Handling
From Apterawiki
While only a few people outside Aptera Motors have driven the Aptera, certain speculations about handling characteristics of the Typ-1 can be inferred from available information.
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[edit] First-hand Experiences
The prototype Mk-1 has been criticized for having a somewhat wide turning radius. Aptera has said that this will be corrected in the production version, and that it will be similar to most small cars[1]. Its acceleration and other handling characteristics have been well received by reviewers.[2] Popular Mechanics had this to say:
- Our 20-mile test drive had a few higher-speed corners. And even while we were exceeding the street’s speed limit by a good margin, Aptera’s prototype felt stable and planted. The non-assisted rack and pinion steering takes a little muscle when parking (as most cars do); once you’re up to speed, however, Typ-1 e feels quick and direct.
- The vehicle rides much like a soft sports coupe—composed but not overly stiff. Step on the non-power brakes, and they do require a bit of leg muscle. But they also stop Aptera’s car quickly. All of these calibrations will likely improve and evolve as the car develops. After all, this is a prototype.
[edit] Weight Distribution
With the batteries directly over the front wheel, the motor, and passengers just in front of the rear wheel, any cargo just over the rear wheel, and the tail sticking out well past the rear wheel, the Aptera Typ-1 should be considered to have fairly even weight distribution (akin to "mid engine"[3]). The implications of where the weight is located are:
- In acceleration, center of mass shifts rearward.
- In braking, center of mass shifts forward
- In slippery conditions or during peak acceleration, you want the center of mass over the drivewheel(s)
- When braking, you want the center of mass over the wheels taking the most braking force, which is usually the front wheels.
An even weight distribution on a RWD car should provide a nice balance between the above.
Three wheeled cars tend to have a lower moment of inertia, which should mean tighter steering response.
[edit] Rear-wheel drive
Apart from issues related to weight distribution, rear-wheel drive eliminates torque steer[4], the tendency of a vehicle to pull to one side or another during full acceleration. It adds the risk of fishtailing[5], the tendency of a car to swing from side to side. This could be mitigated by the Aptera's traction control.[6]
[edit] Weight, Acceleration, and Speed
All other factors being the same, lightweight cars (like the Aptera) tend to have faster acceleration and deceleration times. The small motor on the Aptera, however, limits acceleration to just under 0-60 in ten seconds[7], with faster performance in the 0-30 range. Top speed is to be at least 85mph and will most likely be electronically limited at 95mph.[8]
