GM EN-V

General Motors EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) is a 2-seat urban electric concept car jointly developed by Segway Inc. and General Motors that can be driven normally or operated autonomously.^[1][2]

Designed for urban environments and around an extrapolation of the P.U.M.A. prototype announced by GM and Segway in 2009,^[3] the EN-V was unveiled at the joint GM & SAIC pavilion at the Expo 2010 in Shanghai from 1 May through 31 October 2010.^[3] Three different vehicles are showcased, 笑 Xiao (Laugh), 骄 Jiao (Pride) and 妙 Miao (Magic).^[4]

In October 2011 General Motors announced its decision to develop a second concept EN-V under the Chevrolet badge for use in field testing and demonstration programs, beginning in Tianjin, China.

Electric EN-V

In 2009, GM presented a Segway backed P.U.M.A.

And now, with soaring fuel costs, here is the EN-V!

First of all, EN-V isn't really intended to imply envy, especially in the case of the bulbous one that looks to us a little like Ponyo in her mid-transition state. It stands for Electric Networked-Vehicle and, yes, it's electric. The entire powertrain is a flat slab upon which the car sits, what's been dubbed the "skateboard." The body of the car then slides forward or backward to balance, and to go forward the body simply leans forward -- just like someone on a Segway. No surprise given that Segway helped to develop the P.U.M.A. that we test-drove back in 2009. 

Its specs are easy to remember -- if you dig metric, at least: 500kg weight, 50km range, and 50km/h maximum speed. Things are a little less symmetrical in imperial: 1,100lbs, 31 miles, and 31mph. It seats two, has no suspension (other than the rubber in the tires and the padding in the seats), but we still haven't mentioned the best part: the networking.

For more information, photos and details on both vehicles go to:

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/general-motors-takes-us-on-a-crazy-test-ride-in-the-en-v-electri/

Firebird Concept Cars

I had to chuckle just a little about the "space ship" look to these.

Although the Firebird III does resemble the Cuda, Charger, Challenger, Corvette, Firebird and Camaro of later years, well if you squint real hard and have a headache.

 Firebird I and II, respectively

 Firebird I

Firebird III

Feasibility studies in the 30's by Emmett Conklin (the only person qualified 

to drive the Firebird I) designed the first gas turbine powered car to see if it had any redeeming qualities.  Redeeming?  You mean other than going 100 MPH and being a jet engine on a chassis.  Hmmmm, let's see, that would do it for me!  Later Maury Rose would test drive this car at the Indianapolis Speedway.  No speeds given for that test drive, however, it was noted that Conklin shut it down at 100 MPH when he shifted to 2nd gear the tires lost traction.  Really?

Now that reminds of the "Little Nash Rambler" song...Beep, Beep.