Eight Sleight: Standbike V8 concept

A 690-kilo motorcycle, powered by V8 from GM. And yes, you can paint it green if want to...

For those who just won’t ride a twin, triple, inline-four/V4 or inline-six/V6, Standbike are working on a V8-powered motorcycle. And they have, apparently, already built a fully functional, ready-to-ride prototype that’s fitted with a 305 cubic-inch (5,000cc) V8 from General Motors.

According to the company’s website, the Standbike V8 concept bike took eight years to develop and uses various unique technical solutions that allow the V8’s power and torque to be suitably harnessed for extreme traction.

The bike’s steering, clutch and lean-control systems are managed by high-tech hydraulics and electronics – probably necessary with a bike that weighs 690 kilos and which has a 2615mm wheelbase, total lenth being 3210mm. The gearbox is a four-speed unit, with one extra gear for reversing the bike, and single-sided suspension is used at both ends.

The Standbike V8 concept actually rides on four 16-inch wheels – two each at the front and back – shod with 205/45 rubber. Cornering? Er…, no, we don’t think so, though straight line stability at 300km/h should be just brilliant

White House: GM, Chrysler to get another $7 billion today

Detroit's carmakers are due to submit their latest viability plans to the government later today, but already a White House source has leaked that General Motors and Chrysler will both be getting new loan funds. GM's $4 billion loan and Chrysler's $3 billion will bring the total amount handed out so far to $20.4 billion, $3 billion more than the $17.4 billion approved by Former President Bush last year.

GM already received $9.4 billion in two payments since December, with Chrysler receiving just one payment of $4 billion. The new loan funds, leaked to the AP by an anonymous White House official, are still only seen as temporary bandages, not adequate to stanch the bleeding at either company.

For its part, GM is cutting costs even further with $1 billion to be trimmed from its labor budget, reports Automotive News. The labor cuts are expected to be revealed in the viability plan filed at 4 p.m. EST. The savings are thought to come from more plant closings and job cuts.

The plans submitted later today are also expected to detail exactly how GM and Chrysler will repay their loans over the coming years.