Zoomi Life

Venture Vehicles has changed their name to Pursu Mobility and has designed a vehicle called the Persu Hybrid, based on the extremely innovative Vandenbrink Carver. This 3-wheeled vehicle is claimed to be a “new class of vehicle.” It’s got some awesome design features, that’s for sure, but it still looks like an enclosed tricycle to me.

The innovation comes from its unique turning and movement design. Rather than turning one wheel or one set of wheels, the vehicle tilts like a motorbike, but in a very interesting way. The two rear wheels are stable and stay put, but the body of the vehicle, including the front wheel, pivots right or left, leaning into the turn.

This creates not only extremely tight and controlled turning, but also great stability as well. Persu calls it “Fly the Road” technology. Seems pretty close to the truth and I can’t imagine driving that would be more fun than this.

The vehicle’s looks are pretty good too, though I’m generally dubious about 3-wheeled cars (especially of the glorified motorcycle variety). This one pulls off the look nicely, though, and has some great style. Of course, it’s still a concept, so CAD graphics and real life might be very different. The real thing will be in the X-Prize competition next year.

The Persu is a 2-passenger (front, rear) hybrid-electric car. Here’s some stats to get you interested:

• 0-60 in 7 seconds
• 20+ miles per charge
• 400+ mile total range
• 75+mpg projected
• 100mph top speed

The car would be classified as a motorcycle in most states, so HOV lanes and sub-compact parking are definite benefits. The seating arrangement is an interesting front-back (driver front, passeneger back) with a slight side-side setup. This allows not only for the space to compact length-wise, but also for easier interaction between the two. Side impact bars, airbags, and other safety features would be paramount as well.

The Persu Hybrid is a cool concept and is one of the few more realistic ones, but I’d have to see one in person and actually look it over and drive it to know for sure if I’d have any interest in it. Like I said, though, I can imagine it’d be a really fun drive if nothing else!

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Sources: 1, 2