Here's another very nice example of V-Twin motorcycle power in a purpose built car, called the TwinTech, it's powered by an S&S 124 engine with 125 hp and 125 foot pounds of torque. It's the brainchild of Dave Piontek who many years ago built the Sportech, a kevlar bodied car powered by an 1100cc inline 4.
The TwinTech story goes that Dave was watching American Chopper when he decided one of those V-Twins should be dropped into a space frame chassis. Dave formerly worked for Ford and he shared the idea with a couple of engineering buddies, Jay Novak and Kip Ewing. Together, the three of them came up with the prototype seen here.
Specs are 1120 pounds, 50/50 weight distribution, 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and 1.1g on the skid pad. Dave says, a bigger engine and supercharging may be available for 200+hp if 125 isn't enough.
They didn't scrimp when sourcing components and the finished car will go for somewhere around $50,000. After a while, expect kits to be available as well. This looks very well done, I like it and I bet it sounds great!
via Autoblog
Related: Motorcycle engine powered cars
More photos below:
Schneegz says
Wow! I like it! Too bad it’s so expensive. Also, I’m not a big fan of Harley-style 45-degree V-Twins. I’d prefer an insanely powerful Japanese 4-Cylinder, like a Kawasaki 1400, a Suzuki 1300 or a Yamaha 1200 from an FJR.
Hey, here’s an idea. How about that humongous 2300 3-cylinder from the Triumph Rocket III? That would make a kick-butt engine for a car like this, even though it’s kind of heavy.
I’d sure love to drive this thing, though!
ElectricMotorcylces says
Schneegz is on it 100%
alejandro martinez says
Can anyone say V-Twin Ariel Atom. The scaffolding frame is very reminiscent.
todd says
too bad you can’t make it street legal in the US with four wheels (3 is ok)
-todd
stacius says
I know the engineering, fit and finish of these things makes them expensive, but I’d really like to see something that was reasonably affordable and something an average joe could actually USE as a commuter car.
tanemarah says
Todd – It can be made street legal if sold as a kit. Just make sure it complies with your states owner built motor vehicle laws. Personally, I have never been impressed with unfinished looking cars like the Ariel Atom and to my eye this one looks just as unfinished. And 50K is an awful lot for so little. I have been working on my own designs, although I have stepped away from a bike engine for the time being, and there is no way it is going to set me back over 5K max when I start putting things together. Keep in mind that there are many suspension design software packages available as well as other tools that keep design costs down. I am inclined to think that a well engineered and complete kit utilizing a bike engine could be produced and sold for around $7500 – less engine. At least thats what my rough numbers indicate.
carl myers says
HAS ANYONE SEEN THE WEB SITE http://WWW.CY-CAR.COM
THREE WHEELERS ARE GETTING POPULAR NOW DAYS.
todd says
I’m currently designing a prototype electric car for a start-up company. Just the running chassis alone is costing $11,000 in parts alone. Of course, that’s all new components, 90% off-the-shelf. It would be great to think it could be built and sold for a profit for $7500.
-todd