2009 Batpod makes a field trip

<center><img alt="" height="266" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/batpodcc09_01.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />The San-Diego Comic Con is now in full swing, and amidst all the panels and personal appearances, there's no shortage of static displays to check out either. Our man Drew Phillips strolled through the halls to see what's what and sent back some photos of the wheeled attractions dotting the floor. <br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><center><img alt="" height="266" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/batpodcc09_02.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />First up? The Batpod, natch. As you can see, The Dark Knight's ride is roped off to keep it protected from the rabble, but at the show's conclusion, we think its minder should put those cannons to good use by blasting a hole through the San Diego Convention Center's wall and riding out in style. And he ought to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/19/be-the-king-of-comic-con-batman-replica-motorcycle-leathers-ba/">wear these</a>, too.<br /><br /><center><img alt="" height="267" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/batpodcc09_07.jpg" width="400" /></center><br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/comic-con-2009-the-batpod/low#4">More Photos</a><br /><br /></span><p>

2009 Batpod makes a field trip

The San-Diego Comic Con is now in full swing, and amidst all the panels and personal appearances, there's no shortage of static displays...

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Video: Marotti concept reverse three-wheeler from Poland

<center><object height="300" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YEy8lSkYPEk"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YEy8lSkYPEk" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="300" width="400"></object></center><br /><br />When viewed from the front at a standstill the car/cycle looks cool and futuristic. But seen from the side, and in motion, it looks like an odd combination of a stubby-nosed sports car mated with a segway. <br /><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><center><img alt="Morotti concept reverse three-wheeler" height="300" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/3434463.jpg" width="400"> </center><br /><br />To call the Marotti three-wheeled concept car "unusual looking" is a massive understatement. A new video of the airplane-inspired machine has just been released, and show's the car from sketch, to production, to test driving.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><img alt="Morotti concept reverse three-wheeler" height="300" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/5143952.jpg" width="400"> </center><br /><br />In profile, it does not actually look like a fighter jet, as implied, but rather like an early space shuttle mockup. Although it accomplishes cool things, the space shuttle is commonly referred to as a "flying brick" because it is both heavy and lacking in supreme aerodynamics.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><img alt="Morotti concept reverse three-wheeler" height="297" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/5744129.jpg" width="400"> </center><br /><br />The prototype is fitted with a double rocker arm at the front, roller rocker arm at the back, and an adjustable shock system. Disk brakes are used, but we wouldn't mind seeing heavy duty calipers and disks on the machine. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><img alt="Morotti concept reverse three-wheeler" height="301" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/4316672.jpg" width="400"> </center><br /><br />Anyway, the vehicle does have a killer amount of power, considering its light 440 kg weight. It uses a 750 cc Honda V4 engine that produces 100 horsepower, and is controlled with a sequential six-speed gearbox. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><img alt="Morotti concept reverse three-wheeler" height="299" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/7684732.jpg" width="400"> </center><br /><br />The Marotti concept was shown off earlier this year in Poland at the Poznan Automotive Meetings Design Forum.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><img alt="Morotti concept reverse three-wheeler" height="264" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/7/large/3357613.jpg" width="400"> </center><br /><br />Unfortunately, Marotti will continue to push the car's appearance. That may not be such a good idea, as the car/cycle is clearly designed to appeal to the few, not the many.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090714.009/mini6/marotti-concept-reverse-three-wheeler-from-poland-video">More Photos</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p>

Video: Marotti concept reverse three-wheeler from Poland

When viewed from the front at a standstill the car/cycle looks cool and futuristic. But seen from the side, and in motion, it looks like an...

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Sidecar Motorcycling: Laverada Supercar

<center><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" height="296" src="http://i43.tinypic.com/2ufrss1.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />Here's someone who has made from a Laverda motorcycle a sidecar. Not just any sidecar, but a supercar sidecar, including gulfwing doors. The sidecar part looks amazing, a true work of art. It's almost like it came straight out of the factory.work of art. It's almost like it came straight out of the factory.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><center><img alt="" height="267" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/laverda_sidecar_1.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />Take François Knorreck of Italy. After some 10,000 hours of work over a ten-year period and at a cost of 15,000 euros, Knorreck created a unique sidecar motorcycle called the Snaefell – likely named after the tallest peak on the famed Isle of Man. Half the machine is based on the guts of a Laverda motorcycle, while the other half uses bits from a Volkswagen GTI, Audi 80 and a Citroen Xantia.<br /><br /><center><img alt="" height="267" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/laverda_sidecar_4.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />Equally as interesting is this mashup that combines what appears to be an older British motorcycle with a cut-down Citroen 2CV sidecar. It seems both machines are in fully working order with the older 2CV still sporting what we assume is an inoperative a steering wheel.<br /><br /><center><img alt="" height="266" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/laverda_sidecar_2.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />Parts were used from other vehicles, like a Kawasaki 1000, VW Golf GTI, Audi 80 and a Citroen Xantia car. Further gear was found on BMW and Renault cars.<br /><br /><center><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/2cv_sidecar1.jpg" title="" /></center><center><img alt="" height="303" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/2cv_sidecar2.jpg" width="400" /></center><center><img alt="" height="279" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/2cv-motorcycle-sidecar.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />Source:<a href="http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/special-motorcycle-sidecars-laverada-supercar.htm">Bikes in the Fast Lane</a> via:<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/how-to-put-the-car-in-sidecar-motorcycling/">autoblog</a><br /><br /></span><p>

Sidecar Motorcycling: Laverada Supercar

Here's someone who has made from a Laverda motorcycle a sidecar. Not just any sidecar, but a supercar sidecar, including gulfwing doors....

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FOTA looks to MotoGP for 2010 breakaway

<center><img alt="Casey Stoner in action in Mugello" height="300" src="http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/6/large/758370377.jpg" width="400" /></center><br />Carmelo Ezpeleta could be the figure FOTA turns to if the major teams decide to quit Formula One at the end of the year, according to the Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS.<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />Ezpeleta is the CEO of Madrid-based Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of F1's two-wheeled equivalent MotoGP.<br /><br />Dorna was bought by CVC, F1's current owner, in 1998 but is now controlled by its management.<br /><br />It has been credited with transferring the rule-making power of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) to the GP Manufacturers Association (MSMA).<br /><br />The newspaper said the Formula One Teams Association has already had contact with Ezpeleta, who would be reportedly willing to take command of a breakaway series should the eight FOTA members decide to create their own.<br /><br />A few F1 drivers, including double champion Fernando Alonso and current titleholder Lewis Hamilton, have indicated their readiness to follow their teams into a new series.<br />Source:GMM via World Car Fans<br /><br /></span>

FOTA looks to MotoGP for 2010 breakaway

Carmelo Ezpeleta could be the figure FOTA turns to if the major teams decide to quit Formula One at the end of the year, according to the Sp...

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