Progressive Automotive X-Prize

[Derwin]

I just received my current issue of Popular Mechanics, and noticed that they had an article about the Automotive X-Prize, and were highlighting the "top 10" contenders. I thought for sure that Venture Vehicles would get a huge spread on what they are doing. Well, I was wrong! The picture and blurb about them is the smallest of all the contenders. But I guess we should be happy that they are at least in the top 10! Here's the article:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=586&stc=1&d=1215454905

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=587&stc=1&d=1215454905

[rogwild]

Could it be that the others mentioned actually have 'drive-able' vehicles to take pictures of and get data about, while Vv has a Styrofoam model, some 'data projections', and some tubes and parts that hasn't run on its own power YET. With all things considered, I believe it is a great honor (and a vote of confidence) that Vv is in the 'Top Ten' out of about 60 entrants (so far).

[Bulldog]

I also noticed the 2010 date on the release too.

[Derwin]

I also noticed the 2010 date on the release too.


I think Popular Mechanics got that wrong. According to Ian's latest Q&A, he stated that they are looking at a 2010 California release. I think they want to release all of the first vehicles LOCALLY to keep an eye on them. Ian went on to say that other states would follow in the coming years. We may not actually see these for at least 3 years from now, and that's if we are in one of the early states.

Derwin

[Miracleman89]

I am curious, can they legally keep you from purchasing the vehicle if you don't live in that state? I mean isn't that a form of discrimination or something? I am really curious about this! Are there any lawyers in the House?

[Baja_Traveler]

Yep - a year and a half from now (rubbing hands together briskly) I'll be nearing a VV grin the likes of which most have never seen. :p:LOL::LOL::LOL:

[TazmanianKoala]

Man, I envy you :p... In the meantime I only can wait...:cry:

[AZEqualizer]

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/xprizelogo2.jpg

Registration Now Open
SANTA MONICA, CA, August 27, 2008— As American drivers prepare to fill up their gas tanks for what is regarded as the last long weekend of summer, many hopeful winners of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE –a multimillion dollar competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles – are laboring away in their garages and test facilities, with the shared goal of finding a solution that will make filling up that gas tank much less painful on the wallet in the coming years.

Once registration closes, and the field of competition is in place, teams will begin preparing for a rigorous long distance stage race that will combine speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance. The race is set to kick off in New York City in September 2009, and will continue in up to nine other major markets throughout the U.S.

This from the latest press release by Progressive Automotive X-Prize (http://www.progressiveautoxprize.org/auto/press-release/the-ultimate-fuel-economy-challenge-100-hopefuls-intend-to-compete-for-10-million)

[rogwild]

"Registration Now Open"..........where have THEY been? Its been 'OPEN' for over a YEAR!

[danbucks]

A bit of a digression, but [um, pun intended] do so many vehicle designers have trouble with the butt?
The Ale looks like a trashcan on the rear, the motive looks like a baboon, the Aptera [no comment], and anyone who has been on this and the other fly- forum for 1 year+ knows that, at least in design, most of the contention even on the V1 were about the rear end (e.g., wings v. no wings)

[RAN]

The trouble with most butts we're used to is they aren't very aerodynamic. Uh, the automotive ones, that is :-{)]

[waboom]

Personally, when I saw the caboose of the V1 in the 360 flyaround QT movie, I was reminded of the robot Maximillian from "The Black Hole":

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/maximilliancolour.jpg

[ziggy951]

Who wants to chip in and "rent" a home for a week or two so we can all have a valid California address?


;)

[Derwin]

LOL! Hey, if that's what it takes, then you can count me in! Actually, that's not a bad idea. We can rent a house (on a monthly basis, of course!), and then just split the rent amongst all those that join our little group. It should only be a 1 month rental, and then we would be gone. This way the cost would be minimal, and we would be eligible to get the V1. Wow....Sounds like a plan! Any "residency law" experts out there to verify the legality of this? ;-)

Hey.... I get dibs on the biggest bedroom!

Derwin

[MVRacing]

LOL ... time to tell secrets? I signed my brother up who lives in the LA area. Deal is I buy it and he gets a test drive=y: before it comes home to Washington.

How about just renting a post office box ... heck of a lot cheaper than a house =y:

[Derwin]

I'm not a lawyer, but I don't think a P.O. Box would be considered a legal residence. Well, unless you were a very tiny person!

Derwin

[Miracleman89]

I would be in But I was going to use my relative's address who lives just outside Anaheim CA.