Sleek, Sporty, Sustainable, High-Performance Trike
The open road… there's nothing quite like it, is there? The thrum of an engine beneath you, the wind whipping past as you navigate sharp turns and wide stretches. But amidst all this visceral, thrilling experience, there's also an undeniable burden. The carbon footprint. But what if we could keep the thrill, lose the guilt, and give mother nature a little love while we're at it?
This is the thought at the heart of Project Torden – an audacious venture hailing from the land of the fjords, Norway. Carl Heinz, a man driven by vision and a fair amount of daring, is putting together something quite unique. Picture this: a trike, sleek, sporty, with the spirit of a racehorse but the footprint of a grasshopper. The concept's power plant is what really sets it apart – a Hydrogen Fuel Cell engine, the sort of technology that whispers a ‘what if' into the ears of every gearhead out there.
Inspiration is drawn from the Brudeli Leanster trike, a marvel in its own right that saw its inception in 2005. Yet, where the Leanster was a statement of design and performance, the Torden is that and more. It's a statement of intent, a call to arms for those seeking to marry their love of speed with a respect for our shared home.
The bones of this beast have been carefully chosen. A used lightweight frame from the Derbi GPR series serves as the skeleton, on which rests a skin of fiberglass and epoxy. As the rubber meets the road, Pirelli tires grip the asphalt, while Showa shock absorbers take on the bumps and jolts. These names are familiar to any motorcycle enthusiast, representing a combination of reliability, performance, and style.
Now, Carl's project is still a concept, a work in progress, a symphony not yet fully composed. But that's part of the excitement, isn't it? Being part of the journey as this idea takes shape, evolving into something tangible, something you can touch, ride, feel.
For those of us intrigued by this unique marriage of speed, style, and sustainability, updates are on the way. Until then, we wait, our imaginations filling in the gaps, stoked by the vision of a three-wheeled marvel that could redefine our relationship with the open road. Here's to the thrill of the ride and a future that's a little kinder to the world. Check out Torden Automotive AS on YouTube, and join us on this exciting journey.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly Power: With its Hydrogen Fuel Cell engine, the trike offers high performance without the environmental impact associated with fossil fuels. This technology emits only water vapor, making it one of the cleanest power sources.
- Unique Design: Drawing inspiration from the Brudeli Leanster, the Torden promises a sporty, stylish, and modern aesthetic.
- Lightweight Frame: Using a frame from the Derbi GPR series, the trike will likely be agile and responsive.
- Quality Components: The use of Pirelli tires and Showa shock absorbers suggests high-end performance and reliability.
- Innovation in a Niche Market: The trike offers something fresh and exciting in the motorcycle racing industry, appealing to those who seek unique experiences and care for the environment.
Cons:
- Unproven Technology: While hydrogen fuel cells are promising, they are still relatively new to the motorcycle industry. The durability and reliability of this technology in a high-performance application like this trike is yet to be tested.
- Hydrogen Infrastructure: The current infrastructure for hydrogen refueling is not as widespread or readily available as that for gasoline, potentially limiting the trike's usability.
- Production Challenges: As this is a concept and the project is still in development, there could be unforeseen production and technical issues that need to be addressed.
- Cost: Given the use of high-end components and cutting-edge technology, the cost of the finished trike might be high, limiting its market to a small segment of enthusiasts.
- Limited Information: As the project isn't finished yet, it's difficult to assess other potential drawbacks, such as the trike's actual performance, comfort, safety, and real-world efficiency.
