Tuesday 1st June 2010

Porsche Goes Pedal-Powered

Mind you, it's not quite what you think...

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Watch out, there's a Gallardo behind you...

If Fred Flintstone ever became a company director or a Bedrock lottery winner, this is undoubtedly what he would be exchanging his hard-earned for.

It's called the Ferdinand 911 GT3 RS (do you see what they did there?) and it is as weird as it looks - a pedal-powered 911 replica.

Like the Porsches hailing from Weissach, the Ferdinand is made from spectacularly advanced, lightweight materials, namely a steel spaceframe bonded with (ahem) Sellotape and a body made of cardboard covered with aluminium foil.

The strange fellow presenting the video (who we assume must be the Ferdinand's creator) also seems inordinately proud of the car's rear wing - which apparently provides downforce at speeds above 5kph.

The be-suited chap also points out that the car's 'ultra-light construction' (ie leaving out all unnecessary components such as the engine, drivetrain or any seats) results in a kerb weight of just 100kg, though that could double with a chubby driver...

Other points of interest include a large boot - courtesy of the absent engine - air intakes that 'save the driver from sweating too much', and ultra low-rolling resistance tyres (for that read bike tyres). It's a wonder Porsche hasn't already made this car...

 

[clarksonisawilly]

That was excellent! Fully expected him to drive around going brum brum bruuuum though, slightly disappointed by that omission.
Looked really well made, what a nutter.

[Parabola]

Who'd win in a race with this pedal powered lamborghini countach ?

Edited by Parabola on Tuesday 1st June 11:20

[Mr MoJo]

That guy is completely bonkers, hats off to him !!

[JacksHereR]

[The Donster]

Words fail me.

It is in proportiom though, I'll give him that.

And did anyone notice that the 'Ferdinand' boot badge was made of icing?? Surely a sticker would have saved yet more weight??

He also looks like a Kraftwerk reject, but maybe that's just me.

[dlockhart]

New levels of insanity reached - I am pleased

[s3fella]

Coolest bike ever!!

To get a bdy that accurately done, he must be some dedicated guy, even if he is as nutty as sqirrel st.

[IanO]

Love it, just missing the music to Top Gun over the top.

[Bodo]

Great job!

[Andehh]

10/10, truly fantastic! Shame the presenter left any form of emotions at home...god bless them germans!

[rallyman77]

I bet NCap gave it 5 stars for safety too...

[Perico]

"Mad" and "hatter" spring to mind. He'll be the coolest guy in kindergarden.

[louismchuge]

he clipped every apex with perfection. What a pro!

[Mafioso]

That bit where he 'launches' off the line is hilarious!

[Buzz word]

A fun looking bike for sure but 100kg? very heavy. I bet paul and barry chuckle would have no problems keeping up.

[gavzdc5445]

Thats even cooler than my Raleigh Activator, well done german man!!

[galenthe2nd]

This guy deserves a medal!

[stewy68]

Maybe RUF will do a version made from crisp packets.

[louiebaby]

It's very well done... And for the amount of tubing you can see inside and two seats, I don't think 100kg is terrible.

I hope the brakes are OK though, I wouldn't want to stop 300kg of this, (2 lardy boys on board.)

[bencollins]

The Donster said:

He also looks like a Kraftwerk reject

lol, good spot, tho i reckon he´s austrian.
humour dry as a biscuit, car cheesey, great combo!!
he wears two gold watches, dead classy.