Imagine being able to peer through a glass roof as the city skyline rushes by, stretching out your legs as you catch up on current events. Now imagine doing it all in the back seat of yellow taxi.
That's what Karsan USA has in mind with their version of the taxi of the future. The group is a finalist in the New York City Taxi of Tomorrow competition, and their design -- a green vehicle, of course -- includes a panoramic glass roof and and a factory-installed automated ramp providing wheelchair access from the curb on either side directly into the passenger area.
If the Karsan V1 is selected, New York City would become the world's first city whose entire taxi fleet is fully accessible and compliant with the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, the group said.
Karsan, a Turkish company, has two competitors -- Nissan North America and Ford Motor Company.
The new taxis could hit the streets starting in 2013 and the prize is valuable. The winning design will replace the thousands of medalion taxis on the street and will be the only taxi on the road for 10 years.
