In the world of trikes powered by a front or rear-positioned engine, the Dragonfly VIN #1 is an exception. Perhaps the world’s first mid/rear engine three-wheeled ride, it boasts superior handling and stability. The vehicle is designed and handcrafted by American mechanical engineer Greg Kunsch who has experience in designing aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines.
This road-legal car-cum-motorcycle vehicle is a testament to his skills. The two-seater trike has a classic tadpole design with two wheels at the front and one at the rear. Seats of the VIN #1 are positioned between the front wheels and frame made out of stainless steel to keep the center of gravity low. This helps in taking corners at considerably high speeds without any abrupt body roll.
Designer: Greg Kunsch
Dragonfly is powered by a 200-hp, 2.4-liter DOHC gas engine (not an electric motor) and the designer plans to make an electric version once the gas-powered variant hits mainstream markets. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission to utilize the superior traction produced by the mid/rear configuration. Safety and comfort take precedence with the fitted 8-point rollbars and removable roof. The whole front section raises courtesy the canopy design, so that the riders can enter the vehicle. Optionally, the driver can open the doors with the remote too. For enhanced comfort, the vehicle comes with a self-leveling adjustable-height air suspension system and power steering.
Although looks are subjective, Dragonfly is quite edgy and disproportionate at the front. It seems as if its teeth are crooked. That said, the teardrop-shaped trike is aerodynamically sound which will be important once the electric version hits the roads. This is just the prototype version we are looking at and the production-ready version could have a more subdued design for mass acceptance. Compared to other similar vehicles this one is more practical, still nowhere near compact enough to make the cut for futureproof prospects. The electric version could change that with a more narrowed-down aesthetics for city travel.
The post Dragonfly trike boasts optimized engine placement for enhanced traction and advanced handling first appeared on Yanko Design.