Produce them?
written by Guest , April 20, 2006

Okay we keep hearing about all these new cars that are great for the enviorment and ect. Why doesn't some one actually go out and manufacture one?

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written by Guest , April 21, 2006

because nobody wants to drive a "car" as ugly as this.

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written by Guest , April 23, 2006

whether or not the car is ugly is not motivation for refusing to drive a super efficient greener car

retard

eustatic
written by Guest , April 23, 2006

humans that live their lives as consumers instead of people are weak-willed and don't want to have to make choices.

and, manufacturing corporations lack leadership and any drive for spreading innovation. it's like that saturday night live spoof on AT&T. the phone company--we don't care, we don't have to.

p.s. the Model T got 25 miles to the gallon.

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written by Guest , April 24, 2006

diesel exhaust gives me a migraine headache!!! say 'NO' to diesel anything, please!

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written by Guest , April 26, 2006

I'd buy one of these today for $20,000

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written by Guest , May 07, 2006

I work for an American car company, but would drive one of these to work every day. Its a shame they cant get off there dead a-- and build something, that makes sense, like this does.

Not ready to Die
written by Guest , May 07, 2006

This can only be licensed and driven where no safety laws are written.

...
written by Guest , May 08, 2006

With all the lessons learned from the last 40yr of automotive design. Why don't manufacturers put a bio-diesel engine in a mid-size car or mini-van? After all, we're supposed to car pool, and all the ultra cool design in the world will not fit the average family of four.

Where\'s Newman?
written by Guest , May 11, 2006

What ever happened to the Newman generator? You know, the guy that had so much trouble getting the thing patented because the patent office said it was a perpetual motion machine, which is impossible, and thus could not be patented... I think it was in the late 80's?

Whats with the Not ready to die comments
written by a guest , June 05, 2006

You think being in your lard assed road hog diesel speweing SUV or lifted redneck hick mobile decreases your chances of dying? Its amazing how few crashes you hear about involving green effeciancy vehicles, but how many you hear about involving trucks SUV's and dumb ass road hog mobiles....its not the car that makes you die...its the driver.....

Motorcycle?
written by a guest , June 06, 2006

Can't this thing be licensed as a motorcycle? People know the risks of riding one of those, why not this? I'd drive one. Although a passenger car carrying five people would only have to get 47mpg to equal this thing, but thats not a real world scenario.



We should be measuring things in mpg/person though, and stop villifying EVERYONE who drives a big car.

Ugly??????
written by a guest , June 20, 2006

I don't know what you're looking at, because the car in this picture is beautiful.

This is no motorcycle
written by a guest , June 20, 2006

The thing is lightyears ahead of a motorcycle as far as saftey is concerned. Anything with more than two wheels already has a major traction and stability advantage over a motorcycle. Additionally, with a roof over head, driving in the rain is comfortable, air conditioning is possible and you can have a radio that you can actually hear (OK the Honda Gold Wing is an exception with the radio). I don't think the people who are comparing this to a motorcycle have ever ridden one. I, on the other hand, commuted daily on them for 10 years.

EV Candidate?
written by a guest , July 25, 2006

Might make a good light body for a Plug-in Electric Car.

volkswagen not volkswagon
written by redneckbillybob , October 10, 2007

the word is wagen, not wagon.Peoples car not little red wagon!VOLKSWAGEN!

The US gives Diesel a bad name
written by Garett Long , October 11, 2007

Seems like there is a general opinion that Diesel is dirty. US automakers perpetuate this with soot-spewing pickup trucks (just saw one today). With the TDI engine design (that won the LeMans, by the way), VW proves that Diesel is great technology. Despite that, US car makers brainwash us to believe that gasoline rules with explosive, yet gas-guzzling, accelerator response. US Auto companies are only concerned with sales. I would have already purchased this car if it was available two years ago.

Thanks
written by Ed Tilley , October 13, 2007

Thanks for some of the funniest reading I've seen in a long while - these comments and the author's writeup are brilliant.

Special shout out to:

Not ready to Die

This can only be licensed and driven where no safety laws are written.


Seriously though - to read some of the responses in a couple of other articles, it sounds like auto industry spin doctors (aka auto journalists) hang out here and bad mouth common sense.

In all of Canada, Nissan has designed 30 - yes 3 times 10 - hybrid Altimas. Auto journalists laud that its the best hybrid car out there ... yada yada. What should the rest of us 20 million folks do?

Its smoke and mirrors my friends. Collectively auto industry pundunts feed us distraction after distraction to buy time for them to sell status-quo gas guzzlers.

The new low-sulfer Diesel combined with VW or Chrysler/Mercedes diesel engines burns clean, quiet, odour-free; it gets 40% better fuel economy right out of the pump; and it packs thrilling low-end horsepower that you can't believe. Test drive the new 2008 Jeep Diesel 6 cylinder to see what I'm talking about - it pulls better than my Hemi gasoline motor.

Have fun...

hmmm..
written by homerific , October 15, 2007

looks like a smaller, non thrustered version of the batmobile.

over 3/per gal. of gas
written by honduh , October 15, 2007

everyone has a voice; whether you hate thi VW for looks or safety..just think of what steps are already being taking...it may suck now, but give it time and soon enough their will more then one logical reason/alternative...until then drive a civic - 30 mpgcity, 40 mpghighway even when I drive like a bat outa h*ll! seriously keep an open mind!

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written by adam , October 15, 2007

i love the spelling errors and overall bad writing that is on this site

Spelling Error Comment
written by David , October 15, 2007

You do realize that you just hap-hazardly discredited your knowledge with your single statement "i love the spelling errors and the overall bad writing that is on this site". When your own errors pronounced themselves to me the momment I read your comment.
Correction to your ignorance.
"I" love the spelling erros and "the" overall bad wriing that is on this site"."

Always remember.
Ignorance is the fault of man, and you area prime example.

Tricycle Motorcycle?
written by D. Chapman , October 15, 2007

That's what it should be called, a Tricycle Motorcycle. Hey! What's wrong with that? Completely enclosed, so you're out of the weather, air conditioning, Your woman passenger is even more comfortable than on a Gold Wing. What could be better?

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written by Rod , October 15, 2007

Bill Gates/Paul Allen/George Soros you want to do something for the world? Get out of your Lamborghinis and get behind the hybrid diesel as manufactures. Diesel as of this year is 15 ppm paticulates instead of 500 ppm particulates.

Its all about money
written by Terrance , October 15, 2007

These companies that make autos also have investments in oil. So they would never put out a car with 200 mpg because no one would barely be buying gas or not as often anyway. That would mess with there profits from oil so they stick with cars that barely go over 25 mpg to keep you going to buy gas even though they have all the technology in the world to have much much more miles to the gallon on these cars....So obviously it's all money driven!

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written by Anonymous , October 15, 2007

This car, motorcycle, whatever, is an amazing advancement in technology. If we had only these on the road, the fuel supply that they predict is soon going to run out will last till the end of time. I mean, really, 235 miles per gallon? That's astounding! I'm fourteen and I can realize that! Those who oppose this car and down right idiots. You have no idea what this could do for the economy. Just think about how much money you spend on gas each week. Now divide that by five. There is actually a car to be released in a year called the Aptera that get 330 miles per gallon and comes in hybrid and fully-electric versions. If you think negatively about this, then you would be better off sticking your head in a blender.

let move on for our children
written by roy miller , October 15, 2007

my wife drives a WV and get 34-36 mpg in the city,although i'm a little cramped in it i love the way it has help our pockets.If such a car was avaiable to me i would highly consider buying one two reason for better of the future of my world and children.We need to change the way we think other wise we will be the demise of our own existence..

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written by John , October 29, 2007

This could have a great future! The magnesium frame has to go. A nightmare to machine or have in an accident. The rest looks like a go. Who cares about if it is ugly or not. The idea is to get a car that is eco friendly and saves gas! First one on is sure to win! If you make it available, people will buy it, BIG TIME! The money that can be saved alone will allow most to buy what ever they want for a second car and open the car industry to a lot more markets!
Not to mention the first one that gets it to market will have big time investors

Simple solution for the american way of
written by Sebi , December 23, 2007

I'd buy this thing just for the coolness factor, 90% of all the vehicles I see during rush hour every morning be it 2-seater or a monsterous suv are driven by a single person. Bigger cars are practicial when you actually have the people in them, but in my opinion the way we as Americans use our cars in our culture is anything but economical. It's small, very economical oh and don't forget cheap, easy to store and you can still afford your gas guzzler incase you should one day use it as intended/designed.

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written by TR , January 03, 2008

Back in the 1980's two students from Prenston and a professor invented a (dry cell) battery as strong as a truck battery. The battery was the size of a playing card. Who holds the patton and why? Could it be the oil compenies$$$$!!!

Ugly it is
written by Tracy , March 03, 2008

Yes it is ugly and it is a good reason not to drive one. Dork.
Just because you would happily ride around town on a moped, doesn't make it socially acceptable, ok?

heck yes
written by Nerdfighter #7 , March 17, 2008

This is an ammmmmaaaaazzzzzing. car. It looks terribly dangerous, though. If only we could get rid of all of the SUVS and trucks... us eco-minded people would be able to drive the cars we want.

It looks like the mario bullet. Isn't that awesome?

And while straddling could be sexy for a short ride around town it would be uncomfortable for long drives across the country.

Cars
written by Darby , March 18, 2008

Why do all of the cars that get great gas mileage, look so stupid. Maybe if they made a car that actually looked like a regular 4-door sedan, then they would get more people to buy them.

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written by tehPage , April 14, 2008

The Tesla Roadster is a B.A. electric car, 0-60 under 4 seconds with a 125mpg equivalent. If I had the 100k to drop i wouldn't mind one!

Important
written by bob , April 28, 2008

I like cheese, pie, apples, more pie, cars, they are tasty

235 MPG VW
written by Cool , April 29, 2008

Get some on the road and let's see them!

Forget electric...
written by Brian , April 30, 2008

I can't wait to go carfree

Purchasing a new car isn't green. It takes 90 barrels of oil and many different types of materials to make a car. Purchase a bike and live more locally

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written by Rohit , May 12, 2008

Now if we could only get the behemoths off the road, these little cars could be used safely!

Applications for a Free Market
written by Matt Mattoon , May 17, 2008

Well I've been reading the comments. Thank God above that our fore fathers embraced freedom and the free market.
As I'm the proud owner of a VW Jetta TDI, which my wife uses for work to the tune of 110 miles per day, round trip @ 48-52mpg, which has saved our marriage, college tuition and funded Boy Scout trips for the last 10 years...needless to say, apart from timing belts, oil, tires and brakes....has been almost non-existant to maintain. WE're ready! If it's from VW, I trust it. For those demographic few that get headaches from diesel...consider some Tylenol.
As a born free marketeer and raised GM'er and owning a 3/4ton GMC 6.5l diesel that gets 19.4mpg unloaded and about 11.1mpg pulling 14,000# which is quite efficent for it's purpose. Although the Duramax outstrips mine by several mpg. I think the truck is an intelligent choice for the application. The problem comes when I start commuting 100 miles a day with it. As a single driver with no load. Durango's and Explorer's are famous for this. If you get a chance...check out their mpg vs. load.
We also have a Sub that routinely hauls 7-8 scouts, [img=[url=

]

]or my 6 member family around and I'm getting 17.8 to 18.1mpg on the highway,13.5 in town, so for those with the behemoth attitude, imagine getting hit by a real bus...vs. my little tiny suburban. Again, application. Which in this case is a form of waste reducing public transport, funded most often by myself. It has the ability to carry 8 people and a 8,000# troop trailer @10mpg as well. It's using common sense about fuel consumption. I don't use this vehicle to commute.
The Goldwing gets a depressing 35mpg...And yes I originally bought it to conserve fuel and thought that by tuning it and maintain it, i'd be able to improve on it, but to no avail. I'm considering selling it and upgrading my bicycle, which I now use to commute on summer weekdays to daycare and work...

[img=]

So, for a commuter that offers a margin of safety over a motorcycle, additional comfort and four season use....WE're ready! Please VW get some to the states...Please Congress/EPA, get out of the way...

Remember..the only way to gain your life is to lose it...

diesel
written by bobbo , May 20, 2008

Americans have been stupidly slow at accepting diesels...when the 2009 jetta TDI comes out, go test drive it, i guarantee you will not be able to tell its a diesel, its very quiet, also it gets 50mpg highway while maintaining the lowest emissions of any production car on the road and....235lb-ft of torque, a hefty number

Not Ready to Die #2
written by Guest , May 20, 2008

Isn't magnesium extremely volatile? Ever seen a piece of magnesium burn like a torch? Maybe they temper it with something else to change its properties.. Regardless, this couldn't survive on American roads against the mammoth gas hogs driven by people as oblivious of their environmental impact as they are about whether there's already a car in the lane they're merging into. I'd argue that the SMART car is about as small as US traffic can currently handle.

And I'll also second the "will someone start manufacturing a viable concept already!?!?"

Can't drive Diesels in CA
written by Californian , May 20, 2008

California uses the metric of emissions per *gallon* so even this car would be considered "too dirty" to drive in CA... Until there is a switch to emissions per mile, this won't be sellable here.

Who carts their whole family around all
written by Guest , May 20, 2008

To the person who said this was impractical because you can't fit the "average family of four" in it: most people drive alone most of the time. There are school buses to take your kids to school, and you don't need to bring them with you to the store (if you have two parents as that implies, leave one at home with the kids - or hire a babysitter - or leave them alone if they're old enough). For outings where you really would need to bring the whole family, you could either have a second one of these (or a scooter/motorcycle - if there are two earners, as in most families) or a second, larger car that is usually unused if your family is 5 or greater.

Diesels in CA
written by x , May 20, 2008

I don't think diesels are smogged in CA. Also aren't diesels clearner now then they used to be?

Already featured in 'Brazil'
written by Alex , May 20, 2008

Main character in Terry G's flick drove one of these around (until it was ravaged).

http://www.tiemposfuturos.es/Imagenes/brazil_2.jpg

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written by jenna Jepson , May 20, 2008

but bill gates doesn't drive a lambo, he drives a ford escort

The possessive form of the neuter pronou
written by Apostrophic , May 20, 2008

The car's technology comes from it's unique shape and it's ultra-light body.

You have been found guilty of apostrophe abuse. Buy a T-shirt in penance.

I drive an extremely inefficient car...
written by dumbfounder , May 20, 2008

but still probably use less gas than most people in the US. Because I live in the city and walk to work. I drive less than 3000 miles per year now.

This car is just about as useful as a moped, and probably less safe. There is no way it will pass safety standards unless it is categorized as a motorcycle.

If you are worried about the environment, move to the city and just stop driving. Support nuclear energy. Ride a bike. Telecommute. Noone is going to buy this car.

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written by Michael , May 20, 2008

Brian wrote:

Forget electric...
written by Brian , April 30, 2008
I can't wait to go carfree smilies/wink.gif

Purchasing a new car isn't green. It takes 90 barrels of oil and many different types of materials to make a car. Purchase a bike and live more locally

Nah, we don't need cars to shelter us from the elements or carry larger loads/folks who can't bike, right? Yeah, go bikes!

Oh, wait a minute! It probably takes some oil to make the bike and lube the chains and stuff. Screw bikes. Let's walk everywhere!

Wait... it takes oil to make shoes. Walk barefoot, people! Sustainable living!!

Yay for mass idiocy.
written by Sota , May 20, 2008

Things I love about the comments section:

1. The amount of abuse you throw around at people who drive larger vehicles. It isn't my fault that I care about keeping my family safe. I'm not trusting my kids to any vehicle but a SUV with near perfect safety ratings. You can drive your tinny shit box, and when you get into an accident and someone dies, tough shit. Also, the real problem is people who purposefully avoid getting cars with catalytic converters on them. Many states will grant you an exemption if you drive an old enough car, so you can continue to pollute.

2. People telling other families how to live. Hire a babysitter constantly instead of taking the whole family somewhere is a classic. Stop trying to econazi other peoples lives and tell them what they should do with their family in order to save gas. This car is impractical and unsafe, as are smart cars and other nonsense.

3. Conspiracy Theorists. You know who you are. None of you understand patent law, and probably shouldn't be allowed to speak in public, for fear that someone might agree with you and help spread your idiocy.

What a pointless car
written by Hank , May 20, 2008

That car looks pretty useless for carrying anything substantial - which is really the only legitimate justification for having cars. Why not just ride a motorcycle, a bike or take public transport?

suppository car
written by Mike , May 20, 2008

nobody want to drive this suppository-like one person car

Make your own - it's easy!
written by Mike , May 20, 2008

I won't buy one, but I am going to make one like it. The general concept is good, and it even looks good. The windshield is too curved for the direct sun though. I will do SNUG side by side seating on a bench seat - like a small airplane. So much frontal area wasted with bucket seats. And yes, I do know how to get it registered. Safety is mostly about the driver, and nothing is really safe - life's a risk. Best to save the money and lifestyle.

...
written by josephjsalas , May 20, 2008

Wouldn't this crush Murdoch's DJIA?

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written by Guest , May 20, 2008

Soat and others should read this:

http://www.gladwell.com/2004/2004_01_12_a_suv.html

Smart cars actually get awesome crash ratings, especially when you take into consideration the extremely small size of the vehicle.

Perceived safety in a big SUV is often just that.

And you don't need an eight passenger vehicle to drive the average family around. Sure, it might be a good idea for some special occasions, but luckily there are plenty of vehicle rental agencies all over the country.

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written by Mark , May 20, 2008

Not that anuyone actually reads this but thi car is not produced for 2 reasons. 1. It cannot meet the new INSANE Diesel emissions requirements (and if it could its economy would drop significantly). 2. the huge amount of USDOT regulations that it has to meet would make it significantly heavier. By the time all is said and done you would have a Polo.

Better than a motorcycle!!
written by Ruggy , May 20, 2008

Better economy than a motorcycle; safer and weatherproof too. I want one! Now!

This would become my primary vehicle for commuting and local errands.

A passenger straddling the driver would not be a problem; except on longer trips... but this is still far better than a motorcycle, and some die-hards nonetheless take those cross-country.

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written by Drew , May 23, 2008

Why can't anyone make a hybrid that's useful ? Good luck trying to bring a sheet of plywood home in this thing. Forget about towing a trailer. And god help you if you & your magnesium frame get into an accident and there's a fire.

nice looking car
written by josephjsalas , May 27, 2008

With most vehicles geting 300 miles/tank....
Ane when gasoline hits $5.00/gallon....
$7.00/TANK SOUNDS LIKE A BEAUTIFUL CAR NO
MATTER WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!!!!!
Especialy now that you can afford your
mortgage payment.

morons
written by joe , June 03, 2008

Sota,

You are a moron and an asshole. A big SUV is LESS safe hitting a tree because of its body on frame construction. The only reason it's safer is because you'd be hitting a SMALLER car, driven by SOMEONE who actually cares about the environment. Because of jerks like you, I have to get a big car too, so I don't feel like I'm not "protecting" my family.

drew is a moron
written by joe , June 03, 2008

A corolla can trail 1,500 lbs. Hook up a trailer (2,000 or so) and you can tow, what?,...um,...20 sheets of your stupid plywood. Like you are a contractor and need to do that. Trailer? HEY, here's a shocker, they have these things called "hotels", welcome to the new century.

Drew is a moron
written by joe , June 03, 2008

Drew, get a trailer to carry your stupid plywood. Magnesium does not burn any more than aluminum, and instead of a stupid trailer, there's this thing called a "hotel" that you can stay at when you travel. LOSER.

Love it
written by guest , June 04, 2008

I love the car. I would get it on looks alone. I also love the fact it's DIESEL!! I not some of these enviro-wackos, I shoot Bambie and I think I'm going to Vomit if I hear "Eco" one more time. But this is a neat car, very similar to what Popular Mechanics did in an article in the early 80s.

Of course we need to DRILL NOW, Drill Here, and Pay Less in the US (rather than letting China do it). And let the FREE Enterprise work. Of course the word "Free" scares a lot of liberals, communist, enviro-nazies, and Al Gore.

Do the world a favor, KILL SOMETHING GREEN.

Make it available as "Kit"
written by guest , June 04, 2008

To get past all the Eviro-Nazies and stupid USDOT/emissions garbage, wouldn't be great if VW spun off a subsidiarity that would let us get the vehicle in KIT form? Plus, I'd love to be able to get a smaller Diesel for my other vehicles. Yank that worthless 4.0 out of my Ford Ranger and put a Turbo Diesel in there. That would be fantastic.

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written by jb , July 06, 2008

I like this car, they just need to start selling them and people need to start driving them, if we can get past the negativaty that people love to dish out when you try to something good.