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AWD
Road-legal Vmoto SCARTT bridges the gap between quad bike and SUV
By Loz Blain
19:07 June 23, 2009 PDT
Quad bikes offer big off-road thrills and go-anywhere versatility for cheap dollars, but they're not the safest things in the world to ride on the road. SUVs are popular for their comfort and safety on the highway, but most are pretty limited in their off-road abilities, and they're so expensive you're unlikely to feel too carefree about throwing them down a ravine trail. The Vmoto SCARTT sits somewhere in between; a little larger and wider than a quad bike, but with two seats, seatbelts, a roll cage and genuine roadgoing ability to match its featherlight, fishtailing offroad giggle factor. The manufacturer's hoping to sell these 500cc practical fun machines for around the quarter of the price of a typical SUV. Oh, and wait til you see the super-sexy hybrid-electric sportster version. Read More
Closer look: the Tesla Model S
By Paul Evans
01:31 April 3, 2009 PDT
There is much excitement and publicity surrounding the launch of the long awaited all electric sedan from Tesla Motors and more details have emerged since the Tesla Model S was unveiled. The specs that have officially been announced are not yet substantial enough for a full technical review at this stage, but we do know that the EV sedan has a top speed of 130 mph, is capable of 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, charges in 45 minutes and has a 160 mile (256 km) range with the standard battery option. According to the company's website we can expect to see an AWD option somewhere in the future and although it's not not officially stated, according to reporters at the the unveiling who were able to question Tesla engineers the Model S will be rear wheel drive (RWD) in its standard configuration. Gizmag's Paul Evans takes a closer look at what we know, and what questions remain unanswered. Read More
Six-seater Ranger Crew joins Polaris AWD line-up
By Kyle Sherer
22:26 January 24, 2008 PST
January 25, 2008 Polaris has unveiled a new six-seater Ranger Crew, which will join the Ranger 2x4, 4x4 EFI, 6x6 EFI, XP (700 EFI) and Ranger RZR. With 907kg towing capacity and a 454kg cargo box capacity, the Crew has more towing and carrying ability than any of its predecessors. Read More
Christini’s All-Wheel-Drive dirt bikes find huge traction without power loss
By Loz Blain
04:04 August 22, 2007 PDT
Four Wheel drive cars have taken over at the top-level of off-road rally racing, but dirt bike racing is still predominantly fought out on single-wheel-drive vehicles that spin up, fishtail and slide wildly across rough terrain. Make no mistake though, the All Wheel Drive (AWD) revolution is coming to the motorcycle world – Yamaha and KTM have done significant work with hydraulic front-wheel-drive systems, and when new ideas like this successful all-mechanical AWD kit from Christini hit the mainstream, dirt bike riding will never be the same again. Read More
Freedom Glen
- November 25, 2009 @ 02:47 UTC
