It’s your pick whether the Can-Am Spyder is more a car or motorcycle-inspired model, but we felt that news of a hybrid model in development was interesting. The jet-ski style, three-wheeler vehicle could possibly get a hybrid version as a project is being developed by the University of Sherbrooke in Canada and Can-Am manufacturers, Bombardier Recreational Products.

The project could last for four years as developers work on three different prototypes using a hybrid drivetrain, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent, while increasing fuel efficiency by that same figure. With a massive investment from both goverment authorities and the company itself, the total budget is $11.3 million so here’s hoping some interesting evolutions emerge from this project.

Source | Autoblog.com

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The SS Trike was originally designed to appeal to “non trike” people and since we don’t often see these types of trikes here in Italy as most people are more sportbike and scooter oriented, but we’re sure that this custom SS trike manufactured by Olmax Fabrication LLC, could make a certain impact if it were to ever be imported to Europe.

SS Trike is going to debut their production version trike at the Sturgis Rally in the production class of the 2009 AMD Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building next week.

More info and specs at sstrikes website.

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I hope none of you went and bought a Can-Am Spyder after our last post, or you might have found yourself driving round in circles. Not quite, but 12,500 Spyders are being recalled after an unknown steering fault has apparently caused three injuries.

The units being recalled were manufactured between July 2007 and May 2009, with 9,932 models recalled in the US. The steering problem creates a small drift, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US describes as “the operator of an involved vehicle may need to exert a force greater than expected to initiate the turning of the steering handlebar off centre in order to correct vehicle drift from a straight line path.”

Whatever. Get in touch with Bombardier Recreational Products if you need more information, or contact your local dealer. Word is that Kongsberg Inc, supplier of the steering system, will pay for repairs.

Source | Autoblog

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In what the Motor Report describes as a “jet ski on wheels“, this Can-Am Syder is currently touring Australia and New Zealand in a road show where early registrations to events get a test ride.

In what looks to be a frightening machine, the Spyder Roadster is very fast, reaching 100 km/hr in just four seconds, and with a 990 cc engine. It comes in two models: a manual and semi-automatic transmission, and is produced by BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products).

The trike functions with two front wheels and one rear wheel, which is belt drive, and gives the vehicle its power. It has a Rotax 990cc V-twin engine (the same as Aprilia’s RSV1000 sportsbike) and other features including ABS and traction control.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Australia right now, we suggest you get down to Melbourne to try this thing out. Given the cost of the Spyder Roadsterat about 14,500 euros, it’s unlikely we’ll be rushing off to purchase one. Which means that having a little test ride fun is about as close as some people might get. Have a look at the Spyder website for more details.

Source | The Motor Report

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