Road & Track eval of the 818R

[Dave Smith]

The July issue of Road & Track Magazine just landed in my mailbox. Here are some fun bits that I just read! The crew is pleased and we're DYING to start shipping these cars and taking over the world of stoplights and racetracks!

"It rips the tires loose in pit lane on a whisper of throttle. Forget the WRX. Forget every street car you've ever driven. This is something else."

"The 818 explodes down Gingerman's front straight. This isn't the fast you get with a 911 Turbo or a Corvette, that sense of mighty power overcoming considerable weight. It's the whoa of a linearly accelerated roller coaster. Second and third dissapear in a rush as the rear end oscillates. I find myself short-shifting just to keep the car straight. It's a genuine thrill, and even if you never took your 818 to the track, the joy of warping between stoplights would keep you occupied for months"

"It takes a few corners for my brain to catch up to how the car handles. You think a Mazda Miata is light? The 818 weighs 400 lbs less than the first generation Miata, it rolls on tires 50 percent wider. Turn-in is neck-straining at high speed. On the first lap it feels like the limits are too high to reach, but once you reach them, the 818's a true sweetheart, pushing the front predictably before uncorking its tail in a lazy slide."

Jack Baruth, Road & Track magazine and Grand Am driver.

Metrics tested/measured:

0-60 3.8 seconds
1/4 mile 12.4 seconds
Road Holding 1.12 G*
curb weight 2012 lbs. **
power: 270 rwhp, 300lb ft @ 4300 rpm



* Tires were DOT legal race tires.

** a note about weight in the article as this had everyone here concerned and we had weighed the car almost 100 lbs lighter. The magazine FILLED the large capacity fuel tank to the top as is standard for all their curb weight tests (ugh! that's 13 more gallons and +91 lbs more than you'd routinely drive or autocross with). Further the 818R cage (+22 lbs), fuel cell mounting hardware/brackets (+6 lbs), paint (+26 lbs), wheels (+16 lbs), and heavy battery (+20lbs) account for another +181 lbs, add in the street seat, carpets, and windshield and we figure the street car should be right in the mid-to-low 1800 lbs range. We will have the street car in the showroom ON SCALES for the Open House!

Dave Smith

[DARKPT]

Now THAT's a product launch!

[David Hodgkins]

Holy Smokes! I gotta have it!

:)

[freds]

Very Exciting for all!!!!!

[Niburu]

guess I'll be buying the July issue of R&T

[Dave Smith]

I like these quotes a lot as they sum up the results of two years of very very hard work by our talented team...

" The 818 offers a combination of virtues previously unavailable at the price. For the average WRX-driving track rat, schooled in infinite understeer and benign traction, this thing will be a revalation. For everyone else, it'll just be a hell of a lot of fun!"

"Feels durable, like its been conditioned to take abuse"

Oh yeah!

[flytosail]

Congrats!

[RSxx]

Great job Dave and team.

Can't wait to get mine in November or hopefully sooner!!!

[Erik W. Treves]

June 15th cannot come fast enough

[Vman7]

Can't get a much better endorsement than that!

[longislandwrx]

AWESOME. But how does a paint job weigh 26 lbs?

[wallace18]

Great job all at FFR. I can see all the hard work paid off.

[Niburu]

AWESOME. But how does a paint job weigh 26 lbs?

maybe that metal flake is really heavy?
dunno, paint is generally 10lbs a gallon

Start working on that coupe Mr. Smith!!

[longislandwrx]

Exactly... like 11lbs for a gallon of enamel, and there's no way this car needed a gallon and a half of paint/clear each. No matter though, I'm too excited to be critical.

I'm at the hospital now waiting for my baby boy to arrive. So much awesome for one day. Hope the gift shop has Road and Track!

[Xusia]

The waiting to get my kit is going to kill me...

[Dave Smith]

The weight of the car is really important and we've worked very hard to make sure that the things that matter (like chassis etc) are strong/durable/tough. Paint is estimate based on the prototype mold shapes that the car was made from for primer, paint and some filler (not needed on production paint free panels) and lots of clear as we were showing the car at SEMA. Also the wheels were pretty heavy, maybe 4 lbs each too high. The best idea yet is to drive the 818 into the Open House and onto waiting scale pads to show the driving weight of the car. I am confident that the design has met its goals and we can celebrate for just a bit and then gear up for the last stretch before production. Nate was in packaging all day going over packlists, chassis assembly is getting geared up for that stage when the frames arrive back from powdercoating, we're all just doing our jobs to make sure we are good to go on the 15th.

Also a lot of guys have asked about the production schedule. We're still working on it and Jason will be in touch shortly as he is the master of the schedule.

Dave

[David Hodgkins]

The weight of the car is really important .../

Dave

So, uh, Dave?

Any truth to the rumor that the production car will be called a 912.6?

:D ;)

PS I know, I'm evil. It's a JOKE people!!

[longislandwrx]

I just can't wait. You guys are amazing. From paper to full scale production in less than two years? crazy. Keep up the good work.

Can you make the weigh in a contest/raffle? Guess the exact number and win a ...?

[metalmaker12]

Dave, you guys are awesome, I am a subie guy at heart and you guys just made me fall in love all over again. My date of august or hopefully sooner can not come fast enough

[FFR-ADV]

Dave,

The 818 and track results prove what a motivated team with the right tools, experience and motivation can accomplish! Congratulations to all of Factory Five on the spectacular results. I am excited to get my 818 home this fall! You guys ROCK!

Thank you for all you have done for us!

Steve

[gwader]

Can't wait!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/Clock.gif

[shinn497]

17976

[bstuke]

Can I just go to bed now and not wake up until Dave calls and says come get your 818R?

[WIS89]

This is out of control awesome!! Everyone at Factory Five should be over the moon!! What an amazing effort by everyone, and I can't wait to see the build begin!!

You guys ROCK!!

Regards,

Steve

[Dave Smith]

Thats a GREAT idea (guessing the weight at the Open House!)... We could do a contest and the winner gets something really cool and maybe we could donate all the money to the One Fund or the CF Foundation.

btw: the guys reminded me that the street car won't have the full fire suppression system that's in the 818R (and didn't weigh that). One of the toughest things is knowing how potent this little racer is and NOT going all nuts with race plans right away and focusing on quality of production launch and all the things that are so vital. We'll have to rely on Presley and Stuke for the track press!

We are going to try and do a few things to the blue 818R before the GRM Magazine Ultimate Track Car Challenge and see how it stacks up to the really fast comp cars out there.

Dave

[shinn497]

I'm loving these reviews and really regret not being an early adopter.

[GUNS]

Good work Dave and FFR team, can't wait to start building mine in only a few weeks!

[Movieman]

0-60 3.8 seconds
1/4 mile 12.4 seconds
Road Holding 1.12 G*
curb weight 2012 lbs. **
power: 270 rwhp, 300lb ft @ 4300 rpm

WOW! I kid you not when I read that all I did was go "WOW!"
I've seen the pictures, watched the videos but when you see the numbers it's like the period at the end of a sentence or in this case
more of an exclamation point.

[Samiam1017]

The July issue is available thru iTunes

[Wayne Presley]

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Send me mine NOW Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The funny part about the article is that it was just 40°F (which hurt the skidpad G numbers) and was before the second round of track testing. The car was noticeably faster and more balanced after the R&T article was written.

[Silvertop]

I'm sure glad I pre-ordered the week of the SEMA show! With a road test report like that, I'm betting that FFR is going to be SWAMPED with orders after the magazine hits the stands!!! Just WOW!

[Movieman]

I'm sure glad I pre-ordered the week of the SEMA show! With a road test report like that, I'm betting that FFR is going to be SWAMPED with orders after the magazine hits the stands!!! Just WOW!

That thought came to mind and made me smile because having met some of the people at FRR you want to see them do well.
Looking forward to seeing Dave Smith's face on the cover of Forbes Top 500 in a couple years! :D

[JeromeS13]

Just read the full article on my iPad. I can't wait!

[JAubin]

Congrats Dave and the rest of the FFR team, it's got to be great to have independent sources verifying what you guys have known all along (and well a lot of people here) This is going to be a sick little car.

Now I'm starting to feel really torn. I REALLY want to hold out and see what comes of a potential coupe/targa/hardtop....BUT I'm starting to get anxious and I think on June 15 I might just break down and get onto the queue before I'm waiting 3 years for my spot. Can't wait to see the builds start happening! Wonder when those hit news stands...

[AZPete]

Road & Track was in my mailbox this afternoon and there was smoke coming out! An amazing article with lots of praise and no negatives, as Dave quoted above! An incredible car from an incredible American company! And, congrats FFR on getting this huge PR at a perfect time.
Now, I've got to continue polishing my WRX steering rack for my baby's August arrival.
Pete

[Ray]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!spoiler alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!



Here is a link to the R&T article. Don't follow the link unless you want to spoiler your own enjoyment of reading the hard copy!!!




LAST CHANCE!!!!!
















http://www.roadandtrack.com/first-drive-factory-five-racing-818-r-track-day?click=main_sr

Ray

[David Hodgkins]

I don't think that's the article. I think that was a teaser. None of the quotes Dave mentioned above are in that online article...

:)

[Silvertop]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!spoiler alert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!



Here is a link to the R&T article. Don't follow the link unless you want to spoiler your own enjoyment of reading the hard copy!!!

LAST CHANCE!!!!!

http://www.roadandtrack.com/first-drive-factory-five-racing-818-r-track-day?click=main_sr

Ray

That's fun reading, but I don't think that's the full article -- just the teaser that has been out there for a month or so.......

[Movieman]

I don't think that's the article. I think that was a teaser. None of the quotes Dave mentioned above are in that online article...

:)
:(:(:(:(:(

[longislandwrx]

To put things in perspective
0-60 in 3.8 is Ferrari F430 fast $187K
12.4 is how fast the first gen Lamborghini Gallardo did the quarter $175K
1.12 g's on street tires is what the Nissan Skyline GT-R Spec V did (with the help of 3 computers) $160K

[Dave Smith]

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Send me mine NOW Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The funny part about the article is that it was just 40°F (which hurt the skidpad G numbers) and was before the second round of track testing. The car was noticeably faster and more balanced after the R&T article was written.

Wayne! I KNOW! The car was faster, sharper, and way better after you guys and the KONI shock boys had their two days of track time. HUGE thanks especially to you and the other development guys. The car is fast for sure and will deliver big grins on anyone who climbs behind the wheel. We are sorta crazy around here with production matters and the guys are in the middle of the street car build for open house. Everyone loved the idea of a weight guessing game. Raise some money for charity and have some fun in the process.

I am most anxious to listen to what people say at open house. I personally am committed to a removable hardtop, engineered and designed to work with the existing body shape, but at this point its discipline that is needed to focus on the vital production issues to ensure a smooth launch. I don't want to jinx myself, but it just seems that the vectors are all lining up in the right direction,. The new laser machine is cutting FLAWLESSLY and making in-process changes easy. The new molds look great and the training is ahead of schedule. I'm not saying everything is perfect, but I am more proud of the team than I've ever been. There is a spring in everyone's step and alot of positive fellowship. I LOVE the way everyone is working together.

[David Hodgkins]

Hey Dave, how about a build thread for the 818 being prepped for open house?

:)

[Wayne Presley]

Hey Dave, how about a build thread for the 818 being prepped for open house?

:)

They need no distractions from the Wookie Gallery!

[RM1SepEx]

Looking forward to the guess my weight activities!

Can we get some more information to give us some ideas on that weight?

for instance:
what seats
wipers and or heater
wheels and tires used
al or steel lower control arms

Great article reinforcing the great project strategy and execution! Well done by the entire F5 team! I can't wait for my kit to be ready, I'm hoping that it continues to go so well that you can beat the estimated kit date of early August...

[JAubin]

I am most anxious to listen to what people say at open house. I personally am committed to a removable hardtop, engineered and designed to work with the existing body shape

That's awesome to hear. Can't wait for the open house...at least I have my donor teardown to focus on right now, otherwise I'd probably be going nuts! Going for a roadster and adding a hardtop later on might be a nice way to break up the cost of the project too...hrmmmm, you guys are making it too easy!

[Xusia]

A compatible hard top is the BEST news I've heard! Well, next to the performance numbers, so I guess that makes it the SECOND best news I've heard! LOL

[07FIREBLADE]

Now if we could get some rollup windows we would be golden.... but hardtop with crazy numbers will do for now. Man i cant wait til my delivery next summer. It can come soon enough

[Xusia]

Now if we could get some rollup windows we would be golden.... but hardtop with crazy numbers will do for now. Man i cant wait til my delivery next summer. It can come soon enough

+2!

[Wayne Presley]

Now if we could get some rollup windows we would be golden.... but hardtop with crazy numbers will do for now. Man i cant wait til my delivery next summer. It can come soon enough

Well the 33 and GTM have power windows....Why would you want roll up?

[Nuul]

Now if we could get some roll up windows we would be golden.

Agreed. I'm patiently waiting for the 818C to come out so I can have goodies like that.

[David Hodgkins]

Well the 33 and GTM have power windows....Why would you want roll up?

Wayne I think he means working windows instead of curtains...

:)

[Someday I Suppose]

Dave, great feedback for sure, really cool news, can't wait to read the article.

Dave H, are you planning on going out to the Open House again this year? I am on the fence, thinking of maybe sneaking up Friday night and leaving the family behind this time.

[David Hodgkins]

Scott, I'll be there. Erik Hansen and I are arriving into Boston @ 5:30 and we are planning on meeting up with you guys at breakfast.

You gotta go!

:)

[Erik W. Treves]

Hey, I'll be up there Friday night..driving up from Alabama. I can't wait!

[LuckyWinner]

And all that comming from a Grand Am driver!!!! To be able to thrill a guy that races those cars is awesome

[07FIREBLADE]

I mean power windows. Curtains are cool put lers be honest who wouldnt want actusl winfows that go up and down. Go look at a old school viper. They had curtains. It just looks a bit cheap and there is no security at all.

[Xusia]

Dave said they planned to offer roll up windows (he didn't specify power windows) at some point in the future, though he didn't say at what point in the future, nor did he say if it would be limited to a specific body style (i.e. coupe only?).

Trust me - I'm eagerly awaiting these as well!

[metalmaker12]

I am going to breakfast to, at daves sat morning

[longislandwrx]

I'll be driving up from NY, EARLY Saturday morning... come hell or high water I'll be there in time for the weigh in.

Are you guys leaving from RI at a certain time? Perhaps i'll catch you on the road.

[metalmaker12]

I am leaving my house in Exeter at like 7:00- 7:30 to get to daves diner at like 8:00 or 8:15 than off to openhouse at 9

[Xusia]

I want to go SOOOO bad, but the flights... OMG!

[squarebear]

The Road & Track article is the reason I'm here. This is exciting... not unlike when my friends built their first dune-buggy back in the early '70s. I've wanted to do something like this ever since, even developing project plans using (of all things) Chevette parts. I can't wait to get started, but first, I'd better run this by my wife.

[Silvertop]

The Road & Track article is the reason I'm here. This is exciting... not unlike when my friends built their first dune-buggy back in the early '70s. I've wanted to do something like this ever since, even developing project plans using (of all things) Chevette parts. I can't wait to get started, but first, I'd better run this by my wife.

Welcome to the forum, Squarebear!

[flying phoenix]

Good to see that the car performs. It's got true, proven factory five lineage like the GTM and the rest of the lot.

[metalmaker12]

3.8 0-60/12.5 quarter in colder weather (30-50 degrees) is damn quick. I bet 3.2/12 or high 11 when its 80 or above. very impressive numbers and with only 273whp. I am going to have at least 300-330whp and torque with a much higher redline of 8600 from a pretty much stock ej207. I am going to get to 60 in 3 secs and a mid-high 11 quarter, wow FFR, I love you.

Anyone notice something missing in the article photos?

[Canadian818]

3.8 0-60/12.5 quarter in colder weather (30-50 degrees) is damn quick. I bet 3.2/12 or high 11 when its 80 or above. very impressive numbers and with only 273whp. I am going to have at least 300-330whp and torque with a much higher redline of 8600 from a pretty much stock ej207. I am going to get to 60 in 3 secs and a mid-high 11 quarter, wow FFR, I love you

Imagine it a few hundred pounds lighter...and imagine another 100hp!!! I'm willing to bet that sub 3secs will be possible, although some form of traction control or launch controll might be needed. And while this car is going to shine at auto x and road racing, it's nice to know it'll still impress the masses at the strip.

[MurrayT]

Dave
Congratulations on the 818! I am looking forward to my November delivery.
You seem very fixed on the weight. Have you thought about a Braille Battery? Their lightweight battery may save 20 to 40 pounds according to their web site. I saw them at SEMA and held their 2.5 pound battery in one hand. Incredible! I am planning to install one in my 818R.

[JeromeS13]

It looks like they're already using a lightweight battery. The one pictured below looks to be in the 11-12 lb range.


Dave
Congratulations on the 818! I am looking forward to my November delivery.
You seem very fixed on the weight. Have you thought about a Braille Battery? Their lightweight battery may save 20 to 40 pounds according to their web site. I saw them at SEMA and held their 2.5 pound battery in one hand. Incredible! I am planning to install one in my 818R.



Every pound matters. On the 818S we are building it with a smaller, lighter battery:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18093&d=1369942771

[rjh2pd]

When is this issue going to be available to buy at the stores. I what to read it sooo bad. They still had the june edition :(

[wleehendrick]

When is this issue going to be available to buy at the stores. I what to read it sooo bad. They still had the june edition :(

I bought it last night, the graphic design is priceless (I won't spoil it for you)

[EricScottZehnder]

Somebody PLEASE take/release photos from this open house event of taller drivers sitting in the 818! Pictures of the seating position and pedal orientation are critical!

[flytosail]

I bought it last night, the graphic design is priceless (I won't spoil it for you)


Brought back memories? Same here.

[Hayai]

I'm really excited about this. The review from R&T is amazing, they dont just throw around reviews like that, they were obviously really impressed!!

[bnr32jason]

Great article!

[guitaraholic]

I just wish they would have their cars tested with regular street tires, not DOT street legal race tires. My 240 can pull over 1g with the same tires. They did the same thing with the GTM, they put on Toyo RA1 tires, and of course it pulled 1.05g on the skidpad, and had a 0-60 of 3 flat.

I would be more interested in knowing what the car would do with standard high/ultra high performance tires (Mitchelen Pilots, Bridgestone S04, ect ,ect). Yes, I agree, that Factory Five wanted the car to shine, but set it up like it would be on the road. When car magazines test vehicles, if it's a road going vehicle, they test it with road going tires (not race tires), so you can't compare some of the stats with those of other cars.

[shinn497]

Checked the article and loved it, especially the analysis at the end. There is one thing I find peculiar. The article mentions that the car, as tested, was 25k. I wonder what the extra 9,000$ was for. It mentioned stock brakes and 818, which is ony 1000$ more than base. In addition, the 270 hp quouted could easily be achieved with about 3k in mods. Any ideas?

[Silvertop]

I just wish they would have their cars tested with regular street tires, not DOT street legal race tires. My 240 can pull over 1g with the same tires. They did the same thing with the GTM, they put on Toyo RA1 tires, and of course it pulled 1.05g on the skidpad, and had a 0-60 of 3 flat.

I would be more interested in knowing what the car would do with standard high/ultra high performance tires (Mitchelen Pilots, Bridgestone S04, ect ,ect). Yes, I agree, that Factory Five wanted the car to shine, but set it up like it would be on the road. When car magazines test vehicles, if it's a road going vehicle, they test it with road going tires (not race tires), so you can't compare some of the stats with those of other cars.

The particular car tested was the 818R -- which, while it may be set up to be street legal, essentially IS a race car. Considering that, it seems to me that DOT street legal race tires are precisely the right choice for the test. Just my .02

[ddavisart]

Can a full windshield be added to the 818R?

[metalmaker12]

Paint, vinyl, wheels/tires ,wildwood pedals and master, bigger fuel cell, wing, carbon aero kit, kirkey seat, etc. And it is a base tune, remember much less drivetrain loss. I prob missed something, but this stuff adds up quick.

[MurrayT]

Got my copy of Road and Track. Great article! Loved the creative photos and graphics. So glad I am already on the list. I think the wait list is going to get a lot longer after this magazine gets around. Interesting how the 818R was just a few pages away from the $303,000 Aston Martin with slower performance times! Factory Five delivers super car performance on a beer budget.

Dave, I think you going to need a bigger Factory!

MurrayT

[Goldwing]

Factory Five delivers super car performance on a beer budget.

MurrayT

Wait, I have to give up my beer to get an 818?!? :P

On a more serious note, opening that article reminded me of opening my first R/C car, a Team Losi JRX2, as a kid with those graphics. Nice Job Factory Five, you've impressed the difficult to impress. Looking forward to my delivery at the end of the year. (Oh, finally, first post! Hi guys!)

[spaceywilly]

I was able to read the article free on zinio.com by signing up for a 1-week trial of z-pass, or you can buy the issue for $5

[bbjones121]

If you have google magazine app, just do the 14day trial of Road and Track to see the July issue right away.

[Someday I Suppose]

Wow, you Hansen and Treves, its like Factory Five Royalty!!


Scott, I'll be there. Erik Hansen and I are arriving into Boston @ 5:30 and we are planning on meeting up with you guys at breakfast.

You gotta go!

:)

[ursa5000]

Bought the dead tree version of R & T. Great article, fab graphics...! After reading the article, I finally called two folks in the car trade to find me a sweet 2006 Subie so I can start the teardown, after first driving it for few months.

Da Bear

[longislandwrx]

Two things I saw in the article,

Suspension mentions rear anti-roll bar... wonder if that's accurate.

Article confirms dash is fiberglass, not CF, minus the top that is.

[trublue]

Dave,
Not since Henry Ford has there been such an automobile entrepreneur/genius/hands-on enthusiast as you. You exemplify the American Dream.
Trublue

[oki-ra]

I think in the spy shots thread there was a pic of the anti-roll bar. Picked up the magazine today and pre-ordered my kit yesterday.

[JAubin]

I don't have the magazine in front of me but I recall it saying there was a "roll cage" in the R and not in the S. I understand they mean the extra reinforcement on the roll-protection on the R, but there is of course protection on the S obviously. Anyone have input as far as harness options? Planning on using race buckets, and hence not the standard seat belts...planned on 5 or 6 point, but I wonder if a 4 point is more appropriate without the extra rigidity in the S model.

Article was pretty awesome tho... I really liked the "Don't glue your fingers together" caption. Hah! Who hasn't done that?

[Mechie3]

The only 4 point that is good is the Schroth 4pt ASM which I don't think is compatible with the 818 structure. A 5 or 6 is the way to go.

[JAubin]

Good deal, 5/6 it is.

Also just (finally) put in my placeholder for the kit. Had been procrastinating thinking "I'll just wait a bit and maybe get more info on a coupe" but with Dave's commitment to a compatible hardtop it sealed the deal. No date yet, but estimate from tech support is I'll be into August of next year. Gives me plenty of time to gather extra fancy parts :) I'll try not to be consumed with jealous rage of everyone starting their builds this month. ;)

[Xusia]

Glad to see you jump in! Welcome... :)

[flytosail]

The only 4 point that is good is the Schroth 4pt ASM which I don't think is compatible with the 818 structure. A 5 or 6 is the way to go.

Was planning to do a 5 or 6 point harness. Anyone ever have any problems getting this passed an inspecton or road side, "Do you know why I stopped you?".

[305mouse]

I was pulled over for not wearing my seat belt when I had my 4 point harness on. Cop never saw that, just the shiny buckle in the window. When he came over he started the whole "know why I pulled you over?" I said no, he states it's cause I wasn't wearing a seat belt. I look down, look at him, back down, back at him and he goes "yeah, I didn't see that. You probably can't get in and out of that too quickly can you?" "Nope" and I was on my way.

[Flamshackle]

Wow, read the article and loved the images. This car is going to be a rockstar! dying to see the HARDTOP ideas as I believe it will sell like hot cakes as a coupe option.

LOVE the idea of an 818SR.

[Mechie3]

Was planning to do a 5 or 6 point harness. Anyone ever have any problems getting this passed an inspecton or road side, "Do you know why I stopped you?".

I went through a superbowl evening seatbelt check roadblock one night with my Schroth ASM harness. Guy looks at me, looks in the back window at the rest of the harness, looks at me, looks in the back window kind of befuddle again, then waves me on. :lol:

FWIW, only Schroth are truly road legal. I believe federal law requires belts that have a single button to undo them and are not cam lock. That said, I plan on doing a 5/6 pt myself.

[longislandwrx]

I just have cheap RCI latch 5 points that have served me well so far. I can get in and out rather quick. Those asm's are slick if you don't have the sub slot.

[Buzz Skyline]

. . . with Dave's commitment to a compatible hardtop it sealed the deal. No date yet, but estimate from tech support is I'll be into August of next year.

Any idea if it will be back compatible with the kits they've sold before then? That is, can I upgrade to a hard top after building one with a soft top? I'd love a hard top, but I don't want to wait that long to start building.

[JAubin]

Any idea if it will be back compatible with the kits they've sold before then? That is, can I upgrade to a hard top after building one with a soft top? That's my basic understanding...tho I'm diving in knowing that there are unforeseen things that could make a hardtop not happen. See Dave Smith's comment #41 of this thread, he indicates it would be compatible with the current body shape. I'm implying that it means it'll work with the current design.... Maybe we can even hope it'll have a roof scoop ala an Exige to provide some air to the intercooler.

[K3LAG]

I'm sure glad I pre-ordered the week of the SEMA show! With a road test report like that, I'm betting that FFR is going to be SWAMPED with orders after the magazine hits the stands!!! Just WOW!

I pre-ordered the day the article came out. I was going to wait for the open house, but was afraid the article might prompt a bunch of people to jump in line in front of me.

Me and a friend will be building the car. We and our wives are going to be at the open house and will also spend a few days sight-seeing in the area.

I look forward to meeting some of you at the open house.

[Xusia]

Welcome!

[A_C]

Just read the R&T article. Very good write up. Jack always does a bang up job. One question. The hp/tq figures (estimates) have got to be way overstated. 0 - 100 in 9.9 and 100 to 120 in 5.1 in a 2000 lb race car? The last FF roadster I rode in would destroy this 818. Even with 300 lbs of driver and passenger, the 330 hp roadster was way faster than this. Maybe the 3.8 to 60 time would be the same, but after that, no way.

[Silvertop]

Just read the R&T article. Very good write up. Jack always does a bang up job. One question. The hp/tq figures (estimates) have got to be way overstated. 0 - 100 in 9.9 and 100 to 120 in 5.1 in a 2000 lb race car? The last FF roadster I rode in would destroy this 818. Even with 300 lbs of driver and passenger, the 330 hp roadster was way faster than this. Maybe the 3.8 to 60 time would be the same, but after that, no way.

What performance testing methods did you use on the 330 hp roadster you rode in?

[metalmaker12]

The 818 destroys the challenge car at the track, and I think some of these times are not correct, plus it was 40-50 degrees when tested and the tires area made for at least 60-70 degrees to
Hook up. I have asked FFR, and Dave said the 818 is much faster with the same hp and torque, and a much better track car. Don't get me wrong I am a huge roadster fan, and it is an awsome car etc, they just really engineered the 818 to be a fast little car.
Remember the 33, roadsters, and Daytona running 11's with like 400 -500 horse, well the 818 will do the same plus some, it is about power to weight and gearing , and the Subaru turbo engine produces the same torque as hp.

[DodgyTim]

I couldn't understand a couple of the numbers in the print version of the article, 0-60 was 3.8 sec but 5-60 was 4.6 sec, why is it so? Am I missing something obvious?

[longislandwrx]

I couldn't understand a couple of the numbers in the print version of the article, 0-60 was 3.8 sec but 5-60 was 4.6 sec, why is it so? Am I missing something obvious?

because racecar

[DodgyTim]

No worries, i googled it... 0-60 is dumping clutch, 5-60 is roll on with clutch out

[longislandwrx]

Yeah just messing around... figured it was a hard launch/launch control on boost. With warm pavement should be even faster.

[FFR-ADV]

Here is a link to the Author's Web Page with the R&T Article:

http://jackbaruth.com/?p=234

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Cheers!

[wleehendrick]

"a test of a car that rises, phoenix-like, from the ashes of crashed Subarus."

Great quote, but I hope nobody's inspired to paint a flaming chicken on the hood!

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[Turboguy]

Here is a link to the Author's Web Page with the R&T Article:

http://jackbaruth.com/?p=234

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Cheers!

Is that the entire review & article ?? I was anticipating it would be several pages plus...........

[bnr32jason]

No it's not the entire thing.

[rjh2pd]

Is that the entire review & article ?? I was anticipating it would be several pages plus...........
They are selling them at wal-mart now. first place I saw it. Go pick it up, its worth it

[flynntuna]

I have a subscription to several car mags Road & Track being one of them. Every month I see the new issue on the news stand weeks before I get it at home. Not sure who to be mad at , R&T or snail mail.LOL Thats my rant for the day. ahhh feel better now. By the way I read the article at the grocery store last week, FFR should enlarge the road test page to poster size and put it in their catalog for sale. I'd buy one.

[shinn497]

Is that the entire review & article ?? I was anticipating it would be several pages plus...........

The article is longer. I think it has an extra page.

[FFR-ADV]

Is that the entire review & article ?? I was anticipating it would be several pages plus...........

Hi Turboguy,

The author indicated on the webpage that there would be more pictures in the printed version but I cannot comment beyond that since I have not seen it yet. Does anyone know if there are new pictures which are not from the Factory Five website? Was there any more text?

Cheers!

[wleehendrick]

Hi Turboguy,
Does anyone know if there are new pictures which are not from the Factory Five website? Was there any more text?
Cheers!

The image is only that portion of the article on pages 72 & 73 from the magazine; the article starts on page 68. So, yeah, there's a lot more to read and see in the full print version!

[Turboguy]

Awesome - going to pick up a copy of R&T today!

[JAubin]

Looks like they posted the full article for anyone who hasn't picked up the mag yet. http://www.roadandtrack.com/features/magazine/features-magazine-features-some-assembly-required

[pondo]

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7iQ279AzDeDYjc4bnRaU3ZyTmM/edit?usp=sharing

Here's the entire issue in PDF format - I'll leave it available for a few days. :cool: The page below was left off the article as published online above.

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[Movieman]

Thanks guys ,,,Big hug! :D

[C.Plavan]

I want to know why the 818R is missing its front bumper....... And they try to hide it :) I also noticed a little bit of track dirt on the rockers...... There has to be a (funny) story!
http://www.roadandtrack.com/cm/roadandtrack/images/po/ROA070113FEA_KITCAR_4.R1.p1.jpg

[Wayne Presley]

I want to know why the 818R is missing its front bumper....... And they try to hide it :) I also noticed a little bit of track dirt on the rockers...... There has to be a (funny) story!
http://www.roadandtrack.com/cm/roadandtrack/images/po/ROA070113FEA_KITCAR_4.R1.p1.jpg

The editor/driver crashed the car in the second corner on cold tires

[Frank818]

Oh god...

[Kalstar]

Oh god...

Crashed after being warned that the tires were cold and (not) to get "on it" till after a warm up lap. The driver informed all that could hear that he was a pro driver and have handled much more powerful cars then a 4 cyl. 2 corners later he was in the tires.

[Frank818]

Crashed after being warned that the tires were cold and (not) to get "on it" till after a warm up lap. The driver informed all that could hear that he was a pro driver and have handled much more powerful cars then a 4 cyl. 2 corners later he was in the tires.

That wouldn't have happened if the driver would have been Kalstar. :)

[D K]

Crashed after being warned that the tires were cold and (not) to get "on it" till after a warm up lap. The driver informed all that could hear that he was a pro driver and have handled much more powerful cars then a 4 cyl. 2 corners later he was in the tires.

Who was the driver?

[Flamshackle]

hahaha! brilliant. the old pride before a fall trick aye!