Monday, November 7, 2016

Calypso Caravan; Micro Camper for a Micro car?

I saw photos of this motorcycle caravan / camper. Wikipedia. It was designed for motorcycles but I think it could easily be towed by a micro car, especially if it is a modern micro car. It is a Calypso caravan. It looks like a micro version of the Airstream camper. I found these photos online. I am looking to see if there is more information on them.
This shows the relative size of it next to the tow vehicle, a motorcycle.

The interior looks nice. It seems to use every bit of space inside.

This shows it not just a bed but also table to do things on, the inside being adaptable.

Here is the close up of the table.

Here is the gull wing door. I think it is better than the small door found on some smaller teardrop campers.

Perhaps to really make them usable as a camper for small to micro cars, it would have a wider stance so they won't tip over as easily and give them a little more room on the inside. It would be nice if someone came out with a plans, a kit or just the whole camper (similar but different to prevent any lawsuits that be charged for infringement on the design). If they did, I would definitely check it out. 

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Jeep Trio Concept (2003); Modern Micro Off Roader?

Even though the concept from Jeep is from 2003, I think it could still sell today. I think it is a shame they did not produce some version of this really cool off road vehicle. Jeep Trio Concept 2004. Car Designs News has a nice article on it. I agree with Car Designs News in that it would fit in today. I would put it on my list of next possible cars to buy if they produced it.
I like how small it is. I definitely consider it a modern micro car. 
The seats look comfortable. 

It has a Jeep look to it yet keeps it modern.

I like the ground clearance. I like how the wheels are exposed.

The back seat is neat but I don't more than one person could fit back there.


Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Continuous Variable Transmission for Modern Micro Cars?

Personally, I think the CVT - continuous variable transmission -  is cool. They give the economy of the manual transmission while giving the convenience of the automatic transmission. One generally associates them with scooters but there are cars that also have them. I have read of problems with the CVT but I think they are making them even better now.
Here is a visual of the CVT (from Wikipedia). 
Here is a simple demonstration of the CVT (from Wikipedia).

I think they would be ideal for small cars since it would give them an even greater miles per gallon rating yet give them more appeal with those who want an automatic transmission. I think of some small cars as more 'enclosed scooters' than small cars. I think it would be great in a front wheel drive front engine combination or a rear wheel drive rear engine combination; either giving more space inside the vehicle which what is a premium in small cars. 

One such small car was the Subaru Justy (Wikipedia). 
From what I read about it, it not only had a continuous variable transmission but also four wheel drive. It would be nice if Subaru brought back the Justy with all wheel drive and a continuous variable transmission. Perhaps they could rename it 'Outback Jr'.  

Here is a list at Wikipedia of vehicles with a CVT. There were a lot more cars than I expected. It includes cars present and past. 

One such car is the Mini Cooper. The automatic is a CVT.