April23
For the last few years, BMW and University of Bath have been hard at work on the CLEVER — a compact fuel-efficient vehicle for city driving. Somewhat overshadowed this week by the launch of the 2007 3-Series Coupe, BMW on Friday released the first images of the completed CLEVER. As the name — Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport — suggests, the aim of the project was to create a vehicle that was practical, safe, and environmentally-friendly. Unlike the Volkswagen GX3 Concept — with one rear wheel and two front wheels — the CLEVER has two rear wheels and one front. If it ever makes it to production, the vehicle is expected to cost around $10,000 and would have a top speed of 50 mph. One fascinating aspect of the vehicle is its unique tilting design for stable, motorcycle-like cornering. See a full photo gallery, more details, and some crash test videos after the jump… Updated: New video added of another similar concept…
A problem with three-wheel vehicles with a symmetrical wheel layout is the tipping moment when cornering, which cannot be controlled at high speeds if the vehicle has a short wheelbase.
To solve this problem the vehicle’s center of gravity can be moved towards the center of the corner, for example by angling the complete vehicle—just as a motorcycle does when it corners.
The hydraulic active tilt system is electronically controlled and keeps the vehicle upright at low speeds.
At just over three feet wide, it is 20 inches less than a micro-car, and several feet less wide than a medium sized conventional car.
Running on compressed natural gas, the vehicle would not only help preserve stocks of oil but would emit less polluting carbon dioxide than conventional cars. Its fuel consumption is predicted to be equivalent to 188 miles per gallon.
The vehicle is different from previous attempts to create a small urban vehicle in that it is fully enclosed in a metal framework. Its roof is as high as conventional cars, and it carries one passenger, who sits behind the driver.
Below are three videos of recent crash tests conducted on the car. The results from the USNCAP first crash at 56 kph against a rigid barrier met expectations and would again result in a 3-star grading. The head and chest stresses on the driver were very good, and the head stresses on the passenger were also acceptable as a result of the energy-absorbing foam on the driver’s backrest.
The intrusion in the driver’s footwell was very low and posed no threat to the driver’s extremities. The vehicle cell suffered deformation in the forecast area, the driver’s door could be opened without any problems after the crash. The front wheel swinging arm collapsed and came loose because, to save time and money, a welded aluminium construction was used rather than a cast construction. This problem will not occur on the standard solution.
The "Carver"
Several readers have let us know that a Dutch automaker came up with a very similar concept a few years ago. Not as efficient as BMW's, but it seems to be the first of its kind. Have a look at this TopGear report:
(Thanks alexxey.)
Hand the keys over to a orange one.
Dibs
But does it drive well?
Before the 'CLEVER', there is something called the CARVER. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgfTG1wCHtg
Top Gear said the Carver cost some $20k. If this BMW one only costs $10k, that's a big improvement.
But, I cannot possibly see a need for this vehicle with no cargo capacity, besides jolly good fun.
No need? I think the commute to work and back would make this vehicle worth while. The only thing keeping it from being even more useful is its top speed - 50 mph won't be useful if you drive long distances. But hell, I'd take half the mpg to give it a top speed of 70 or 80 mph.
This fills the same niche as several other one-passenger vehicles - economy for commuters. This is essentially a covered motorcycle, which does have cargo capacity (unless you have a second passenger). Oh, and not cheap - the commentator said 22 500 GBP, which isn't $10k, it's $40,087.
I guess the $10k estimate is based on mass-production forecasts for economy of scale. £22,000 is what it costs a tiny Dutch company to (probably) hand build a tiny number each year.
Sorry Charlie, be careful with your claims of "first." I'm not making any claims of first, but here are earlier designs and working prototypes.
http://www.3wheelers.com/gmlean.html
$10K for the BMW (if production takes place)
20k GBP ($40,000) for the Dutch small companies' version. Which is much faster top speed and has room (uncomfortable) for a passenger and/or luggage.
Greg,
Thanks for the link. I was just about to say that this looks like an updated "Lean Machine" from GM from the early 1980's…
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this is just like a Trikke scooter!
ripoff of the (daimler) mercedes SMART car.
[…] Check out this 183mpg BMW car! […]
[…] [Via LeftLaneNews] […]
A motorcycle you can ride in the winter and get 188mpg? I don't care who invented it first - just get me one. I'd buy one tomorrow (for 12K), cash money.
"50 mph won’t be useful if you drive long distances. But hell, I’d take half the mpg to give it a top speed of 70 or 80 mph."
i second that motion.
still, the keys would be greatly appreciated, thank you very much.
[…] Along with the 3-series coupe, this week BMW unveiled the "Clever", a 2-seat, 3-wheeled concept vehicle, enclosed, and safe, crash-tested and airbagged, and absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE it. The article claims it is, "expected to cost around $10,000 and would have a top speed of 50 mph" and I am sure the gas mileage is phenomenal. The coolest part is the tilting cabin, which angles itself correctly for turning, properly shifting its center of gravity, and allowing good cornering without tipping over. […]
In addition to potentially being half the price of the Carver, the Clever sounds like it gets much better mileage. The Carver requires 6L/100km, which isn't even 40 miles per gallon for those of us stateside. There are cars out there that can do better than that while carrying 5 people.
Upcoming Clever (3 wheeled car) from BMW
For the last few years, BMW and University of Bath have been hard at work on the CLEVER — a compact fuel-efficient vehicle for city driving.
So, this is just a swankier Bajaj Autorickshaw?
[…] read more | digg story […]
didn't MB have a concept out a few years ago very similar to this?
[…] read more | digg story […]
Carver's still trying to figure out what to use for their motor. BMW concept is identical but absolutely needs to hit 70 mph before it's safe to hit the highway.
Interesting that they chose to show a crash test for a vehicle that can be registered as a motor-cycle. I'm in.
Hmm… I'd love to test triver a Clever versus a GX-3. That'd be a fun comparison. They both seem quite more fun to drive than the boxy-slow Smart cars. The question with the Bimmer is not so much top-speed as acceleration. Since it's designed to be a city car, it's top speed is not that big of a deal. However, it's acceleration will be critical.
[…] read more | digg story […]
There was also the GM Lean Machine in the 1980's
http://www.3wheelers.com/gmlean.html
CLEVER isnt an acronym for Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport. CLEVUT is. CLEVUT sounds kinda german too.
Phillip James here, go to http://www.tiltingvehicle.net to see videos of a vehicle as narrow as the Clever that actually performs. Observe the slow response of the CLEVER in a manouver[in their video] then observe the fast response of my vehicle. The reason is that the CLEVER is fundamentally technically flawed… looks nice though… Phillip
BMW's 188 MPG Tilting Three Wheeler
Caught this on Digg. A BMW concept. "Its fuel consumption is predicted to be equivalent to 188 miles per gallon." "The vehicle is expected to cost around $10,000 and would have a top speed of 50 mph. One fascinating aspect of the vehicle is its uni…
[…] Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport. (via) […]
[…] BMW and the University of Bath have just completed their prototype "Compact Low Emission Vechicle for Urban Transport". I guess the acronym doesn't exactly match up but regardless the car is pretty damn cool. Left Lane News has a great review with a large assortment of photos and some videos of crash tests at the bottom of the page. Also be sure to check out watch this video of "The Carver" - a Dutch model that performs in a very similar fashion. It looks like a car but drives like a motorcycle. […]
[…] Para mayor información sobre el producto visite: http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/04/23/bmws-clever-concept-completed/ […]
[…] Introducing the new BMW CLEVER — a compact fuel-efficient vehicle for city driving. A pretty cool and interesting concept. The site also has some interesting videos posted. Check out the last video, a review by the BBC. […]
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Are these automobiles conceivably going to be marketed in the United States? And also could the vehicle be manipulated enough to be a 3-seater? Fantastic idea! I love it!
The report I read at figaro.fr said 100km/h as max speed which is 60mph for you strange people that talk imperial measures still. I'm not sure you need to be able to go much faster since it is targetted at town use primarily. Alot safer than a motorbike, only worry is the electronics that control the cornering but they'll have perfected that with a failsafe we can hope. Refreshing change from the SUVs that are being churned out despite the hideous fuel consumption they have.
Nice for sellers, computer technicians, young couples, and students. Let me know, when you have one available to me…I´d say US$ 5k?…BUT NO MORE!
[…] Must see photos and videos. BMW and the University of Bath developed an incredibly cool new concept vehicle that corners like a motorcycle via a 'hydraulic active tilt system' and runs on natural gas to get the equivalent of 188 mpg. It's also designed to be extremely safe, as evidenced by the crash test videos.read more | digg story […]
There is currently only one EU type approved tilting vehicle since september 2002 in production that is the CARVER. When you are first on the block people will copy, quite flattering for the Carver people.It also is as safe and a lot quicker (185kph)and gets good mileage 40mpg+
Great work! However, I am a motorcyclist - I need to get speeds to at least 80 mph. My favorite cruising speed is 65-75 mph. Could I even get
100 mpg at those speeds. Whats the duration of use? I feel cramped in a small space like that, which is why I prefer to have a three wheeler. My wife loves it just as it is and wants one right now.
Not bad BMW! Now lets get it on the road in the real world so as to work all of the REAL bugs out. The ICE has been obsolete for such a ridiculous amount of decades. Help lead us into the next paradigm shift to a much needed and even better technology than hydrogen or electric. Thanks!
Everyone at the office wants one! In this day and age, we have to look for fuel economy - why not have some fun too? I would even take the 50mph for the savings in fuel costs, and not primarily for city driving either. (By the way, can you get snow tires for it?)
You know the automakers can do better on gas mileage if required to.
Awesome!
if this car runs on compressed natural gas, where do you fill up at?
Does it wheelie?
Where can you get the fuel in the US ? would gladly pay $15k-$20k US for one tomorrow - This is the way to go if you can make it available to the ordinary person and and fun too - WE WANT ONE NOW - would be nice if there were a little bit more storage area for groceries
BMW motorcycles are $15k to $20K here in the states. Its hard to believe they could build this for $10k. It also begs the question is it a Bimmer or a Beemer?
[…] Check out the Left Lane News article and photos – and crash-test video. […]
I'd like to see one first hand & see if I can get in without using a shoehorn. (Could be a bit claustrophobic). How about a small trailer for road trips? A little extra room and higher speed would be better.
Unconventional thinking makes this one of many possibilities to use our limited
conventional resources more wisely. Many other possibilties abound when we think outside the giant boxes on wheels that transport one person to and from work.
So much confusion on blobs,I dont know what to belive.I drive a Hyndai wounderfull auto seats four and gets 32 mpg.I must have at least cargo space and excedes 32mpg before I'intrested
Reminds me of the motorcycle that was manufactured by BSA in 1973 and had 'joke' type reviews. This look like it can be a fun machine but, my experience with motocross machines tells me it is also VERY safe!
What type of transmition does it have?
And when will we start seeing these in the usa?
Will only be interested for the " Thrill " and not at city driving speed, but more like 120 mph….If not… my Toyota Prius will do fine…Seating for four, cago space and great mileage…not much thrill but your " Carter " at 50m/h is no thrill either. It will also means that I still will have to get a vehicule when ever I take the " Highway " and compete with faster cars ( 300 horse power + )…and will also keep my 750 Honda Motocycle…for thrills….which is a lot cheaper than your " Carter "
Cargo space? Legroom? Second passenger? You've got to be kidding! While I applaud the concept, this vehicle provides nothing more than a mode of transportation. The back seat might hold a gallon of milk and anyone sitting in it will be looking to get out after 15 minutes. Show me a complete video of two average sized people attempting to get in and out of this thing, and about 30 minutes of road time, and I might believe it…
I want one of those "Carvers". How do I get one?
Greg
San Diego, CA.
Ph:619-793-4815
Mmmm $40K GBP ? that means $60K AU
If your Australian would buy a
Holden Commodore SS V8
or
A Bmw Clever 1 cycle Trike.
Mmm
Think about it…
The Holdens cheaper anyway..
I care about the enviroment but I also care about how much i will pay for a car.
Quality, Price and Performance.
BMW needs to think about this a little more.
Steven Jordan… it isnt 40k, learn to read.
Also, if you find this impractical, cargo space, people space, etc etc… too bad? Maybe this wasnt meant for you then. This was designed for European like streets where going city speeds is all thats neccesary since if you had to go to a diffrent country you could just take the train. European cities, while more dense, are vastly superior.
I would like to purchase one and show it off here in
San Diego, California! Maybe be a distributor.
Who do I make the check out to. I'm serious.
Greg Aldana
I'd buy it to use in Bangkok's heavy trafficking street, and I'd get it tuned up to 75 mph. ท่าจะมัน
[…] BMW has completed its new "Clever" concept, a compact low emission vehicle that measures just over three feet wide. It's powered by compressed natural gas and features a hydraulic active tilt system to keep the three-wheeled vehicle upright at low speeds. Three crash testing videos after the jump. [via LeftLaneNews] […]
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[…] So what will we do now? While the Europeans are busy designing cars with names like Smart and Clever, too many of us will cry and kick and scream and march and protest and write to their representatives before we buy a smaller car, We never learn, do we? Posted by Wizard Prang Filed in Opinion […]
[…] Link […]
..So now that gasoline is 3.05 a gallon is there any 3 wheel vehicles (that ride 2…) comfortably and can carry a few groceries back home?
Love to purcahse a 3 wheeler USA legal.
i love it it just a new motorbike car but its fast could you bring to the philippines some how filipinos will buy and drive it
""(By the way, can you get snow tires for it?)""
Probably dirt bike tire, or enduro style at the local cycle shop…
I think this Bimmer is way cleverer than 'smart'. and smart sells, wright? so BMW please start production!
Belgrade, 09.01.2006
sfumzkht
sfumzkht
The more R&D and inovations you add the higher the price. Multitudes will pay up to maybe $12,000 - absolute max. Any higher you are limiting your market group. Stop talking and produce now Add upgrades each year, but keep some models priced for the rest of us. Everyone wants to reduce oil consumption and save money, not just those who CAN pay a bunch for a motorized tricycle. I'm going to go Tango.
Would love to have one but the small CMG tanks would be a problem in the States make it to run on tanks like used on outside gas grills and it would be great.