AutoblogGreen

1. I hate to rain on the parade, but these 3-wheeled cars are stupid.

Never mind the decrease in stability and handling--they are merely an admission that the companies that make them can't meet US auto safety standards. I hope they don't go into mass production, or people who don't realize this might get killed in one.

Posted at 3:54PM on Mar 20th 2007 by Mike Z

2. Mike - rain all you want. But, I have to completely disagree with you. Have you ever piloted a three wheeled vehicle such as this? I have, and I can say... without a shadow of a doubt that they can handle at least equally as well as a four wheeler. The problems with many three wheeled vehicles that you see on the road is that the single wheel is in the front. This allows a massive pivot problem, allowing the vehicle to tip. This is completely a non issue on three wheelers that have the single wheel in the rear. As a matter of fact, the Mitsubishi EVO and many other high performance cars will lift their inside rear wheel, its contribution to handling is therefore nil.

On your second point, in many cases it is not the company that cannot engineer the vehicle, it is that they cannot afford to get it certified. Small manufacturers, even when they have a great idea almost can never get them off the ground in the automotive industry. Motorcycles are much easier to break into. A small manufacturer can truly make inroads there. Why is that a bad thing?

Posted at 4:05PM on Mar 20th 2007 by Jeremy Korzeniewski

3. I would have to agree with Jeremy. I own a Tri Magnum, and have a friend with one. He's done 110mph in his, going uphill. I've taken spins in his with him. It sticks to the road like glue. I wouldn't bash one til I checked it out and even tried it out. One wheel in front is just scary. But two is just out and out fun. Most cars only have one drive wheel engaged at anytime anyway in the normal differentials. Granted, the fiberglass body isn't much protection, but then again it's a motorcycle.
r.

Posted at 11:00PM on Mar 20th 2007 by tri mag owner

4. I think that car looks pretty badass. And I usually don't like really, really odd looking cars (wait a minute, I have a scion Xb).

For people who are either single or married with no kids this would be an excellent car. Especially as a daily commuter or as a 2nd car for many couples.

Posted at 11:49PM on Mar 20th 2007 by frank78

5. I'd love to try a tri-magnum... anyone know an owner in Michigan. I've put my name on the list to build this one and hope my electric vehicle club can help me next year.

Posted at 10:13PM on Mar 30th 2007 by ben Brown

6. Indeed, the three wheel 'tadpole' design (2-in-front) provides superior stability. The advantage of the motorcycle designation is, as Jeremy mentions, is the cost of production and product testing. The manditory crash tests for cars is an excellent barrier to entry for the lazy 'big 3' automakers, preventing competition in the fuel-efficient vehicle market.

Riley and others, however, are real innovators. What we need now is to show 'proof of concept' to the market and expand the American public's mental model of what personal mobility is about. These vehicles are very, very cool, and an excellent substitute for the oversized American car.

Posted at 1:57PM on May 22nd 2007 by Andrew

7. I have owned a Willmac V/W trike for over 11 years and yes you could get in trouble real soon if you push that vehicle to it limit. Going fast around a corner could, if you lost just a little traction would make you go straight off the road. The front wheel did not have enough weight on it to keep it there were it is suppose to be. But I now own a 1985 Trihawk which has 2 front, one back wheel and can corner up to .91 G The center of gavity (weight) is acting behind the front wheels and is only 12 inches off the ground. I have never been in a more stable and cornering vehicle in my life. It is front wheel drive and steering. Look up the specs on this vehicle, tons there for you to look at. Happy triking every one.

Posted at 12:47AM on Jun 12th 2007 by Gerry S