Fuel Vapor Technologies was at the SEMA show in Las Vegas with the Ale, their Honda powered 3 wheeler. It has two tandem seats, a 180 horsepower 1500cc turbocharged Honda engine operating a “fuel vapor” system that allows it to run at an incredibly lean 20:1 air fuel ratio. According to the company, the car’s performance puts it in a league of its own with a 12.9 second quarter mile, 0-60 mph in 5 seconds, 1.7 g on the skidpad, top speed electronically limited to 140 mph and the real number that gets your attention, 92 miles per gallon! The fuel vapor technology is currently patent pending and if these numbers hold up under independent testing, these guys are definitely on to something.

The tandem seating and 3 wheel configuration allow a very streamlined body, essential to any high mileage vehicle, but many of these super economy cars are under powered and under performing slugs, however, if these numbers are correct, the Ale may break that mold.

Obviously, this vehicle is no high capacity family sedan, but how many people spend much of their time driving alone or with one other person? A lot. This is where the Ale would fit. With three wheels, it would be classified as a motorcycle in most areas so many of the impact protection regulations and other automotive rules would not apply here. On the other hand, it has a tube frame that incorporates a roll cage, how many cars have one of those?

Since the Ale was just introduced, it’s hard to say how well it will hold up under closer scrutiny so we’ll have to wait and see. Many at the show were very impressed and if it delivers on these numbers a lot more people will be impressed, too.

Full specifications:

Body
Hand-layed fiberglass composite

Chassis
Full tube frame with roll cage

Engine
High mileage Honda engine
Turbo Charged 1500cc
2 Stage single cam Vtec
Gasoline vapor fuel management system

Transmission
Full time constant variable, 5 speed standard, or 4 speed over drive automatic

Front Suspension
Indy race car type, upper and lower “A” frame with fully adjustable horizontal coil over

Rear Suspension
Single sided swing arm with fully adjustable coil over

Steering
Porsche 911 rack and pinion (2.25 turns lock-to-lock)

Front Brakes
Front discs: 12.1″ diameter vented and scallopped rotors, 4-piston calipers

Rear Brakes
10″ disc brakes

Wheels & Tires
Aluminum 17″x7″ front and rear

Configuration
Two seat tandem. - shoulder seat belts

Dimensions
Wheelbase: 110”
Outside to outside track: 71.5″
Length: 174’’
Height: 50“
Dry Weight: 1400 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 10 gal.

Link: Fuel Vapor Technologies