Next Big Thing – folding cars
What's so special about a Smart Car?
Have you got your glasses on? This isn't a smart car, this is the future of park-anywhere mini cars. MIT's design and engineering gurus have designed this Hiriko car to fold up in the middle, turning in to a tiny little roller that can fit almost anywhere.
I'm sorry, did you say 'fold'?
Yep. The Hiriko lacks doors, enabling it to fold upwards in the middle. The front windscreen flips up for entry and each wheel has dedicated drive motors, steering breaking and suspension to increase the cabin space. All this fancy tech means that you can fit three of this little cars into one standard parking space.
How efficient. When is it out?
The first test project should start in Spain by next year. MIT is aiming for a US$12,500 price upon release, with a handy sharing scheme along the lines of London's Boris bikes to keep costs down. Hopefully you'll be parking anywhere and everywhere within the next few years...
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Comments
ravensfrost
1 year ago
Would be very excited by this but yet again the innovative cars are completely useless for a wheelchair user.
Peter_Mould
1 year ago
I would love to see one rolling down the streets in Essex, and also wonder where is such a car going to get its servicing from. I am sure the technicians will need special training to be able to handle it.
Peter - bmw servicing essex
leo_21
1 year ago
The range of models and makes is in thousands and the stock is updated everyday, this is due to the large number of cars in auction and massive sale daily.
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samm28
1 year ago
I didn't expect to see that, I still don't think I understood everything there is to know about this kind of technology, I'll have to see an actual video to see this. Until I get the chance to own a car like this I am happy with the new catalytic converters I've recently installed on my conventional car.
natalie2
1 year ago
cool car!
natalie2
1 year ago
I have to say I'm really impressed, a folding car having such a small price? I definitely want one! Perhaps it's about time for me to give away my old vehicle through a donate a car program, and then buy a new folding car, do you have any idea when it will be released in USA?
ron20
1 year ago
Quite interesting topic but how it will be running like a normal cars. What may be the technology used for this type of car? I think it will an awesome and challenging thing in automotive industry.
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