The BMW-powered snow scooter

We'll be the first to admit this vehicle is not exactly a motorcycle. But don't do a Google search for Lara Bingle just yet, as there is a connection -- it's powered by a BMW motorcycle engine.

It's called the Concept Ice Vehicle, or CIV, and was engineered and designed by Lotus Engineering in the UK. And it's a lot cooler (but probably not as practical or cost effective) as a snow mobile.

This unlikely contraption, or 'snow scooter' as one wag called it, is purpose built for navigating the icy tundra of Mongolia or the frozen lakes of Sweden, sitting on a trio of ski-like appendages that allow it to skate over icy terrain.

Granted, it wouldn't be of much use on asphalt, probably created large sparking rooster tails, but powered by a BMW 1150cc twin boxer engine it can reach speeds of up of 135k/h on snow and ice.

The BMW engine has been modified to run on E85 ethanol fuel and churns out around 115hp (86kW), which finds its way to a large fan at the rear of the CIV, in turn pushing the 360 kilogram vehicles.

Lotus Engineering reckons that it can pushed by a single person on frozen flat surfaces, so even if you can't find ethanol fuel you're not completely up a creek of frozen dung. Its three 'legs' ride on independent suspension and there's also a GPS-system to keep you from going in circles when out on the ice.

The CIV also gets an advanced radar system that can identify crevasses and water flows under the ice, so that the pilot doesn't end up ditching into a 30-foot cavity of icy.

And if you have to ask how much, you probably can't afford it. In other words we have no idea. It was actually built for scientific research and was commissioned by the  Moon Regan Trans Antarctic Expedition. Worth getting a PhD in nerdliness to drive? We think so.

Check out the official Trans Antarctic website for more information.