This paper focuses on a new three-wheeled vehicle concept. A three-wheeled vehicle is a fine synthesis between the manoeuvrability and compactness of a motorcycle and the stability and load-bearing capacity of a four-wheeled car. The solution presented in this paper is characterised by the innovative system of linking the rear frame to the front frame so that the latter tilts like motorcycles do whereas the rear frame does not. The linking system is a four bar linkage whose geometry can be adjusted to set the position of the instant tilting axis of the front frame with respect to the rear one closer to or further from the road surface. Moreover, it is possible to vary the inclination of the tilting axis on the longitudinal plane. A model of this vehicle was developed using a multi-body program. Many analyses have been carried out varying the geometrical parameters of the linking system in order to find the best handling and safety behaviour. Finally a real working prototype of the vehicle was built. As in the virtual model, the prototype can change the geometry of the linking system. Different test drivers have accomplished many manoeuvres with different geometrical configurations. These tests confirmed the predicted simulations results.
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