Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Future Looks Exactly like you think it does




Mark Harris

If you've ever watched an episode of the Jetsons and wondered when all that cool space age stuff was going to happen, your wait is over. The Aptera has arrived, looking like some type of hip space pod sent down to Earth on an exploratory mission. Here's some pics and information about this super cool eco friendly three wheeled bundle of fun.

Steve Fambro was working as an engineer in Carlsbad, California, but what he really wanted to do was design his own eco friendly automobile. So what did he do? He quit the job and created the Aptera. A prototype was created and is now production ready. The array of standard features is impressive indeed:

  • Driver and passenger side Airbags
  • Energy absorbing and impact deflecting passenger Safety Cell
  • Advanced drive computer with GPS navigation, CD/MP3/DVD player, XM satellite radio, Large View Rear Camera, and complete vehicle diagnostic system
  • "Eyes Forward" vision system with 180 degree rear sight picture displayed in the driver's field of view to enhance situational awareness
  • LED interior and exterior lighting for maximum energy efficiency
  • Solar assisted Climate Control System so you always enter a comfortable Aptera that is never too hot or cold
  • RFID(Radio Frequency ID) key fob so you never have to pull out your keys to enter or start your Aptera. The key fob simply remains in your pocket or purse.

Depending on your needs you can choose from two options:

All Electric - Powered exclusively with batteries and will get you around town to the tune of approximately 120 miles depending on your driving conditions. At night you simply plug the Aptera into any standard 110 volt outlet and in just a few hours you will have a fully charged vehicle that will take you another 120 miles. The approximate cost of this option with all the features listed above will be $26,900.

Plug-in Series Hybrid - Powered by an electric drive train but it is assisted by a fuel efficient gasoline powered generator which stretches your range significantly. In typical driving you may achieve over 300 miles per gallon and you will have range far beyond any passenger vehicle available today. The approximate cost of this option with all the features listed above will be $29,900.

You can reserve your very own Aptera for only $500. The first vehicles are expected to be delivered to customers sometime in 2008 so get your order in now at www.aptera.com.

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