Lotus creates propeller-powered snowmobile!

The automotive genius of Lotus never ceases to put a grin on our faces. If it’s not eco-friendly supercars, wacky plans for taxis or downright gorgeous next-gen motors, it’s this: the company’s first ever snowmobile.

Created specifically for the Moon-Regan Trans Antarctic Expedition, the Concept Ice Vehicle (CIV) is designed to carry people, but not much else. There’s no room for instruments, food or water.

Instead, it’ll act as a pilot craft, scouting ahead before being followed by the larger and heavier Science Support Vehicles.

The CIV isn’t just a dumb sled though. It’s equipped with radar that can detect moving ice sheets and hidden gaps below the surface.

The vehicle has also been made with minimal moving parts, to avoid a frosty lock-up when the going gets cold, and if anything should go wrong, it’s light enough to be dragged by a single man.

Clever stuff, certainly, but don’t expect to see one parked in the local Tesco’s car park any time soon. Instead check out the video of it in action below.

TBC | £TBC | Lotus (via Treehugger)

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