Boredom and Photoshop

[FinishlineWRX]

Ok, so first, the Xabier body is one of my favorite of them all. And I mean no harm to his design.
I was just curious to how a hard top version would look with his body. IE If FF happened to offer a bolt on hard top for the 818 like the honda s2000 has.

And i suck at photoshop so here it is.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/Extremepsi/hardtopblue-1.jpg

To Lotus ish??

[kach22i]

Interesting study, for some reason the flavor seems to impart more BMW Z4 coupe than Lotus Exige.

A study of the study.
http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/Blue-Coupe-ffr-818-side.jpg

[D2W]

If you're bored, I'd like to see Xabiers design with just a hard targa top attached to his original targa bar.

[riptide motorsport]

me too.

[shinn497]

Too high, although I believe you acctached a hood scoop.

[shim2]

Looks nice but I don't like the roof scoop.

[FinishlineWRX]

Less roof scoop. Ill do a targa in a little while.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/Extremepsi/hardtopblue.jpg

[Jeff Kleiner]

To Lotus ish??

I don't think it looks "Lotus-ish", but if it did that would not be a bad thing ;)

Jeff

[FFR-ADV]

What do you think of using Vman's Vantage Targa on the FFR body design for the future Targa model? It was striking how many lines from the FFR design overlay Vmans design, even on the roadster version.

IMHO it would look great, particularly if the rear side vents were tweaked just slightly to be more like those on the Vantage, complimenting the upper intakes as shown in his guidelines slide.

9811

9813

Hi Kach,

Would you consider doing a perspective line drawing of this concept, similar to your excellent drawing of Vman's Vantage?

9812

I also hope there will be a simple path to add the Targa to the initial released car.

Cheers!

[shim2]

You guys think it FF would make it possible to buy a targa body(or hardtop) and put it on the convert chassis? Whenever they do release one.

[VTX]

Looks cool. I like it!

[shinn497]

Hmmmm STill not feeling the fastback...makes it look too bulky.

[Funky]

Really liking this design... I for one WOULD buy this design...

The top even looks aerodynamically sound

[RM1SepEx]

One of my favorite designs too...

[First5.0]

Hmmmm STill not feeling the fastback...makes it look too bulky.

Agree. I'd give it more hips and give it a little more rear deck thereby taking away the fastback-ish look.

[Nuul]

Less roof scoop. Ill do a targa in a little while.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/Extremepsi/hardtopblue.jpg

Love it. If that's what we get for the 818-R or 818 coupe then count me in.

[Flamshackle]

Less roof scoop. Ill do a targa in a little while.
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w265/Extremepsi/hardtopblue.jpg

Love! This looks sweet! Rodney's is my dream but this one would be nice :~) at this stage though I just want to see a go cart carting! Haha!

[kach22i]

Hi Kach,

Would you consider doing a perspective line drawing of this concept, similar to your excellent drawing of Vman's Vantage?
I might normally, but I'm busy with some other things right now. I do like Vmans better, and Rodney O's, and X's better, but the composite you put together sure is interesting (in a good way).

[FFR-ADV]

Thanks Kach,

I understand. Life has a way of getting very busy at times.

I created this as a study of the Vman / FFR Targa Composite with a more steep roll off lined up to be tangent to the rear wheel well.

9826

Vman,

I hope you are not insulted by me messing with your design elements. I am sure you could merge these designs much more artfully than I have. I am just throwing some ideas out there for the eventual Targa / Coupe design. I expect that there will be a desire to change as few features from the released design on the eventual design.

Cheers!

[riptide motorsport]

targa,................. targa,...................... targa

[Vman7]

9826

Vman,

I hope you are not insulted by me messing with your design elements. I am sure you could merge these designs much more artfully than I have. I am just throwing some ideas out there for the eventual Targa / Coupe design. I expect that there will be a desire to change as few features from the released design on the eventual design.

Cheers!

No problem, have at it :)

I might play around with the new design, if that is the new design. I would rather see what FFR comes up with first, then maybe play around with the design some.

Still would like to see the Vantage as a future design for the 818 as a coupe/targa choice or at least the rear on one of FFR's future designs.

[FFR-ADV]

Hi Vman,

Glad to hear from you! :)

Dave seems to be indicating that the design shown in the Subifest that the body shown is indicative of what they are tooling up for production right now.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?6105-818-Update-and-Subi-Fest-Tomorrow

But he is still may be holding something back since he also said "I may publish full dimensionally accurate CAD file photos of the final body shape that will serve as the first 818 version"

There still apears to be time to influence the 818 Targa design, but my instinct is that FFR will want to minimize changes to the base design

I was using pretty crude cut/paste and MS Paint to do these studies. There is something off on the flat-ish rear deck that resulted from my attempt of the shortened Targa cross bar. I still prefer the version which is closer to your original intent with the longer sweep back. I was supprised by how many lines seemed to line up with yours when I overlayed them. I would love to see you apply your special touch to Factory Five's most recent body revelations.

9833

Cheers!

[NonProfit]

I was using pretty crude cut/paste and MS Paint to do these studies.
Check out http://www.gimp.org/. It takes a little getting used to, but it offers a lot of Photoshop-like functionality for an open source price (free). Look to the footer for download links for Unix, Windows & Mac OS X.

[dbjr63]

i like this better than anything i have seen. i approve

[xabier]

Hi guys!
Long time since I last wrote something, I saw this entry and I have to say it looks nice **********WRX ;)
For the targa top, I have to say I already did one for the contest entry, although I think it wasn´t published anywhere, so I will attach the image here for you to see what I did ;), it´s just a simple panel that was added.

9838

[NonProfit]

I have to say I already did one for the contest entry, although I think it wasn´t published anywhere, so I will attach the image here for you to see what I did ;), it´s just a simple panel that was added.

Dear FFR, please sell me buy a box of parts to make that!

WOW!

[riptide motorsport]

Xabier...its perfect, no changes needed.

[kach22i]

Just doing some comparisons to see how X's design holds up.

http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/Overlay-Sideview-rojotecho.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/GRID-x-Boxster.jpg

[NonProfit]

Just doing some to see how X's design holds up.

Cool study kach22i!

I think Xabier's design runs with the best. Audi R8, Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari 599 GTB, Ford GT40, Gumpert Apollo, Koenigsegg CCX, Lamborghini Miura, Lotus Elise, Maserati Bora, McLaren F1, Noble M15, Pagani Zonda, Porsche Carrera GT, Saleen S7 are my favorites. Care to create more comparisons?

[shim2]

I think Xabier's design is the best overall design i've seen. First place in the contest was nice, but imo it's too concept-ish. Xabier's design is exotic yet looks producible. It's perfect if you ask me. I honestly don't understand(unless it's a cost issue) why they wouldn't go with that design.

[xabier]

Thank you very much for your kind words guys, I really appreciate them ;) I really enjoyed the design of this car, it is as if it was a part of me, a bit of my soul, I really love it, but at the same time, as time goes by, I see some details I would like to retouch... you know, that constant improvement desire..
Now that I am learning a bit of 3D modelling, I am planning to make a 3D model of my design, improving some aspects ( such as the TOO big mouth.. hahah) so, I will try and make something, but it will be my first model so... don´t expect too much... ;)
Again, thanks a lot for giving your words!

[Funky]

Xabier, if there is any way this design could be put into production, I have a feeling it will be a massive success...

[D2W]

Love it with the Targa top in place. Simple, could even be a soft stowable item. How I wish this is what FFR would produce, unfortunatley I don't think its what we will be offered:(

[shim2]

Xabier, if there is any way this design could be put into production, I have a feeling it will be a massive success...

Let's hope they read the forums and do just that. I know I'll be one of the first ones buying it. First time I seen his 818-R design on Factory Fives's website(not sure why they have it there if they aren't going to model it just like that) I knew I had to have one. Then I seen the substrate, I was crushed haha.

[Oppenheimer]

Funny how things go in and out of style so quickly. At one time Xabier was the talk of the forum. Then along came Rodney O's retouches, and the forum exploded with talk like Rodney or nothing. Now that the Rodney thread has died down, people are reacting to the Xabier as if they are seeing it for the first time.

The Xabier has always been my number 1 favorite. Can't wait to see it in 3D with Xabiers mods!

[shinn497]

Opp

I find it interesting how often this forum gets new members that are oblivious to previous activities and trends (me included at one point). I've noticed these people gravitate towards xabier over rodney/Vantage/Whetstone. Of course this is due to xabier being an official winner and searchable on places outside of this forum.

I've always been in the rodney camp (even his original) but I believe the production body won't be it....or xabiers. I still say it will be another amalgamation....

[FFR-ADV]

Check out http://www.gimp.org/. It takes a little getting used to, but it offers a lot of Photoshop-like functionality for an open source price (free). Look to the footer for download links for Unix, Windows & Mac OS X.

Thank you for the link NonProfit!

This thread is brimming with talent. Please keep posting ideas everyone.

Cheers!

[RM1SepEx]

Love it with the Targa top in place. Simple, could even be a soft stowable item. How I wish this is what FFR would produce, unfortunatley I don't think its what we will be offered:(

see the sube fest thread, some good discussion re targa top there too...

[Silvertop]

Love it with the Targa top in place. Simple, could even be a soft stowable item. How I wish this is what FFR would produce, unfortunatley I don't think its what we will be offered:(

Based on a number of tidbits offered by Dave Smith throughout this forum over the last few months, along with a couple of very innocent comments made by my tour guide when I visited Factory Five back in March, I believe the following:

1) While the shape that has been selected for first launch as the Roadster in late 2012 or early 2013 will not be precisely any of those that we have seen, the final shape will probably be BASED on the Xabier design, but without the gaping open "catfish" mouth that some found distasteful.

2) It is likely that a Targa Top will be offered for it, though not at first. This has been suggested by Dave Smith as a strong possibility. Which indicates that the final shape will probably have an integrated hoop (like Xabier's) built into the the body suitable for attaching a Targa Top and would also make engineering the ragtop a relatively easy proposition.

3) It WILL have a soft top available at launch (We actually KNOW that, because Dave Smith has said so) regardless of the final shape of launch #1.

Of course, my saying the above does not make it so. But I will be surprised if the final shape doesn't scream Xabier, and that the Targa Top does not become an eventual reality. Just my humble opinion. That and three bucks will net you a cup of coffee at Starbuck's.

[Smitty911]

Hi guys!
Long time since I last wrote something, I saw this entry and I have to say it looks nice **********WRX ;)
For the targa top, I have to say I already did one for the contest entry, although I think it wasn´t published anywhere, so I will attach the image here for you to see what I did ;), it´s just a simple panel that was added.

9838


When I first started watching the contest your design hit home with me. I still like it and the top still works for the car. Awesome design. Thanks for posting the additional image.

Smitty

[kach22i]

This should help to see some of the similarities.
http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/OVERLAY-rojotecho.jpg

[Xusia]

That's pretty close...

[Silvertop]

Yes. I don't think there's much doubt that Jim's design borrowed components from Xabier's. That seemed apparent even in the original 3D 1/4 scale model. But Kach's overlay demonstrates how close it really is. Nice exercise.

I think the Targa-compatible hoop that is missing from Jim's design but is present in Xabier's will reappear on the production design. Assuming, of course, that the production design looks anything like either of them.........

[kach22i]

I just noticed something else.
http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x295/kach22i/Automobile%202%20-%20Odds%20and%20Ends/OVERLAY-targa-bar.jpg

[D2W]

Interesting, it appears that they are trying to morph Jim's design into Xabier's. I like the curves in X's more than the flatness of Jims but that could have a lot to do with manufacturability. I also like X's side detail better. Last I hope they get rid of the humps and go with the targa, I never really liked the humps in between the targa bar on X's car either. I would rather see the targa bar with a longer flying buttress (like a 70 corvette).

[riptide motorsport]

thats interesting

[RM1SepEx]

Jim's design had the production influences/constraints that Xabier didn't even know about/consider

I believe that we will see influences of the design entries aending in a new, original F5 design.

They WILL get it right, hopefully w/o the Camry headlights, that are many other ones out there... ;-)

I'm ready, donor arrival updated today, 5/28/12

[FinishlineWRX]

Hi guys!
Long time since I last wrote something, I saw this entry and I have to say it looks nice **********WRX ;)
For the targa top, I have to say I already did one for the contest entry, although I think it wasn´t published anywhere, so I will attach the image here for you to see what I did ;), it´s just a simple panel that was added.

9838


Thanks Xabier,
I hope I didnt offend you by playing with your design. Like I said in the op I just like this design and wanted to see a hardtop version.

I really like the targa design you attached and I'm looking forward to seeing what revisions you come up with in a 3d model.


Filling out my registration for sema again this year. Might be better than last year for one reason.....Cant wait to see the final unveiling.

[Oppenheimer]

Interesting, it appears that they are trying to morph Jim's design into Xabier's. I like the curves in X's more than...

X, I like that. The 818X. If they eventually build the Xabier design, that would be a good name to use to distinguish it.

[Silvertop]

X, I like that. The 818X. If they eventually build the Xabier design, that would be a good name to use to distinguish it.

Must agree with that! Especially considering that young Xabier's $500 Third Place contest finish didn't exactly make him rich......

[csdilligaf]

I like the direction the 818 is going and I lean towards Xaivers version for sure. It reminds me of the new Porsche 918 in styling. The 918 has a little more length behind the door and seems to give a lower appearance.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j7/csdilligaf/porsche-918-spyer-pr-large07.jpg

[07FIREBLADE]

The humps in the model should cover the roll bar and none of it should be exposed. Like in the Porsche 918 Spyder which is depicted above. At least when i get my 818 i will be covering the exposed roll bar if its not covered with a targa bar in the roadster form.

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/07/918-hybrid-supercar/

[FFR-ADV]

Very Interesting....

Notice how much of the latest FFR roadster design overlays Vman's Vantage design?

9889

I personally prefer the Targa version.

Cheers!

[07FIREBLADE]

Hopefully the humps if they decide to go with them will be a little higher and more shaped like the ones of the Porsche Spyder 918 that is shown above those are sick looking. And also if they add in some vents into the hump that would also help with dissipating engine bay heat....

[shim2]

Very Interesting....

Notice how much of the latest FFR roadster design overlays Vman's Vantage design?

9889


I personally prefer the Targa version.

Cheers!

I think most of us here would prefer a targa instead of convert.

[kach22i]

Notice how much of the latest FFR roadster design overlays Vman's Vantage design?!
Several months ago I did similar studies with a bunch of the favorite entries. The conclusion some made was they were similar because they all fit the same template. I think there was a little more to it than that, but it's hard to argue with such a obvious and pointed fact.

[D2W]

Several months ago I did similar studies with a bunch of the favorite entries. The conclusion some made was they were similar because they all fit the same template. I think there was a little more to it than that, but it's hard to argue with such a obvious and pointed fact.

Maybe, but we all know there are always different ways to skin a cat. Besides who is better than FFR at replicating someone elses design, its what their success is built on.

[kach22i]

Maybe, but we all know there are always different ways to skin a cat. Besides who is better than FFR at replicating someone elses design, its what their success is built on.
Actually, if you read Mark's (Smyth Performance) Facebook page it was using a single donor (Ford Mustang) to build their Cobra replica which made FFR the success.

[D2W]

Actually, if you read Mark's (Smyth Performance) Facebook page it was using a single donor (Ford Mustang) to build their Cobra replica which made FFR the success.

The cost savings of using a single donor is what differentiated them from every other replica manufacturer, and of course was a big part of their success. My point was that if they hadn't done a good job replicating the bodies nobody would have cared about the cars underneath.

[kach22i]

The cost savings of using a single donor is what differentiated them from every other replica manufacturer, and of course was a big part of their success. My point was that if they hadn't done a good job replicating the bodies nobody would have cared about the cars underneath.
I agree, you have to hit all the targets; costs, ease of construction (includes single donor sourcing), and a body style people want.

[Tyson]

I wonder if we will have the option to order the kit without a body? My tentative plan would be to build one to somewhat replicate a combo of the Caterham 300r and Radical SR3sl.

Who needs doors, roof or a windshield? Not this guy :-)

[kach22i]

I wonder if we will have the option to order the kit without a body? My tentative plan would be to build one to somewhat replicate a combo of the Caterham 300r and Radical SR3sl.

Who needs doors, roof or a windshield? Not this guy :-)
That's what I was hoping for, and got the impression would be possible. This is why I started the custom body (means and methods) thread a while back.

Knowing myself, as much as I'd love to scoot around in a car body of my own design, the exposed chassis go-kart might be too much of a hoot to drive "as is" to warrant the effort of covering it up.