Have they finally made a cool electric bike? Sports car manufacturer turns to two wheels
- British company Caterham launched a motorbike named the Brutus 750 that can be operated as a street bike, off-roader and a snowmobile
- The Classic E-Bike has a retro look and is 'inspired by the golden age of cycling,' while the Carbon E-Bike is based on Caterham’s F1 technology
- On sale next year, the motorbikes are expected to cost from £8,500 but so far there is no news as to how fast they can go
British sports car maker Caterham has unveiled its first collection of motorbikes.
The iconic firm, which is a favourite of Simon Cowell, launched a rugged motorbike it is calling an SUV on two wheels, alongside a pair of electric bicycles.
The firm's aggressive-looking motorbike is named the Brutus 750, and will be going on sale early next year.
The Brutus 750 motorbike has chunky tyres and can be operated as a street bike, off-roader and even a snowmobile with slight modification, according to British sports car firm, Caterham
BRUTUS SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 750cc, single cylinder
Fuel delivery: Siemens fuel injection
Fuel capacity: 10 litres
Transmission: Continuous Variable
Dimensions: 2150 x 800 x 1130 mm
The motorbike has chunky tyres and can be operated as a street bike, off-roader and even a snowmobile with slight modification.
The company said: 'The Brutus delivers the ultimate in flexibility and riding simplicity thanks to a 750cc single-cylinder engine that delivers its power through an automatic gearbox.'
It claims to be the first motorbike with automatic transmissions as well as the 'first ever two-wheel SUV'.
Caterham also unveiled two electric bicycles, which can be ridden on the road without a driving license, but so far there is no news about how fast each of the models might be able to go.
The design of the Classic E-Bike harks back to the golden age of British motorcycling, which according to the company stretched from the 1920s to the 1960s
CLASSIC E-BIKE SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME: Aluminium
Brakes:The front is a disk brake and the rear a roller brake
Gears: Shimano Nexus 3 speed
Motor: 36 volt, 250 watt
Battery: Panasonic 36 volt 12AH lithium battery
Dashboard: LED with battery status, speedo, trip meter and range
Dimensions: 210cm long, 69cm wide and 98cm tall
A spokesman for the company told MailOnline: 'The bikes are all still in prototype form and, as such, no performance testing has yet been conducted.'
The Classic E-Bike has a retro look and a range of up to 45 miles, while the Carbon E-Bike is inspired by Caterham’s F1 technology.
Both have dashboards with an LED screen displaying battery status, a speedo, trip meter and range.
The design of the Classic E-Bike harks back to the golden age of British motorcycling, which according to the company stretched from the 1920s to the 1960s.
It said: 'They had simple, elegant lines, curves filled with classic British racing colours detailed with pinstriping. The times were simpler and more carefree.'
It is the first part of this period that inspired the bike, which has a range of 40 to 80 km. The model has an aluminium frame, leather handle grips and traditional springer front fork but also features modern technology, such as Shimano 3-speed hub gears for 'brisk acceleration'.
The Classic E-Bike has an aluminium frame, leather handle grips and traditional springer front fork but also features modern technology, such as Shimano 3-speed hub gears for 'brisk acceleration'
CARBON E-BIKE SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME: Carbon/aluminium
Brakes: Disk
Gears: Shimano Nexus 8 speed
Motor: 36 volt, 250 watt, brushless motor
Battery: Panasonic 36 volt 12AH lithium battery
Dashboard: LED with battery status, speedo, trip meter and range
Dimensions: 216cm long, 55cm wide and 98cm tall
Designer Alessandro Tartarini calls the Classic E-Bike a 'fusion vehicle', in which old and new are brought together in the 'future of tradition'.
'This is a design in which classic styling and traditional materials meet modern design and materials,' the company said.
The Carbon E-Bike is described as a premium model and comes in a limited edition featuring Formula One materials.
It packs a 36-Volt, 250 Watt brushless motor, feeding its power through an eight-speed Shimano Nexus gear hub.
Caterham has professed the chassis 'a work of art' as it features a modular carbon-aluminium frame, in which three different frame sizes and flexible ergonomics technology means that the Carbon E-Bike can be adapted to fit the size and shape of a rider.
The Carbon E-Bike is described as a premium model and comes in a limited edition featuring Formula One imput and materials
Caterham has professed the chassis of this bike 'a work of art' as it features a modular carbon-aluminium frame, in which three different frame sizes and flexible ergonomics technology means that the Carbon E-Bike can be adapted to fit the size and shape of each rider
All three bikes, which were unveiled at this week’s Milan Bike Show in prototype form, are expected to cost a minimum of £8,500.
It is the latest expansion involving Caterham Group after it was bought in 2011 by Tony Fernandes, the Air Asia boss and owner of Queens Park Rangers.
Mr Fernandes said: 'Our vision for Caterham Group has taken another step forward with the launch of Caterham Bikes.
'Expanding our interests into the two-wheeled market is another natural progression for us and is a good opportunity to showcase the breadth of knowledge, experience and creativity we have at our disposal.'
The Malaysian millionaire has plucked Al-Ishsal Ishak from Air Asia to head up the operation, which will hopefully see the bikes manufactured in kit form in Leafield, Oxfordshire, before being assembled by distributors in their relevant country.
The bike arm joins the Caterham F1 Team, Caterham Racing (GP2), Caterham Technology & Innovation, Caterham Composites and the Caterham Moto Racing Team.
The British firm is best known for its classic racing cars, such as this Caterham Superlight, which is a two seater sports car (pictured)
Self-driving two-person 'Cyclotron' bike could cut congestion and fuel use
Most of the attention for automated vehicles has been directed at cars and trucks.
But plans for a new self-driving bike shows designers haven’t forgotten about two wheels.
Called the Cyclotron, the futuristic concept vehicle could transport two passengers at a time, with neither having to worry about the road ahead.
Designs for the two-wheeler – which looks like a cross between the vehicles from Sci-Fi movies Tron and Minority Report – illustrate a face to face ride, where the passengers could get acquainted while zipping around the city.
Scroll down for the video
Designs for a self-driving bike offer a glimpse into the future of city transport. Called the Cyclotron (pictured), the futuristic concept vehicle could transport two passengers at a time, with neither having to worry about the road ahead
CYCLOTRON DESIGN
The self-driving motorbike concept has been produced by Canadian engineer and inventor Charles Bombardier.
Called the Cyclotron, the electric vehicle's design is aimed at ‘minimising the human footprint’.
It would maintain stability using a gyroscope, keeping it upright even once it has come to a stop.
The vehicle carries two passengers and would be able to run in all seasons, with the electric motor driving both wheels for improved traction in the winter.
In an article for Wired, mechanical engineer Charles Bombardier explained the concept vehicle would maintain stability using a gyroscope, keeping it upright even once it has come to a stop.
‘Two passengers would sit facing one another, given a rare chance to relax, chat, and get to know one another,’ he said.
The electric vehicle design is aimed at ‘minimising the human footprint’ and would be able to run in all seasons, with the electric motor driving both wheels for improved traction in the winter.
Bombardier developed the concept with industrial designer Ashish Thulkar, and explained the design was inspired by the Tron light cycle and the C1 prototype vehicle from Lit Motors
The Cyclotron could carry two passengers, entering and exiting the vehicle through butterfly doors, making the concept bike look like a futuristic insect
Canadian engineer Charles Bombardier believes the vehicles would help to reduce congestion on the roads, due to their reduced width, which could also reduce energy consumption for the commute compared with existing electric cars
Cyclotron would recharge wirelessly and could potentially buy and sell electricity in real time with other vehicles, depending on price fluctuations.
Inside, the vehicle looks a little cosy, with its two passengers sat face to face.
But the addition of adjustable seats would ensure enough leg and head room, with passengers getting in and out through butterfly doors, making the concept bike look like a futuristic insect.
Designs for the two-wheeler look like a cross between the vehicles from Sci-Fi movies Tron (pictured left) and Minority Report (right)
The Canadian engineer believes the vehicles would help to reduce congestion on the roads, due to their reduced width, which could also reduce energy consumption for the commute compared with existing electric cars.
In his blog, Bombardier catalogues a number of concept vehicles aimed at inspiring future generations of designers.
More than 200 concept cars, bikes, planes trains and space vehicles have already been designed with industrial engineers from around the world.
Cyclotron would recharge wirelessly and could potentially buy and sell electricity in real time with other vehicles, depending on price fluctuations
Inside, the vehicle looks a little cosy, with its two passengers sat face to face, but the addition of adjustable seats would ensure enough leg and head room
Charles Bombardier shares insights into his tech ambitions
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Would YOU ride the terrifying four wheel drive skateboard that can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour?
- Board designed to be able to make jumps and skid around corners
- Double wishbone suspension allows it to be ridden off road
- Designed for extreme sports enthusiasts
A team of Australian inventors claim to come up with the under thrill for andernaline junkies.
The Baja board is a four wheel drive motorised skateboard capable of reaching 50km/h.
It can be ridden anywhere, and its inventors say it is similar to a snowboard or mountain bike to use.
The Baja board is a four wheel drive motorised skateboard capable of reaching 50km/h.
SKATEBOARD STATS
- Weight: 20kg
- Fits into a car boot
- Electronic differential
- Double wishbone suspension system with shock absorbers
- Dynamic wheel camber, caster and toe angle
- Dual throttle control (for front and rear axles)
The team plan to launch a Kickstarter campaign in the coming weeks to raise funds for the project, and say it could go on sale this year. 'Until the hover board gets here, the BajaBoard will be the most fun and excitement you can handle standing over 4 wheels,' they say.
'It’s also the only electric board designed to handle the jumps and drops otherwise reserved for the more extreme snowboarders and mountainbike riders.
'The BajaBoard opens up new possibilities in the action and board sports scene for both professionals and weekend riders – all the while being CO2 emission free.'
The electric motor will come with easily swappable battery packs.
The firm admits the board could go even faster - but it has limited the speed.
'It handles uphills effortlessly and provides a self-restricted top speed of 50km/h.
'With regenerative braking implemented and easily exchangeable battery packs planned, the BajaBoard will offer hours of excitement. '
The double wishbone suspension system with shock absorbers
the board is designed to be ridden off road, and can handle drops and jumps - if the rider is brave enough, BajaBoard is an Australian start-up founded by James Murphy and George Li. Initially conceived in a garage, the BajaBoard has been in development for over two and a half years. The BajaBoard team currently consists of four young professionals that work together with the goal of making BajaBoard an exciting new active sport and communication icon.
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It might look like a bizarre toy car with stablisers, but the Elio could soon be taking over roads across the US.
The three-wheeled $7,000 vehicle seats two passengers and goes 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds.
It is the same length as a Honda Fit, but half the weight at 1,250lbs (570kg), allowing it to do 84 miles to the gallon.
Scroll down for videos
The Elio, a three-wheeled prototype vehicle rolls in traffic in Royal Oak, Mich. Autocycles have three wheels 'typically, two in the back and one in the front. They also have steering wheels, foot pedals and are sometimes enclosed. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
ELIO STATS
Fuel-injected, 3 cyl., .9 liter, liquid-cooled, automotive engine
Regular Unleaded Fuel
Top speed over 100 MPH
0-60 speed in 9.6 seconds
Overall Length: 160.5″
Elio Motors hopes to disrupt the American transportation industry with its low-cost, highly fuel efficient vehicle, much like Volkswagen did with the Beetle in 1968.
The Beetle's $1,699 sticker price from 1968 is $11,767.92 in 2016 dollars.
'Volkswagen entered the market in 1968 with an extraordinary vehicle at an incredible price and shook up the industry,' said Elio Motors Founder and CEO, Paul Elio.
'We are on the path to launching an extraordinary vehicle, as well, but are setting an even more aggressive and affordable price, and doing so in a way that will create American jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, be better for the environment and strengthen American manufacturing.'
Elio Motors hopes to disrupt the American transportation industry with its low-cost, highly fuel efficient vehicle, much like Volkswagen did with the Beetle in 1968.
Establishing a base price will allow the company's non-refundable reservation holders to lock in their purchase price until the company reaches 65,000 total reservations.
It also allows Elio Motors to accept binding purchase commitments from non-refundable reservation holders.
Elio's three-wheeler can do 84 MPG and costs just $6,800
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Revised guidelines recently published by the Department of Energy (DOE) in June 2016 now specify that start-up companies need to further demonstrate market acceptance through firm sales commitments.
'We have developed more than $350 million in pre-production sales with over 56,000 reservations, with the vast majority being non-refundable,' said Elio.
The car only has one door, on the left side, which shaves a few hundred pounds off the manufacturing costs, claims the firm.
The car only has one door, on the left side, which shaves a few hundred pounds off the manufacturing costs, claims the firm.
Elio Motors gives a tour on how they make the weird autocycle
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Because Elio Motors has applied for a $185 million Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan from the DOE, the company is now seeking the necessary binding purchase commitments to meet the recent change in loan criteria.
Establishing a base price will allow the company's non-refundable reservation holders to lock in their purchase price until the company reaches 65,000 total reservations.
As an extra incentive for the non-refundable reservation holders, the company will lock in the vehicle price at an even lower $7,000* base price for those that make a binding commitment to purchase within the first 65,000 reservations.
Phoenix-based Elio Motors is now planning to unleash the car on the US market next year, claiming it is the ideal vehicle for commuters.
The company plans to start making the cars next autumn at a former General Motors plant in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Because it has three wheels - two in front and one in the rear - the Elio is classified as a motorcycle by the US government.
More than 27,000 people have reserved a model, and the firm hopes to make 250,000 cars a year by 2016.
That's close to the number Mazda sells in the US.
Because it has three wheels - two in front and one in the rear - the Elio is classified as a motorcycle by the US government.
The Elio's two seats sit front and back instead of side-by-side, so the driver is positioned in the centre with the passenger directly behind.
But Elio Motors founder Paul Elio said the vehicle has all the safety features of a car, such as an anti-lock brakes, front and side air bags and a steel cage that surrounds the occupants.
However, drivers won't be required to wear helmets or have motorcycle licenses.
The Elio's two seats sit front and back instead of side-by-side, so the driver is positioned in the centre with the passenger directly behind.
That arrangement, plus the low seating position - the Elio is just 4.5ft (54 inches) tall - and the lack of power steering, are said to take a little getting used to.
But test drivers claim it feels just like any other small car.
That's partly because its two front wheels stick out by a foot on both sides, aiding balance and preventing the vehicle from tipping.
The Elio has a three-cylinder, 0.9-litre engine and a top speed of more than 100 mph (160 km/h).
It gets an estimated 84 mpg on the highway, and 49 mpg in city driving.
Elio keeps the costs down in several ways.
The car only has one door, on the left side, which shaves a few hundred pounds off the manufacturing costs, claims the firm.
It mixes the compact size of the Smart car with the stability and manoeuverability of the Can-Am Spyder cycle.
The Elio has a three-cylinder, 0.9-litre engine and a top speed of more than 100 mph (160 km/h).
It will be offered in two configurations - with a manual or automatic transmission - and it has standard air conditioning, power windows and door locks and an AM/FM radio.
Germany's Daimler also promised to revolutionise American commutes with the Smart car, but that hasn't panned out, claims Karl Brauer, a senior analyst with Kelley Blue Book. Smart sold just 9,264 cars in the US last year.
The Smart has a starting price of $13,270 (£7,900) for a gas-powered car and gets 38 mpg on the motorway- not enough savings or fuel economy to justify sacrificing comfort in the tiny car.
But, Mr Brauer said, the equation might work in the Elio.
WHAT IS THE ELIO?
What is it?
Because it has three wheels, the Elio is classified as a motorcycle by the US government.
How many people does it fit?
Two. It has a driver's seat and a passenger seat directly behind that. There is only one door, on the left-hand side.
How much power does it have?
Elio Motors said the vehicle can go 100 mph (160 km/h) more with its 55-horsepower engine. It goes from 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds.
What is the fuel economy?
Elio Motors estimates the Elio will get 84 miles per gallon on the motorway, and 49 mpg in the city.
Elio Motors plans to set up stores in 60 US markets. It has an agreement with Pep Boys, the auto repair chain, to service the cars.
Where will it be built?
The company plans to make the vehicles at a former General Motors plant in Shreveport, Louisiana, starting in autumn next year.
'If it really gets 84 mpg and doesn't drive terribly, it would justify the compromises you're making in size and comfort,' he said.
Elio will also save money by selling the cars directly through its own retailers and not through franchised dealers, similar to electric car maker Tesla Motors.
Mr Elio, a one-time stockbroker and New York City cab driver, said he dreamed as a kid that he would one day own a car company called Elio Motors.
'As I matured I decided that was as likely as playing in the NFL,' Elio told The Associated Press.
IS IT LEGAL?
It's more than a motorcycle and less than a car. It's an autocycle. And states are wrestling with how best to regulate this new type of vehicle.
Rhode Island has joined dozens of other states in enacting rules classifying the autocycle and allowing drivers to operate one without a motorcycle license or endorsement. Maryland also has new rules that it began publicizing Monday.
Autocycles have three wheels, typically two in the back and one in the front.
They also have steering wheels, foot pedals and are sometimes enclosed.
Some are designed for fun and others for fuel efficiency; they range in price from $6,800 to as much as $65,000.
Watch the three wheeled Elio make easy work of the snow
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But he did earn an engineering degree at General Motors Institute - now Kettering University - and started his own company engineering products like children's car seats.
Mr Elio said so far, reservation holders are older, more affluent buyers who will use the Elio as a second or third car for commuting.
'It's an `and' purchase for a lot of folks,' he said. 'So keep your SUV or your minivan or your large sedan, and when you're driving back and forth to work all by yourself, take the Elio'
Eventually, though, he believes the car will appeal to students as well as used-car drivers who want something newer and more reliable.
He also hopes to eventually export it to other countries.
Never get stuck in a traffic jam again! Flying car switches between land and sky - and can reach a top speed of 124mph
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The AeroMobil 2.5 has a maximum speed of 99mph when driven as a car but in airplane mode can soar through the skies at 124mph
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The hybrid vehicle is the brainchild of designers Stefan Klein and Jurak Vaculik based in Bratislava, in the Slovak Republic
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The vehicle can be driven on normal roads and fit into a standard parking space when its wings are tucked in, according to the designers
An incredible flying car has been developed to let drivers skip traffic jams and take to the skies. The vehicle can be driven on normal roads as well as being flown as a two-seater airplane, as it is able take off and land at any airport, 'opening the door to real door-to-door travel,' according to a Slovakian company. Named the AeroMobil 2.5, the hybrid invention was unveiled at AeroTech, an airshow exhibition held in Montreal.
Up, Up and away: The AeroMobil 2.5 has a top speed of 124mph when it is airborne and can accommodate two passengers. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 99mph when driven as a car, but in airplane mode can soar through the skies at 124mph. The prototype is part of an ongoing project by the AeroMobil Team led by co-founders Stefan Klein and Jurak Vaculik, who are based in Bratislava, in Slokavia. Flying car! With top speed of 124mph
Built from light-weight steel framework and carbon coating, when converted into a plane, the vehicle measures 8.2m wide and 6m long to accommodate two people. When the wings are stowed (pictured) it measures 1.6m wide
Roadworthy: The vehicle can be driven on normal roads as well as being flown as a two-seater airplane, as it is able take off and land at any airport, 'opening the door to real door-to-door travel' according to the Slovakian company. Stefan Klein, co-founder of the company, is pictured sitting in the vehicle. Tatiana Veber, AeroMobil spokesman said: 'We have been developing the concept of a flying car since 1990. 'Our first model looked quite bizarre and it would have problems in the regular use. 'That was a signal to improve the concept of the flying car in a way to become an integral part of the regular road traffic. 'We got a positive feedback from several experts in avionics, which appreciated design and the technical solution of the process of transformation.
Here, it is possible to see how much the car's wings look like those of a conventional small airplane. They fold up to allow the vehicle to be driven like a normal car on the road
The flying car is powered by a large propeller at its rear. The company has been working on the concept to try and develop a vehicle that could become an 'integral part' of the regular ways that people travel
The AeroMobil comes in to land. It is designed to be used at any airport and its creators believe the concept will allow the next generation of door-to-door travel
AEROMOBIL 2.5 SPECIFICATIONS
Top speed: 124mph as a plane and 99mp as a car
Take-off speed: 90mph
Engine: Rotax 912
Wings: collapsible
Construction: steel framework and carbon coating
Dimensions: The car measures 6m long, 1.6m wide as a car and 8.2m wide as a plane
Weight: 450kg
Capacity: 2kg
'The car is constructed to be fuelled at regular gas stations using the fuel for Rotax 912 ULS engine.' The company claims the vehicle can be parked in a standard parking space and can be driven on normal roads. When used as a car, the vehicle has a range of 310 miles and measures just over one-and-a-half metres wide. Built from light-weight steel framework and carbon coating, when converted into a plane, the vehicle measures just over eight metres wide and six metres long to accommodate two people.
The increase in width is due to the unfurling of its collapsible wings.
The vehicle, which weighs 450kg, has a take-off speed of 90mph and a range of 430 miles as an airplane.
AeroMobil has been developing the concept of a flying car since 1990. This image is a pre-prototype illustration
Here, experts look at the rear of the hybrid vehicle, which measures six metres in length and has a propeller to power it in flight
The vehicle, which weighs 450kg, has a take-off speed of 90mph and a range of 430 miles as an airplane
The company claims the vehicle can be parked in a standard parking space and is accustomed to road traffic. Here, the wings of the car are unfurled as the vehicle prepares for take off
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