Nakula, Thailand -- US inventor Lon Ballard has designed and manufactured a super vehicle with a light foam body that puts safety first. The alternative vehicle has been entered in the 2010 Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize.
With its frame covered by polyurethane foam, the 3-wheel Spira is capable of speeds of over 70 mph (112 km/h) and a fuel usage of over 100 miles per gallon, the Spira website said.
Using 90-percent reinforced foam construction, over 6 inches (15 cm) of soft foam surrounds the vehicle on all sides. This provides "an estimated one billion tiny foam air bags for enhanced safety," Spira said on its website, adding that the exterior and interior of the vehicle is primarily composed of foam for pedestrian and passenger protection, whilst the 30 lb foam-composite top can easily be removed to make the vehicle a convertible.
The Progressive Automotive X Prize is intended to inspire a new generation of viable, safe, affordable and super-fuel-efficient vehicles that people want to buy.
For more information visit www.spira4u.com (RD)
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