Enabling the next generation of cool

Capturing QNX presence in automotive can’t be done IMHO without a nod to our experience in other markets. Take, for example, the extreme reliability required for the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle. This is the selfsame reliability that automakers rely on when building digital instrument clusters that cannot fail. Same goes for the impressive graphics on the BlackBerry Playbook. As a result, Tier1s and OEMs can now bring consumer-level functionality into the vehicle.

Multicore is another example. The automotive market is just starting to take note while QNX has been enabling multi-processing for more than 25 years.

So I figure that keeping our hand in other industries means we actually have more to offer than other vendors who specialize.

I tried to capture this in a short video. It had to be done overnight so it’s a bit of a throw-away but (of course) I'd like to think it works. :-)

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Production model of the Invader TC-3 to be unveiled soon

The production model of the Invader TC-3 will be unveiled at this years 2011 SEMA Show. The Invader is a reverse trike with two steering front wheels and one rear drive wheel and comfortably seats two - an exciting fusion of bike and super car.

As compared to the prototype, the improved version has a longer and wider wheelbase for a better ride and handling, and we increased its width and height to make it more comfortable and easier to get in and out of.

The Invader features an enclosed cockpit complete with a roof and a tempered safety glass windshield. Its frame is constructed from one-and-a-half-inch tubular steel with a front crash zone, triangulated side protection bars and a complete roll-cage around the cockpit.

Inside there are two side-by-side fully adjustable race style bucket seats that will comfortably accommodate six foot plus occupants.

The Invader is powered by a 1,300 cc Hayabusa engine capable of delivering 197 horsepower to the 18-inch wide rear tire.According to their press release the can go from 0 to 60 mph in just under four seconds with a top speed of 150 mph. Stopping power is provided by front and rear discs equipped with four and six piston calipers respectively.

Last year's Invader prototype is pictured below:

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