Strange and Unique Vehicles !

Mercedes F 300 Life-Jet






The Mercedes F 300 Life-Jet was first shown back in 1997 at the 57th Frankfurt International Motor Show. The Life-Jet incorporates an active tilt control system allowing the front wheels and body of the tandem two-seater to lean into corners. This means the F 300 Life-Jet can attain cornering speeds similar to those of a motorbike.

The active tilt control also increases the overall ride comfort for the passengers by moving the cornering forces to a central, vertical axis, rather than a sideways force. As well as looking like great fun.

A complicated electronic system monitors the F 300 Life-Jet's speed, acceleration, cornering angle and yaw. From this information commands are given to a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the front axle which forces one of the two spring loaded struts outwards to produce the desired degree of tilt. The maximum lean angle is 30 degrees.

The F 300 Life-Jet's compact engine and transmission, taken from the Mercedes A-Class, are located between the interior compartment and the rear wheel.

This powerplant is capable of accelerating the F 300 Life-Jet to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds, continuing onto a maximum speed of 130mph.

Unfortunately the F 300 Life-Jet remains a concept, however the wheel-tilt technology from the concept found its way into another Mercedes concept the Mercedes F-400 Carving.

Mitka Trike





The Mitka trike concept from 2002 was the product of several dutch companies, Kathalys Centrum voor Duurzame Productinnovatie, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research and the Delft University of Technology.

The Mitka is a commuter tricycle with electric power-assistance. In electric only mode the Mitka is capable of 15 mph (25km/h), and has a range of 15 - 22 miles. With the rider pedaling the Mitka can get up to speeds of 22 mph. An removable palm-top computer mounted in the dash provides the rider with performance data.

Part of the appeal of the Mitka trike is the tilting mechanism which allows the vehicle to lean into the corners like a regular two-wheel bicycle. To make the Mitka more practical an adjustable height windscreen and retractable clear roof can be deployed to provide some protection from the elements. The Mitka also has a small luggage rack to hold a small amount personal belongings.

The Mitka trike is 175 cm long and 85 cm wide. Total weight is a little over 45 kgs.

Currently the Mitka prototype is being tested by Nike. Unfortunatley a production version of the Mitka is currently not available.



Jeep Hurricane



The Jeep Hurricane's one-piece body is composed largely of light-weight carbon fiber. The Hurricane’s body also serves as the chassis, and all of the vehicle's components such as the engine's (yes there's two!), transmission, and suspension system are mounted directly to the body. The skid plate is an aluminum spine that connects the chassis to the underside of the vehicle. The Hurricane doesn’t have side doors or a roof, and there is only seating for two people.

Powered by two 5.7-liter HEMI engines, one in the front and one in the back, making a total of 670 horsepower, driving all 4 wheels the power is certainly there. And with fully controllable 4 wheel steering so is the maneuverability.

So the Jeep's claims are probably true!





Monowheel Wheel Surf


The WheelSurf is a monowheel vehicle consisting of two frames, an inner frame and an outer 5' 7" frame.

The Wheelsurf rider sits inside the inner frame along with a 56cc two stroke Stihl engine and the petrol tank.

The Wheelsurf tops out at around 30mph (50km/h) and the monowheel configuration gives the rider a unique experience.

Currently the WheelSurf is not road legal, and because smooth flat surfaces are the best place to run a monowheel this may be a problem.

However, this unique monowheel is also marketed for use in promotional displays and sheer frivolous enjoyment.
The overall weight of the Wheelsurf is 50kgs.



Bombardier Embrio



The Embrio concept from Bombadier Recreational Products (better known for their more conventional forms of transport like jetskis) uses gyroscopic technology to balance itself and the rider on one central wheel. The smaller front wheel acts to stabilize the Embrio when stopped or traveling below 12mph.