DaimlerChrysler Announces Winner of Zany "What Can You Hemi?" Contest!

Modeled after a favourite toy of up and coming car and motorbike fanatics, the Big Wheel tricycle, Vancouver B.C. native Marcus

The Big Wheel tricycle theme is brought to life from Vancouver B.C. native Marcus Braun's sketch and description of the HEMI Trike. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Braun's HEMI Trike brings childhood fun to super-sized reality. The vivid yellow and red monster features a four-foot tall front wheel, with handlebars so huge that an arc-shaped steering handle is required to point the contraption in the desired direction. The HEMI Trike is powered by a reverse-mounted HEMI V8 with hot-rod style headers for each of the engine's eight cylinders, ensuring class-leading performance that buries the pedal-powered class average. The chassis features double-wishbone rear suspension, while sticky Goodyear racing slicks provide enough traction to offset the engine's brute power. This is the kind of toy that would turn both kids and adults green with envy if it showed up at the neighbourhood playground.

With ordinary objects turned extraordinary, it was very difficult for a sole winner to be selected of the top five. All ideas were greeted with enthusiasm by the press and event organizers, but the HEMI Trike took the Grand Prize of the "What Can you Hemi?" contest. Frank Klegon, Chrysler Group VP of Product Development Process and Components, said, "While all five finalists and their ideas were brilliant, the HEMI Trike stood out for its high marks in

With ordinary objects turned extraordinary, it was very difficult for a sole winner to be selected of the top five. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

creativity, engineering feasibility, safety and functionality." Of all the vehicles available, Mr. Braun selected the extremely popular new 300C luxury sedan as his new ride.

Unlike the Tomahawk concept, a four-wheeled motorbike endowed with the Viper's 500-hp, 500 cubic-inch V10 stuffed between its rider's legs, none of the 'Hemified' winners of the "What Can you Hemi?" contest will be up for sale within Neiman Marcus' annual wish list catalog.

For more information about the contest, behind the scenes shots of the creative processes that went into building these beasts, as well as videos, visit the "What Can You Hemi?" official webpage at www.whatcanyouhemi.com.