Vanderhall Motor Works hosted the first public appearance of its new Carmel three-wheeled roadster at the sixth annual American International Motorcycle Expo trade show on Oct. 11-14.
The fifth autocycle model Vanderhall has announced since 2016, the Carmel, shares similarities with the company’s volume-leader Venice three-wheeled roadster. However, the Carmel adds doors to ease ingress/egress and additional interior space. The new model will be powered by the aluminum-block GM 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged engine, rated at 200 horsepower. This represents almost a 10-percent increase over the current Venice’s 180-HP iron-block 1.4L GM turbocharged I-4. The 1.5L engine is also lighter, giving the new Vanderhall model road-hugging 75/25 weight distribution.
“The new Carmel emphasizes our ongoing commitment to the autocycle segment,” said Vanderhall marketing director Daniel Boyer. “In contrast to other manufacturers in our market, the one and only thing Vanderhall does is manufacture All-American autocycles. We are committed to being the leaders in this segment, and the Carmel is the latest evidence of that dedication.”
The Carmel follows four other significant introductions from Vanderhall, which hand-crafts all its vehicles in Utah. The company’s flagship Laguna autocycle with hand-laid carbon-fiber body was launched in 2016. Last year, the more-affordable composite-bodied Venice appeared. The Venice serves as the foundation for the all-electric Edison2 model and one-seater Speedster – which is scheduled to be in dealerships before year’s end.
For the 2019 model year, the Vanderhall Carmel adds front entry doors and demonstrates the line’s next evolutionary step. In addition to the aluminum-block engine, high-performance 4-piston brakes are standard. Further, provisions for accessory air conditioning and a removable roof have been integrated. Unique 19-inch wheels inside Z-rated tires are another departure from the current models, which run 18s.
The Carmel will be offered in four distinctive colors: Silver Vintage Metallic, Poseidon Blue Metallic, Ruby Metallic and Pearl White. Other features such as the patented mono-aluminum chassis and ABS composite body carry over from the existing Venice model.
Link: Vanderhall
