Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: CliffordK on 03/03/2012 09:32:36

Title: An Origami BMW?
Post by: CliffordK on 03/03/2012 09:32:36

http://www.gizmag.com/hiriko-folding-electric-car/21506/
http://www.gizmag.com/hiriko-folding-electric-car/21506/pictures
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.gizmag.com%2Fgallery_lrg%2Fhiriko-35.png&hash=997b751222474fd4082bac4fe22300cb)

Yes...
If you remember, BMW came out with the BMW 300...  from 1956 to 1962.
(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diseno-art.com%2Fimages%2Fbmw_isetta_open.jpg&hash=52825292181e1a9248eeb36d458c0fa2)

Leave it to the Japanese to not only make a similar sub-compact, but make it fold up even smaller!!!
And, all running on battery power.

Title: Re: An Origami BMW?
Post by: syhprum on 03/03/2012 21:09:59

The original Isseta was a 250cc "bubble car" manufactured  Renzo Rivolta an Italian maker of refrigerators It first became famous when it competed in the Mille Migglia and finished in 20 hours.
The BMW 300 was a later souped up version with a massive 300cc engine.

Title: Re: An Origami BMW?
Post by: Geezer on 04/03/2012 02:55:02

Quote from: syhprum on 03/03/2012 21:09:59

The BMW 300 was a later souped up version with a massive 300cc engine.

Massive! I'll have you know my Citroen AMI station wagon had an engine more than twice that size.

Title: Re: An Origami BMW?
Post by: CliffordK on 04/03/2012 08:26:26

Nobody has commented on the cute Japanese folding car?

The folding design would be wicked for parallel parking, if it retained some maneuverability in the folded orientation.  However, the front opening door would be a significant limit for parallel parking.  And, one wouldn't want to piss someone off, or undoubtedly they would only leave inches of clearance in front of the car to open the door.