First glimpse of ZAP Alias prototype revealed in video
We recently got word that a ZAP Alias prototype had been built but at the time, we couldn't find any pictures. With a link supplied by commenter "Jay," that situation has been somewhat rectified. Although we don't have photos beyond the screen grabs you see above, there is a news video from NBC24 showing off the car from different angles. They even chat with the Craig Winn of Applied Technologies, the man responsible for this first iteration.
From what we can tell, the prototype stays quite true to the drawings and video renditions previously released. It looks real and not made of styrofoam. He hope to get more and better pictures soon as well as an updated production schedule. If Electric Cars Europe want to import it, seems like the pace ought to be picked up a bit, no? H/t to jay.
[Source: NBC24]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MikeInNC 10:00AM (6/26/2008)
Still looking for a highway capable electric that will seat 3 adults. These two seaters are great for people that are single but we have a 9 year old and although she's not often in my car, we do need two cars that can carry all three of us at times so, I'll be awaiting White Star and some others.
I REALLY wish the Aptera had a REAL 3rd seat.
Reply
Doug 10:10AM (6/26/2008)
With that color and the way the light reflects off the thing, it still looks CGI'ed into the frame.
Any word if that's a "working" prototype? I'm disappointed they didn't show it driving around. It might just be one of those styling models.
Reply
Rick 1:38PM (6/26/2008)
I still don't understand the trike design. Is it that much more difficult to add one more wheel or is there a reason for the limit? This would just look so cool as a normal 4 wheel car and add extra seating, etc.
Reply
Alex 5:59PM (7/28/2008)
The reason for the third wheel is that in most states a three wheeled vehicle is classified as motorcycle. Sense it doesn't classify as a car legally ZAP doesn't have to spend more money on matching the federal car safety standards.
Bill 11:58AM (6/26/2008)
To me, it's clearly a styling buck. There's not the slightest hint of visibility through the "glass", indicating to me that it's not glass at all. And you'll note in the low side view that you can see a brake rotor through the wheel, but there's no caliper.
Reply
armmat 12:52PM (6/26/2008)
Why can't these idiots just come out with a normal but NICE looking vehicle? Is it REALLY that hard?
Reply
Sean 1:45PM (6/26/2008)
@Doug: The video said it's just the body. It will be shipped to ZAP to have a drivetrain engineered & fitted.
Reply
Rojo 1:37PM (6/26/2008)
At the very least, it's not CGI.
It also appears to have driven (or should I say, appears to have been rolled?) through a dirty/dusty area judging from the dirt on the rear wheel.
Reply
Bill 1:59PM (6/26/2008)
"Is it that much more difficult to add one more wheel or is there a reason for the limit?"
It's to avoid mandatory tests required of all 4-wheeled passenger vehicles.
Reply
John 2:30PM (6/26/2008)
@Rick - the main reason for this is to get around regulations that are there for cars, but not there for motorcycles. If it had 4 wheels, it would have to get past crash testing, pedestrian safety, and other stuff that would add a lot to the development.
Reply
ddub 2:32PM (6/26/2008)
@Rick
Also having only one rear wheel allows them to taper the rear which reduces drag much more over conventional designs.
Reply
ozyran440 3:07PM (6/26/2008)
Wow, they actually made an attractive Zap!
As for the 4-wheel setup, I think a better way to do it would be to have two wheels mounted very close together out back.
Reply
Doug 3:25PM (6/26/2008)
And then the front wheel(s) should be just a solid long cylinder, like on the Flintstones.
Reply
ddub 5:01PM (6/26/2008)
YABA-DABA-NO
Reply
stevefazek 6:31PM (6/26/2008)
Its a non functioning model, Look at the "Glass"
No doors and a what looks like a Plastic plate spray painted silver to be the motor
Reply
stevefazek 6:34PM (6/26/2008)
its made of Styrofoam look at the fake glass. no doors either
Reply
Joe Maki 11:13AM (6/27/2008)
>> I REALLY wish the Aptera had a REAL 3rd seat.
Since this will be licensed as a motorcycle, maybe a sidecare will be available :)
Reply
Niralisherni 12:36AM (6/29/2008)
Here is a better picture: http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/2246/l88a7be528683800c07450fkb9.jpg
Reply
Chris M 1:47AM (6/29/2008)
Obviously a mockup, no glass!
Looks like the mutant love child of a corn harvester and an AMC Gremlin. Better looking than the Xebra, though.
Reply
Jay 12:07AM (7/29/2008)
I've seen the car in person (at the headquarters in Santa Rosa) and the build quality and look are MUCH more impressive in person.
Check out the pic here and the video render:
http://smashgods.com/2008/07/28/repeat-zap-mobile-not-bat-mobile/
Reply