The Prodrive Naro, ugly car pod for the 21st century
By Ryan Block 
posted Jan 31st 2005 11:22AM
posted Jan 31st 2005 11:22AM
So we're pretty sure that when auto developer Prodrive contracted The Narrow Car Company to whip up an urban concept vehicle, the Naro (the name, get it?) probably wasn't exactly what they had in mind. Afterall, would you be expecting a two-passenger pod that turns like a motorcycle when you lean into turns—furthermore, would you really want to ride in one? Because here in New York we can totally see people pushing these things over, or confused and disoriented tourists leaning too hard into turns and falling flat on their sides. Look, we appreciate the good intentions, but we'll stick with our yellow Crown Vics okay? They kind of remind us of being hauled off in a 5-0 cruiser, fond memories.
A dutch campany called Vandenbrink actually already produces such a vehicle.
Check www.carver.nl
"Afterall, would you be expecting a two-passenger pod that turns like a motorcycle when you lean into turns—furthermore, would you really want to ride in one?"
Yes I would be expecting this vehicle to behave like a motorcycle, and yes I'd be happy to use it. That's the whole idea, it's a motorcycle without the disadvantages: covered so you can ride it comfortably in rain, so you can leave some bigger items in it without worrying about thieves, so you don't have to wear a helmet, and the extra wheels probably give it more stability.
"Because here in New York we can totally see people pushing these things over, or confused and disoriented tourists leaning too hard into turns and falling flat on their sides."
Because this already happens so much with mopeds and bicycles that are regularly rented by tourists?
With all due respect to the engadget crew, I think you're making the same silly arguments against this as were made against the Smart cars. Yet Smart cars are very popular and so will these be. Perhaps not in USA, but the rest of the world would be more than happy to use them, and will be so much better off with them.
Let's see, davidm, it's snark and you have a problem with it, that part we get. What we don't get is why you are here if the first place if you are so critical of the site.
Go stomp your foot, hate boy.
Let's see, davidm, it's snark and you have a problem with it, that part we get. What we don't get is why you are here if the first place if you are so critical of the site.
Go stomp your foot, hate boy.
As far as i'm aware, there has been a similar vehicle developed in europe for quite a while, and the user doesn't actually do any leaning, he/she simply turns the wheel/handle bar and the car leans for you. The amount of lean is not dependant on your speed but on how quickly you steer the vehicle. it stays perfectly upright, because it has three wheels, and according to some of the motoring journalists like Richard Hammond from Top Gear, it's an absolutely amazing thing to drive... i beleived he described it as like driving a jet fighter! So come on, how cool would that be?!?!
Why ugly? I thought the old Pintos were ugly. This is no BMW but it certainly has a certain bladerunner look to it. If it performs as good as it looks, I think it could be practical.
I remember seeing a car just like this from GM in 1983 - it was called the Lean Machine. They were showing it off at Epcot center.
http://www.maxmatic.com/ttw_leanmachine.htm
Shame on you Engadget, How about you embrace the future for a change... Or maybe just embrace change fullstop. Either way, make sure you hug a tree while you're at it!
Interesting Idea, but I would probably just rather use a motorcycle.
This car doesn't look very safe. Any non-SUV could smash this thing to bits.
I mean, a VW Bettle, could run this fragile thing 100 times over. Eeek! At least with motorcycles, you have the head protection and the bike's speed.
All you are idiots!!! That was a great idea and by far the stupidest one on the planet!!!
Good comeback, davidm. I for one have full reason you don't hate engadget, but just see it as it is. Andy B just doesn't get sarcasm. It's like one of those guys proclaiming, "We don't like violence!", and then clubs to death all those who uses violence. Even if you were hating, he would be hating on haters. Duh..! I say keep it up, engadget.
There are all sorts of mini cars and enclosed motorcycles in the market although this is the first I have seen with a body designed by K-Nex. Don't buy these cars by the way... My niece got T-boned by a mountain bike in one of these and the car was totaled.
I've asked this in other forums, I'll repeat the question until I get a definitive answer:
What happens when your $60,000 Carver (that's the tilting 3-wheeler made in the Netherlands, can't buy it here in the US) hits a patch of ice in a turn? Does it exit the turn skidding on its wheels (scary, but almost manageable) or sliding on its side (sounds expensive and not fun)?
The idea of a "cambering" (tilting) vehicle has been around since the 1920s. The earliest photos I've seen of an actual cambering vehicle were from 1945, and to date I think the Carver is the only fully-enclosed cambering vehicle to be produced in production quantities, and it's expensive and you can't have one.
I've asked this in other forums, I'll repeat the question until I get a definitive answer:
What happens when your $60,000 Carver (that's the tilting 3-wheeler made in the Netherlands, can't buy it here in the US) hits a patch of ice in a turn? Does it exit the turn skidding on its wheels (scary, but almost manageable) or sliding on its side (sounds expensive and not fun)?
The idea of a "cambering" (tilting) vehicle has been around since the 1920s. The earliest photos I've seen of an actual cambering vehicle were from 1945, and to date I think the Carver is the only fully-enclosed cambering vehicle to be produced in production quantities, and it's expensive and you can't have one.
It's not ugly--it's fugly! I hope that design is a first draft.
Actually, the Carver, a similar vehicle, was tested in the english car tv show "Top Gear" and got really great reviews. The concept seems to work very well, and is great fun to drive. So yes, I'd definately get one if my needs pointed me in that direction.
Hey, every single time I see news footage from Asia that shows three wheel scooter looking things with cabs and small pick up beds moving through heavily congested city traffic, I'm envious, so don't expect me to scratch my head in dismay over this. Here in the USA, with our new WalMart economy, we need something small and cheap to get around in, although I doubt this cute little urban car is going to be inexpensive.
A comparison to slashdot was made here. I think that was to the point.
I have been visiting this site because it lists 'gadget' news, I thought.
There would be a science or an idea behind an interesting gadget. Which is what I'm interested at. Not at its marketability or usability always (though sometimes).
I hope the editors realise this and other readers agree with me too.
I knew about this technology a while ago. There have been surveys and studies regarding its usefulness. It has immense amount of controls and vibrational dynamics behind it. Read all that, you are sure to be impressed.
Comments and judgements are nice, but after you have a knowledge about the stuff.
A comparison to slashdot was made here. I think that was to the point.
I have been visiting this site because it lists 'gadget' news, I thought.
There would be a science or an idea behind an interesting gadget. Which is what I'm interested at. Not at its marketability or usability always (though sometimes).
I hope the editors realise this and other readers agree with me too.
I knew about this technology a while ago. There have been surveys and studies regarding its usefulness. It has immense amount of controls and vibrational dynamics behind it. Read all that, you are sure to be impressed.
Comments and judgements are nice, but after you have a knowledge about the stuff.