Cool Turn

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BMW Motorrad has just introduced their new C1-E electric scooter concept as what “a safe, environment-friendly and highly practical single track vehicle for city traffic could look like in the future.” Some of you may remember the C1 scooter that was available in Europe between 2000 and 2003. Offered in two trims, the 125 (124cc) and 200 (176 cc), the original C1 purported to provide a standard of accident protection that was comparable to a European compact car, with a reinforced canopy. The party line was that this thing was so safe you didn’t even need a helmet. The C1 was off to the races with sales over 10,000 in 2001. However, due to very poor sales the following year, production ceased in 2002 as market demand cooled.

The BMW C1-E Concept, like it’s predecessor, features a fully-enclosed cabin with built-in rollover protection, a front-end impact zone, a four-point safety belt and a low center of gravity. In the years since the C1 was released, BMW Motorrad has advanced a host of electronic aids such as integrated ABS, Traction Control, Tire Pressure Control and Anti-Slip Control. BMW is even toying with the idea of “forward-looking rider assistance systems” that help with cross-traffic and traffic light guidance as well as warning alerts for road hazards, emergency vehicles, sudden braking or advancing bad weather.

The Tesla Model S($49,900+$7,500 federal tax credit) is official. It is not cheap, but today the Tesla CEO says Model S isn’t really expensive. “The ownership cost of Model S, if you were to lease and then account for the much lower cost of electricity versus gasoline at a likely future cost of $4 per gallon, is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $35,000.

“With a 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge, the $49,900 Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort.

Unlike most eco-friendly propositions of our time, the Eco Elise study doesn’t revolve solely around tailpipe CO2 emissions. Instead, the Brits tried a holistic approach to ecology by using sustainable materials, cleaner manufacturing processes, renewable energy generation and of course, by reducing the car’s weight.

The renewable materials that have been incorporated into the Eco Elis project include hemp (industrial cannabis) that’s used on the car’s composite body panels, spoiler and seats, eco wool for the upholstery and sisal for the carpet. Cleaner manufacturing processes have been achieved by utilizing the latest water based paint technology. As for renewable energy generation, the Eco Elise’s hemp hard top incorporates a set of solar panels that provide power for the car’s electrical systems.

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Debuting stateside at this year’s Interbike Expo, Jango’s Flik folding bike adds a travel-friendly model to Topeak’s line of clever multi-activity cycles.
After months of enjoyment riding Jango’s full suspension bike, we’re excited to see they’ve applied the same design principles to the Flik, while adding to it a patented VertiLink system (vertical six-bar linkage), ensuring a simple, two-second fold-up.
As part of Jango’s plug-and-bike series—a modular system built to easily integrate 35 optional accessories—the Flik also accommodates a wide range of uses, but thanks to its compact frame and effortless folding capability the Flik goes wherever you go, whether to another country or just in the back of a car. Taking into account the commuter making their way through crowded urban environments, the Flik also can be ”

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The L1’s CO2 emissions are crazy low – just 36 grams per kilometer – from a hybrid TDI and 10 kW electric motor powerplant. The 0.8-liter TDI unit was derived from the 1.6 TDI that is making its debut in Frankfurt in the new Golf BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion. Top speed is 100 mph. The tandem seats are accessible from a hinged roof cover. The L1 has two driving modes – eco and sport – and, of course, features Auto Start-Stop. What does all this get you? An astonishing 170 mpg (U.S.).

If the car looks a bit slippery to you, you’re not alone. The L1 has a Cd 0.195.

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By Olli Erkkila.

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Mission Motors‘ emission-free superbike recently shattered the world land speed record for electric motorcycles as it clocked in a series of scorching 150mph runs at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. Designed in collaboration with Fuse Project.

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Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg’s parent company is currently tangled up in the purchase of Saab, but that’s not stopping the masters that build the CCX from advancing their craft, as proved by the CCXR Trevita revealed today.

The car is named from a Swedish contraction meaning “three whites,” which signifies the unique silvered carbon fiber bodywork of the Trevita. The company’s Diamond Weave exposed carbon fiber bodywork is the epitome of high-tech’s marriage of form and function.

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By Charley Wheelock.

“we put disc brakes on wine barrels with a ‘57 Ford F100 drop axle for a frame and rode them down a mountain.”
Mr. Wheelock also runs Kapow Design, specializing in modern contract furniture design, tradeshow booths, children’s furniture, environments, design/manufacturing consultation, and of course, any interesting projects.