230 miles per gallon!

A couple of nights ago, I stopped by Yahoo! to check the latest news updates. On their front page was a photo similar to the one above. My interest was immediately piqued, so I started doing a little research...

Apparently the vehicle is called the Aptera Type 1, and is a hybrid prototype that is supposed to be put into production sometime in October 2008. It also will be available in an "electric-only" configuration, which would have a range of around 120 miles between charges.

While the guy in this picture has more hair than I do...I could definitely see myself driving one of these little cars. Sure, it only has 2 1/2 seats, but for a daily commuter, this thing would be great.

As you can see, it is hardly conventional. In fact, the Type 1 is technically considered a motorcycle, because it doesn't have four wheels. Power is supplied to the rear wheel, and steering is provided via the two front wheels. Video clips of the vehicle show an extremely stable and "ground-hugging" platform that seems to be as roadworthy as any other small car.

The fluid lines of the vehicle were adopted to minimize drag. As an example, the windshield wipers on a normal vehicle create as much drag as the whole front end of the Aptera. This results in amazing gas mileage. Between 40 and 60 miles, the small gas engine will hardly be used. Up to about 120 miles, the gas mileage will be phenomenal, around 230 miles per gallon. For longer trips, the Type 1 will sip fuel at a miserly 120 mpg, and do so all day long, until you recharge the vehicle's batteries.

Could this replace my Beetle?