Earlier today a vehicle crashed into a drivers license center in Collier Township, Pennsylvania. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt. No word on if the student taking their test passed. Likely no, however there must have been that really awkward moment after the student at the instructor confirmed they we ok.
Source: WTAE Channel 4 News.
COLLIER TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A car crashed through the entrance of a driver license center in Collier Township on Wednesday afternoon.A witness told Channel 4 Action News' Tara Edwards that a young driver appeared to be taking a test with an instructor when the car went through a window, sending glass shattering inside the center.Sky 4 flew over Chartiers Valley Shopping Center on Washington Pike as the car was removed from the driver license center and loaded onto a flatbed truck.A photo taken by a Channel 4 Action News viewer showed the vehicle sitting in the waiting area of the driver license center before it was removed.Emergency dispatchers said two people suffered minor injuries.Police have not said how the car ended up inside the building.
While VW has made no official announcements of the replacement for the bow finished VW New Beetle. This interesting mule was recently spotted testing in (we assume) Germany. VW has remained very tight lipped in regards to the fate of the replacement Beetle other than they were in fact working on a car and that it would overcome the outgoing New Beetles flaws. Notably the cute look and lack of trunk/rear sear room. Also the new car would ride on an entirely new chassis from the previous car which still used the 4th generation Golf platform.
This new car has a more traditional Beetle look with a longer front hood, and the body appears to be stretched significantly, but that may be an illusion created by the lower roof line. VW did cunningly fix the outgoing Beetle's tail lights and both bumpers to this car to disguise it. But when you're dealing with the most recognized car in the world. It's a little hard to keep people guessing.
Look for a later feature on one of the last New Beetles produced soon from a recent test drive we did, along with a review of the new 2011 Jetta.
Designed as a tribute to the classic chopper, the “Fallout” by William Woods is a concept motorbike executed with the street-fighter ethos of function over form. Combining the single sided swingarm with the Bimota sourced frame, the futuristic motorcycle creates an exclusive hub-centered steering for a steaming yet smooth ride. Featuring short bo
My folks live in England, and—like most people in Western Europe—they’ve spent the past few weeks buried under snow and ice in the most vicious winter for decades. Which led me to thinking about all the motorcycles locked up in garages and sheds, waiting for the roads to clear and tires to find grip. So when I happened across this extraordinary machine from TGS in Germany, I had to feature it. The bike was built by TGS’ owner Tobias Guckel for Sepp Schmidt, hence the name ‘Seppster’. And those huge Avon Cobra tires each have 120 spikes for maximum purchase on ice … Of course, it’s not an entirely practical bike, unlike the hugely popular ice speedway racers of Europe, but it’s a very interesting alternative to the usual ‘Hot Wheels’ style choppers. Power comes from a turbocharged S&S 93-ci motor, but virtually every other part of this machine was built in-house by TGS, from the radical single-sided front fork to the rigid frame and wheels. This bike came third at the 2008 World Championship of Bike Building; like Hot Dock’s StG Nautilus, it was overshadowed by Roger Goldammer’s paradigm-shifting ‘Goldmember’. In any other year, Ice Racer would have grabbed the spotlight, and rightly so.
Indian was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world during the early part of the 20th century, and the "Indian" brand was America's oldest motorcycle company, until its demise in 2003.
Zoom: 1906 Indian 'Camel Back' IOE Single
The company built its first production motorcycle in 1904, the diamond framed "Indian Single." The engine for the Indian Single was built by Aurora in Illinois. The Indian Single's deep red color became a signature of the brand. The single-cylinder motor was modeled after the de Dion-Bouton vélocipède engine, which produced 1.75-horsepower. The Indian Single could reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour.
1911 Indian 580cc TT Racer
1915 Indian Twin 1000cc with side car
Indian built its first V-twin engine in 1907. In 1916, Indian added the so-called "Powerplus" 1000 cc engine, which was a side-valve, 42 degree v-twin that was capable of a 60 mph top speed.
1914 Indian Twin 1000cc Motor
1914 Indian Model F Boardtrack Racer - 30.50ci IOE Engine
Both of the principles left the company early in its history. Oscar Hedström resigned in 1913 after disagreements with the Board of Directors, and George Hendee resigned three years later.
These two customized versions extend the Zoomer’s unique personality to two different kinds of scooting: a “Work Zoomer” equipped with cargo carriers that make it ideal for the urban delivery business, and a “Beach Zoomer” outfitted for hauling body boards and other fun-in-the-sun.
Specification length(mm) 735(835) wide(mm) 1,025(1,495) hright(mm) 1,200 displacement(cm3) 49 engine water cooled 4 stroke single cylinder
The concept does not actually offer grandiose, but the original idea. Initiated by aging brusher Wito Brush from Solo, dijejalilah diverse body of this motor circuitry typically graphical effects. The most obvious, bottom color that is made all-nano. Impression of color and not monotonous. Let more complete, given the color gradations are not too obvious, from pink, red to orange to yellow. One Million wah effects can be displayed for any motor, let alone in the motor which had a body width matic and dynamic as this one Honda Vario Techno. Moreover, profiles and hollow body is pretty sporty performance supporting the airbrush graphics are displayed. Not surprisingly, CM57 squad apply this flow in the motor geberan Haryonogo Encang alias. The most fresh, the combination of these colors are interspersed with other effects, including watersplash, thin smoke in every color to the word ‘motor chang’ which is made asymmetrical in some parts.
Special groove and the line itself does not irregular, but most are given the concept of minimalism with an additional flash as prinstrip indentation in the middle. The best paint finishing election as any supporting Spieshecker final performance. Bright, cheerful and not monotonous. .: Punk / rob / neo
Recalling one of the most famous road Porsche's in history, Porsche is launching the 4th generation Speedster. Based on the 911, the Speedster recalls Porsche's heritage of the original 356. The new Speedster is set to debut in Paris next month and will officially go on sale in December. Porsche is only going to produce 356 copies of the new classic. So act fast. Instantly noticeable is the lower ride height, wider rear track and raked windshield. All paired with the hard cover that goes over the 911s rear seat area. There are a few other body changes, like the rear bumper and side skirts. And who can deny those awesome modern Fuchs alloys taken from the 911 Sport Classic? The new Speedster packs a healthy 408 horsepower. The new 7 speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission is the only choice and also Richard Hammond's favorite to pronounce. The Speedster will only be available in the exclusive Pure Blue paint or optional Carrara White. However, I'd imagine that further color choice are available to make your new Speedster a truly one of a kind car. The interior again is unique to the Speedster, but color options are not available. Check out the full press release after the video.
Read the press release below:
Exclusive Small Series Limited to 356 Cars
Fourth Edition of a Sports Car Legend: The New Porsche 911 Speedster Stuttgart. Very low-slung, very sporty, and very rare: The Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, launches a small edition of a new 911 Speedster. Paying homage to the first Porsche model that bore the name Speedster – the 356 Speedster –, the production run for the new model is limited to 356 cars. The two-seater is significantly different from the other members of the 911 family. In the best tradition, the 60 millimetre lower, more raked windscreen, the flat contour of the sporty-look manual hood, and the characteristic double-bubble hardcover for the soft top define the striking profile of the new 911 Speedster. This makes the body of this rear-wheel drive with its 44 millimetre wider rear stand out even more. The new Porsche 911 Speedster will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in early October.
The new 911 Speedster combines the classic features of this type of Porsche sports car with further improved performance of the current 911 generation: The 3.8-litre flat six delivers 408 hp (300 kW), 23 hp more in comparison with the 911 Carrera S. With its average consumption of 10.3 litres/100 km (27.43 mpg imp) (NEDC), the new Speedster is no less efficient than the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet without Powerkit – an effect of Porsche Intelligent Performance. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) is in charge of transmitting power to the rear axle fitted with a standard differential lock. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) are standard, too. Add to that exemplary protection for driver and passengers in the new 911 Speedster. Especially for this model, the Porsche engineers further improved the rollover protection system which is standard in all open-top Porsche cars.
The conception of the current Speedster comes from Porsche Exclusive – the company- owned "enhancer" specialising in individualisation of Porsche cars and small series. The 911 Speedster heralds the 25th anniversary of Porsche Exclusive which will be celebrated in 2011, and once again, demonstrates the small-series competence of Porsche Exclusive after the big success of the 911 Sport Classic.
Living up to the Porsche Exclusive standard, the 911 Speedster features almost all optional equipment of the 911 series and its appeal also comes from its meticulously hand-finished interior in black smooth-finish leather with numerous exterior colour painted details exclusive to the Speedster. These include decorative designs with checkerboard patterns in the seat centre section of the adaptive sports seats reminiscent of a chequered flag, and the leather side bolsters in the exterior colour.
The sporty flavour is further enhanced by the exterior colour “Pure Blue” that has been developed exclusively for the Speedster, providing an intriguing contrast with the tinted front lights, black headlight rings, black windscreen surround and other black decorative designs. Upon request, the Speedster is available in Carrara White, at no extra cost. It also features a special front apron, specific sideskirts and a distinct rear apron.
In 1953, the Speedster series was launched with a puristic sports car based on the Porsche 356, which had two sports bucket seats, doors with slide-in plastic side windows, and a shortened, elegantly curved windscreen. In 1988, the Speedster based on the 911 Carrera celebrated its revival with an added feature. For the first time, the hood compartment lid had the characteristic double bubbles. In 1993/1994, the next evolutionary stage of the 911 Carrera was ushered in with yet another Speedster.
In Germany, the 911 Speedster including country-specific equipment and 19 % VAT is priced at Euro 201,682 and will be launched in December 2010.
eCycle, Inc. and Machineart have collaborated on the design of a new hybrid motorcycle
platform concept for the aftermarket.
The Concept eCycle is a series hybrid featuring the eCycle SolidSlot? brushless motor/generator that can be used with variety of small displacement gas and diesel engines. The motorcycle operates much like a hybrid automobile in which both the engine and electric motor operate efficiently together. The electric motor is used for torque demands such as acceleration and passing and the gas or diesel motor for cruising and charging the batteries. It can be programmed for all electric operation for limited distances.
The purpose of the eCycle’s Concept program is to demonstrate eCycle’s
technology and produce a Hybrid motorcycle platform for sale to early adopter enthusiasts and the aftermarket for individual development. eCycle hasno plans to sell a complete motorcycle. Its primary interest lies in being a key supplier to those wanting to produce hybrid motorcycles, ATV’s and similar platforms.
Concept Design Goals:
1. Showcase the eCycle PLATFORM. The platform is the product, designed to be rational, rideable, and beautiful in its naked state.
Machineart’s three appearance concepts show the multiple applications and styling possibilities of the eCycle platform. The rolling chassis components are common to all with variations only in body parts. All three evoke lightness and the image of an advanced vehicle.
Performance
eCycle estimates the hybrid will have the performance of a 250cc gas motorcycle, except top speed. Zero to sixty in 6 seconds and a top speed of 80mph. Fuel economy estimated at 150mpg with significantly lower emissions. A variety of engines may be used.
Specifications
* The front suspension is a single-sided swing arm design matched perfectly to the aluminum monocoque frame. * The chassis is asymmetrical * eCycle’s hybrid powertrain ideally lends itself to a forkless, single-sided front suspension. * A SolidSlot? brushless motor/generator provides electric power - 42VDC up to 400A * A wide range of engines is possible * The battery bank consists of three 12 volt cells * The Wheels are 16 x 3, CNC precision machined from pressure cast aluminum blanks manufactured by All American Wheel. * The front brake is an inside-out rotor with an opposed piston caliper with Performance Friction pads and is integrated with the front suspension upright. * The rear brake consists of a single-piston caliper with a floating rotor and Performance Friction brake pads * The tires are Pirelli MT75; the front is 100/80-16 and the rear 120/80-16 * The 2 speed transmission designed by eCycle * The final drive is Gates Polychain 30/71 * The fuel tank capacity is .90 gallons * Front suspension is torsion complemented by a coil-over adjustable Penske Racing Shock * The rear suspension is a coil-over adjustable Penske Racing Shock * The wheelbase is 50 inches * Fully programmable vehicle management system * Weight is 220lbs (100kg)
Mantis motorcycle concept takes advantage of existing technology to create a more aesthetically simple design to the modern chopper style bike. The hubless wheels create a simple feeling to the bike that is continued throughout the whole design. Each piece of the bike is designed to flow together to create a bike that looks fast and sharp, even when the bike isn’t moving. Well, what do you think? We are still curious with the hubless wheels design, is it really possible ? Let’s see if this motorcycle ever goes into production.
What if technology had taken a different path? What if the steam powered technology of the Victorian era had continued on to the present day, offering up the same devices we use but with the metal, gears and wheels prevalent in those early machines? That's the idea behind steampunk, current day tech with a steam era look.
Because of the current high interest in steampunk, quite a few artists and craftsmen have built or modified everything from computers to wristwatches with a vintage sci-fi appearance. They're pretty neat, too, but I haven't seen many motorcycles that would fit the steampunk category, some come close, maybe, but more by chance than purpose.
The Bobster trike shown above has strong hints of it, something I didn't think about until I saw a few others comment and I would have to agree. Brass and copper are a strong design cue. Some point to the Confederate Wraith and when you step back for a second, yep, it has it too.
The Hubbard Steamcycle goes without saying, if you actually use steam power, you have ten points to begin with, add a little copper and brass and you're in.
The interesting machine on the right started as a drawing in a biker comic and the artist's brother thought it was so neat he decided to bring it to life. It doesn't actually run on steam but it looks like it should.
The single engine cylinder is from a tractor and it displaces 1440cc, think about what that sounds like! Tires and wheels are from a Ford Model A. The wooden fork is made of ash with forged iron strapping plus there's a shovel for a seat. Practical? Are you kidding? Cool? Of course.
There are other examples floating around out there, I only tossed out a few, but I think any design that focuses on the mechanical with a few added gears and wheels plus some brass and copper is pretty neat. Steampunk is all about the design and very little concerned with added (or lost) function but some of it would be neat if it worked half as well as you wish it would.
Remember "The Machine" from Fusion Motorcycles? Well, Will Thibeault has been hard at work on something a lot of you may find interesting, he's designed a conversion kit that will transform your donor Buell into a custom with killer looks.
Will's kit uses a billet T6 aluminum bolt together frame with a built in oil tank, a 60 inch wheelbase and 33 degrees of rake. The Buell Thunderstorm motor, Buell forks, Buell six piston caliper and Buell rear caliper, all come from the donor bike.
The bike shown in these photos is for a customer with a lot of custom touches, a hard carbon fiber seat (customer request, Will prefers padded), Piaa head lights..same as he used on The Machine, Will's own stainless pipes and Fusion Motorcycles billet 18" wheels, 240 on the rear and 130 up front. Rear turn signals are LED.
According to Will:
The future bikes will have front and rear carbon fenders, and will be totally road legal. The Frame kits will include: frame, seat, rear shock, swing arm, oil tank, and gas tank for $4,500. For less than $10,000 a person can build their own w/ the purchase of a donor Buell. We will build the complete bike "road legal" for $19,500 and there are always the options of whatever you could think of i.e. carbon wheel, S&S motors, front ends and Ti frames
There are quite a few guys building choppers and all sorts of bikes from Buell parts and pieces but, in my opinion, this kit has just the right look. There seems to be a Confederate Hellcat influence, which is a good thing since I like the Hellcat, but overall, for the money, I don't see how you could go wrong here. Anyone with a Buell who is thinking about getting another bike, might want to consider this kit first, you get a completely different look and you already own half of the necessary parts. I like this, a lot. I have to think a lot of guys are going to start looking for a good used Buell and making a bit of work room in their garage. Nice work, Will!
UPDATE: Will Thibeault has added a few comments below about his kit
UPDATE 2: Will just let me know that the kit will not be ready until sometime in 2009. He is redesigning some parts and he is going to thoroughly test everything before offering the kits for sale.
