Aptera Spotted in the Wild

Discussion in 'Other Cars' started by hill, Apr 5, 2009.

  1. Offline

    hill High Fiber Member

    Member Since:
    Jun 23, 2005
    Message Count:
    7,156
    Likes Received:
    660
    Location:
    South OC So Cal & the Flathead Valley MT
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    Ok ok ok,
    So it wasn't THAT wild ... just local streets surrounding the San Diego, Science / Auto Museum(s). It was a scheduled event. Yesterday (4-4-09) the company previewed the 3 wheel'ed Freeway capable, all electric to the public, inside & outside of the auto museum. After closing, 800 of the 4,000+ reservation holders got to hobnob with the Aptera Higher ups. There were give aways, silent auctions, test drives, hors d'oeures & drinks etc (kind of like a mini Prius Connection Detroit for 1 day). Being something like 6'-4" or 6'-5" I had to see if I could fit, much less be comfortable. These are not production models, as the final version's wheelbase will be 6" narrower. You might notice that one of the earlier prototypes driving around didn't even have rear side windows. As for the rear hatch, it opens sideways, from right to left, as you face forward, from the rear of the car. Here's a few more shots I took yesterday:

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    [IMG]

    And the answer is (drum roll . . . . ) yes, I fit!
    They begin delivery in 6 months (Good Luck Aptera!)
  2. Offline

    sdtundra New Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 11, 2008
    Message Count:
    887
    Likes Received:
    16
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have seen one driving around near Palomar Airport Rd. during the week. This was a few months ago though. I am torn on whether or not to place my order for one though. Wish I wasnt working yesterday or else I would've made my way down to that...
  3. Offline

    drees New Member

    Member Since:
    Oct 31, 2007
    Message Count:
    1,767
    Likes Received:
    237
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2008 Prius
    Yep, my only spotting was on Palomar Airport as well heading east at Melrose late last year. About half way between their old and new building.

    I drove by their new building a month or so ago and cruised around the back - they had the loading dock door open and an Aptera getting some sun.

    *HUGE* turn out! Wish I had gone down there to check it out. With 4000+ people there, I'm sure that Aptera was very pleased with the amount of interest shown in the vehicle.
  4. Offline

    hyo silver formerly active poster

    Member Since:
    Mar 2, 2005
    Message Count:
    14,843
    Likes Received:
    1,136
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I was gonna say...if you don't fit, buy it anyway and let me know. But, if it came to that, you could always add a 'Dan Gurney' bulge on the roof. :) The hatch reminds of an E Type.
    It's a beautiful car, and a wonderful concept - I hope Aptera does very well.
  5. Offline

    patsparks An Aussie perspective

    Member Since:
    Jul 12, 2007
    Message Count:
    10,558
    Likes Received:
    430
    Location:
    Adelaide South Australia
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Where have I seen that tall bugger in the red shirt?
    Car looks great, will they come to Australia, I dare say no.
  6. Offline

    sdtundra New Member

    Member Since:
    Mar 11, 2008
    Message Count:
    887
    Likes Received:
    16
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    Your Vehicle Year:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I think the first model run is for CA only.

    Strange thing is that it is classified as a motorcycle but has to meet the NHTSA requirements for a passenger vehicle. Hopefully I get to see more driving around the area.

Share This Page