Despite its small size (it only measures 2.4 meters in length), the NT3 is a highly versatile vehicle, with multiple cabin configurations, also made possible by the center driving position. It uses a spaceframe architecture with crashbox, meaning that it's safer than it looks. Power comes from internal combustion engines or a hybrid powertrain.

The smallest one has a capacity of 200 cc and it was created with economy in mind. It is followed by a more powerful 300 cc variant and a hybrid, which combines the more potent conventional engine with an electric motor.

The two can work together and propel the NT3 to a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). In "electric only mode" the car's top speed is 30 km/h or 19 mph.

Piaggio says that the NT3 can do more than 30 km with 1 liter of fuel – 3.33 lt/100 km or 71 US mpg –, though it's not known with which engine. In any case, the Italian manufacturer promises low operating costs and emissions.

The Italian maker, best known for its Vespa scooters, said the NT3 could enter the market in the next three years, but hasn't made any final decisions yet.

By Csaba Daradics

The concept model will spawn two production versions with internal combustion engines and possibly even an all-electric variant in the very near future, though no details on availability or pricing have been released yet.

Featuring a metallic gray paintjob, with chrome and blue accents, the Concept C presents quite a few unusual and innovative engineering solutions in this segment, like the complex monolever mechanism with hollowed-out shaft, twin disc brakes with ABS and CVT gearbox.

The technological tour de force continues with an LED headlamp and two video cameras, replacing the conventional rear view mirrors.

From a design standpoint, the Concept C is immediately recognizable as member of the BMW Motorrad family. This was achieved by borrowing design cues from various motorcycle models (S 1000 RR, GS Series).

The production models will also come with a range of matching rider and stowage equipment.

By Csaba Daradics

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If this accident weren't captured on CCTV, it would be the kind of stunt I'd expect to see in some 90's Jackie Chan movie. In that case, however, there would be people swarming the guy and dude would be using the formerly-known-as-a-motorcycle debris to whoop evildoers' behinds instead of probably being in shock. Hey, at least one or two of the surrounding drivers stopped to lend a hand.

Any (I'm guessing) Mandarin speakers out there, feel free to throw us a translation of the text in the comments below.

By Phil Alex

Via: Gizmodo / Jalopnik

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