Official

Vanderhall Carmel adds power and luxury to three-wheeler segment

It gets a new engine and a much higher price tag

Vanderhall Carmel
Vanderhall Carmel / Image Credit: Vanderhall
View 7 Photos
Vanderhall vehicles are not typically designed for luxurious driving, but a just-released new model called the Carmel has luxury in mind. You get in and out of the autocycle with real doors. Previous Vanderhalls have offered heat, but this one goes one a step further and makes air conditioning an option too. It rides on 19-inch wheels — those are one inch larger than other Vanderhall three-wheelers. And to top it off, you get a removable roof. One could argue that the roof defeats the purpose of the Vanderhall, and we might be inclined to agree.

In addition to making the Vanderhall more livable, the Carmel gets a new engine too. A GM-sourced 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four brings the specs up to 200 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. This new engine utilizes a lighter aluminum block, unlike the old 1.4-liter iron-block engine that only made 180 horsepower. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission choice for the Carmel. Vanderhall says 0-60 mph arrives in 4.5 seconds, and it tops out at 138 mph. Even with the new engine, it still won't be as quick as the electric Vanderhall Edison, which sprints to 60 mph in 4 seconds.

Upgraded four-piston brakes bring it to a halt with new LED brake lights signaling motorists out back. The Carmel also gets LED headlights and turn signals. Just like the Edison, Vanderhall says the Carmel will arrive in 2019. It will start at $39,950 — quite the price jump compared to the $29,950 Venice model. Vanderhall seems to be chugging right along with plenty of versions of its three-wheeler, while Morgan just canceled its EV3 electric three-wheeler. We'll just have to wait to see if Vanderhall gets these fun, little runabouts to production.

Related video:

Share This Photo X