Apr 20
Audi presented a four-door concept car at the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition, showcasing the brilliance of combining the efficacy of a compact SUV with the sportiness of a coupe. While … Continue reading
Apr 20
The military certainly has its fair share of “big boys’ toys”, so to speak, where there are weapons and technology which the world knows nothing about – unless it is by chance or force that such weapons and technological wizardry are revealed. In fact, the advancement of technology in recent years have done a whole lot to change the map of the battlefield – pilotless drones are now used to scout an area ahead of time, as well as to deliver a payload without risking the life of a human being sitting inside a real cockpit, and GPS too, has helped missiles be even more accurate. As for getting around, well, tanks and planes aren’t exactly the quietest rides in town, but how about motorcycles? Logos Technologies has received a small business innovation research (SBIR) grant from DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) in order to work on a military-use hybrid-electric motorcycle that has near-silent capability.
It is hoped by DARPA that this particular technology, when it matures fully, will enable tiny, distributed military teams to move long distances in the shortest time possible, all the while remaining stealth as they make their way across harsh enemy terrain.
Specially developed in partnership with San Francisco-based all-electric motorcycle producer BRD, this particular platform will merge Logos Technologies’ quieted, multifuel hybrid-electric power system alongside a cutting-edge, off-road electric motorcycle platform that has been developed by BRD. This particular initiative is said to be the first time that a two-wheel-drive, multifuel hybrid capability has been integrated into a full-size off-road motorcycle – successfully, to boot.
The hybrid-electric idea also paves the way for extended periods of near-silent, electric-only-propulsion, in addition to the generation of supplemental electric power for use by personnel in the field. No idea on how much such a bike will cost eventually, but if it is going to help win wars, there is no price tag issue left anymore, is there?
Press Release
[ Near silent hybrid electric motorcycle in the works copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Apr 17
Military Stealth Dirtbike: Your Dirt Racing Dreams Have Never Been This Quiet
Posted in: Today's ChiliI’ve been driving around a Super Motard motorcycle for the last six months, and let me tell you, it’s extremely loud, so loud that my neighbors have asked me to start it outside the courtyard where it’s usually parked. One friend said that it sounded like my bike had eaten another one for breakfast. While all this racket is a fun part of having a motorcycle, you can imagine how this would be problematic for military motorcycles.
Note: Bike Shown Here is an Earlier Design by ZERO Motorcycles
With that in mind, DARPA has commissioned the development of a stealth motorcycle, which would allow soldiers to ride for long periods of time without emitting much noise. The bike, would use an extended-range hybrid-electric engine, and will be built by BRD and Logos Technologies. In addition to its stealthy operating capabilities, the bike will have all-wheel drive to help tackle difficult terrain.
Electric and hybrid bikes also make sense for commuters, especially in city traffic. Switching over to electric drive would mean no shifting and reduced noise, and of course lower fuel costs. Also, I’d probably not get any complaints from neighbors either.
[DefenseTech via The Verge]
Apr 10
Bentley is set to show off its hybrid car concept at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20. The hybrid vehicle that will on display at the show is … Continue reading
Mar 11
BMW’s i8 hybrid supercar will start reaching preorder customers in June, with the German marque finalizing the 362HP powertrain ahead of production kicking off in April. Demand during presales – … Continue reading
Feb 21
Volkswagen has officially unveiled the new plug-in hybrid Golf GTE compact car. The GTE has an all-electric driving range of 31 miles. The car is rated for combined fuel economy … Continue reading
Feb 17
Fisker asset auction over with Wanxiang American Crop as the highest bidder
Posted in: Today's ChiliFisker was one of the auto manufacturers that received huge loans from the US federal government to create green vehicles. Things started going bad for Fisker last summer when it … Continue reading
Feb 13
Audi may give its eye-catching Sport Quattro concept the green light to hit production, the company’s chief engineer has teased, though the show car’s 700HP V8 hybrid engine is unlikely … Continue reading
Feb 10
So this is AeYo, and it’s a rollerblade-scooter-bicycle hybrid that offers you an alternative mode of transportation, aside from the usual bike, trike, or scooter.
If you look at how it works, then you’ll see it’s more like a tethered pair of roller skates than anything else. The added handles provided additional balance so you can push forward and go faster with ease. There’s also an optional basket attachment so you can carry groceries and other items.
Aside from letting you go places faster, it also gives you a bit of a workout in the process. According to its makers “The AeYO exercises your fitness, coordination and strength. It is recommended by leading orthopaedists and athletes for its efficiency in therapy and workout.”
It’s pricey though, as the AeYo comes with a €449 (~$610 USD) price tag. It’s available in six colors (red, blue, green, white, gray, black) and two sizes.
[via Gizmodo via Geekologie]
Feb 05
Honda has outed a pair of alternative fuel Civic models for 2014, tapping hybrid and natural gas power to boost mileage to as much as 47mpg. The 2014 Civic Hybrid … Continue reading
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