This thing deserves a topic, how fun does it look???
Shit i want a go badly..
If you didnt download the latest top gear eppisode, do so...and watch the review on this thing, it looks like so much fun.
The Carver is contrived out of a concept car-motorcycle. It is a car in its design and looks: a sleek and stylish car of the future. It is smaller and lighter than a traditional car, and sportier too. However, the thing that makes it radically different is the motorcycle derived design components. If you watch motorcycles at a racetrack, you will see that they lean in turns. That is a result of having to take the turns at high speeds. The Carver, with its motorcycle heritage, also has the ability to rip its way through high-speed turns.
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from a guy who drove one
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You really want to know what it's like? I met up with Harry Kroonen and got a chance to drive the Carver this summer (2001) through the backroads of the Netherlands. It's one of the most exhilarating, adreneline pumping experiences you'll ever have. We were passed by a motorcycle while out on our drive, so I decided to follow him. In the straights the bike could outrun us but in the corners, no problem, we'd stay right with bike. Another real rush was when I took it up to 160 kmph. It tracked as straight as an arrow. It's very stable and it always felt solid and sure footed. Acceleration is very impressive with it's turbo four cyclinder. The interior is roomy and comfortable. For a commuter vehicle it's perfect. Cross country touring would be fun also. There's lots of room to throw camping gear and miscellaneous. With it's full compliment of guages and sound system it's a real pleasure to drive. I could keep going on, but I think you get the idea. I hope they'll be available in the U.S. sometime or at least be able to import them. It's a great little vehicle. A lot thought has gone into the design and building of the Carver. Gotta get one some day!
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This weekend I had a chance to drive the carver. I have been passenger in one of the earlier prototypes before. The current Carver now includes a good look and I must say ... I am impressed by the roadholding. It takes a few minutes to get used to steering the Carver, but once you've got the right feeling, the Carver realy gives you a safe feeling. When Harry Kroonen was driving me around, my adrenalin level was getting higher and higher. I suggest they put a bag for retching on the accessory list.
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I have driven the Carver too, and it is a truly extraordinary vehicle. It is beautifully built, looks much better in the flesh, and stops people dead in their tracks when they see it. It must be the narrowest production car in the world (1.2M), yet it has lateral grip that only finest sports cars can exceed. It also seems much faster than its 0-60 time would suggest. My guess is that its 60-100 time is faster, but this is a car that is as happy wafting around town as it is on the open road. The market for this might be with the Porche & Hyabusa/Blackbird owner who wants all these thrills in a small, practical and safe package. The back seat is comfortable for short journeys, though it would be sensible to share the driving between two over longer distances. If I had the money, I would buy one tomorrow! Or maybe two.... Bernie Harper