A Hybrid Vehicle Leaning Toward the Future: The 3VG (PART II)

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The essence of the 3VG's appeal lies in its leaning ability . . . and the apparatus that determines the status of the vehicle at any given time combines mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic technology.
The essence of the 3VG's appeal lies in its leaning ability . . . and the apparatus that determines the status of the vehicle at any given time combines mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic technology.
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This diagram of the front suspension gives and accurate representation of how it is put together.
This diagram of the front suspension gives and accurate representation of how it is put together.
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The 34-mm Qwik Silver: Actual highway mileage (at speeds of 40-50 MPH), which with the completely stock engine had been as low as 35 miles per gallon, increased to a high of 53 MPG with the carb fine tuned and the final gearing established at a point suitable for both acceleration and cruising.
The 34-mm Qwik Silver: Actual highway mileage (at speeds of 40-50 MPH), which with the completely stock engine had been as low as 35 miles per gallon, increased to a high of 53 MPG with the carb fine tuned and the final gearing established at a point suitable for both acceleration and cruising.
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The 3VG's multitubular chassis and engine-moounting subframe.
The 3VG's multitubular chassis and engine-moounting subframe.
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Our vehicle's rear wheel and swing-arm suspension.
Our vehicle's rear wheel and swing-arm suspension.
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A pivoting torsion bar and unequal-length A-arms put the - lean - into the front suspension.
A pivoting torsion bar and unequal-length A-arms put the - lean - into the front suspension.
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Cambering helps the 3VG maintain its footing in turns.
Cambering helps the 3VG maintain its footing in turns.

Let’s take a closer look at our Research Department’s automotive effort.

In the first part of this article, Three Wheel Cars: Our 3VG DIY Car Leans Toward the Future, we introduced the experimental 3VG a hybrid vehicle with the handling characteristics of a motorcycle and the weather protection of a car. That introductory piece not only explained why we felt that such a cambering vehicle has a place on American roads, but went on to describe the pros and cons of the design we chose to work with. We also noted that the components of the leaning system were governed by three separate inputs (the radius of the curve being negotiated, the speed of the vehicle, and the driver’s preference).

In this article, we’ll go on to cover the 3VG’s mechanical aspects, and fill you in on some of its other unusual features, as well. As we said before, the machine uses a multitubular chassis of chrome molybdenum alloy and mild steel components, diagonally braced for rigidity and beefed up with sizable side rails and a midsection roll bar. This entire framework serves as a substantial platform upon which the front and rear suspensions, the power train, and the body are mounted.

State-of-the-Art Suspension

The essence of the 3VG’s appeal lies in its leaning ability . . . and the apparatus that determines the status of the vehicle at any given time combines mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic technology. To begin, the front end is suspended on unequal length A-arms that are fastened to mounting brackets on the chassis. A torsion bar acting upon each of the lower arms provides the necessary jounce and rebound response, and at the same time-it delivers the resilient ride qualities inherent in torsion-type suspension systems. A nitrogen gas pressurized coil-over dampener shock absorber set at an acute angle between each arm and its spring perch further aids in maintaining “bounce” when the vehicle is leaning.

  • Published on Nov 1, 1983
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