There's a lot of choices when it comes to getting around. While automobiles are enough for most people,there's a booming niche market for the weird, wonderful, and downright intimidating. Engineers are pushing the limits of traditional transport solutions and coming up with impressive rides of the future. Let's check out 10 of the most innovative vehicles currently in development in 2021.
The Avtoros Shaman 8x8 amphibious truck is the perfect mix of extreme off-road adventure and post-apocalyptic chic. The Russian-engineered ATV takes the "AllTerrain" part very seriously. Equipped with a hermetic boat-formed frame armed with high-performance water pumps, the Shaman can literally transform into an aquatic craft powered by a screw-propeller that can reach naval speeds up to 4.3 miles per hour. On land, 8 oversized, low-pressure tires,each on independent transmission, allow unmatched off-roading capabilities over a variety of terrain. The driver sits up front alone in a centralized cockpit, and the rear can be configured in two main variations. In the "tourist" model, up to 8 passenger seats line the cabin, all equipped with three-point seat belts. In the "hunter" version, the sides of the cabin are lined with benches that can transform into bedding for up to 4 people in a matter of seconds. When you want to make a bold statement backed up by military-grade hardware, look no further.
than the Hercules by the Californian auto manufacturer, Rezvani. This souped-up 6-wheeler features a 1,300 horsepower 7.0L Supercharged V8, putting it well within the hypercar category. The 6-wheel drive, coupled with 3-inch off-road suspension and 16-inch brake calipers, provide powerful and stable traction across all terrain. You're probably not going to need protection against assault rifle fire, IEDs and electromagnetic pulses while driving through the suburbs,but just in case, the Hercules has you covered with their Hercules Military variant. Featuring high-caliber-resistant ballistic armor, EMP protection systems, underside explosives protections as well as a Kevlar-wrapped fuel tank, your truck is safer than your home in times of crisis. It's also fully loaded with anti-personnel features, including; blinding lights & strobes, siren, PA, smokescreen, electrified door handles,and magnetic door bolts to prevent forced entry.
Manufacturer Rezvani makes the list for a second time with its tactical urban vehicle, better known as the tank. The name makes perfect sense when you see this capably powerful 4 wheel-drive monster. Under the hood, the tank sports a 3.6L V6 With options to install a 500 horsepower 6.4L V8 or a 1,000 Horsepower 6.2L Supercharged V8. The tank features a similar high-performance off-road suspension and braking as the Hercules. Like it's 6 wheel-cousin, there's also a military variant. The Rezvani Tank Military features all of the anti-personnel and armament features as the Hercules Military, including ballistic and explosive armor, EMP protection, one-touch smokescreen activation, blinding strobe lights,electrified doors, and military-grade tires that can be driven at high speeds even while flat. Add in thermal imaging and a security survival kit that includes gas masks, a hypothermia kit, and a first aid kit – and you've gotta mobile fortress for any situation.
It's the largest amphibious production boatin the world, and New Zealand manufacturer Sealegs has already begun taking orders on its ambitious new Cabin Rib 12RBC. Hydraulic wheel motors built into the three20-inch tires allow it to hit a top speed of 5 mph while on land. But you wouldn't be taking the Cabin Rib on the highways. It's for skipping the line on the public jetty and driving straight into the water. Once the boat hits the water, a pair of 400-hp outboard motors take over and propel the boat to a top speed of almost 40 knots. Onboard, a 132-gallon fuel tank supplies the power, and the interior can hold up to 12 passengers with the recreational configuration. Optional layouts include a galley, kitchen,lounge and dining seating, BBQ, air conditioning, up to 4 beds, toilet facilities, and the addition of a closed cab.
The Arcimoto Roadster is known as an FUV or"Fun Utility Vehicle." The open-air reverse trike roadster is the latest all-electric prototype from Oregon-based manufacturer, Arcimoto. Though no definite production plans have been revealed, based on the company's other product lines, we can expect an electric motor at each of the two front wheels for a top speed of 75 mph over a range of 102 miles per charge. The Roadster prototype features a squat windshield and tandem motorcycle seating with an extended tray over the rear wheel for cargo. Arcimoto may have found the perfect buyer for the Roadster, too, with DHL partnering to deliver 50,000 new electric vehicles by 2022.
Diving right into the next craft on the list,literally, is the VICTA. This futuristic prototype represents the most advanced diver delivery unit ever produced to date. It's a combination of fast watercraft and submersible that seamlessly transition from both functions through advanced engineering and an innovative fly-by-wire control system. Designed by UK-based Naval Architects BARTechnologies, the VICTA is constructed from carbon fiber and Diab core. It's powered by a Seatek 725+ diesel engine with auxiliary electric thrusters that control pitch and roll while submerged. The VICTA can house 2 crew and 6 "swimmers,"with the pilots able to monitor passenger vitals from an integrated heads up display. It's been designed mainly for military special and naval operations, allowing stealthy insertion and extraction of dive troops to underwater targets.
Experimental transportation technology has always been a pie-in-the-sky concept. But Virgin has recently completed passenger-tests on its revolutionary new transport system called the Hyperloop. The system consists of sealed and vacuum pressurized tubes that connect hubs over vast distances. Pressurized pods can travel along these tubesat very high speeds due to reduced friction, low aerodynamic drag, and contactless levitation. The first human test run, performed on a testtrack in the Nevada desert, was done in a new pod prototype called the XP-2. It's been fitted with a slew of safety features in the hopes of being safety certified by 2025. While the test run only reached speeds of 107 mph, Virgin hopes to eventually hit speeds of around 745 mph, which would make travel from LA to San Francisco possible in under 30 minutes.
In another iteration of amphibious watercraft,the Day-Limo from French luxury shipbuilder Iguana yachts lends more of its engineering inspiration from a tank than a wheeled automobile. Two amphibious tracks allow the Iguana to land safely on any terrain, from the soft sand and wet mud to uneven rocks and pebbles beaches, for a maximum ground speed of 4.4 mph. Once in the water, the landing gear seamlessly folds back in full within 8 seconds. Onboard, the Day Limo can fit 12 guests with ergonomic seating, folding armrests, integrated cup holders, ample storage, and luxury finishes. The IG-PRO 31 Interceptor & Rescue are the fast, agile, and rugged workhorse cousins of the Day Limo. The interceptor model was created to carry troops for patrol and combat missions. At the same time, the Rescue is optimized to provide medical or logistical support to remote or inaccessible areas.
While we've all been teased with rumors of production-level flying cars, Dutch company Pal-V has recently had their Liberty street-approved in the EU. It's a big deal considering Pal-V has been working on making the flying car a reality for over 20 years. The three-wheeled, two-seater operates in two modes. Street mode with the large rotors folded away cleanly into a configuration along the roof and sky mode, transforming the conspicuous craft into a sleek gyroplane. Although no flight footage is available, Pal-Vreports the Liberty can take off using as little as 1,000 ft of runway, reaching speeds of 112 mph in the air over a range of around 310 miles! Pal-V is working on aviation certification next, hoping that pilots will be able to take to the skies by 2022.
For those wanting to experience the latest extreme sport, the Electrified Wingsuit by BMW is the closest thing to flying you'll ever be crazy enough to share. After countless wind tunnel tests and over30 test jumps, Austrian Peter Salzmann recently demonstrated the collaboration between BMW and Designworks over the Hohe Tauern mountain range. The Electrified Wingsuit prototype consists of two chest-mounted, 5-inch, 25,000 rpm impellers encased in a submarine-looking unit. Peter has control of a throttle, rudimentary steering facility, as well as a cut-off switch for emergencies. The propulsion puts out a reasonable 5 kW(20 hp) for a total burst of five minutes. Still, the difference it makes in slowing descent is quite remarkable. When Salzmann activates the electric propulsion,he can hit a speed of over 186 mph – triple that of unpowered wingsuit flight. This means in certain conditions, he can gain altitude instead of slowly falling. The Electrified Wingsuit represents a whole new leap in personal flight tech, and we can only imagine what comes next.
No comments:
Post a Comment