Aprilia
Magnet
The
Aprilia Magnet concept was the Transport Design Degree project of Heikki
Naulapää, a 2004 student of the Royal College of Art.
The
Aprilia Magnet concept is based around the idea of rider sensation. Naulapää
wanted to create a vehicle which offered a new kind of experience while riding.
With the Magnet concept he mixed the leaning characteristics associated with
motorbikes, with a formula 1 style driving position and small sports car
feeling with instruments and "being half-inside".
The
primary power source for the Aprilia Magnet concept is a 550 cc combustion
engine, with drive to the wheels provided by in-wheel electric motors
(including magnets, where the name comes from). There is also an additional
battery, which gives the Magnet extra power for rapid acceleration. The rider
can also switch off the combustion engine for a more subdued and silent riding
experience.
The
Aprilia Magnet features a tilting mechanism which allows the concept to lean
into corners like a motorbike. Other novel ideas featured on the Magnet concept
include; brake lights in the helmet for improved visibility, a hidden pillion
seat under a removable cover, and side panels with adjustable transparency
which the rider can alter depending on the required riding sensation.
