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The Tango is an ultra-narrow electric sports car initially designed and built by the United States company Commuter Cars, based in Spokane, Washington. Production of the initial version at a rate of about 100 cars per year was set to begin in late 2005. It will be assembled by Prodrive in the United Kingdom. Actor George Clooney took delivery of the first Tango kit on August 9th 2005, which was a major milestone for the company. Clooney appeared in the press with the car, explaining and promoting it.
Overview
Thinner than some motorcycles and small enough to legally ride side-by-side with other small vehicles in traffic lanes. Capable of seating two, though really designed for one, it only takes up one-quarter of a standard parking space and is able to park sideways in many cases. It appears that one prototype vehicle has been produced by the company, and it was shipped to Prodrive in January 2005, where the design will be duplicated for production models.
The first model will be the luxury Tango T600, costing roughly States dollar|US$" target="_blank" >*85,000. Premium features partially offset the high cost of the early kit vehicles, which are outfitted with a leather-lined interior and a hefty Nakamichi sound system. The T200 model is hoped to be released in 2008 and cost $40,000, while the T100 is expected in 2009 with a $19,000 price tag.
While the vehicle looks top-heavy, it is actually fairly stable because of the heavy battery pack. About two-thirds of the 3,000+ lb (1360+ kg) curb weight in the prototype—comparable to a standard sedan—is taken up by the batteries, mounted low in the frame. Production models are expected to have lower weight, ranging from 2,200 to 2,500 lb (1,000 to 1,130 kg). Propulsion is provided by two electric motors. To extend its range, the Tango can be attached to an optional Genset trailer. *
Specifications
- Width: 39 inches (~99 cm)
- Length: 101 inches (~257 cm)
- Weight: 3000+ lbs (1360+ kg)
- 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h): 4 seconds
- ¼ mile (0.4 km): 12 seconds @ 120 mph (193 km/h)
- Top speed: 150 mph (240 km/h)
- Range: 60–80 miles (96–128 km)
See also
- Corbin Sparrow – Another electric car of similar size
- William Garrison (geographer) – studied concept of narrow vehicles
- Messerschmitt KR200, Messerschmitt TG500 – narrow bodied cars, but with outrigger wheels
- Volkswagen 1-litre concept car – wide body but narrow canopy and tandem seating for reduced air drag.
External links
References
- Slim Fit For The Freeways, The Early Show (CBS), October 2, 2003.
- Paula Bock, Stopping Traffic: Can the car that Rick and Bryan built get traction?, The Seattle Times, July 27, 2003.
- Xeni Jardin, Speed Between the Lines, Wired 12.12, December 12, 2004.
"Commuter Cars Tango"