential dangers. The term "nuclear" often conjures images of destructive weapons, largely due to its catastrophic use in World War II on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, the potential for peaceful applications, including in the automotive industry, has also been a significant area of exploration.

Volga-Atom, a 1:2 scale model of the M-21 'Volga' with 6" wheels, is displayed at the Pavilion No. 19 at VDNH Museum in Moscow. (Picture from: 5Koleso.ru)

One of the most intriguing efforts to harness nuclear energy in the automotive world was the Ford Nucleon, developed by a renowned American automaker. This innovative approach was not limited to the United States. Following World War II, as the atomic arms race intensified between the USSR and the United States, both superpowers sought to repurpose atomic energy for peaceful uses. The USSR's endeavor in this regard was notably ambitious.

The 1958 Ford Nucleon model at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. (Picture from: Hemmings)

In 1965, Soviet scientists embarked on an extraordinary project to design a car powered by an atomic engine. They used the GAZ-21 Volga as a foundation, making significant modifications such as reinforcing the suspension and adding an extra front axle, resulting in a six-wheeled vehicle. These changes were essential to support the 500-kilogram atomic reactor.

This image is the only one showing the Volga Atom in testing, though it's uncertain whether it's merely a model. (Picture from: DesignYouTrust)

The reactor, known as A-21, appeared similar to a conventional four-cylinder engine but lacked a fuel supply system and other typical components. Instead, uranium pellets were attached to the ends of the cylinders and pistons, with helium injected into the cylinders. When the engine ran, the uranium pellets collided, heating and expanding the helium, which then set the cylinders in motion. The engine was controlled by rods replacing the usual valves.

Evolution of Volga-Atom: From Prototype to Model Display as displayed at the Pavilion No. 19 at VDNH Museum in Moscow. (Picture from: 5Koleso.ru)

Named the Volga Atom, this car underwent testing in Severomorsk-based test site under physicist Alexander Kamnev's supervision. The reactor generated 320 horsepower, enabling the heavy vehicle to accelerate swiftly. However, test drivers faced several issues, including inadequate braking capabilities and excessive heat in the passenger compartment. Despite testing in the spring, the interior temperature quickly became unbearable.

The Volga Atom garnered attention, even earning a feature in Popular Mechanics magazine's April 2015 issue, highlighting its efficiency. The magazine noted that over a distance of 200,000 kilometers, the car would consume only 12 grams of uranium, while a conventional Pobeda engine would require over 20 tons of gasoline. 

Despite such promising potential, the project was canceled after the country's leader, Nikita Khrushchev passed away, as his successor, Leonid Brezhnev, showed no interest in continuing the work. Consequently, the Volga Atom never made it to city streets, and was dismantled. Nonetheless, the Soviets succeeded in creating a working prototype, a significant achievement compared to the American Ford Nucleon, which remained a scale model.

Highlighting Implemented Nuclear Projects: The Transportable Nuclear Power Plant TES-3 Model as displayed at the Pavilion No. 19 at VDNH Museum in Moscow. (Picture from: 5Koleso.ru)

However, skepticism persists, especially among Western countries. The lack of adequate documentary evidence supporting the use of four-cylinder engines with enriched uranium-235 pellets has raised doubts and led to accusations of it being 'fake'. Additionally, Soviet automotive technology was not as advanced as Western technology, further questioning the project's feasibility. Moreover, nuclear-powered cars had no military applications, unlike other Soviet technological advancements funded by the Ministry of Defense, such as rockets with nuclear engines.

Here's the TES-3, a mobile nuclear reactor that represents one of the successful implementations of Soviet nuclear technology in the past, despite being discontinued in 1961. (Picture from: SputnikGlobe)

Nevertheless, the USSR successfully developed mobile nuclear reactors. In the mid-1950s, Soviet manufacturers created the TES-3, a tracked transportable electric station weighing 310 tonnes with over 37 pounds of uranium on board, though the project was halted in 1961. In the 1980s, they built the mobile power plant named the Pamir-630D, comprising a gas-cooled reactor (76.5 tonnes), gas turbine-driven set (76 tonnes), two control units (2x20 tonnes), and an auxiliary unit (20 tonnes), designed to be transported on platforms by tractors. This project was also canceled after the Chernobyl disaster.

The Volga Atom project remains a captivating chapter in automotive innovation history, showcasing the ambitious and sometimes improbable dreams of using nuclear energy to power everyday vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SOVYETAUTO.FR | DESIGNYOUTRUST | RUSSIAN7.RU | CAR.RU | 5KOLESO.RU | SPUTNIKGLOBE | FIRST LIMOUSINE MAGAZINE ]

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Honda is also preparing an electric sports car

It is clearly seen that one of renown Japanese automotive giants, Honda is very serious with the electric car market without leaving its characteristics. Honda itself has been confirmed to launch an electric car at least in 2020, by preparing a number of concepts to be produced.

Honda to debut also an EV Sport Car at Tokyo Motor Show 2017. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kfFfUr)

Yes, after some time ago Honda launched the Urban EV Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017, and now at the annual event held at home, named Tokyo Motor Show 2017, Honda is scheduled to unveil a concept called Honda Sports EV.

Honda says that this is a compact 2-door sports-car that gives "a feeling of joy and emotional unity to encouragement", by incorporating EV powertrain technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Along with these brief announcement, Honda also presented several teaser images, which partially revealed its shape. This car has a clean profile, muscular fender, oblique roofline, and square LED rear lights. The official sketch also gives a glimpse into the cabin, which appears to be dominated by a large screen, similar to that of Urban EV Concept, which also shares its platform. 

Unfortunately, so far Honda is still silent about the specification of their latest electric sports car, although it is certain this electric sports-car concept will got the supply of power from high-powered electric motors. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG]

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The figure of 'reincarnation' Mitsubishi Evo ready to hit the world

Mitsubishi some time ago decided to stop the production of one of their legendary car, Mitsubishi Evo or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. But now, the name of Mitsubishi Evo will be born again.

First image of Mitsubishi's upcoming electric 'e-Evolution' car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xPkbt5)

As written in a press release, Mitsubishi will show off the new Evo car at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 at the end of October. The difference, Mitsubishi Evo this time comes in the form of electric-powered SUV coupe concept. The concept is called Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept. This car became the new flagship concept car from Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept will come with an aerodynamic style SUV Coupe design. High performance became its flagship. The concept of this car is called using an electric drive that rotates all the wheels with advanced Artificial Intelligence technology.

From the teaser in circulation, this car also looks aggressive. Unfortunately, not much information released by Mitsubishi about these 'reincarnation' Mitsubishi Evo figure.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELECTREK]

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Honda will feature their latest self-balancing electric motorcycle

Japan's leading motorcycle manufacturer, Honda will feature a self-balancing motorcycle figure at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 in the end of October 2017. The motorcycle named Honda Riding Assist-e is the latest electric motorcycle that will not fall even though ridden slowly.

Honda introduces ‘Riding Assist-e’ self-balancing electric motorcycle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2yiLxsI)

Appearance of Honda Riding Assist-E at first glance similar to Honda Rebel, and seems to be targeting the segment of the beginner motorcycle rider. Because, motorcycles are driven by an electric motor that have a self-balancing feature, so it is not easy to fall when running in low speed. In fact, when the rider is off hand.

Instrument panel of Honda Riding Assist-e. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2yiLxsI)

Honda implements an electric motor as its propulsion, so the motorcycle will be designated as a simple commuter of the future. This is in line with Honda's vision of electrification in the future.

Rear side view of Honda Riding Assist-e. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2yiLxsI)

However, it seems that not many details are displayed by the well-known manufacturer with the symbol of a single red wing, such as its large swingarm whether indicating a belt or chain movement system. Or even motorhub, as well as the various modes it has, whether the settings mode of power output or stability control. Yes, for more details we just wait for its debut later. And before, lets us see the video below.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops.... ••• [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELECTREK]

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This is the new appearance of an electric-powered Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki Jimny's name is certainly no stranger, especially with its image as a tough little SUV, making a lot of people who dub the Jimny as 'Mini Wrangler from Japan.' Even so, the modern Suzuki Jimny can be spelled outdated, because not felt its age has been almost 2 decades, counted since from its first production in 1998.

Suzuki's e-Survivor Concept is an old school SUV yet very modern. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wVLHFT)

At the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 to be held at the end of next month, Suzuki is scheduled to show their 2 spiritual successors of Jimny. One is the next generation of Jimny that will be immediately launch, while the other is Jimny's vision when using electric power.

The Suzuki e-Survivor concept comes sans any roof and short overhangs. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wVLHFT)

Nicknamed Suzuki e-Survivor is a tiny SUV concept looks dashing with a tall appearance, without leaving the characteristic of Suzuki's SUV.

The 3D layout looks extremely interesting on the Suzuki e-Survivor Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wVLHFT)

Although electric-powered, Suzuki e-Survivor uses 4 electric motors, where each motor is tasked to drive one wheel in every corner, so that the powers channeling will be spread evenly.

The design looks inspired from the Suzuki Jimny. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wVLHFT)

The exterior of the e-Survivor itself is quite simple, with only 2 doors and an open roof, implying that this Suzuki's tiny electric SUV is ready to conquer various terrains. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SORCES | CARANDBIKE]

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This man's body suddenly bloated like a ballon, how could it be?

Having a work related to nature, sometimes unexpected things can happen suddenly. As the story of the fisherman follows, unexpectedly his whole body suddenly ballooned like a balloon after he dive for fish.

Peruvian fisherman named Alejandro Ramos Martinez gained nearly five stone after swimming up from a dive in the Pacific Ocean too quickly. (Picture from: http://dailym.ai/2xsIKMC)

Initially, a Peruvian fisherman named Alejandro Ramoz Martinez was doing his job as a fisherman and diving for fish. However, at that time Ramoz surfaced too quick to, then he was surprised because his body suddenly ballooned like a balloon.

Doctors are treating the unlucky fisherman but say they are unable to remove all the air. So far they have reduced the nitrogen in his body by 30 per cent. (Picture from: http://dailym.ai/2xsIKMC)

This strange thing just new felt by him as long as he work as a fisherman. According to doctors who treating him, this can be fatal. Ramoz is exposed to decompression effects because of its unprecedented nature. The sickness caused due to the many nitrogen that dissolves in his body, and it can also trigger brain damage.

Martinez in an air lock at hospital. He is now being given oxygen treatments in a pressurised chamber. (Picture from: http://dailym.ai/2xsIKMC)

Because of this incident is quite unique and rare, doctors are still continuing to find out about the disease he suffered. It also makes Ramoz unable to work as a fisherman like before. For now Alejandro endures severe pain and walks with difficulty because of the accident. He also suffers from serious hypertension. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL]

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