Forty times more aerodynamic than a Bugatti Veyron and with a top speed of 90 mph, the Arion 1 is aiming to be the fastest human powered vehicle in history. The bicycle, or more accurately velocipede, is the brainchild of an engineering team at the University of Liverpool in the UK, and it will attempt the world record in September 2015 in Nevada, USA.
The craft, which exists only in computerized concept form at the moment, will weigh less than 25 kgs while the rider will sit a scant 5 inches above the tarmac, as they peddle fast enough to generate 700 watts of human power. In the photo below we can see one of the team doing some last minute checking for comfort with the seating. Of course the final version will include fully upholstered cushions and deluxe velour drapes.
The progress of the team can be tracked on their Facebook page, but meanwhile here’s a short video of the current Dutch world record holders cracking on at a sedate 83 mph in their winning velocipede last year.