It is nearing release for early adopters! Just about 6 months!!!
News on CNN Video
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/tech/2008/06/05/washburn.230.mpg.car.kfmb
You tube Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1vQGPYBBn4
Script:
It's being billed as an ultra-green car - 300 miles to the gallon as a hybrid, and there's an electric version too. The Aptera uses as little energy as possible.
With a little bit of free time, and the mind of an engineer, Steve Fambro and co-founder Chris Anthony set out to make a vehicle that can travel safely at highway speeds and is the most efficient on the road.
The Aptera Type 1, Greek for "wingless flight", aims for that sensation while driving. Classified as a motorcycle, the three-wheel aerodynamic vehicle boasts the ability to drive cross country on a single tank of gas.
"Once you realize and accept the fact that at highway speeds most of the energy goes just to push the air out of the way, why would you make a car that's square and boxy and like a piece of furniture?" Fambro said.
To go with their aero dynamic, efficient design, they replaced the side view and rear view mirrors with cameras in the back, so without even having to turn you're head you can see what's behind you from just about every angle.
But unless you've got a dolphin-shaped helicopter couch, you might be thrown by the design, and in turn concerned about safety.
"We think that traditional automobile safety standards are appalling, you know there no guarantees of safety, and our vehicle has been designed well beyond those safety standards," Anthony said.
Even more appalling, these guys say they're excited about gas prices.
"Yes, I have to admit I am, I know it's a hardship on people, and that's unfortunate, but that's the kind of thing that makes us wake up and demand more from our current auto manufacturers, demand more from our government and it spurs other people like ourselves to create products for the marketplace," Anthony said.
The electric version of the Aptera will be available to Californians at the end of this year, retailing at less than $30,000.[/url]
