Back in 06 we reported on the ESG Gryphon Personal Flying Wing, and it had military applications written all over it, or, a cool opening scene to the next James Bond Flick. The latest version, rechristened the Gryphon Attack Glider by SPELLCO (the new company name), has slimmed down the weight by 30 pounds and also offers the ability to carry up to 100 pounds of onboard gear and even carry weapons hard points for mini missiles and bombs. Yowsa. And with a maximum glide speed of 135 MPH, that makes this not only an attack glider, but a serious special ops platform for attacking well behind enemy lines.

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Bicycles are supposed to be great vehicles when it comes to keeping the earth green and giving you a good workout, right? Well, apparently newer bicycles these days tend to let up on the sweating part by allowing a little electric-powered engine to help you out during the steeper moments in life. Optibike is one of those companies, and their 2008 range of electric-powered bicycles will have the limited edition OB1 as the flagship of the series. Its main component is the patented Motorized Bottom Bracket (MBB) that drives through the derauiller gear system to optimize acceleration and range at all pedaling speeds. This special system is now oil cooled and is capable of delivering 850 continuous watts of power. Other goodies include carbon fiber handlebars, brakes, derailleur, chainring and cable ferrules, a customized paint job, GPS satellite navigation, plus a wireless PDA interface that provides real-time feedback on remaining range, battery charge and motor temperatures - are you drooling already?

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Unless you live in a very large city and rely solely on public transportation (or your own two feet) to get you everywhere, there’s a good chance you’ll be buying a car sometime in the future. Unless you’re buying a brand-spanking new car, there are certain things you need to look at to make sure you aren’t getting a lemon. One thing that helps to know is if the car has its original paint job. If the vehicle is newer and has been repainted, it’s very likely that there has been some damage (and thus repair) to the car that you haven’t been told about. Here’s a handy little device that will let you know the status of the paint job.

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So you’re driving around at night with no idea where you’re at, and your partner is having trouble reading the map? Obviously you haven’t heard of GPS navigation devices, so the next best thing is to flood the map with a light source, and what better way to do it than with the Seatbelt Light?

Just clip it onto your seat belt and turn it on when you need to read a map or follow directions. Passengers can use it without distracting the driver. Two levels of brightness from 4 LED lights (included). Uses 3 AA batteries (not included).

A set of two will retail for $14.99, although I’d say that using your car’s ceiling light ought to be good enough. Still, maybe you have a really old jalopy whose light has already expired a long while ago, making this little auto accessory a necessary purchase.

The In-Steering Wheel Navigation takes in-dash navigation to the next level, doing away with the need for a large display for obvious reasons but featuring a list of functions that might actually be crazy enough to be the next big thing. The In-Steering Wheel Navigation uses a computer that is connected to a central unit in your car, warming the driver of various potential hazards such as an opened door or low-tire pressure through the steering wheel. It is also compatible with the Navigon 7100 GPS navigation system, relaying important information to the 12 o’clock position on the steering wheel. In addition, the on-board sensors will enable the Navigon 7100 to gauge speed accurately, direction and the attitude of the vehicle. Which do you think is safer - glancing at the steering wheel or the dashboard?

Source: American Inventor Spot

A marriage between a Lotus Super 7 type carriage with a state of the art electric powertrain results in the Thorr Electric Car. You won’t get a roof with this though, so make sure you have a comb with you at all times should you want to take this out for a spin.

ThoRR uses a chassis that has been inspired by the Lotus Super 7 concept. This concept stands for high performance through simplicity and light weight. Because of the absence of ABS, power assisted braking, power assisted steering, any form of sound absorption, even a roof and a windshield, only the basics of a car remain. Driving becomes a symphony composed by the drive line, the chassis, the wheels, the wind and the road. The simplicity of the car, that doesn’t even uses a gearbox, makes it possible to actually feel all the aspects of the electric drive train.

No word on pricing, but it should be crazy expensive.

Product Page via TRFJ

Go pimpin’ on the roads with the Rainbow Dice Shape Lamp that goes one up on those fuzzy dice that gangsta rappers love to parade in their rides. While theirs only look phat during the day, introducing a little bit of geek power into your vehicle with the Rainbow Dice Shape Lamp. This little dice that could glows randomly with up to seven different colors. No idea if a $19 investment will help you draw in the ladies at the nightclub though - I presume the stature of the ride is of more importance compared to the decorations inside.

No idea what the main idea for the Car Glitter Lamp is exactly, but it sure as heck would look tacky if you’re driving something that’s worth more than a house. After all, glitter flakes swimming with glowing colors seem to appeal more to younger kids (especially girls), so the $22 you fork out for this is rather questionable. It hooks up to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter outlet, measuring 130mm x 15mm x 15mm.