Open house and design winners

[16g-95gsx]

Please post pictures and information that is announced here so that those of us who couldn't make it are able to quickly an easily find out. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will be trolling the board around 10am today :).

[Niburu]

I expect chassis photos no later than 10:02am today people

[thebeerbaron]

I can't upload photos directly from my camera to this website, but I can do youtube. If the network cooperates. I'll try to get a walk-around video asap. look under user "therealbeerbaron" over on YouTube.

[thebeerbaron]

Also trying to confirm twitpic will work. Look for "goslugs" over there.

[keys2heaven]

Did someone mention that there was going to be a live feed for the announcement, or did I just make that up?

[Niburu]

I can't upload photos directly from my camera to this website, but I can do youtube. If the network cooperates. I'll try to get a walk-around video asap. look under user "therealbeerbaron" over on YouTube.

bless you sir

[keys2heaven]

BeerBaron:

Did you travel by canoe/kayak to the open house? :) Just saw your test vid.

[keys2heaven]

Dave just posted a "What's New" item and the link to the design winners will be active at 10:00 a.m. eastern.

[thebeerbaron]

First pic is up on twitpic, let me know if you see it.

[keys2heaven]

Sent a follow request to you.

[Steve91T]

First pic is up on twitpic, let me know if you see it.

I don't see it, but maybe I'm doing something wrong. I searched "goslugs" and nothing came up.

Steve

[riptide motorsport]

guess us old folks are just going to have to wait till some of you youngin's post up some stuff here!!

[keys2heaven]

I think 'goslugs' is his twitter profile name. I had to send him a follow request.

[keys2heaven]

Try this link:

http://twitpic.com/photos/goslugs

[keys2heaven]

First pic:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/319201017.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1307801167&Signature=ceNVpJ38UDyCEpWj9EWEFeJegHg%3D

Second pic:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/319196561.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1307801218&Signature=EJwyzmL0dGo1yRYBvTd%2FSwM7rvo%3D

[keys2heaven]

T minus 7 minutes!!!

[Steve91T]

OK good, I was creating an account when I saw this. That link works. Thank you.

Steve

[keys2heaven]

T minus 2 minutes!!!!!

[keys2heaven]

Dave should be making the announcement now.

[Steve91T]

This is killing me!!!!

[keys2heaven]

I think I would switch 1st and 3rd. Xabier's looks better, in my opinion.

CONGRATS to all the winners!

[mikey likes it!]

And the Winner of the Robert Federsen Award is :?

[Olimk2]

Congrats to all the winners, lets see now the final result on the road...

[16g-95gsx]

I think I would switch 1st and 3rd. Xabier's looks better, in my opinion.

CONGRATS to all the winners!

I feel the same way, perhaps it's because the blurry concept art of the 1st design makes it hard for me too actually conceptualize it as a real car.

Edit- Although the more I look at the winner's car the more I seem to like it. It has good lines, and would be a very nice looking car. Not feeling the wheels on it at all, but it's just concept art. I still feel xabier's design looks more complete from a drawing standpoint.

[Steve91T]

I feel the same way, perhaps it's because the blurry concept art of the 1st design makes it hard for me too actually conceptualize it as a real car.

That's what I'm thinking. At first I was a little disappointed, but then I realized that it's probably just because it's a drawing, and not a really nice CAD like the others.

I'm anxious to see the FFR rendition of the winner. I'm still very excited though.

[thebeerbaron]

More pics in a minute. Short update from my thumbs: multiple bodies, future ideas include high mileage turbo diesel. Fuel tank under seats likely, mounting bars removable so a behind the seats tank from the 33 can fit (more money obv).

[Steve91T]

Interesting. The multiple body thing is really cool. Thanks for the updates. I'm looking forward to seeing your videos.

Steve

[Slaughter]

FYI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoKvVz0PmkI&feature=feedu ---- GJ all the winners! I cant wait!

[Reload]

Congrats to the winners!

It will be interesting to see what compromises are made to the winning design to build it for the target $9,900 price. It will also be interesting to see what it looks like when it is not in the exaggerated views that artists seem to always give to their drawings.

Personal thought: Waiting for the day when contestants are not allowed to put humongous unrealistic wheels with no travel clearance whatsoever. Learning my lesson that certain aspects of these contests always have the typical ID stereotypes. I had hoped that the Grass Roots Motorsports influence would make this competition more about buildable designs from an enthusiast perspective for $9900. Some of the winners are pretty, but they are not affordable, clearly exotic, and I don't think they would fit on the 818 chassis. I will be a little shocked if this is allowed to be posted.

[thebeerbaron]

Update from welding room, 818 to be combination of computer and hand welding, for those who are interested.

[HealeyRick]

Congrats to the winners!

It will be interesting to see what compromises are made to the winning design to build it for the target $9,900 price. It will also be interesting to see what it looks like when it is not in the exaggerated views that artists seem to always give to their drawings.

Personal thought: Waiting for the day when contestants are not allowed to put humongous unrealistic wheels with no travel clearance whatsoever. Learning my lesson that certain aspects of these contests always have the typical ID stereotypes. I had hoped that the Grass Roots Motorsports influence would make this competition more about buildable designs from an enthusiast perspective for $9900. Some of the winners are pretty, but they are not affordable, clearly exotic, and I don't think they would fit on the 818 chassis. I will be a little shocked if this is allowed to be posted.

You make some great points. I had hoped we'd get an idea of what the final design would look like today. While I really like the look of the winner, whatever the 818 ends up as, it won't be THAT car. Wheels and tires like that would cost about half the projected build cost. Visibility out the rear quarters and to the rear looks to be pretty restricted. Targa top wouldn't be possible with the dual rollbar setup. I think there are going to have to be some changes to this design to make it function well on the street and the compromises will change what it will end up looking like. I'm not sure there was ever a statement that the design winner would be the final design of the car. Perhaps we'll see something where the best elements of the submissions will be used as ideas for the car FFR produces.

[thebeerbaron]

Video uploaded.

[Steve91T]

Thank you for doing that for everyone who couldn't make it.

[keys2heaven]

Well, remember that FF may chose to use all of the winning design, part of it or none of it. Personally, I hope there are several body styles available. I would drive Xabier's and Rodney's (I LOVE the 'Cobra ate a Camaro' look) in a heartbeat. Dominic Agoro's roadster was pretty sweet as well.

Guess I can't say it enough that I've been a Xabier fan from day one. So glad he placed! And his track version is sweeeeeet.

My only concern with Nouphone's design is visibility out the back. Maybe it wouldn't be a concern, but that's one of the first things I notice as a potential driver.

I'm sure the judges had a tough time selecting.

[PrimeTime]

If there are body style options that Jeff Teague design has to be one. After seeing that one every other option just feels like it will be a disappointment.

[blueafro]

Beer Baron, thank you for the updates and the uploads.

[JRL]

Congrats to the winners!

It will be interesting to see what compromises are made to the winning design to build it for the target $9,900 price. It will also be interesting to see what it looks like when it is not in the exaggerated views that artists seem to always give to their drawings.

Personal thought: Waiting for the day when contestants are not allowed to put humongous unrealistic wheels with no travel clearance whatsoever. Learning my lesson that certain aspects of these contests always have the typical ID stereotypes. I had hoped that the Grass Roots Motorsports influence would make this competition more about buildable designs from an enthusiast perspective for $9900. Some of the winners are pretty, but they are not affordable, clearly exotic, and I don't think they would fit on the 818 chassis. I will be a little shocked if this is allowed to be posted.

I couldn't agree more. Conceptual sketches are fun to look at but a true design that is buildable is what I was hoping for. Cartoonish cars with huge wheels and rubber band tires - ugh. Hopefully FF can create something that is realistic.

[crackedcornish]

wow...now I'm kinda glad I didn't blow off a day of work to go to the open house...totally bummed at the majority of the judges choices :(

here's to hoping F5 does do the multiple body thing and xabier's, cayeya's, and scott bradford's design submissions are chosen as some of the optional bodies available

[thebeerbaron]

OK you vultures, here are the pictures from my phone. They're actually not as terrible as they might be, but they're not helped by the forum's small attachment-size limit.

If you haven't seen my pan-around video, it's here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aZTosB0Fn4). There's a 480p version available, if I get motivated later tonight I may see if my camera caught a higher resolution version. Dunno.

2272228022792278227722762275227422732281

I'm going to take at least a few hours off, there's a few tidbits I should probably share.

[RLHornbeck]

I agree first and third should be swapped, but congrates to all

[Oppenheimer]

I agree first and third should be swapped, but congrates to all

+1.

Also bummed ScottyB is MIA from the list...

[Ks2]

i cannot wait for the chassis/drivetrain to be finished so we can get some preliminary performance numbers... also (maybe it is just me) the front wheels look like they will rub the chassis with the wheel cut all the way over

[ScottKoschwitz]

I had a really good time at the open house yesterday. My wife and I traveled from coastal Connecticut, about a 4.5-hour roundtrip, and it was worth it.

First of all, I have to say my initial take on Factory Five -- that this is a solid company run by enthusiastic, good people making a quality product -- was reinforced yesterday. Factory Five literally opened their doors to everyone. Every employee that I spoke with was friendly and helpful. Dave Smith, who made the Type 818 presentation and conducted the factory tour himself, is clearly intelligent, well-spoken, forward-thinking, and passionate about what he does.

I spoke with a guy who ordered and built a Mk1 Roadster ten years ago. He still has it, and acknowledges that while the Mk1 is a good car, Factory Five has continued to improve it what the Mk4 is now today. He affirmed that Factory Five's customer service is excellent, and that a whole host of owners are out there to help as well. The owners are clearly passionate, judging by the turnout of essentially topless cars on a cold and wet day.

I would definitely do business with Factory Five. To put it bluntly, if they sold junk beginning in 1995, they still wouldn't be around today.

I am really looking forward to the 818. As an aside on its design, I think yesterday's weather demonstrated the need for some type of top for these cars.

[GUNS]

I'm a little underwhelmed, but I am going to hold judgement until I see the final product, especially the track version. I still fully intend on building one of these and I have faith that Factory Five won't let us down. Congrats to the winners!

[edluv1]

For some reason, i thought it was going to be double wishbone all aroud, but I think I misread this:

The suspension is a double A-arm/multilink with Koni coil-overs on all corners

Also, is that a manual rack in front?

[2KWIK4U]

I agree first and third should be swapped, but congrates to all

I don't agree, while both are excellent designs I like the first place one better. Out of 700+ entries I saw several that I would have been happy to build, including the three winners. Congrats to all.

[spaceywilly]

here are some pictures I took. Sorry the quality is not great. I was only able to spend about 15 minutes at the Open House so I had to rush through to make sure I had enough time to get some hot dogs :)

http://hphotos-ash4.fbcdn.net/257484_977141488479_1815197_47159231_4803036_o.jpg

http://hphotos-ash4.fbcdn.net/258809_977142072309_1815197_47159234_2770679_o.jpg

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/257465_977143379689_1815197_47159248_5869685_o.jpg
http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/258390_977143848749_1815197_47159250_2545047_o.jpg
http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/257858_977141159139_1815197_47159228_1730758_o.jpg

I thought the chassis looked great, can't wait to see the finished product.

[subyrod]

So, what size tires are those? I think those are either the 17x8 or the 18x8 Enkei wheels with about a +45-50mm offset. You can find lower offset wheels to push those out plus wider wheels too. Probably a 225/45/17 or 245/40/17 tire or 225/40/18 tire. Just guessing.

[AVIONX]

I think I would switch 1st and 3rd. Xabier's looks better, in my opinion.

CONGRATS to all the winners!
Keys,
Don't hate :) They have no choice. Look at the doors on Xavier, then look at the doors on the 1st place finisher. Looks like they would either have to redesign the entire frame
or not pick Xabiers. They're both cool, and with the frame where it is in the door areas, I think it had to be something which would look proper with much higher, smaller doors.

[Jeff Collins]

Great job beerbaron and spacywily, thanks for all the work to help get the word out. I was out in the parking lot, sorry I didn't get top meet you guys.

[keys2heaven]

Keys,
Don't hate :) They have no choice. Look at the doors on Xavier, then look at the doors on the 1st place finisher. Looks like they would either have to redesign the entire frame
or not pick Xabiers. They're both cool, and with the frame where it is in the door areas, I think it had to be something which would look proper with much higher, smaller doors.

Who say's I'm hating. :)

Xabier's concept has been a favorite since it was first presented. Not just my opinion. Plus, Dave has indicated how much he loves Xabier's track version. What I'll reiterate is that a winning design does not mean that this is what the final body, er...bodies will look like). ALL will need to be tweaked refined to make the most of the chassis, driver comfort, etc.

[Cooluser23]

OK you vultures, here are the pictures from my phone. They're actually not as terrible as they might be, but they're not helped by the forum's small attachment-size limit.

If you haven't seen my pan-around video, it's here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aZTosB0Fn4). There's a 480p version available, if I get motivated later tonight I may see if my camera caught a higher resolution version. Dunno.

2272228022792278227722762275227422732281

I'm going to take at least a few hours off, there's a few tidbits I should probably share.

Thanks beerbaron for posting the pics. Now I can't wait for suspension geeks to dissect this suspension design and tell us more about it, and what it will do for handling, etc.
Why for instance is the upper A-arm mounted so high? I'm assuming that's a good thing, but why is that?

[subyrod]

Dave or FFR crew, what size wheels/tires is the 818 gokart running?