- Remi Blondet
BMW scoots in on three
22 July 2003: BMW has launched its first three-wheeler since the Isetta bubble car of the mid-50s.
This time it’s not a ground breaking new car, but an innovative scooter. Created by BMW Designworks USA, the SlideCarver is made of rugged and light forged aluminium. Tight cornering, excellent handling and supreme stopping power is achieved without compromising comfort and stability – just what you would expect from a BMW.
The SlideCarver’s board is made of fibreglass reinforced polyamide and aluminium with high load-bearing strength. Exceptional handling is achieved using a double-joint swinging support component taken from the running gear of the E39 BMW 5-Series. This ensures that when steering, the board of the SlideCarver pivots in the direction of the turn, improving the rider’s centre of balance.
Handlebar mounted brake levers are linked to a finely adjustable hydraulic twin-disc brake system on its rear wheels. The brake cables are discreetly located within the tube of the handlebars giving a more streamlined appearance and protection from weather and scuffing. Front wheel suspension also provides greater ride comfort.
The SlideCarver is easy to transport. It incorporates a patented one-handed folding mechanism, consisting of a folding joint at the base of a telescopic handle bar that connects to the board, allowing it to fold up and fit into the boot of a car. Unfolding in a matter of seconds, it requires no additional tools.
The SlideCarver comes with high quality, maintenance free wheel bearings fitted as standard and low profile polyurethane tyres that even have wear indicators to show when new tyres need to be fitted. The two-part aluminium rim can be easily disassembled to allow the replacement of the tyre running surface.
The SlideCarver is made exclusively for BMW and costs £465 in Britain.
[Editor's Note: This was such an entertaining press release that we've left it more or less as is. All claims are BMW's.]
©2003 irishcar.com