The single seater vehicle is a "lean" machine in the true sense of the word as it leans into corners like a motorcycle while keeping the stability of a normal car. The GM Lean Machine was developed by Frank Winchell of General Motors (USA) in the early 1980s as a concept car. The original model was powered by a 15 hp 2-cylinder engine that produced a maximum speed of 80 mph with a fuel economy of 80 mpg at 40 mph. Shortly afterward, a second model was produced, a larger 38 hp engine powered that. With a total body weight of 159kg, this gave the vehicle outstanding performance, and the Lean Machine was able to reach 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds with a fuel economy of over 200 mpg.
For the futuristic 1993 movie "Demolition Man" starring Sylvestor Stalone and Wesley Snipes, the GM Lean Machine was one of seventeen concept cars produced by General Motors to be featured in the film with an insurance value of $69 million.
Source: www.3wheelers.com
Images: Concept Car Central; www.lostepcot.com
