Hodge Hawk three-wheeler concept from New Zealand
Click above for a gallery of the Hodge Hawk concept
Perhaps you've noticed how many new three-wheeled vehicles have been sprouting up lately intended for the streets. It's no coincidence, as anything with fewer than four wheels is generally considered a motorcycle, though states are free to create their own take on the rules in the US. Alex Hodge, a designer based out of New Zealand, has thrown his hat into the ring with the Hawk concept, and it's a looker. The body would be molded from fiberglass to keep weight low and the all-glass canopy swings away to allow for entry and exit into the sleek vehicle. An alloy chassis holds it all together and a set of 19-inch alloy rims grab the tarmac.
Power would come from a 999cc V-Twin engine from a Honda RC51 motorcycle, and its 120-horsepower should be plenty to keep things interesting, while also offering relatively miserly fuel consumption. A single seat detracts from utility, though, and we might prefer the concept if it were electric. Regardless, it's a cool design.
Gallery: Hodge Hawk concept
[Source: Alex Hodge via Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark 11:32AM (1/01/2009)
Wow, really cool. I think a hybrid or electric model would be better but it really looks good. Problem is with the financial crisis at the moment it may never see the light of day.
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Craig 1:12PM (12/31/2008)
Wow!!! I couldn't imagine the costs in developing a trike but that's one beautiful, functional looking design. Keep it under $20k and I think you'd have a hit...
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me 1:44PM (12/31/2008)
Can someone explain to me what benefit a trike would have over a conventional 4 wheeled vehicle ?
I can't even begin to imagine how they would handle in ice and snow.
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GoodCheer 1:49PM (12/31/2008)
me: The benefit of a 3-wheel design is that it is classified as a motorcycle. This exempts it from the need to crash-worthiness and emissions testing (at least here in the US, I don't know much about regs in other countries).
By not having to meet safety and emissions standards, manufacturers can bring a vehicle to market for hundreds of thousands less $$$.
The advantage is not (directly) for the user of the vehicle, its for the manufacturer.
Nick 2:09PM (12/31/2008)
Good job to the designer for 'getting out there', but seriously, it's way off proportions. The huge wheels make it look like a cartoon vehicle.
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me 1:53PM (12/31/2008)
Can someone explain to me what benefit a trike would have over a conventional 4 wheeled vehicle ?
I can't even begin to imagine how they would handle in ice and snow.
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Jason B. 1:53PM (12/31/2008)
I'd be more impressed with all these modern, three-wheeled concept vehicles if they'd produce more than vaporware. It can't be all that difficult, people have been building 3-wheelers for decades.
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Jason B. 1:55PM (12/31/2008)
Frak. I tried to include a couple of relevant links, but apparently html doesn't work in these comments (or I just don't know how to make it work).
Here are the links:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/3475911.html
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/reader_rides/4218478.html
Aimless Six 2:04PM (12/31/2008)
Vaporware !!!
This is the work of a graphic artist without any consideration for real world physics. Like where to put that big engine, the fuel tank, luggage any bigger then a lunch box....
These images have been around since 2006.
http://nexus404.com/Blog/2006/12/18/hawk-concept/
http://www.coroflot.com/publichttp://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_details.asp?individual_id=136689&sort_by=1&
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Rick 2:09PM (12/31/2008)
That is gorgeous as hell. However, I'd fear getting in and out, hitting my head, straining my back while leaning forward then shuffling sideways. Otherwise, looks hot.
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