Scott, I'm with you completely. I think it would definitely be doable and not have to burst in to flames if made here, it shouldn't be much more than a motorcycle. The Smarts are fine as a starting point but I feel they're too tall and cost WAAAY too much for no reason.
I think we could use a middle ground, instead of having it be a motorcycle with no regulations, like how the Japanese have
kei cars, they're all super light and 550-650cc turbo charged usually.
My absolute favorite is the
Autozam AZ-1, I look on ebay very now and then hoping one is imported. I think they look amazing and would be a lot of fun.
I had read a good article about someone buying an imported
Honda Beat off ebay, I only recall him getting like 34MPG, but he typically had the top down. Can't seem to find the article right now.
I did just find that its coming back though:
link
But its kind of depressing, its all based on the CRZ and looks more like a smaller S2000 and a dual clutch transmission is nice but I'd prefer a 600-1000cc turbo charged diesel with a properly tuned CVT. I think CVT is the more efficient and reliable option over all these dual clutch systems.
Either way, the cars DID exist and didn't have to look like expensive boxes, I think the big issue is American mentality (why spend all the engineering and time if no one will buy, and if we do we'll need a high price tag since not enough will buy) and the fact the only American motorcycle is Harley. If we had a manufacturer like Honda that has both assets available it could really build something. I'm honestly surprised that Ford hasn't done something, as Euro as they are, they could easily find the staffing and have two great markets (Euro and US) if they delved into motorcycles.
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