Love the idea, but...

[Cobras by Jeff]

I love the idea of a small Elise style car, but I might suggest allowing space to mount the VW 2.0 Turbo motor with DSG. The DSG would be very cool, more modern and easier to install due to lack of shift linkage. Just a thought...

[Dave Smith]

The VW engine in an FFR chassis was discussed here at FFR three years ago when we were discussing new products and we were looking seriously at a high-mileage build-it-yourself commuter car. At the time there were several alternative powerplant projects going on with FFR cars (turbine GTM, X-prize TDI-powered GTM, Electric Hot Rod, electric Coupe, Bio-powered Mk3, LNG Mk3, etc), but the idea of the Audi/VW TDI was fascinating (my brother has taken that idea and gone in a diff direction and Ive remained silent on that for a number of reasons).

Still, that is not off the table, as we decided that the really important part of our new sportscar was a FFR-worthy tubular chassis and suspension. The WRX running gear won out for a number of reasons, and I think, will give the new design platform a great start. Strategically, with a World-platform chassis and the real exciting abilities (that get better every day) of modern CAD, alternative powerplants like the TDI are not unreasonable. This is akin to the top discussion. Yes, it is better to engineer the entire design upfront and dedicated, BUT I see it totally from a different perspective. I think I am going to "Bet on the Come" (Tascas book mentions this) and hitch my wagon to the CAD train that promises (and has been delivering) faster and faster development time on surface shapes for less and less money. I think the most important thing is nailing this design quickly and meeting the design goals. Where it goes from there is definitely part of the strategy, but first things first.

Right now we have a pretty good target in mind with this car, but the future does indeed include the possibility of perhaps using technology to deliver flexibility and encompass some of the exciting possibilities like that engine (or another hybrid-etc) married to a competent, lightweight, efficient chassis/body shape... There is a plan beyond donuts in the driveway!

[Oppenheimer]

Are we peeking into your 'secret plan' here Dave? The chassis is the key, the solid platform that everything else can be built off. Once you nail that, it handles great, easy to build, etc, and you are selling them like crazy, then you can start offering different body styles, power-plants, missions?

[Cobras by Jeff]

Some more thoughts on the VW package:
1) Just about every VW now comes with the 2.0 as standard and the DSG as an option, meaning more possible donors.
2) The VW package is less expensive than a WRX or STI package.
3) The DSG has an automatic mode, making it an easier sell to the wife. "Hey honey, you can drive it too!"

I would think about placing the radiator in front of the engine, behind the driver. Would make plumbing WAY easier.

Sorry if any of these comments are redundant, I have not had an opportunity to read all of the posts yet.