Last October, when Yamaha showed off its Tesseract concept, we had trouble deciding how to classify the vehicle other than as extremely awesome. We are left scratching our heads yet again as Swiss automobile and motorcycle customizing company Sbarro unleashes its Pendolauto concept. Like the Tesseract, the Pendolauto leans into turns like a motorcycle would, yet features four wheels, like a car or a quad. With most of the excitement of a motorcycle, the machine would certainly be a blast to ride, but perhaps a bit more stable due to the addition of the two extra contact patches. Piaggio has seen a great deal of success with its MP3 scooter, but that machine features three wheels and is classified as a motorcycle. Because the Tesseract and Pendolauto have four wheels, nothing quite like them will be available in the U.S. any time soon. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be have yet to understand that a machine like the Pendolauto can offer similar benefits as motorcycles while perhaps adding a few degrees of safety. Click one of the sources below for more pics.
[Source: Yahoo, Salon Auto]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Throwback @ Mar 5th 2008 4:38PM
What would a European show be without Sbarro concept?
John P. @ Mar 5th 2008 5:01PM
I seriously doubt a vehicle this narrow that isn't a motorcycle would be safer than a motorcycle in most instances. Just picture for a minute riding a 4 wheel bicycle this wide. Seems impractical at the least. I'd be willing to test drive it though.
I think the guy in the upper right of the picture scratching his head has it right.
dac @ Mar 5th 2008 5:22PM
I don't understand '4-wheeled motorcycles' like this. Regular motorcycles are not hard to control, have a significant weight reduction, and are probably cheaper to maintain. Besides you'll look like a total goober driving that beast. Having to put your foot down at stoplights and a pop out a kickstand when you park is not much of a hassle.
KEVIN @ Mar 5th 2008 5:25PM
THIS IS REALY COOL BU I SAW ONE ON TV THAT LOOKED LIKE A STREAT BIKE CONVERTED IN TO A 4 WEELER FOR THE STREAT 'AND IT LOOKED AUSSOME
Shipey @ Mar 5th 2008 5:58PM
*cough*Tomahawk*cough*
Nacon @ Mar 5th 2008 8:37PM
It's not even close to Tomahawk bike at all. Cause you can't lean on a Tomahawk at all!
This one does... what were you thinking?
Shipey @ Mar 5th 2008 8:40PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Tomahawk
Shipey @ Mar 5th 2008 8:44PM
You'll note the following:
STEERING:Dual hub center type steering. Steering Linkage: Rocker arm and push/pull rod with roller bearings. Polished billet aluminum steering yoke with turned aluminum grips and billet levers Steering Lock: 20 degrees, left and right Lean Angle: 45 degrees, left and right
Seoultrain @ Mar 5th 2008 6:49PM
Ah, Sbarro's: Michael Scott's favorite New York pizza joint.
Luis @ Mar 5th 2008 7:15PM
LOL! That's what I was thinking!
mk @ Mar 5th 2008 6:50PM
I like the idea of the front articulating suspension, but why two rear wheels? Usually the rear wheel is wider anyway, and doesn't suffer, but gains from weight transfer. Plus an articulating driveline with a differential is more complex than it needs to be, and one rear wheel is simpler, and lighter.
The front end is what tends to skitter, and get light, or slide out in uneven curves and turns, and have stress-bearing telescoping forks which are absent in articulated leaning front suspensions.
I'd go with a three-wheel arrangement, like the Aprilia Magnet concept.
BAMF @ Mar 5th 2008 9:33PM
wait, so this is the same company who makes pizza at the mall?
Dave @ Mar 6th 2008 12:38AM
I got a slice at an airport once while on a layover. Didn't feel so good afterward.