Daimler Chrysler unveils concept ‘bike’

Car firm Daimler Chrysler has unveiled a 500hp concept ‘bike’ with a claimed top speed of 300mph.

The four-wheeled, V-10 Dodge Tomahawk is ” about pure performance, in-the-face excitement and not being scared of any limits, ” according to Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group’s president chief executive. Not surprising, with an 8.3 litre engine taken from a Dodge Viper. The four wheels were needed to carry the weight of the V-10, and at the same time, to handle the power the engine produces. Apparently, the firm claims spinning the rear wheels is ” not a problem ” .

The bike will lean as a normal motorcycle, with individual suspension for each wheel. This would mean an angle of lean of 45 degrees is possible, but the Mallory Park hairpin might still prove a bit of a problem.

Zetsche has revealed that a limited run of 100 may well be produced, priced between $150,000 and $200,000. Dodge realise the bike might not appeal to everyone, but have identified US chat-show host Jay Leno as a likely customer, as he already owns a bike powered by a jet engine.

Read more about the 500hp Dodge Tomahawk in Motor Cycle News, January 15. To comment on the story on the News message board, follow the link on the right.