Tron: Legacy, the long-awaited sequel to 80s classic Tron, isn’t out until December 17 but we’ve got up close and personal with the sleek new version of the light cycle. Tron: Legacy vehicle designer let us into the secrets behind the Sam Flynn’s speedy virtual motor and we’ve captured them on video for you after the break…
Daniel Simon is currently working on vehicle designs for the upcoming Captain America film and Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel but he took some time out to reveal the thinking behind the new Tron: Legacy light cycle.
For the original Tron, designer Sid Mead wanted the light cycles to show an exposed rider but the limitations of graphics technology in 1982 meant the design had to be compromised. For Tron: Legacy, Simon was able to realise Mead’s original vision as well as introducing his own innovations.
The Tron: Legacy light cycle you see in the video above was created to be shown at Comic Con. The original vehicle designs were sketched entirely in 3D but Simon and his team also created a version of the light cycle with plumbing parts to test the riding position and visualise other elements.
That mad riding stance comes directly from Mead’s original take on the light cycle but the new Tron: Legacy design incorporates a new exposed engine and front wheel mechanism. Simon explains that those elements come from director Joe Kazinski’s desire for the Tron: Legacy vehicles to be “based in the physical world and show movement.”
Watch Daniel Simon explain the secrets of the Tron: Legacy light cycle in the video above and stayed tuned to Electricpig for more secrets of the grid soon. If you haven’t had your fill of futuristic bikes, take a look at the Honda 3R-C Tron Trike video.
Out December 17 | £varies | Tron: Legacy
