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Based on these patent images, the long-rumored Apple Car might be beefier than we ever anticipated.

SEE ALSO:No, it’s not OK to let Tesla's Autopilot drive you to the hospital

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office dropped 80 new Apple patents Tuesday morning. Intriguingly, one of them shows designs for a steering system of an articulated, tank-like vehicle.

Apple BAE Systems patentCredit: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

However Apple lists a Swedish manufacturer of military vehicles, BAE Systems, as the assignee of the patent, according to Patently Apple.

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Based upon that fact, it's unlikely that the Apple Car will be a go-anywhere earth-crusher. Think the Sherp ATV but with a sleeker exterior, especially since the chief engineer of the iPad is now reportedly in charge of Apple's car project.

So, does Tesla Semi have some competition from Apple waiting in the wings? Not yet, but this patent indicates it very soon may.

TopicsAppleCars