Being fully enclosed and with impact absorption zones and a composite protection tub, the Land Glider’s pilot is a lot less vulnerable than a motorcycle rider, yet the Land Glider’s light weight and the punchy electric motors mean a motorcycle-like torque to weight ratio for quick acceleration and the steer-by-wire system leans the Land Glider up to 17 degrees – it may not be the 45 degree plus of a sports motorcycle, and the proof-of-concept will surely be in the driving experience as to how drive-by-wire feels in comparison to the mechanical systems we’re all accustomed to, but it’s more than enough to have safe, low-speed fun commuting to the office.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Brabus to debut 200mph SUV at Dubai Auto Show
Dubai is the land of the mega-wealthy and purveyors of exceptional machinery often stage world debuts there for their latest uber-exclusive toys whenever there's a car, boat or air show. This week the Dubai International Motor Show gets underway and the pick of the toys-for-very-rich-boys will be the world's fastest street-legal SUV. The BRABUS GLK V12 is powered by a 740 bhp twin turbo twelve-cylinder engine, has a top speed of 200mph (322kmh) and the base model starts at US$580,000. Be careful with the options though, or you'll give the bank manager a heart attack.
Scubacraft convertible speedboat/submarine: at home over OR under the waves
Screaming around on the surface of a lake or the ocean is great fun, but anyone who's had a crack at scuba diving will understand that it's a whole new world below the surface. Which is why the Scubacraft is such a sensational invention, even if you're not James Bond. It's a fully functional speedboat that'll scream along the surface at up to 50mph, but at the touch of a button it submerges and becomes an open-top electric submarine. Awesome.