Coolest Inventions 2004: Zoom Zoom

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POWER TOURISM

Forgot the map? Left the guidebook at the hotel? No problem. The GoCar is a three-wheel tour guide equipped with a GPS system that not only tells you where to go but also describes the sights once you reach them. The brainchild of Nathan Withrington, a pilot and engineer from Britain, the GoCar speaks directions out loud. Currently available only in San Francisco, it goes up to 35 m.p.h. and travels a 12- to 17-mile loop.

INVENTOR GoCar Rentals

AVAILABILITY Now, $40 for one hour

TO LEARN MORE gocarsf.com

A BOAT THAT ICE-SKATES

Harry Haney has been ice fishing on Michigan lakes ever since his dad took him when he was a kid. But when a friend and fellow ice fisherman died after falling through the ice a few years ago, Haney, a state-park maintenance worker in Rhodes, Mich., decided to create a vehicle that would prevent similar tragedies. His Snow Boat is a 14-ft. custom-made aluminum craft welded onto a standard snowmobile. If the ice breaks, the boat stays afloat so passengers won't fall into the freezing cold water.

INVENTOR Harry Haney

AVAILABILITY Prototype only

TO LEARN MORE snow-boat.com

WHEEL FUN

Take a Segway scooter, add a second pair of wheels and a banana seat, and you've got the Centaur, a concept vehicle that can take on any terrain--rocks, grass, sand, you name it. Like the original Human Transporter, the Centaur uses dynamic-stabilization technology (you shift your weight to steer) but adds a thumb throttle for extra oomph. Steering sensors and a computer conspire to make sure you don't topple over when you pop a wheelie.

INVENTOR Segway

AVAILABILITY Prototype only

TO LEARN MORE segway.com/centaur