Car Research
Rinspeed eXasis - Rinspeed founder Frank M. Rinderknecht has quite the imagination, as proven by his many odd auto concoctions. One of the more recent ones is the eXasis, which looks a lot like a see-through glass car. Though it is see-through, its body is actually made of a transparent plastic. This two-seater is sure to turn heads if it ever does hit the road.
Gordon Murray's T.25 - This odd-looking fellow is meant to be the future of the microcar. It has a central driving position (cool!), though it will still be able to hold two rear passengers, and with lots of legroom according to the company. It also claims that three T.25's will be able to fit in a typical parking spot, thanks to it being able to be parked perpendicular to the curb.
Renault Twizy Z.E. - Introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Twizy was one of four 'Z.E.' concepts shown by Renault. The Z.E., by the way, stands for 'zero emissions', though based on its looks, that's the least of what people will be wondering about it. This wacky city vehicle is even being shown off in a 'Sims' computer game.
EcoJet - Though it looks awesome, has a wicked name, and uses a gas turbine engine that runs on biofuel, there is one problem with this interesting concept. It was a collaboration between General Motors and ... Jay Leno, the unfunniest man in the western hemisphere. Still, it's a funky concept all the same and would be awesome to see flying down the highway.
Peujeot BB1 - The BB1 looks like a big foot squished the front of a Smart car. Though it's only 2.5 metres long, the BB1 will be able to fit four people (no one mentioned 'comfortably' in the press release), and will run on electricity.
Mazda Taiki - Mazda is known for making some very out-there designs with its concepts, and the Taiki is no exception, as you can clearly see. This concept was released at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, and was meant to be a glimpse at the possibility of future of Mazda sports cars. It uses a next-gen Renesis rotary engine and seats two. Sounds a lot like a future RX-8, no?
Nissan Land Glider - As strange as this looks in pictures, it's a whole different story in video, where you can see the Land Glider electric vehicle concept literally leaning into corners. With such a narrow track, this allows it to go around turns without tipping over. It's so narrow, in fact, that it looks like it could dip in and out of traffic like a motorcycle.
Rinspeed iChange - Another Rinspeed vehicle, this is a one-seater that can 'transform' into a car that can seat three. At the press of a button, the section at the back of the vehicle pops up, making room for two passengers. You don't see many transforming cars short of an 'Inspector Gadget' episode, so we give this one two thumbs, regardless of its specifications or other features!
Rinspeed sQuba - Yes, the third Rinspeed product to make our list ... and there are even more that could probably make it on here! The sQuba would make James Bond proud, as it's able to go from driving on dry land, to moving through the water without missing a beat. Waterproof suit and watch sold separately.
Joe Harmon's Splinter - This is a supercar made of wood. Literally. Designer Joe Harmon, along with a group of students, has been putting this vehicle together for years. The aim is to make as much of it as possible out of wood, and by the looks of it, they're doing a mighty fine job. It uses a twin-supercharged mid-engine V8 that will produce an estimated 600 bhp. Not too shabby at all!
Volvo Tandem - Here is the ultimate way to help solve the problem of traffic, all wrapped up in a nice, neat, utterly odd design. Volvo's Tandem concept has occupants sitting one behind the other, allowing it to be so narrow. It may look strange, but it does make a whole lot of sense, especially in the more congested cities in North America and around the world.
Hummer 02 Concept - The Hummer brand may be no more, but there's no denying that this 02 Concept is still one of the strangest cars you'll find, even though it was introduced in 2006. The oddest thing about it is the fact that it's so much more friendly to the environment than the gas-guzzling Hummer H1, H2, or H3. Heck, it has algae-filled panels, which provides oxygen to the air.
Volvo Caresto V8 Speedster - This hot rod isn't specifically a Volvo, but is made with many Volvo parts, including its 311-horsepower V8 engine. Simply having the words 'Volvo' and 'hot rod' in the same sentence is strange enough as it is, considering the fact that the Swedish automaker is known more for safety and subtlety more than anything else.
Volkswagen GX3 - It doesn't get much stranger than a car with only three wheels. That being said, this is, in essence, very similar to a typical summer roadster. It's something that's meant for warm weather, since it doesn't have a roof or rear windshield. That being said, most roadsters today do have a roof that retracts or can be attached; the GX3, not so much.
Ford Model U - The Model U is Ford's attempt at redefining what a vehicle is, just like the company did with the Model T over 100 years ago. It's SUV-ish, with a reconfigurable interior and exterior - for instance, Ford says that the rear window, decklid, tailgate and canvas roof can all be opened or closed to make for a convertible-like experience. It runs on hydrogen and uses 'green' materials.
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