Another vehicle that needs rotary power! ;-)
http://www.aeromobil.com/

-Dan G.


Quite remarkable. Unfortunately it will never make it in the US as
it does not meet DOT car rules for all sorts of things let alone side
impact.  My 1973 RX2 weighed about 2000 pounds. My 2004 RX8 weighs
3000 pounds with the same engine weight and a smaller body thanks to
the draconian  and do good wacko Democrats :) This extra weight
results in 15% worse MPG at 60 MPH where rolling resistance is equal
to aerodynamic drag.

The Renault Clio I rented in Europe this year is about the same size
as the RX2 and larger than the RX8 with more room weighed 2100
pounds. I don't think the death rate is any higher in Europe despite
the lack of speed limits on the Autobahn. The Clio would do 180
clicks. Renault claims 63 MPG for the Clio. I am sure not at 180
clicks :)


Paul Lamar

The use of four wheels makes this Aeromobil subject to the Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards for automobiles.  However if three wheels
were used it could be qualified as a motorcycle and would not need to
meet all the crash tests required for automobiles.  The best
configuration with three wheels is one rear driving wheel and two
front wheels steering.  Not only does it give the best highway
stability it also offers the greater simplicity by reducing the parts
count.

The Rotax 912 does not seem like the best choice of engines for
highway use because some form of forced air cooling system is
necessary.   I think the Mazda rotary engine would be a better
choice.

Bob Young

In 2010 Terrafugia requested exemption from the FMVS standards, and the
exemption was granted by NHTSA in 2011. They now assert that the
Transition vehicle meets those standards, so they must have confidence
that they can renew this temporary exemption.

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2011/06/29/2011-16222/terrafugia-inc-grant-of-application-for-temporary-exemption-from-certain-requirements-of-fmvss-no

David Josephson


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