Redesign proposed for T-Rex trike
Click above for more pics of the proposed redesigned T-Rex
When we had our first close encounter with the T-Rex at the 2007 Montreal Auto Show in this blogger's hometown, it had just undergone a minor cosmetic update. Now on the market for 14 years, local industrial designer Johnatan Côté of Morelli Designers is proposing a complete redesign to bring it up to date.
The biggest change is the removal of the roof, which consisted of little more than a couple of tubes in the first place, but added vital roll-over protection and structural fortitude to the vehicle. Coupled with a more dynamic, modern design, the updated T-Rex proposal also incorporates more storage space, doing away with the optional saddle-bags on the current model while increasing much-needed capacity for things like crash helmets and groceries. Overall, the design makes a compelling case for an updated T-Rex, but makes us wonder what it is about the Canadian province of Quebec that makes it a breeding ground for sporty reverse trikes like this, as well as the Bombardier Can-Am-Spyder and the Cirbin V13R. Well, we guess you need to have something to do when hockey season is over. Thanks for the tip, Jarrett!
Gallery: T-Rex design by Johnatan Cote
[Source: Gizmag]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mcheddadi 1:44PM (4/10/2008)
Ugly, don't change something good!
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geo.stewart 4:15PM (4/10/2008)
as long as it's not 4 season/ all weather, its just another toy.
give me an optional roof and side panels ala Caterham or something to keep heat in and rain out and I'll be tempted.
Richard 2:08PM (4/10/2008)
I actually prefer the new design - it looks fun to drive and with a sleeker and more modern look.
http://www.azautophile.com
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john riley 2:19PM (4/10/2008)
I puzzled over the Can-Am-Spyder until I realized that the riding position was the same as on a snowmobile. It is something to ride for the 2 months when there isn't any snow.
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RMc 2:21PM (4/10/2008)
I hate when Autoblog readers say, "It looks like it a xxx mixed with a yyy with a little zzz."
That said, these rendering look exactly like a two person sit-in version of a BRP Can-Am Spyder that the author mentions. I would dare to say the hood/faring/trunk/beer cooler is a 100% reproduction from the Spyder.
It's a good thing to knock-off, however, as the Spyder was a hoot when I took it for a test ride. Give the T-Rex the Spyder's 990cc Rotax rather than the usual inline four and you've got a good concept.
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d mran 2:35PM (4/10/2008)
I would guess the number of these machines up north is largely because of the mechanical similarity to snowmobiles, seems the most logical.
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Jeff 3:39PM (4/10/2008)
I am squarly in the target market for a vehicle like this, but the fact that I might take it somewhere and get rained on is a total non-starter for me. I've already got a motorcycle if I want that experience.
Instead of working to ditch the rather minimal roof, I'd rather they work on removable body panels (roof and doors) so that this could be driven on days where the weather might change.
Think of all the people who currently have a Miata, S2000 or Solstice/Sky that might be tempted by this if it was just slightly much more practical.
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Daniel Cote 3:44PM (4/10/2008)
The only thing I'd like to see redesigned is the price.
Lop off a "0" and I'd be in the market.
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Daniel Cote 3:48PM (4/10/2008)
Or maybe I could ask designer Johnathan Côté for the Côté family discount.
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