Having just watched the Dark Knight movie, I cannot help but imagine how cool it would be to don the famous cape and mask and go gliding from building to building at night. Of course, if someone would indulge himself into such an experiment, he would hastily be branded as loony or crazy.
Indeed, the fantastic becomes ridiculous once it comes out of the silver screen to real life. The latest movie by renowned director Chris Nolan, however, sticks loyally to keeping everything within the bounds of reality. From removing super powers from villains and making Gotham more like our present day New York, they have made the masked crusader an arm’s length nearer to reality.
Of the coolest things in the new franchise is how the bat mobile as well as the bat cycle has been made to fit a vehicle that could be reproduced in the future. I would say that off all of Bruce Wayne’s vehicles this last installment, his cycle is one of the most memorable. I say it is reminiscent of the motorcycle design seen in the Final Fantasy movie: Advent Children, though I am pretty sure designers of the franchise wouldn’t even dare touch the topic with a ten foot pole.
Enter the BlackJack Zero trike from Britain. The first time I saw this 3-wheeler, I was in complete awe. Maybe because it does resemble something I would expect to see in a Batman movie, but aside from that, the pre- Morgan inspiration mixed with the racing sidecar design just works for me. Personally I am amazed how a performance bike can exude the looks and curves of a fighter plane, the attitude of a race car and the comfort of a big bike while maintaining everything within minimalist standards.
The engine jutting out partially in its front just shouts power all the way. This unique positioning of the engine and the Hammerhead design works to put everything in the vehicle’s front including its power, its roll stiffness and a big portion of its weight. This makes the rear portion of the trike more responsive than in other single-rear wheeled vehicles. With the front design, the roll effect is minimized as well as the weight transference from the rear. This engineering breakthrough makes the Zero not only a fine looking sports car but a device designed for performance. Nothing in the way it provides security and comfort is compromised. The VW engine with its torque infused performance delivers a driving experience equal to or better than most sporting vehicles in the market. The 2.5 lock to tack pinion and steering and quick pedal responses adds to the wow factor which transforms this three-wheeler into a wonder.
I think that it is quite wise of those manufacturing the Zero to not reinvent the wheel and instead opt to adapt different parts that are already tested and known for their performance and dependability. This also gives the consumers of the Zero the option to choose auto parts that fit their budget and performance preference. Among those recommended for the Zero are a type 1VW 1600 cc engine, 1302S Beetle gearbox, 17” wheels and Ventus sport 104 tires. Other options are available up and down the price ranges of these, which gives the buyer complete control over his 3 wheeler.
The Zero is engineered to provide a pleasurable driving experience by efficiently providing the elements essential to a sporting vehicle. The 360 degree glass tub is securely fastened by a multitube chassis including its reinforced bulk heads resulting in a sturdy yet lightweight body. This gives the driver a vehicle that is as responsive as nothing they have ever driven before. Other features of the Zero include a VW 260mm cross drilled discs with four piston “hi-Spec alloy calipers, a rear Golf GTi Disc with Bendix Alloy calipers, a dedicated swing arm and fabricated tubular wishbones and Golf GTi uprights for its suspension.
To finish off, the BlackJack Zero provides a cozy cockpit with heater vents, a 12 inch steering wheel and enough storage lockers for luggage.
To date the Zero remains to be the first kit car to ever pass the SVA test procedure at Exeter at its first run. The inspection team became instant converts to the car and since then, the Zero has never stopped getting praises from car enthusiasts everywhere. The designers are not resting on their morals though, pushing themselves further by identifying aspects of the car that still has some space for improvement.
The BlackJack Zero is quite far from the amazing two wheeled cycle the Dark Knight used to fight with his enemies, still, it remains to me as the closest thing to it, with awesomeness already equal to the fantasy vehicle. I will not come as a surprise to see more three wheeled concepts in and out of the silver screen in the future. I would be confident to say, though, that the Zero will become one of the strongest contributors to inspiration to these types of vehicles in the coming years. As for those wanting the rush of adrenaline to cruise the city streets like a super hero, I say the wait is long over.
About the Author
Chris Arines is a car enthusiast and blogger for Auto Parts for Brains, the official blog for discount auto parts store, Auto Parts Place as well as a contributor for countless blogs online. When not writing about four wheeled vehicles or about the latest gadgets, he is usually trekking on his mountain bike or trying to figure out how to bend spoons with his mind.
