A potential game changer
1. Far safer than any small hatchback
2. Energy-efficient because it's lightweight and low drag-shaped
3. More comfortable than any small hatchback
3. More comfortable than any small hatchback
4. Exceptional ride because of its ability to bank during cornering
5. Iconic 'form-follows-function' design
6. New perspective on "how to venture?" 7. Scores 'high' on global issues
6. New perspective on "how to venture?" 7. Scores 'high' on global issues
click on pictures to enlarge/click on purple-printed words for additional pictures Klik hier voor NL intro
The spiritual successor**** to the iconic Isetta you see here is on a mission: set new standards when it comes to
passenger safety, driving pleasure, comfort, ergonomics, energy efficiency and design. 1. To
be able to create a low drag shape,
which requires a tapered rear end rather than a hatched back, whilst
maintaining, even improving impact safety, passengers don't sit next to each other.
The N.I. has a cigar-like frame underneath the outer panels and a
dual-purpose rear cowling, covering the twin wheels and a
flush-mounted rear bumper (a design as well as safety feature). The old Romans
already knew that arches
make for a highly stress-resistant construction. Subsequently, lighter materials can be
used.
2. Lightweight (550-650 kg) and sleek
(<0.19 drag) means that one
has the option of a relatively small ICE (scoring close
to 100 mpg) or/and an electric motor with a light battery pack to
score a decent range. The N.I. (L:3.8 x W:1.48 x H:1.40 m) carries three
persons more safely, economically and 3. comfortably (long wheelbase!)
than any 'similar-sized' car can. The driver position
(to the right in Europe, the U.S./to the left in the UK, Japan, India) with all around visibility unmatched is another
safety feature. What about Fahrvergnuegen? 4. Well, having a so-called narrow track vehicle (NTV) configuration is
the best excuse to create a flex-free vehicle that will actually bank during cornering (not
go 'full tilt' like the Carver). Here is how.*** More space-efficient use of the infrastructure ('dual-lane use') is a
nice bonus. Governments will love the prospect.
5. It goes around the idea of yet another small car. People don't like the idea of buying something small (i.e. derived from something bigger). So, bring something else, something 'in between'. Ever seen Discovery Channel's program American Chopper? Nobody looks at a 2.70 meter long motorcycle cruiser as being a small vehicle. There you go. Think of the New Isetta as an enclosed motorcycle cruiser, sharing its stretched looks, the big rear fender and the ability to lean during cornering. You can also look at it as a Smart ForThree**.
6. Development should start on the basis of a capable network of committed stakeholders and a rigid timetable, eliminating any wishful thinking in the process. Anything less, and chances are that momentum gets lost, despite its huge potential on paper. Think of engineering, product development, manufacturing, marketing as a creative process. Tesla's CEO Elon Musk sees electric cars as big appliances you don't need dealers for. It took him less than a decade to be taken seriously, and have other companies want to join his. A vehicle in which the 'driver' has a feel for its outer dimensions seems like a perfect fit for new developments such as driverless. One starts to wonder how long it will take Google to come up with its own 'robocar'?
Tesla stock has become seven times more valuable since its IPO. Yet, a Tesla that weighs almost 30 times more than its driver, may not be the definitive answer. Wouldn't you be curious about a tangible, new transportation mode, set out to astonish the worldwide automotive press (to start the global buzz) and that will provide whole new benefits to all involved: consumers, companies, governments... the environment? Bear in mind: as long as we cannot "beam me up, Scotty" from to A to B, personal transportation will be a physical thing. Now there's a 'venture model' *. There is way more to personal mobility than having cars roll off the production line. If car brands are slow to respond, others may or should jump to the occasion. Want to know how 'newcomers' went about?
Ralph Panhuyzen, October 2013 (updated Febr. 19th, 2014)
sevehicle@gmail.com
sevehicle@gmail.com
7. Think climate change, less energy spillage, reduce emissions, improve our living environment, better utilization of precious resources (C2C) and the infrastructure...
* Notice that the front looks are sort of 'kept neutral' so manufacturers may envisage their own trademark frontal designs. Front and rear sections, containing the front and tail lights, can be swapped for easy repair, a partial makeover or to create a different brand look. The SEV has a chocolate Easter egg-like body: a 'skirted' lower half containing all hardware, which is easily accessible because of the curved upper half with its small roof section. Bear in mind, there is one powerful consideration why automakers will be paying more attention to energy-efficient/low emission cars: regulations. The EU ordered a further reduction of CO2 emissions from new cars to 95 grams per km by 2020 (135.7 grams in 2011). To lower their CAFE and emissions profile car makers will be forced to incorporate 'eco cars' in their line-up... Brand support or affiliation is the easiest way to accomplish things. However, 'venture laterally', reconfigure production, 'cater' to brands as well as to end-users (consumers), these are exciting new options on that wonderful road to what next-gen mobility can be about.
**Think of commuting (usually done alone), running errands, sports school visit,
etc. Think 1-child families (huge market in China), singles,
couples.NB: This presentation is put together for assessment purposes only. The Space-Efficient Vehicle aka New Isetta is Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market registered! It is not an open source project. Unauthorized use is forbidden. If in doubt about the semantics of what is "authorized" (literally: of, by or from the author) and what is not (presenting or using what has been created by someone else as if it were yours) consult a legal expert. Plagiarism is a sensitive subject in Germany in particular.
*** A combination of a low center of gravity, control arms at the front changing the wheel geometry, forcing the N.I. to lean - angle dependent on steering input (and speed) and G-force dependent active damping. Co-steering rear wheels operated at 45+ kph speeds may (also) be opted for. That should keep body roll in check and prevent the rear from side-sweeping.
**** There may well be another unique off-factory feature that can make New Isetta standout. Make it suited for swapping left-hand drive to right-hand drive and vice versa. This means that the dash loses its S-curve, that the steering wheel (airbag incl.) can be slotted to the left or right, that the first passenger seating slides forward to take over the driver's position and that the driver's seat slots back into passenger position. The third seat will need to be moved to the left or right, accordingly. It is best to have the steering wheel hold all essential functions, for obvious reasons, and to have the secondary functions made accessible via a touch screen that can be slotted onto the dash to the left or right (or center). This all should work without compromising safety, handling the controls and adding any audible squeaks. Food for further research. If it can't be made to work reliably, forget it. Formula One racing cars use steering wheels that are multi-functional though. Btw, regarding the use of airbags, four will suffice. The first is steering wheel-mounted, the two curtain-type airbags are to be deployed from the doors, and one deployed behind the third seat.
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