VV at New York Auto Show

[smoove7410]

Today in the Javits Center during the 2008 New York Auto Show (http://jalopnik.com/tag/new-york-auto-show/), X Prize Foundation President Dr. Peter Diamandis, along with New York City Mayor Micheal Bloomberg, announced Progressive will be the corporate sponsor of the long stewing Automotive X prize. The Progressive Automotive X Prize will award $10 million to the winning team after a head-to-head competition scheduled to happen sometime in 2009. The entries must be safe, production capable, and deliver at least 100 mpg. The teams will compete in three different classes -- a mainstream class for four wheel, four passenger entries, an Alternative class to push the boundaries of technology, and in 2011, a manufacturers prize for established companies.


Progressive Automotive X Prize Press Event And Autos


http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2347526119_7a5017d9ac_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987362)
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2347524949_5236b994c8_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987370)
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2348352796_3c3421f56b_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987378)
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2347520095_e5840632dd_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987262)
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2347518779_22b4dbc609_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987270)
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2348347016_39dda7d87c_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987278)
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2347515939_a111a1e2ff_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987286)
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2347514097_b8083ecc7c_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987294)
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/03/smallish_2348341938_7040b6e87e_o.jpg (http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/xprizeauto/1000987100)



The qualified entrants will compete for the giant wad of all-Progressive supplied cash in a variety of real world challenges in the categories of speed, distance, traffic, terrain, and weather. Everybody and his brother is in on this one -- The US House and Senate have already approved NTSB, DOT, DOE backing with the DOE tossing $3.5 million in grant money into the fold for education of youth and consumers.; The Sierra Club and NRDC support grassroots efforts; Individuals like Al Gore, Dean Kamen (who will be entering and sits on the Automotive X Prize Board), the Governator, and many more are putting their voices behind the effort.
There are already 64 pledged entrants from 22 countries and 10 US states from private, college, and even high school groups. Four examples of which were present at the show, The Venture 1, the first look at the MDI Air Car, a Ale from France, and the "Hybrid Attack" - a diesel electric hybrid built by a team from the West Philly High School. The applications will begin being accepted starting in two months, so if you want a shot at 10 million bucks, you better start filling out the paperwork now. Find out all the nitty gritty details at ProgressiveXPrize.org (http://www.progressiveautoxprize.org/).
http://jalopnik.com/370356/progressive-automotive-x-prize-officially-announced

[CelticFlyer]

These were my favorites. Surprise...surprise! :LOL:

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/Picture1.png

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/Picture2.png

Thanks for posting the links to these pix.

[MVRacing]

Hey,
Isn't that Howard by the rear?! Bet that's Ian just by the mirror too!!! He's got that "proud Papa" strut.

[Satt]

What supprized me the most about this is the fact that there is an actual physical model of the vehicle. This gives me a lot more confidence about the progress. I never thought this was past the "thinking" stage. Good work Ian.

[Derwin]

Satt,

The vehicle shown in these photos is NOT an actual model. It is a mock-up made for display purposes. But they are definately on their way to making a running prototype.

Derwin

[CelticFlyer]

Yeah, I wonder what they made it of. Fiberglass, wood, plastic? I'd still love to see "Lambo" style doors on this puppy. ;)

I mean, it looks FAST just standing still, but it would look downright sexy with those doors.

[rogwild]

I'd still love to see "Lambo" style doors on this puppy. ;)
I mean, it looks FAST just standing still, but it would look downright sexy with those doors.

And PRACTICAL also in those 'tight parking' spaces we will be able to squeeze into, without worrying about hitting other vehicles, trees, or poles.;)

[evCommuter]

That is outstanding news IanBruce!
http://flytheroad.com/blog/forums/topic.php?id=638&replies=64 (http://flytheroad.com/blog/forums/topic.php?id=638&replies=64)

Congratulations on your entry to the Automotive X Prize at the New York International Auto Show and all the overwhelming responses. The pictures and videos were good and everything looked perfect. And check out this video again!
TODAY Show [video]:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23723053#23723053 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23723053#23723053)

The VentureOne will win and I think others will agree. To me, the other entries did not compare, except maybe the Hybrid Attack, but it has the overused appearance of a racer.

May I suggest some ideas – to further enhance the presentation of the product?

SCARY! Yes, maybe the V1 would be too scary for everyone. SAFETY is what EVERYBODY looks for first and has always wanted from a vehicle. But the VentureOne actually has superior safety than other vehicles with its capability to swerve around when avoiding an accident. A capability that does not require the driver to be a motorcyclist. The tilting is done by the vehicle, not the driver. So, present that important innovation!

Your link The X PRIZE Vision [video] led me to the next video, which is important to view for an understanding of the concept:
“Progressive Insurance is title sponsor of Automotive X PRIZE”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRjgrsZ2W1w&NR=1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRjgrsZ2W1w&NR=1)
They say, “We’ve been looking for a partner whose people and values match ours. Who can join with us to go out there and actively change the world.”
This is noble. Anyway…

My Two Ideas:

1) Test the vehicle with test pilots [stunt men], in controlled conditions for safety sake, and push the limits; see what it can do and improve it further. Then, produce a video or a movie production to demonstrate your accomplishments. Remember: maybe anybody can drive [ride] this! But maybe not. After practice and experience they will get familiar and should become proficient at driving it. Convince them and let them decide for themselves.

2) The name is fine. VentureOne. Though fun, many members have suggested a name change to something… SCARIER; wrong idea! We all know by now what it can do! But if the name must be changed may I suggest something sounding safe, enticing (not wimpy), like Venture. It is American.

Congratulations.
I’m ready to buy and fly the road! I just registered to respond, but thanks to Derwin I’m also a proud member of the Fly the Road CLUB (http://www.flytheroadclub.com/)!

evCommuter [not yet]
“Safe, Agile, Comfortable Dressed – My Venture Will Lean To Excite You!”

My other post:
Forum: Welcome to the Club!Salutations to future Pilots,
Thread: How I Found the V-1, and Why I Was Looking, Reply: by evCommuter (http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/member.php?u=256)
http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3004&postcount=17 (http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3004&postcount=17)

[evCommuter]

Please read my previous post afterwards…

Year: 2011
Place: A luxury train vacation through the beautiful California countryside
Who: A family traveling on a much needed vacation from the hustle and bustle.
What: The mother looks out the train window and sees a group of Venture Vehicles leaning through twisty roads at a distance but keeping up with the pace of the train. She remembers her usual crowded commute on the commuter train and can’t remember when she had money to drive her car. But she did save-up the money for this vacation with her family. She is relaxed but is so envious of the group outside.
Next scene: The people driving the Venture Vehicles enjoy the tree lined country roads and ride side-by-side to converse through the open windows. They decide to stop to eat catfish at a restaurant near the lake and tonight a guitar soloist will be entertaining them with music of the heart.

Is this a movie? What happens next? How should it end? The mother decides to buy an electric vehicle so she can afford to travel where she wants without using a mass transit schedule. She and her family have freedom once more. For the action – Have at least one near-accident (that was avoided by a Venture Vehicle, driven by that mother). Later she becomes the [makeshift] leader of the only people who are on the roads – why? Because all electric vehicles have been outlawed, gasoline is $32 per gallon, and mass transit is the only real option for personal travel. But she has the first nuclear-powered Venture Vehicle sold. Life will go on for those who survive.
:cool:

[waboom]

Fortune/CNN posted a web gallery titled "11 Great Green Ideas."

Anyone want to guess what #11 was? Saving the best for last!

Click here (http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0804/gallery.great_green_ideas.fortune/11.html) to view.

Go go Venture Vehicles!=D

[waboom]

Uh, just noticed this quote in the article:
"Models will be on sale by early 2010."

Mass-production models on sale in 2010 as opposed to 4k/year, or a bit of a schedule slip?

[MVRacing]

Yup, sigh... I noticed that too.

[CelticFlyer]

Aargh! I know I can't wait until then to get a car. I'm not gonna open a vein or anything, but this is awful news. :( Unless they just mean the EV model.

I'm still pining over the hybrid.

[cpaddock]

I couldn't wait that long either as my rust bucket is on it's last legs so......
I BOTTAMIATTA! It is a vintage model in near-mint condition. It should keep me in smiles till the V1 is in my garage. Zoom Zoom!