The Dirigo is a fuel sipper, one that can race for 100 miles on a single gallon of fuel, as it did in the “One Gallon Challenge.” It initially was an entry vying for the Automotive X-Prize, but its creator, Bill Buchholz ultimately withdrew from the Prize. While creating his diesel powered trike, Bucholz kept the looks in mind, with the belief that people wouldn’t simply buy a vehicle for its good fuel efficiency, and looks have an important part to play.
Interesting looks is what the trike has in plenty. The body was designed completely “by eye” without the use of any sort of paper, or computer software for designing. Dirigo was completed by three to four people, working on Saturday mornings for 18 months. The motor and the front of the trike have been borrowed from a Kawasaki mule, while its rear is from a Kawasaki motorcycle.
Via: Wired
