New Aptera video offers a look under the skin
Click above and scroll down to watch the video
Aptera hasn't formally announced what company it's getting the components that make up its electric drivetrain from, but there's been speculation that Azure Dynamics is the supplier. We still can't be 100-percent certain, but a new video from America.gov (pasted after the break, of course) shows off most of the goods under the 2e's sleek, aerodynamic skin.
In addition to the expected electric motor (bottom left, with what appears to be a heatsink on top), transmission unit and all the electronic bits that make it work, we can see some massive aluminum arms that operate the inboard suspension pieces. It's all impressively compact and looks to be very well engineered, in our non-expert opinions.
Towards the end of the video, we also get a sneak peek at a bunch of composite 2e shells awaiting their chance to be mated up with the rest of the goods that make it all function. Thanks for the tip, Broz!
[Source: YouTube]
Video:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
giyad 9:15PM (4/01/2009)
seriously... imagine a world where apteras are all over the place, this is like a bad april fools joke
why can't they just design eco friendly vehicles to look like normal cars, they don't have to be futuristic all the time! The design makes it inconvenient too, like you can't fit suitcases in there, and you can't fit more than 2 people... ugh!
good luck aptera, i hope you didn't waste your money cause at least you have the right idea with the batteries!
Reply
Tohe 9:39PM (4/01/2009)
While I agree with you. Apetera's vision is all about aerodynamics. I'm sure they have done their marketing study and probably have a feasible market. But I'm with you, the design and sex-appeal of a car are important to me too.
periscope 1:22AM (4/02/2009)
It's all about current laws. When building a custom car three wheeler has less restrictions than four wheeler. With four wheeler you have to go through all the shenannigans (airbags, tight safety rules in general), with three wheeler, you don't.
As for design even three wheeler doesn't need to look like ugly duck. There are many ways how you can do great aerodynamic design for three wheeler. Aptera is not it.
jpm 2:23AM (4/02/2009)
you're asking for everyone to call you a dumbass and tell you to shut the hell up.
A ton of energy is spent on overcoming the friction of air. They designed to car to be extremely aerodynamic, not to be cool and make a futuristic car!!! Do some reading on the company first!
Secondly, most people drive alone when commuting! Commuting in a 4 ton brick SUV is stupid!
giyad 9:46AM (4/02/2009)
enjoy your aptera then buddy... i know that its for aerodynamics and theyre trying to get the most mileage they can on a single charge, but when people buy a car they put thought into other things as well appearance, safety, convenience, which the aptera pretty much fails in all. It might be safe cause its a NEV, but if that thing takes a hit...
anyway, lets keep it civilized
jpm 3:10PM (4/02/2009)
Man you're ignorant. Do some research on their product and in the meantime quit commenting.
The co. has put a lot of effort into safety. It's a carbon fiber frame. It's not a Zenn EV made of cheap plastic and steel.
A lot of people like the way the car looks. I'm not sure what looks good to you.. probably whatever car was available when you were a teenager. Get over it.
And I suppose your definition of convenient is five extra seats and a huge cargo area?
You embody a major problem in this country: making decisions and judgments primarily on appearance. The car has a "inner beauty" -- its efficiency. Quit being so hell bent on looks.
giyad 3:26PM (4/02/2009)
having a bad day? here watch this, maybe you'll feel better http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybVb3t560oY
i don't like the way it looks, and im not going to buy one , get over it... i also don't see them becoming popular, but i've been wrong before
Nate 9:20PM (4/16/2009)
"i don't like the way it looks, and im not going to buy one , get over it... i also don't see them becoming popular, but i've been wrong before"
Curiously enough, people in the 1920s would be *appalled* at how modern cars look. Or how the Chrysler Airflow, which presages much of modern automobile design, was considered to be too 'radical' at the time of its introduction because of its adherence to aerodynamic laws and its ahead-of-its-time construction (see where I'm going with this?).
giyad, you can dislike it all you want, but you're going to have to get used to the idea. Fashion is notoriously evanescent anyways. In 20 years, all cars are going to look like this.
giyad 12:56AM (4/17/2009)
i don't need it to be "fashionable" just not ugly like that... I do see your point, I'm just saying (whether Im sounding like the typical person who doesn't like change or not) that I personally don't like the look.
"In 20 years, all cars are going to look like this."
I sure hope not!
Neil 3:05AM (6/24/2009)
In any forum there is a wanker. Someone who shows up and has no interest whatsoever in the item at hand but feels their mindless comments deserve an audience. (which they don't)
So far Aptera is THE ONLY car company I've seen that actually is serious about efficiency. They'd rather sell 100 efficient cars than 10000 bricks like GM does.
Well, wankers like 'gayad' can keep on paying through the nose for gas, I will be first in line when the 2e goes on sale in my state.
Well, I'm off now, I'm going to Fiat's website forums to see if 'gayad' is there informing the people he's not going to be buying one of their ugly cars...
mycomya 9:42PM (4/01/2009)
Yeah, giyad, exactly. Geez, just imagine a world where engineers designed cars based on fluid dynamics using modern materials to minimize energy waste while maximizing comfort and safety for daily commuter driving. How totally ridiculous!!
Reply
Collin 9:47PM (4/01/2009)
Is it just me or is the driver side front tire showing signs of horrible alignment.
Reply
Chris M 10:22PM (4/01/2009)
It's under assembly, final alignment hasn't been done yet.
contact 12:55AM (4/02/2009)
I saw that and thought the same thing. Holy crap I'm going to be buying a lot of tires. I don't see the typical alignment hardware either. This could be a difficult process if not done correctly from the factory.
meme 9:47PM (4/01/2009)
"why can't they just design eco friendly vehicles to look like normal cars, they don't have to be futuristic all the time!"
It's not about looking futuristic; it's about drag. You can't look like a brick and still get the sort of ridiculously low amounts of drag that the Aptera gets.
"The design makes it inconvenient too, like you can't fit suitcases in there"
Are you kidding? You can fit surfboards in there. 8' 2x4s. Multiple bags of golf clubs. It's got a huge cargo area.
"and you can't fit more than 2 people"
You'll need to wait for the 4-series if you want more. But remember: 2 seats = lighter and more streamlined = less energy requirements = cheaper, faster to charge, and lower environmental impact.
Reply
Chris M 10:21PM (4/01/2009)
The average vehicle occupancy is only 1.3, which means a majority are carrying just the driver, no passengers. Viewed that way, a 2 passenger commuter vehicle is practical, serving the needs of most trips as a "2nd car", and for some, all they need.
Tohe 10:00PM (4/01/2009)
Oh brother, I got a feeling that octuplet mom is going to be all over this one.
Reply
Turbofroggy 12:45AM (4/02/2009)
From the pictures it looks like a Azure Dynamics AC24 and a DMOC445.
Reply
jpm 2:25AM (4/02/2009)
walk in front of a bus, please
Reply
BIGTAZ 2:30AM (4/02/2009)
I just wish they would make one with a purely Diesel drive, It would get over 100MPG!
That Hybrid crapola is for somebody with an electronics engineering Degree. I thought the perfect car would have been an Diesel-Engined (First Generation) Insight without the Hybrid crapola and bigger fuel tank. (Can You Say 80 US MPG with the A/C Cranked!)
I actually Understand why they push Hybrids, Very small gasoline engines make very little Torque, and in the case of the Insight the electric Motor housed in the bellhousing has as much torque at Stall or (close to it), as it does at redline giving you an extra boost of torque. Why not just use a torque-baised engine? The diesel, VW
Polo gets 60+ Mpg with a 600# heavier and less aerodynamic body.
Reply