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February 25, 2008
Total Deathtrap: Chinese Firm Apes Ariel Atom
By John
Editor
You have to hand it to the Chinese—they know a good thing when they see it. But while their appreciation for cool cars may be above reproach, Western manufacturers aren’t really buying the whole "imitation is the most sincere form of flattery" thing. Mercedes-Benz was understandably pissed about the smart car knock-off which crashed the Bologna Auto Show, and over at Ariel’s headquarters, they’re probably still scraping the engineers who’ve gotten wind of Feiya’s Go Kart off the ceiling. Designed to mimic the company’s performance-oriented Atom, this rinky-dink version is more than two feet shorter than the original, and tops out a measly 58 MPH. Of course, what it lacks in power, it more than makes up for in crash-worthiness. Not. Feiya Vehicle Company via Winding Road.
Comments
steve
Jul 17, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I disagree, with your comments. I see a light weight cage suited for and electric motor or the smallest possible engine at the highest possible MILES PER GALLON!!!!!
After all I bet the ArielAtom will run you about 50,00 and getting around 18 to 20 miles per gallon.
The bottom line in fewer emissions is less weight and least Carbon emission horsepower is the way to get there.
Stick a 20 hp 3 phase electric motor on that China cage and you have a 70 trip mile hot rod. They have done it all for us and prob for only 4 or 5000 dollars versus 50,000.
Use your imagination and get rid of the leash.
Ted
Feb 26, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Seriously… that is so ####ing lame yet China keeps coming out with one P.O.S. knockoff after another. No honor. No respect for others or self-respect. No ethics. There’s just nothing there.
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All that remains are a bunch of half-wits looking to make a quick buck by copying someone else’s design… and there seems to be a whole NATION that’s eager to do this?
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Does this have to do with Communism, or are they just stupid or lazy or what?
Ted
Feb 26, 2008 at 3:43 am
How do you say “Pathetic” in Chinese? I think this ride deserves some of those pink Recaro seats…
Evan
Feb 25, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Population control???
That’s scary. At least at 56 MPH top speed the crashes won’t be too graphic.
Highspeedhijinks
Feb 25, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Would buying a Chinese car be concidered assisted suicide ?