Like the rest of the reverse trikes in the market these days, there’s something that’s oddly unnerving about sitting behind the wheel in one of these babies.
Campagna Motors is arguably one of the best in the business when it comes to these kinds of vehicles. Fans of the brand will undoubtedly be thrilled to find out that Campagna has unveiled its latest brainchild: the T-REX 16S.
Unlike most of the T-REX models that are all powered by a Kawasaki-sourced 1,400 cc engine, Campagna took a different approach with the 16S, opting to use a BMW-sourced 1,649 cc in-line six-cylinder engine from BMW’s Motorrad division. This engine is capable of producing 160 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 129 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm while mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. In addition to the engine, Campagna also installed new electronic systems and other components on the T-REX 16S, making it more suitable for somebody’s driving pleasure.
Aesthetically, the T-REX 16S isn’t all that different from its brethren, but it does come with a slew of safety components, including a crash-tested tubular chassis with roll-cage, and 3-point safety belts, and high-quality features, including marine-grade waterproof seats, a 180-watt RMS Alpine audio system that includes iPod/iPhone/USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius Satellite Radio. There’s also an open glove compartment in the dash, as well as removable and lockable side-cases that can carry as much as 46 liters (1.62 cubic-feet) of cargo capacity on each side of the vehicle.
Pre-orders for the 16S are already underway, which means that if you’re interested in one, you can score a piece of limited-edition automotive quirkiness. It’s street legal in most places in North America and Japan with certain areas in Europe expected to get the same green light once the car receives its EU certification.
The previous episode of Jay Leno’s Garage showed the late night talk show host as he was driving around in the SRT Viper, but, in this episode, he takes a spin in a less speedy ride: the Campagna V13R.
Campagna hit the automotive scene with their T-Rex 14RR - a model powered by a Kawasaki sourced 1400 cc inline-4 engine that delivers 197 HP and 113 of torque. This model sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.92 seconds and up to a top speed of 144 mph.
Leno wasn’t in the T-Rex 14RR, though. His vehicle of choice for this episode was Campagna’s less powerful V13R - a model powered by a Harley- Davidson sourced V-Twin engine with a smaller output than the 14RR: 122 HP and 84 lbs-ft of torque.
It may not be the fastest of the bunch, but Jay Leno certainly approved. Check out the video to see his review.
