Re:The most fuel efficient car ever built: 2072 miles with 1...
by corin_ on Thursday June 05, 2014 @03:51PM
(#7853932)
My point is that culturally they can be considered cars, if they look like cars and function like cars. I'd argue that they are cars, even if they get taxed differently than most cars.
Re:The most fuel efficient car ever built: 2072 miles with 1...
by 001sky on Friday June 06, 2014 @11:26PM
(#7861160)
Fair enough, but in the linked article the example would not meet even your test of "Look like cars and function like cars"...because the thing is basically a luge-position with an aero-fairing. This was the starting point of my comment--its not a "car" really in any sense--because it fails the technical/legal/regulatory (not obvious) in addition to the practical/function (more obvious).
It is markedly different from most mainstream cars due to its fibreglass bodyshell and compact three-wheeled platform which allow it a special taxation and licensing class under British regulations.
Also, the Morgan I linked to is British and is very capable--far more so--as a piece of engineering.
My guess is that three-wheel regulations were originally set up for motor-cycles with side-car. These evolved a seperate lineage of both engineering and regulation. For modern examples, see: Can-Am Spyder.