rides

If you’re an eco-conscious driver looking to be as green as possible, and don’t care if you get laughed at - you may want to consider the new AIRPod. MDI touts it as a roadworthy way for drivers to secure urban mobility while allaying fears of adding to global pollution. The very weird looking AIRPod is expected to begin rolling off production lines before the close of 2009.

“With small size, tiny price, zero pollution, fun and futuristic design, AIRPod mark a turning point in the range of urban vehicles while renewing the idea of the automobile and transportation,” outline MDI. AirPod is bolstered by patent-protected compressed air technology in development at MDI for more than 10 years, the AIRPod offers 3000 to 4000 times less unburned HC when compared to conventional technology by using electricity to force the air through the engine.

AIRPod weighs in at less than 400 kilos, (1,102 pounds) is controlled by joystick and delivers operating costs of just one euro (about $1.39 USD) for every 200 kilometers (about 125 miles). MDI claims the AIRPod will arrive as “a real breath of fresh air” in busy cities and will be the prelude for drivers to travel without producing pollution.

It is available in 3 model classes: Standard Model has up to four seats (three adults and one child) and room for stowed luggage. The single seat Cargo model comes with storage space and is perfect for urban delivery businesses; and the Baby model has two seats and plentiful storage. The AIRPod is not exactly a powerhouse with up to 75 hp and possible speeds of 40 mph, but boasts quick recharging, a physical size of 2.07 x 1.60 x 1.74 meters, (6.7 feet x 5.2 feet x 5.7 feet) a turning radius of 1.90 meters (6.2 feet). Prices are expected to start at approximately $4,800 USD. AIRPod is slotted for availability in 2009, and will first be seen on the streets of France and some other European cities, while the North American market will most likely receive it sometime in 2010.

A Q&A session with Cyril Negre. Also features the AIRPod prototypes on testing and demonstration runs.