Are you intrigued by the Can-Am Spyder, a three-wheeled motorcycle/automobile/snowmobile/ATV/trike crossover? If so, be sure to check out our past coverage of this genre-bender, and follow this link over to Rider Magazine where you can read their ride report of the new model. As a refresher for those of us who have been following the vehicle since we first heard about it, over 100 horsepower with good tourque from a rotax V-Twin engine in a lightweight package should make for serious fun. And, the built-in safety features such as ABS, traction control and stability control work to keep all three wheels on the ground.

If you like the idea of traveling on three wheels, but are not convinced that this is the machine for you, or if you cannot imagine not having a roof over your head, consider the impending XR3 hybrid model from Robert Q. Riley enterprises. I have seen this vehicle first-hand and can say that it will indeed hit the market, probably this year. You can have a Can-Am Spyder for for just under $15 grand, so start saving now if you are interested in getting one. And, if you do, make sure to share your experiences with the rest of us here!

[Source: Rider Magazine]

We showed you the press release from Robert Q. Riley Enterprises announcing the impending launch of the XR3 diesel electric hybrid a few days ago. Now, we would like to share with you some technical details that we learned while we made a visit recently.

The diesel engine, mounted at the front of the vehicle, is from Kubota and is a three-cylinder 23 horsepower model. The engine is certified for B20 use, and almost certainly will run fine on B100. The engine is mated to a four-speed manual transaxle, sourced from VW. Yes, the venerable Beetle shares its transmission for this application. Custom half-shafts with CV joints connect the transaxle to the front wheels using Chevy hubs, brakes and front end components.

The frame of the machine is a custom backbone, made of steel. A bank of lithium-ion batteries is contained in the center of the frame, and another set of batteries lies at the front of the vehicle on either side of the engine. An 8" electric motor sourced from ADC connects to a jackshaft and on to the rear wheel via belt drive. There is no provision for regenerative braking.

Read more after the jump.

[Source: Robert Q. Riley]

Robert Q. Riley, who you may already be familiar with due to his past projects like the Tri-Magnum, is working on a new diesel\electric hybrid three-wheeled vehicle. Like other three-wheelers, this one will be a motorcycle when it comes to regulations in the U.S. Also, like his past projects, the plans for the vehicle will be for sale for consumers to purchase in order to build the vehicle themselves. Using fiber-reinforced-plastic, or FRP, the body shell will be constructed over the chassis, using the chassis as a jig to ensure a proper fit. Many people with the DIY spirit have already done this when building his past project vehicles. Check this site out for examples. And, check this site for more on three-wheelers.

Riley claims that the vehicle will be able to travel 40 miles on electric power only, and the vehicle offers plug-in capability. Lithium-ion batteries provide the power. Alternatively, the driver can choose to activate the small diesel engine, which, along with the electric motor, should be able to provide between 125-225 miles per gallon, depending on how much use the diesel powerplant gets. Interested in more? Good, because we plan to run a feature article next week after a visit to his shop.

[Source: Robert Q. Riley Enterprises]