Patent ID: 7017690

Claim:
A vehicle, said vehicle comprising: at least two substantially identical cells, each cell having two ends and two opposing sides, a bottom surface and a top surface; each cell comprising: a body section; at least one pair of wheels, one wheel on each of said opposing sides; an axle for each wheel, said wheel coupled to said axle; an independent, active suspension for each wheel, wherein said suspensions couple said axles to said bottom surface of said body section, said suspensions being microprocessor-controllable in response to operator input and roadway conditions; a drive motor fixedly attached to said axle, wherein motive force is translated from said drive motor to said wheels; wherein said cells are assembled end-to-end such that a rigid vehicle body structure is formed; a steering system, wherein all of said wheels are operative to steer said vehicle, said steering system being microprocessor-controllable; a power plant for generating power and supplying said power to said drive motors; and one or more microprocessor control means for centrally controlling at least said suspensions and said steering system; wherein providing multiple pairs of suspensions closely spaced reduces load requirements for said vehicle structure, so that suspensions for said transit vehicle are manufacturable from lightweight, stock parts.