Apple Automobiles CORE
| Apple Automobiles CORE (3rd gen) | |
|---|---|
 A 3rd generation CORE during safety test drives. | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Apple Automobiles |
| Production | 1998-present |
| Model years | 1998-2007 2007-2014 2014-present |
| Assembly | Overlook, Chilokver |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Urban car |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | Front engine, rear wheel drive |
| Related | Apple Automobiles Fold |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.1 litre gasoline engine |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1,873 mm (73.7 in) |
| Length | 2,695 mm (106.1 in) |
| Width | 1,663 mm (65.5 in) |
| Height | 1,555 mm (61.2 in) |
| Curb weight | 880 kg (1,940 lb) |
The Apple Automobiles CORE (City-Optimised-Reduced-Emissions) is a ultra-small, urban design car produced by Apple Automobiles. The car is notable for its small size, ideal for city commutes- the CORE is approximately as long as the width of a normal vehicle, allowing two to be parked in a normal parking spot. Other notable features include its environmentally friendly, bio-fuel capable, low C02 engine and "self-repairing" composite skin, which over time fades out scratches. The same composites are pre-doused with pigment before assembly, eliminating the need for paint and allowing for cheaper production costs.
The prototype was first unveiled in 1997, and production began in 1998 in a custom plant in Overlook, Chilokver. The CORE has so far gone through three generations:
- 1st generation- First released in 1998 and receiving a facelift in 2002, the 1st gen formed the basis of the CORE family, with the Sport, a model featuring a 0.7 litre petrol engine, leather seats and chrome bodywork, a 0.8 litre diesel variant, and an offroad variant with enlarged tyres and the 0.7 litre petrol engine.
- 2nd generation- Following numerous safety tests which showed the CORE's tendency to fly up during collisions, additional airbags were installed in the side, as well as the installation of a military-grade titanium frame. The Sport model was installed with upgraded suspension and dual exhausts. The petrol engine was upgraded to a 1 litre variant with 8% improved fuel efficiency, and an lithium-ion electric motor variant was offered.
- 3rd generation- The electric variant is now offered as a separate model with a lighter aluminium frame and plant-derived plastics- the self-healing composite is retained. The dash board and controls have been revamped for all models, and turbo-charged engines are now offered for the Sport and offroad variants. The diesel variant is no longer available, due to poor sales. For a limited time, a luxury limited edition called the i-Move was offered, with a built in cradle and limited production iPod and gold lettering to verify authenticity.
The Apple CORE is sold both domestically and internationally at a base price of 19,000 Chilokveri credits, with export models also offering left hand drive.