Aptera - Page 2

Brent · 12-24-2007, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonybelding

Is it manufactured like a small plane? Would it make sense for small plane makers to get into the car business, or for an electric car company to partner with an aircraft company?

Most small airplane companies have good knowledge of how to build lightweight, aerodynamic vehicles, which might come in handy for an EV manufacturer. But I think they all lack any idea of how to make vehicles that would pass safety standards. Small planes are delicately constructed, and crack up in just about any collision -- like, say, in a collision with a table.

domenick · 01-03-2008, 05:38 AM

I find myself becoming more of a fan of the Aptera typ1e as times passes and more about it is revealed. The first time I saw it I thought it a bit odd but it's really grown on me. I have to say, I think I would rather have it than the Tesla Roadster. The Roadster is hawter and has much better range and performance but I find the Aptera to be a very elegant (simple) solution.
Unfortunately, at present, I can't afford either.

mt2 · 01-08-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonybelding

A surprising thing to me was that the production car will have windows that can roll down. I don't see how that's going to work, unless they only roll down like 1/3 of the way, maybe.

Is it even a good idea for this car? I mean. . . Driving with the windows down would play hell with all their carefully designed aerodynamics, plus you're adding the mass of the window motors and mechanisms, plus the car has a solar-powered ventilation system already (so you won't need to crack a window when parked in the sun). . .

This has been bugging me. Specifically, PopMech says the windows will roll down, but the Aptera FAQ says only that they will open. An earlier FAQ said that they were working through some design options, but gave no indication of what they might be. I can't imagine that they'd promote 300 MPG, and then give you the ability to raise the drag exponentially.

So I sent them a comment asking them to clarify what 'windows that open' really means and what the purpose would be. We'll see if they respond.

DDB · 01-09-2008, 05:14 AM

Anyone know of a real person that actually put a down payment on one of these? Better yet, someone willing to start apteramotorsclub.com? I'm just curious about the reality of all those out there that would actually place the payment as opposed to those that say "I will..."

mt2 · 01-09-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDB

Anyone know of a real person that actually put a down payment on one of these? Better yet, someone willing to start apteramotorsclub.com? I'm just curious about the reality of all those out there that would actually place the payment as opposed to those that say "I will..."

I see some names I recognize over at ApteraForum.com - Aptera Car Forum -

But the Yahoo group, ApterasSuperMPGElectricTyp-1e : & 1h seems more active and has a database of members who put in a deposit. There are only four so far, but that database assumes that (a) you are a member of the Yahoo group, and (b) you don't mind listing yourself as a future owner.

TEG · 03-20-2008, 08:53 AM

vfx · 03-20-2008, 04:31 PM

I saw it in a commercial the other day. The whole spot had glimpses of the car and a big reveal at the end. I believe it was the poster-boy for SCE or someone else that was trying to take credit for energy saving.

edit:

Thinking back, It might have been for Constellation Energy. They have been saturating my news channels.

Cobos · 03-20-2008, 04:38 PM

But I must say those pictures are very nice. Somehow I think they make the Aptera look more normal in a good way. They definately tickle my must have gene :) Of course I kind of like the idea of a really spacey EV, a bit like the Prius effect to the n-th degree. I only don't like the Apteras snow capabilities, as in none :( Looking outside the last 3 hours just saw about 3 inches of snow in late march...

Cobos

vfx · 03-21-2008, 02:28 PM

Well someone just sent it to me. Glory be:

Plugs and Cars

It was Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

domenick · 03-21-2008, 10:31 PM

Plugs and cars? *ahem
This post on ABG has the Touchstone ad plus an interview with Steve Fambro giving away some upcoming plans. Bonus video of interview with Aptera designer.