Why Not?: 3 Wheeler Racing Series

[jaho101]

They can have better acelleration than a sports car, snappyer handing and they're relatively new (in terms of modern development) so concepts are being tested all the time. Right now it's the perfect time to start, it could even start where Can-Am left off, the rules are that you need 3 wheels, a certain weight minimum, and set dimensions. That, along with some safety stuff puts the current slightly hobbyist/privateer crowd of designers into contrntion for the first 3 wheeled racing series, it'd be excelent promotion and new companies could have the upper hand if they develop well.

I'm just throwing this out there, I hope it'll happen since it could be like a return to the 60's with all the tail sliding caused by too much power and too little downforce (a rule for no wings above the rear tire maybe?) and possibly requiring mechanical throttles for no TC or ABS. Well, as I was saying if you have any ideas, drawings or sugestions: this is the thread.

Incase you don't know what I'm talking about:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/ ... uki-power/
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/ ... cancelled/
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/ ... -rex-1400/

[zac510]

I'm not sure which motorsport authority would cover this. They usually do two, or four wheels and regulate against

I think you are heavily idealistic though. First you say you want it like CanAm, then you're regulating against a wing on top of the tyre? Make up your mind

[dumrick]

I'm not sure which motorsport authority would cover this. They usually do two, or four wheels and regulate against

But that would be our opportunity! Let's found the International Federation of Tricycle Racing (Fédération Internationale de la Compétition avec Tricicle - FICT)?

[Tom]

I can't find any info about it but I'm pretty sure the Ginetta Scorpion 3-wheeler had its own racing series as a support championship for the BTCC

[Carlos]

Yes - a cult following, but an idea that refuses to die - they have been built since the begining of automobile and motorcycle history - but have never rivaled either - we enthusiasts prefer "niche" rather than "cult" to describe our interest in them. I think the difficulty has always been they are a bridge between 2 and 4 wheel vehicles. The expense of 3 wheels is almost the same as 4 in many peoples minds. The same with engines, a 3 cylinder of 1500cc is almost the same as a 4 cylinder. Lets build a 4 cylinder. The historic production cost of a 3 is so close to 4. Also the handling and traction characteristics have always been "suspect." But with modern materials, low-cost-low labour production methods - a lightweight - very strong chassis/anti-intrusion cell/body should be possible - for economy, hybrid, electric, sportscar or racecar applications. The debate between 1 leading wheel vs 2 leading wheels has always muddied the issue - but with modern understanding of chassis dynamics, computer design and simulation - the 2 leading wheel is the aknowledged layout preference - a decision that has taken - say 70 years - the world was not willing to wait.

Take a look:

http://www.gizmag.com/go/7011/gallery/

[Carlos]

Another design project could be exciting. It may make an interesting challenge for many of our members interested in FSAE and the Car Developement Project. Imagine specifications extended from FSAE, with a higher weight limit - in several categories - open wheel, open prototype, closed cockpit prototype. A simpler project that individuals could design for. I have thought of a fund raising project for f1technical - if we had. lets say 6>12 entries - we could burn a CD for purchase on ebay or perhaps create a "store" on f1technical. Just an idea. Could be interesting.

Here in Canada Bombardier just introduced a 3 wheel road sports vehicle - it sort of looks like a sleek snowmobile design with formula car front suspension - called the CANAM Spyder. I think they are in aerospace - they make regional jets. If they see potential - maybe there is.

Didn't someone mention CANAM?

[jaho101]

I'm not sure which motorsport authority would cover this. They usually do two, or four wheels and regulate against

I think you are heavily idealistic though. First you say you want it like CanAm, then you're regulating against a wing on top of the tyre? Make up your mind

I couldn't descide if I wanted to see racing like F1 in the 60's or total design freedom like in Can-Am. Something in between maybe?

[dedge]

Hi everybody!
I know this is not a 3 wheel machine but : do you know the Devios X-Trium?
It's a diamond-shape go-kart. It looks special, but seems to be amazingly maniable. I know the current F1 regulations might not allows something like this, but it could be good in Monaco!

Here is the link for a video (and yes, it's in french!) :
http://www.autojournal.fr/essais&p=essa ... 20005D089E

[Carlos]

3-wheel vehicle links from my database - I hope they are of interest.

http://www.gizmag.com/go/6932/
http://www.sub3wheeler.com/index.php
http://www.sub3wheeler.com/index.php
http://www.gizmag.com/go/3629/
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/vehi ... 030967.php
http://www.rqriley.com/3-wheel.htm
http://www.atnet.it/lista/casdaven.htm
http://www.maxmatic.com/ttw_desn.htm
http://www.clevislauzon.qc.ca/Professeu ... class3.htm
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4789173.html
http://designmassif.com/trihawk/article ... /index.htm
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5354084.html
http://www.freshpatents.com/Three-wheel ... 247507.php
http://www.3wheelers.com/
http://www.rqriley.com/doran.html
http://www.rqriley.com/slalom.htm
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/01 ... dex_01.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilting_three_wheeler
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feet_forwards_motorcycle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasar_%28motorcycle%29
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/ ... cancelled/
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/ ... -rex-1400/
http://www.clevislauzon.qc.ca/Professeu ... nviron.htm

Yes - The diamond wheel layout is very interesting - I first noticed it in the 1992 design concept vehicle by Philippe Charbonneaux who also designed the Renault 16. It was called the Ellipsis - except the front and rear wheels of the 4 were used for steering.

Dedge - Welcome to the Forum. Thank you for the 2 videos on the diamond wheelbase layout - The Ellipsis designer was, of course - also French.

[Carlos]

Here is a link to the 2007 Piaggio MP4 - a scooter with 2 front wheels that cantilever. An Eco-Greenie second vehicle for in-town errands? Something for a new FIA racing formula?

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/ ... 3-scooter/

[checkered]

Here's a Canadian

3Wheeler concept, FuelVapor Technologies' "Alé". It is intended to go into limited production in 2008 and compete for the $10M offered in the "Automotive X-Prize" for the fastest 100mpg car in the World.

Specs: (as given in the company website)
92 miles per US gallon
0-60 in under 5 seconds
3-wheeled configuration
180 horsepower
12.9 second ¼ mile time
1.7 G’s cornering performance
“Super-low” emissions rating




More on the company website, also featured on various media (Top Gear, Speed)

http://www.fuelvaporcar.com/index.html

[ds.raikkonen]

reminds me of the Peugeot 20CUP concept which was driven by the front 2 wheels and steered by the fat rear wheel...nice idea.this triangular structure is more stable too i believe?Also the VW GX3 was in this range but it was rear wheel driven.wud be cool to watch them racing