Donkeys and Elephants and Delegates,oh my!
Check out the most popular
Antro Solo: Awesome UFO-Like Vehicle Gets 150 MPG
inhabitat.com — Hungary is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking about cutting edge green vehicles, yet. If the creators of the Antro Solo have their way, the country will be synonymous with green machines by 2012. It looks like nothing else out there, and has a fuel efficiency of more than 150 miles per gallon!
FamilyGuyFan- 930 diggs
- digg it
- GrandmasterB, on 06/24/2008, -1/+50The Jetsons meet the Flintstones in 2012. Either you can travel by solar powered batteries or pedal your way to work.
- friarcrazy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+4Yabba dabba do!!!
- louiebaur, on 06/24/2008, -5/+5That thing is trippy looking!
- caesar0801, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2that's not a car, that's a blob...
- ChrisshEnzo, on 06/29/2008, -0/+1its the future
- SBettingReview, on 06/24/2008, -5/+7yummy Hungarian UFO :P
- Dchandaman, on 06/24/2008, -1/+4OM NOM NOM NOM
- GemStar38, on 06/24/2008, -5/+9I want one
- dfeifer, on 06/24/2008, -1/+3I want one as well, tho, how much you willing to bet that when they try to bring it to the use, half the features are removed, it only gets 80mpg and they will charge you 60k for it.
- greentime, on 06/24/2008, -4/+10That is way cool.
- Rizoh, on 06/24/2008, -7/+16I'm hungry for that car.
- 0xbaadf00d, on 06/24/2008, -5/+1Puns are the lowest form of comedy.
- counterplex, on 06/24/2008, -0/+5Still punnier than whining tho :)
- MarcieCastillo, on 06/24/2008, -0/+0I see what you did there.
- 0xbaadf00d, on 06/24/2008, -5/+1Puns are the lowest form of comedy.
- MikeChino, on 06/24/2008, -3/+11Slugcar Saves the Future!
Seriously, this has the perfect feature set for its price point. Bring it to the States!- geometry, on 06/24/2008, -1/+5I doubt they'll actually be able to sell it for $20k. It says it's made completely of carbonfiber which happens to be very expensive, especially right now since so much is being used by defense companies.
- MacEnvy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+3Hopefully it will come down in cost in the next couple of years, especially as we move out of Iraq (hopefully!). Oak Ridge is working on bringing the cost down by a factor of 3 from what I've read, making it cost-competitive with steel. Once it's there it will start showing up *everywhere*.
- geometry, on 06/24/2008, -1/+5I doubt they'll actually be able to sell it for $20k. It says it's made completely of carbonfiber which happens to be very expensive, especially right now since so much is being used by defense companies.
- Wartyboskfapped, on 06/24/2008, -10/+2This makes me hungary.
- BinaryDelt, on 06/24/2008, -10/+5I don't see why they don't put solar panels on the roof of every hybrid. Just seems like a no brainer to me.
- Ibox, on 06/24/2008, -0/+10solar panels are too innefficient and expensive... they would barely produce enough energy to overcome the amount of weight they would add.
- BinaryDelt, on 06/25/2008, -1/+3Didn't know that. Thanks for the info.
- Ibox, on 06/24/2008, -0/+10solar panels are too innefficient and expensive... they would barely produce enough energy to overcome the amount of weight they would add.
- Gndoab, on 06/24/2008, -12/+5haha if you really want to be green just live near where you work so you can walk.
This pissing contest is not necessary.- TJ22, on 06/24/2008, -1/+12I don't know about you but I can't possibly walk everywhere I want to go.
- markmckay, on 06/24/2008, -3/+2So true.
- satandumpling, on 06/24/2008, -2/+7Ha! You're obviously not from Atlanta. Just try finding affordable housing walking distance from the office complexes at the perimeter.
- JointVenture, on 06/24/2008, -2/+2Some people like cars, we like driving and are willing to pay for the privilege. If you cant, or choose not to that's your choice.
You do have a life besides work don't you?
No pissing.
- dOOBiEx213, on 06/24/2008, -4/+19If it were UFO-like, it would get 150 LPG - light-years-per-gallon.
- Pittance, on 06/24/2008, -0/+6Technically that would be simple. Once far enough away from earth, a slight boost of H2+O2 and you could travel indefinitely with no more fuel. Of course, getting anywhere in a good amount of time would be a problem, but no friction!
- ChrisshEnzo, on 06/29/2008, -0/+1this car is inspired
i love the futuristic vibe of these green cars
it would put the jetsons to shame.
- gofarhaveacigar, on 06/24/2008, -9/+5If you're going to pedal your way when in the car, why not just get a bike?
- shanealeslie, on 06/24/2008, -1/+3So after you pedal to the drive-in movie you can get your well toned ass in the back seat with your well toned partner.
- Pronoiac, on 06/24/2008, -3/+0You won't get mistaken for Robocop dismounting your Huffy, that's why.
- diggystardust, on 06/25/2008, -0/+3in case it rains
- WarpDigger1492, on 06/24/2008, -7/+3I think it is a great idea.
They should start working on bigger, family sized versions IMO.- yournamehere, on 06/24/2008, -0/+2they said a 6 seater is also in the works.
- stealthc, on 06/24/2008, -0/+5"Bobby, you're grounded! And you'll have to pedal the minivan on every ride for two weeks!"
- scalded, on 06/24/2008, -3/+42In pedal-mode, it only gets 3 miles per cheeseburger.
- DeFex, on 06/24/2008, -2/+2you could put some cats in there on big hamster wheels
- stealthc, on 06/24/2008, -0/+10What, so the car can fall asleep in the sun and ignore you all the time?
- DeFex, on 06/24/2008, -2/+2you could put some cats in there on big hamster wheels
- 8347, on 06/24/2008, -2/+11Looks great but these cars never seem to reach the market!
- DiggerUpper, on 06/24/2008, -5/+4That's cause the greedy gas companies don't want them to.
- Calinthalus, on 06/24/2008, -2/+10Most likely because they wouldn't be street legal in the states. I didn't see any headlights, and I doubt it has airbags (front and side). It wouldn't pass safety regulations.
- Janjko, on 06/24/2008, -0/+4Behold, headlights:
http://i26.tinypic.com/6qb0hw.jpg
And I don't know why it wouldn't have airbags. The cars can look different and be entirely street legal, the reason they all look the same right now is that the people are afraid of difference. - Skysurfer27, on 06/24/2008, -0/+5I have no idea how they image it will go for only $20,000, maybe they forgot a 0? Usually things such as carbon fiber, solar panels, gas engines and large electric motors tend to add up very quickly. If carbon fiber were cheap to put on vehicles I think it would be used on more than just $100,000+ super cars.
- MacEnvy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+4Aptera:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aptera_Motors
and VentureOne:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VentureOne
Are working on bringing them here in the next couple of years, but they get around safety regs by being classified as motorcycles. Each says that they will have comparable safety features to modern cars, however (including airbags and roll cages). - Pittance, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2What about strength? How would it hold up when an H2 t-bones it at 60mph? I mean the H2 is pretty much all metal and this being carbon fiber. I know carbon is pretty strong, but stronger than steel? And even if it doesnt smash apart, it would only weigh ~600lbs, it would friggin fly if it got hit hard.
- dfeifer, on 06/24/2008, -0/+0I would really love a carver as well,.. no idea why they aren't available now. I'll take it exactly the way it is, tho, I would prefer a 4 point restraint harness instead of the regular style seatbelt.
- AlexanderBlue, on 06/24/2008, -0/+2(Disclaimer: I like an respect the original Humvee)
Ya, you're right. What about strength? I was going to buy an H2, but then I thought, "what happens if I get T-boned by a 15-liter Kenworth T2000 hauling a full load?" So that's why I bought a Brinks armored car. /sarcasm
If an insecure wanna-be poser wants to buy a POS that performs as poorly on and off road as the H2, that's their right. But I'm not going to make a stupid purchasing decision (commuting in a Brinks truck) just in case said poser decides to perfectly T-bone me while they're doing 60 MPH.
Perhaps I'm flippant about your unlikely scenario since I've already lived through one such accident: An ex-girlfirend and I were T-boned years ago by a full size Chevrolet K5 Blazer running a red light doing somewhere between 40 - 50 MPH. We were in her Subaru Impreza... the car was a total loss, but we walked away from the accident shook up, but without a scratch.
When properly engineered, small and medium size cars can be extremely safe. And their performance envelope (acceleration, handling, braking) tends to be higher, while delivering better fuel economy, than full size trucks and SUVs. I will also note that the poser H2 also doesn't make the lists for safest vehicles:
http://www.forbesautos.com/advice/toptens/safest/v ...
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Insurance/P639 ...
- Janjko, on 06/24/2008, -0/+4Behold, headlights:
- Calinthalus, on 06/24/2008, -2/+10Most likely because they wouldn't be street legal in the states. I didn't see any headlights, and I doubt it has airbags (front and side). It wouldn't pass safety regulations.
- DiggerUpper, on 06/24/2008, -5/+4That's cause the greedy gas companies don't want them to.
- sourceholder, on 06/24/2008, -8/+21MIRROR:
http://tinyurl.com/5c8dk2- QuixoticNoob, on 06/24/2008, -1/+14best mirror evar
- tehmark, on 06/24/2008, -6/+3agreed, best mirror ever
- DanBoodro, on 06/24/2008, -0/+3what a nice guy to screenshot all of it for us...hats off to you sir.
- Rahodeb, on 06/24/2008, -2/+31way cooler then I thought it was going to look.
- funkdr, on 06/24/2008, -4/+2how many cars from Hungary are on the road today? i'd like one and the price is right but seems like it would be a bitch for service!
- aladrin, on 06/24/2008, -1/+3Right, because all new cars aren't a "bitch for service."
- Pittance, on 06/24/2008, -0/+2They should sell it to Audi or some other euro car maker once it gets enough market appeal and demand. At least sell it to them for distribution and service so they could have access to manufacturing and dealerships.
- AlexWiggy, on 06/24/2008, -9/+2In our right corner we have the Antro Solo, weighing in at a measly 270kg.
And in our left corner we have a stiff breeze.
I know who I've got my money on.- TheLoneHoot, on 06/24/2008, -2/+4~600lbs + weight of occupants puts it at half a ton. Couple that with what one can assume is a ridiculously low drag coefficient and I'd hope your money is on the car.
- Pittance, on 06/24/2008, -1/+1Which car? The antro or the F350 smashing into it at a light?
- b0gus2008, on 06/24/2008, -0/+1People still driving those things? I thought gas was expensive.
- AlexWiggy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+1I was being pedantic... and slightly sarcastic, I thought people around here had just enough intelligence to realise that.
I know for next time.
- Pittance, on 06/24/2008, -1/+1Which car? The antro or the F350 smashing into it at a light?
- TheLoneHoot, on 06/24/2008, -2/+4~600lbs + weight of occupants puts it at half a ton. Couple that with what one can assume is a ridiculously low drag coefficient and I'd hope your money is on the car.
- neocr0n, on 06/24/2008, -1/+5While the Volkswagen Lupo is not a particularly good car it get incredible mpg. "78 miles per US gallon or 94 miles per Imperial gallon" taken from wiki. It was on a top gear episode a season or two back.
- Slick42, on 06/24/2008, -0/+2Unfortunately this "L" version is no longer in build. All this 78 mpg (3l/100kn) cars that has been build in 2000 vanished from the market. It seem gasoline is still to cheap.
- DaniCaliforniaS, on 06/24/2008, -0/+5I'd love to test drive one of these!!!
- norman619, on 06/24/2008, -15/+1You guys do know that UFO stands for Unidentified Flying Object right? It does not stand for alien spaceship. Anything in the air you cna not identify is a UFO. Sounds liek the poster and most people here are talking baout it looking like an alien craft. Not sure how we would knwo what an alien craft looks like but that's another issue.
- DoctorFaust, on 06/24/2008, -1/+11Oh, shut up.
- Dyre, on 06/24/2008, -2/+0Although probably unnecessarily critical with the "not sure how we would know what an alien craft looks like....", at least someone's not retarded with the "UFO" thing.
- BennFriedrich, on 06/24/2008, -0/+1Oh, shut up.
- b0gus2008, on 06/24/2008, -1/+1Yeah, so stop being so stupid!
Hah, hah...UFOs! Can you believe these people, norma619? What a bunch of filthy douches! Man, it is way hard being perfect. Am I right, norman...or what?
- santaliqueur, on 06/24/2008, -4/+3It resembles a UFO, so it looks like something that has an unknown identity?
- aptanalogy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+8Since we haven't been able identify what a UFO might look like, this resembles one because it might resemble one.
- santaliqueur, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2And as soon as you identify the object, it ceases to be a UFO.
- aptanalogy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+1But this object represents an idealization of what the identification of a unidentified flying object might represent. Thus we understand it to be one of many identifications of possible theoretical shapes possible for a craft of this type. As such, it is presently a reflection on the concept that our verification of the existence of such craft is uncertain, in addition to the knowledge that the possible most likely shape would be some ambiguous and/or arbitrary design of which we currently cannot conceive, nor can we make an identification, due to the nature of said epistemological inference. Thus, it is a UFO. Good day, sir.
- santaliqueur, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2And as soon as you identify the object, it ceases to be a UFO.
- aptanalogy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+8Since we haven't been able identify what a UFO might look like, this resembles one because it might resemble one.
- pwnerofnoobs, on 06/24/2008, -8/+3A weight of 270kg is not so measley if you have to peddle it.
- TheLoneHoot, on 06/24/2008, -2/+4Please read before posting.
The pedals are to generate electrical power - not to actually move the thing directly.- pwnerofnoobs, on 06/24/2008, -3/+1I did read it. I was planting a trap but you ruined it.
- MacEnvy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+4Guess you didn't pwn any noobs today, pwnerofnoobs.
- TheLoneHoot, on 06/24/2008, -1/+4planting a trap - is that somewhat like trolling?
- pwnerofnoobs, on 06/24/2008, -3/+1I did read it. I was planting a trap but you ruined it.
- TheLoneHoot, on 06/24/2008, -2/+4Please read before posting.
- 4degrees, on 06/24/2008, -1/+13looks like a computer mouse...
- DanBoodro, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2apple mighty mouse
- sagat, on 06/24/2008, -10/+50-60 in 25 minutes! Can't wait.
- Ibox, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2thats if you peddal it for like an hour before you leave your driveway.
- TheLoneHoot, on 06/24/2008, -2/+2Did you see anything indicating that it'd be slow? Many electric vehicles happen to be extremely fast. Can you cite something from the article that indicated they'd be sacrificing performance? I'm not saying it won't be a Tesla, but you don't KNOW that it'll be slow either.
- Vodd9, on 06/24/2008, -4/+7170 mpg scooter here: http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/857/
- bman85, on 06/24/2008, -1/+3Hmmm.. gay ass scooter or bad-ass triple hybrid future mobile... I'll take the latter.
- DeFex, on 06/24/2008, -1/+6how many humans do you have to burn per 100km?
- beesaretasty, on 06/24/2008, -2/+0I don't know. I tried to find out once, but I kept puking. Gas != Tasty
- KenRay, on 06/24/2008, -0/+1Runs on Soylent Green.
- TheMachine1, on 06/24/2008, -5/+4Looks really cool. One big problem in car crashes is the variability in bumper heights between two cars. So a low profile design really needs its entire front and rear end to act as a bumper. Otherwise a good name for that car is the "Guillotine".
- soupdawg30, on 06/24/2008, -1/+3Crash rating is very important. I don't know for sure but this vehicle does not look very safe.
- thugok, on 06/24/2008, -10/+5$20k is a bit pricey for a bike.
- MattB123, on 06/24/2008, -1/+3The price will come down if it goes into mass production.
And there are actually bikes that cost that much (way too much, IMO). - TheLoneHoot, on 06/24/2008, -0/+2dugg down for not RTFA - the pedals do not directly power the vehicle.
- MattB123, on 06/24/2008, -1/+3The price will come down if it goes into mass production.
- bman85, on 06/24/2008, -6/+3Looks very futuristic, to bad it maxes out at 87mph, it looks a lot faster than that.
- Pittance, on 06/24/2008, -0/+3Bigger engine, down a few dozen MPG, 120mph shouldn't be impossible. If you could get a car doing 90mph continuously at 60-70mpg, that would be phenomenal.
- hartley, on 06/24/2008, -1/+22Full carbon fiber body, solar panels, plus batteries, and the whole car will cost around $20,000.
I'll believe it when I see it.
I want to believe.- vawksel, on 06/24/2008, -0/+2You forgot: "and a combustion engine, all connecting to the same transmission/driveshaft".
- augie754, on 06/24/2008, -0/+2From the article, they make it seem as if it will always be powered by the electric motor. Everything else just charges the batteries. So only 1 thing connected to the driveshaft.
- vawksel, on 06/24/2008, -0/+2You forgot: "and a combustion engine, all connecting to the same transmission/driveshaft".
- Ibox, on 06/24/2008, -10/+2ghey
- bman85, on 06/24/2008, -0/+3So's your face...
- Ibox, on 06/25/2008, -2/+1ooooooh poopie head!
- bman85, on 06/24/2008, -0/+3So's your face...
- MattB123, on 06/24/2008, -0/+8This is a great idea. I really like it.
The flexibility of being able to be sun/gas/human powered is very clever. You'll always have at least one of those power sources with you. - Ransack, on 06/24/2008, -0/+14Pick up a hitchhiker and make him pedal to recharge the battery.
- stealthc, on 06/24/2008, -0/+7Pedaling furiously in the back seat will keep him too busy to slit your throat. Perfect plan!
- domokunt, on 06/24/2008, -0/+1Not mirrors, but anyway since the sites down...
http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/solar-powered-antro ...
http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/antro+solo/ - boycottsony123, on 06/24/2008, -6/+1Bring me Solo and a cookie!
- mizatt, on 06/24/2008, -2/+7How far can it go without a recharge/refill? Top speed of 87mph?
While it's always impressive to see that kind of efficiency, the efficiency isn't the problem anymore. A new article comes out every week about some new prototype that gets a zillion miles per gallon. Work on sustaining that for long distances on one charge and get the performance up to a respectable level. Something needs to be made that's marketable and not just good for "ooh" value.- Soopy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+0it says it goes into production in 2012 for $20,000.
- mizatt, on 06/24/2008, -0/+1A lot of things go into production that aren't marketable. They're called busts. The first pure electric cars that went to production had these problems and they were money sinks for their companies.
- Soopy, on 06/24/2008, -0/+0it says it goes into production in 2012 for $20,000.
- grey580, on 06/24/2008, -1/+6pedal power?
I will be impressed when it has a Mr. Fusion. - freaky2k, on 06/24/2008, -5/+2Is it me or is this car severely under-designed?
1. Where are the lights? (what, I can't drive at night?)
2. Where are windshield wipers? (what, I can't drive during the rain, snow, etc?)
3. Where's the door handle? (what, I can't get in the car? lol, okay, maybe I can't can't see it from the angle in the photos, but #1 and #2 stand).
4. Where are the side-mirrors? (I guess it's possible they aren't required...can't say for sure without being in the car)
5. No windows to open? Better have some good air conditioning.- vawksel, on 06/24/2008, -0/+5This is why prototypes look so cool and the final product looks like everything else out there on the road.
When this thing is production ready, it'll look like a Ford F-150 :P
Happens every time. - Slick42, on 06/24/2008, -0/+6It has lights. Just look a little bite closer. The side-mirrors have been replaced with cameras.
http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/solar-powered-antro ...- wobegon, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2Woah, totally missed the side, rear-facing cameras. Nice touch guys. :D
Unfortunately, at the end of the day, it's still dependent on gas. If it were here today I'd buy it, but future cars aught to run completely on batteries and solar...and probably rainbows too, for good measure.
- wobegon, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2Woah, totally missed the side, rear-facing cameras. Nice touch guys. :D
- GeeKman, on 06/24/2008, -2/+3I have to say as for wipers, rainX is awesome when its on the windshield. I have been in some pretty good down pours since rainx was put on the windshield of one of my cars. never had to touch the wipers.
now rainx has to be reapplied every so often to make sure its working like it should but when its working, its sweet stuff.
- vawksel, on 06/24/2008, -0/+5This is why prototypes look so cool and the final product looks like everything else out there on the road.
- SwedishNinja, on 06/24/2008, -9/+1Would never pass crash tests.
***** stupid.- stealthc, on 06/24/2008, -0/+4I thought carbon fiber was incredibly strong. If that's the case the car is its own bean-shaped roll cage. I'd drive it!
- TheLoneHoot, on 06/24/2008, -2/+1Is that you Bill-O?
- Pittance, on 06/24/2008, -1/+4It needs wings so when it gets hit it can just take off and glide back down. It weighs 600lbs. Thats only 2x as much as my bike. And I ride a Kawa Ninja 250. O.O
- Ransack, on 06/24/2008, -0/+3windshield wipers? lights? that is such old school thinking. This car goes beyond all those old hangups of the internal combustion age.
- evilJaze, on 06/24/2008, -3/+1Sweet! It's nice to see innovation in this field.
Now let's see how long it takes for the government to bury this one. - stealthc, on 06/24/2008, -0/+5150mpg and more than two seats, *and* only $20k. Congrats, Hungary. Barely.
I still think standard ICE systems are deliberately inefficient. Based on the performance you can get just out of an electric system powered by a diesel generator, you should be able to get this kind of mileage out of petroleum alone, just with better engine technology.
I don't see why we need to resort to solar panels, carbon fiber and pedals in order to achieve this kind of efficiency. I'm glad they found a way to build it cheap, but if ICEs were built better, this lightweight combo should get 300mpg. - theaverageidiot, on 06/24/2008, -2/+1It resembles a blue-and-black Mighty Mouse.
Is Apple entering the car business with awesome, but extremely overpriced cars? - Jareth86, on 06/24/2008, -0/+3We will never see a car that cool looking released here. Ever.
- slantyeyed, on 06/24/2008, -2/+1any safety features that'll allow it to get insured?
- m0rphling, on 06/24/2008, -0/+7It's funny how U.S. car manufacturers say that an efficient automobile would cost tens of thousands more than our current autos. At $20,000, what's stopping U.S. car companies from developing similar efficient designs?
- DerangedPenguin, on 06/24/2008, -1/+5crash safety tests.
- celotil, on 06/24/2008, -1/+2Greed, and share-holder owned companies - of which there must always be positive growth, no matter how small, or else the share-holders get mad and wonder why they're not making more money ... so, more greed.
- satanatnmtedu, on 06/24/2008, -1/+41) $20,000 is unrealistic with carbon fiber and solar panels.
2) The design is not efficient if the costs of repair are high. Car could be made of more aluminum, for instance, but it is hard to repair (see carbon fiber) and a crash usually means that the car is totalled (including low speed crashes).
- beesaretasty, on 06/24/2008, -4/+2I feel sorry for the poor souls who have an accident in that thing at 87 mph...
- ASSASSYN360, on 06/24/2008, -2/+2I will never relinquish my Dodge Charger R/T!
-
Show 51 - 69 of 69 discussions
Digg is coming to a city (and computer) near you! Check out all the details on our 
© Digg Inc. 2008 —
Content posted by
