Re: Interesting hype about a secret project

[Charles J Knight <c dot knight at juno dot com>]

> Kids have had futuristic looking robot-transformer 
> toys
> that can change from a robot to a plane to a motorcycle. But do we 
> ever build these things larger than 12"? No. 

I always wondered why we didn't use the Transformers toys as
a basis for folding bikes.  Most folding bicycles are surprisingly
primitive in their folding scheme...the transformers toys were
much more sophisticated, even in their day.  I could see a bike that
folded into a lounge chair, or some such thing, for when you reach
your destination.

The closest we've come to that ideal is the sofa-bed, which folds so
ingeniously into itself...that level of creativity should be introduced
in other areas as well.  I suppose the futon is comparable...

>         Why is that? Why have there always been futuristic looking
> concept-cars since the 1940's or 1950's, but you never see them on 
> the road? Just blocky-looking Oldsmobile-type rolling bricks.

Uh, remember Chrysler?  They've become known for producing very 
daring (though very retro-future) concept cars like the Viper and the
Prowler, two of my favorite exotic cars.  Look at Chrysler's products
and the offerings of others (except the Ford Focus) and you'll see an
obvious distinction.  Chrysler has actually managed to turn a LOT of
their concept cars into reality.

Speaking of which, I'm betting on their ESX series of concept cars,
coming to market in the next few years.  Hopefully Daimler-Chrysler
hasn't lost their nerve, since the merger.

(For those who don't know, ESX is a series of Intrepid based hybrid
electric concept cars, which combine American style "big car" looks,
space and performance, with the efficiency and fuel stinginess of a 
sub-compact.  Picture a car the size of a Cadillac, that gets 50+mpg,
with Dodge's ultra-aerodynamic styling.)

>         There seems to be a wide gulf between what we *can* build, 
> and what people actually *want*.

It took a nearly 5 year letter writing campaign, before Chrysler
produced the Prowler street-rod.  Since that outpouring from the
public, their marketing department seems to have rethought their
position.  Granted, it was a niche car, but it's one of the few that
people actually WANTED rather than "settled for."  It was also
so popular, that there was a WAITING LIST!

     -- Chuck Knight
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