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| The oRS does not make use of a clutch plate, like this Russian 4x4 minibus does. |
oRS proudly traces its history to Kazakhstan and
makes no apologies that its dated manufacturing processes — like those of many
former USSR nations — use a ball-and-socket system to transfer power to the four independently articulated struts, instead of a more modern metal clutch
plate.
The ball-and-socket system does have the
advantage that it allows an experienced controller to minutely vary the
locomotive power to each strut, and it is a source of pride among such
controllers to turn their units through 180 degrees at full speed using just the
two rear struts.
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| Hitachi's first Centaur in the 1980s |
Most new owners, however, steer with the
standard interactive feedback loop that can double as the accelerator
input.
Accelerated to the third or fourth speed
settings, the unique suspension ensures that all four struts are in the air four
over 50% of the duration of the forward motion. This ensures a ride that owners
say feel exactly like “bursts of floating”, punctuated by a pleasantly rhythmic
percussion of the struts striking the road surface.
In its third speed setting, the 2015 model can
maintain speeds between 16-27 km/h even over rough terrain while remaining
extremely light on fuel. The proven power plant turns most plant materials into
kinetic energy with urea, methane and saltpeter the main byproducts through
three exhaust systems. The single-chamber power unit can make up to 10 kW,
(about 14 horsepower) depending on the fuel used, with traction provided by the
four struts to ensure forward motion in up to 1 500 mm of mud or snow.
oRS has a proud history of recycling and the
units’ pellets of spent fuel are used around the world by mushroom growers, and as a slow heat source by traditional cooks, especially in Mongolia.
Japanese truck maker UD is currently also using the urea to turn toxic diesel
gases into nitrogen and water, while developments on trapping the methane using
party balloons are being investigated.
In keeping with the movement towards designing
smaller vehicles to alleviate traffic congestion, only one seat is provided, but
various aftermarket companies make multi-seat units that hook up to the main
power unit to convey from pupils to loads.
Full leather with invisible stitching
Real leather and invisible stitching are standard, as is a cellular-driven repair process, which has been proven to be more natural than the nano-paint technologies used by Nissan and Mercedes-Benz to repair scratches.
For hard-core adventurers keen on testing the
renowned river-crossing abilities of the oRS units, the main attraction will,
however, be the Tresses™, placed at the rear and steering areas.
The Tresses™ are made from real horse hair and
can be twined for extra grip. As with all oRS products, the unit is fully
self-steering and can find its way to the destination set as “home” thanks to
the Stratified Biological Live Entry (STABLE) system.
Because each unit has to be programmed to its
owner, oRS encourages individual sales meetings. (The use of apples instead of
android devices during these meetings are encouraged.)
The waiting list is currently three years with
prices on application at the local dealers.
This tongue-in-cheek piece serves to remind readers the humble “oRS” still sets
the standard to which all sustainable self-steering vehicles aspire.
And,
yes, UD trucks really has developed a process that uses horse pee to separate
toxic diesel fumes into nitrogen and water.
First published in Wheels, May 2015.
