Tandem: A Curious Volvo Concept
 

Forbes Article talking about a Volvo concept for a small two-seater. Novel part is that the passenger sits behind the driver. A small, safe, lightweight, and fuel efficient car that takes up half the lane space of an ordinary car.

As I've stated elsewhere in this forum, I am not a fan of SUVs, though I admit I am a fan of space, from which my love of the station wagon springs. Having spent about 4 years living in Seattle though, I understand the drawbacks of larger cars. Indeed, I've recently made the switch from a wagon to a sedan, which while it isn't a big change, is certainly smaller. And I agree with the article that, at least for me, I'm usually by myself or with only one other person when driving. Therefore the thought of being able to have my wagon for when I need or want it (such as hauling people/things and roadtrips) while also having a small two-seater such as this for urban driving would be most appealing. I understand that I could already have this sort of setup, with a wagon and a small hybrid car. But the tandem concept seems to take the idea one step further with its narrowness.

Any thoughts? How would you feel driving around in a narrow bullet of a car? I think it'd take a bit of getting used to, but it could be rather fun. I keep getting flashbacks of Batman Returns when Batman jettisons the flanks of the batmobile to fit through "crack in the wall" alley.

I'd like it for going to work.

Hey I like it....good for to and fro to work...

not much different if you were on a motorbike.... just now you have bumpers and doors...

Excellent commuting vehicle.

The only problem I see is that if you now have twice as many lanes merging from the left lane to get to an exit is going to be hell :D

Exactly! That's what's rather exciting about it. You get to have the benefits of riding a motorbike without the drawbacks. I really don't think I can be trusted to ride a motorbike. I like having more than two wheels, always have. I like being able to travel in my own enclosed bubble (as it were) without feeling like one wrong shift in weight could send me to my doom. It offers a chance at retaining the comfort of a car while dialing into the practicallity of a motorbike.

All in all, I think it's a pretty cool concept. Now if Volvo produced their VCC concept along with this.... well, I'd be in automotive heaven.

Damn. That thing must be light as hell. Throw in some stronger bottom-end parts, run a few pounds of boost, and you've got yourself a rocket.

reminds me of the vehicles they drove in "Minority Report"

not too far from the old Lean Machine days...

http://www.3wheelers.com/gmlean.jpg

check out some of the others in the history...

http://www.maxmatic.com/ttw_moto.htm

Its interesting, but definitely not a new concept.

Gordon Murrays LCC Rocket is the best implentation of a 2 seater by far - one behind the other, as per this, 4 open wheels, 1 liter bike engine, awesome handling and acceleration.

Check it out :

http://www.supercars.net/garages/Drivevm/9v2.html