We want some pictures...

[csx2000]

Without pictures it doesn't exist. I know trhere are some posted elsewhere but it needs to exist here... this is going to be the official home I would think.

[Doc_FFR]

http://img52.imageshack.us/i/wrxf.png/
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/8747/wrxf.png (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/wrxf.png/)
This is all we have right now. There will be some sort of competition to determine the final body style.
http://www.factoryfive.com/whatsnew/update/5ffrsurprises/announcement.html

[keys2heaven]

If it looks like this, then count me in! Removable top?

[JBert]

If it looks like this, then count me in! Removable top?

Sounds like it! No paint, gel coat pannels!

[NicksPapaw]

There MUST be some frame pictures. Come on Dave, we are family.

[sn8kboy]

Looks a lot like the Attack Honda based kit fron that drawing

[D2W]

Looks a lot like the Attack Honda based kit fron that drawing

I agree, and if it looks anything like the drawing with a good top I'm in.
DP

[Doc_FFR]

Sadly, the Smyth G3R sketches looked really good too. It didn't turn out all that well.

We'll see what happens with this one though. I have more faith in FFR.

[agepag]

What about the green exo skeleton car thats floating all over the net, is that factory fives or is that someone else's design. I thought we would get abit more information from Moochfest. This is really exciting news!!!

[Doc_FFR]

Looks a lot like the Attack Honda based kit fron that drawing

Hope so.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3526/k1attackr22.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/k1attackr22.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[agepag]

If it looks like that and comes in under $10,000 I will take 2

[steno]

Sadly, the Smyth G3R sketches looked really good too. It didn't turn out all that well.

We'll see what happens with this one though. I have more faith in FFR.

When everyone was doing photoshop images of the "green" car, I thopught it looked great! Now...it looks like a kit car from the 70's. Sorry Mark...cool idea...poor execution

[G_Hodgkins]

Remember: this is a starting sketch idea, the will be a competition to see who comes up with the best idea.... it will get better

[NC Jim]

Wow, if it turns out anything close to the picture I will have to have one.
Jim.

[forced4]

Definitely interested. Already have the WRX donor, I mean daily driver.

[WRX Wizard]

Definitely interested. Already have the WRX donor, I mean daily driver.
I could never chop up my dear WRX(and don't tell it I was even thinking about it). But it would be a small price to pay to beat the RX8s and Civics at autocross(well, at least better time as I would no longer be classed w/ them).
Mark

[Mike N]

When everyone was doing photoshop images of the "green" car, I thopught it looked great! Now...it looks like a kit car from the 70's. Sorry Mark...cool idea...poor execution

Steno.

Having visited Marks shop today I have to say that the styling of the car looks a whole lot better in person. I'm sure tweaks will be made but the fundamental shape is fixed. I was also very impressed with how well the stock Jetta dash works in the car even lowered 4 inches there is still plenty of room for your legs and with the Neon windshield and the lowered dash the frontal visibility is very very good.

I'm sure the Betas will be better and the production version better still. For a car that you can drive everyday this one will be hard to beat. Factory refinement at a lighter weight with unique styling.

[michael everson]

Love the look of that K-1 Attack. Built one of there other kits years ago. Always wanted the Attack though.

[Rob J]

What ever it ends up looking like, I think the concept of not needing to be painted would be a HUGE marketing tool. I spent close to 10g's on the paint on my MKIII. It would be nice to build something cool where you won't have to worry about that part.

[Dan Babb]

I really thought we'd at least see a rolling chassis today. Did anyone at moochfest get to see one?

Bit lame with the announcement without having hardware to show off.

[Rob J]

I really thought we'd at least see a rolling chassis today. Did anyone at moochfest get to see one?

Bit lame with the announcement without having hardware to show off.

true that...

[Sergio]

I almost ordered and built a K1 Attack when they first came out, in fact I was one of the first members of the Attack forums, but they were rather expensive.

If FFR makes a kit using a Subaru engine I am all in for one (depending on the looks, if it looks like an Attack then better), I have taken apart a couple of EJ25 engines and am very familiar with it now.

I better start saving !

[UpstateCobraGuy]

I'm still hoping the Lancia Stratos theme will win out, I already have one unpractical roadster in my garage, don't need two!!!!!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NCTKUEHu-jQ/Rzses_IjgKI/AAAAAAAAC-I/Sgoc3wDMSso/Lancia+Stratos+Turbo+Gr.+5,.jpg

Guess I'm old school rice....

Pat

[Dave Smith]

The details came out on the car in Automobile and so it accelerated our release, but we weren't ready to show the chassis. we had a cool CAD animation of the chassis/running gear but Jim wanted to keep some aspects still under wraps. I knew I wouldnt make it thru moochfest saying nothing! I know you guys wanted to see the chassis, but we'll have the base dimensions out soon enough for the design competition. I LOVE the K1 attack in shape and concept, but it was heavier than they claimed and didn't perform well when we ran next to one at Bondurants in Arizona for the original GTM test. The Stratos is one of my first automotive loves. Time for bed. Big first day.

Dave Smith
FFR001

[D2W]

Dave I implore you to be more open about your design than FFR has been in the past. You don't have to share everything but in this age of "information" getting your next customers excited early in the game could pay huge dividends down the road.
DP

[UpstateCobraGuy]

http://www.wallcoo.net/car/CRWPitman_Craig_Pitman/wallpapers/1024x768/1974_Lancia_Stratos.jpg

Maybe I should have said Old School Spaghetti....

[NicksPapaw]

OK Dave, it's a new day! Where are the pics?? :)

[Steven K]

What does a WRX drive train cost and how is the availability? It seems to me that they aren't that many out there, but I am not a Subaru expert.

[Geoff H]

Hi Dave. It sounds like FFR has done their homework already with this donor (2wd), but is there an option of using the AWD system? I own an Impreza, and one of its most impressive features is that system. The car handles great and just bites into the pavement coming out of corners. I can only imagine the power train in a lighter car.

Just thought I would ask.

Geoff

[PhyrraM]

There are more than enough WRXs out there to support this kit at reasonable prices for many, many years.

Also, depending on how much of the donor car is used, the likelyhood of using almost any Subaru from '90ish to '07ish is very great. There are even H6 motors (3.0, 3.3, and 3.6) that use the same bellhousing and mounting as the WRX 4cyl. WRX STIs even came with Brembo brake that, while likely overkill @ 1800lbs, can be utilized.

Because the RWD output of the trans is now pointed out the back of the car when the drivetrain is made mid-engined, I would find it very unlikely to see an AWD option.

[legacy_y_tu]

Brand new 2.5L shortblock runs 2K. http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=216335&chapter=&sectionids=10,0&groupid=61675&make=32&model=Impreza&year=2007&catalogid=1&displayCatalogid=0
Figure another 3K for a tranny.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

I'll put my styling vote in for something - hopefully - modern/aggressive/Attack-like. While the Stratos was a beautiful car for it's time, it is......well.....dated. If you're going to start from scratch on a new kit, why not make it modern instead of another '60's kit/knock-off. IMO, the pencil sketch in post #2, the front reminds me of the Mazda Furai:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/vacextar/112_0712_07zmazda_furai_conceptfront_view.jpg

No complaints! I hope you keep in that direction.

[jcoll55]

Hey Dave, I do like the Idea of a completely new design. I love the replicas of all FFR's from the 60's styled car also. But there is a fine line in the kit car world of a perfect design and something that look goofy at best. That being said I think FFR can pull this off better then any one, The GTM design is amazing you would never know it was a kit and not a production super car. The one thing I think you should consider would be instead of a roaster, make a targa style top then you can still have the removable top and still satisfy the guys like me who like coupes. plus the safty of a rear roll bar hidden under the back part of the roof is always a plus. any way can't wait to see what you come up with.

[Motorhead]

Hope so.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3526/k1attackr22.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/k1attackr22.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

That would be pretty cool. The car is really small but it looks good.

[Sergio]

I have always like the design of the Attack, here's a picture of one with the Top on:
http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs32/i/2008/224/f/4/k1_attack_racing_by_Ivco.jpg

[Benji]

Please oh please the K1 Attack design, just with the Renovatio front end:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/4236922597_96b013a8f3.jpg

And a better rear end which I can picture in my head, I just can't put it on 'paper' :(

[Brad]

Holy crap, never seen it with the top on. So awesome looking.

Do we really need a body design contest? Let's just decide to use an Attack based body, and be done with it.

[Sergio]

http://automanas.lt/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Lenktyninis-bolidas-K-1-Attack-Racecar-automanas23.jpg

http://automanas.lt/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Lenktyninis-bolidas-K-1-Attack-Racecar-automanas24.jpg

[Doc_FFR]

Dave I implore you to be more open about your design than FFR has been in the past. You don't have to share everything but in this age of "information" getting your next customers excited early in the game could pay huge dividends down the road.
DP

Yeah, I might be in the minority here but I think this is a bad idea. Having 1,000 people excited is great. Problem is everyone with an internet connection is going to want to have their "say-so". Building something by consensus is a quick way to get frustrated, make people angry, and end up with poor product.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Yeah, I might be in the minority here but I think this is a bad idea. Having 1,000 people excited is great. Problem is everyone with an internet connection is going to want to have their "say-so". Building something by consensus is a quick way to get frustrated, make people angry, and end up with poor product.

I think its a great idea...much better than designing it and finding out everyone thinks its hideous after its already in production. I'm thinking I would have built 7 fewer GTMs had they not listened to the public and put the duck's butt into production.

[RayDoc]

I hadn't seen the Attack K1 until this weekend. Really great lines/proportions. Hoping that the final design is something similar as a light mid-engine RWD with that sweet boxer motor from Subaru could be a real blast.

[Imp]

If I were going to pen something, it's be starting with something like this:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3531/4541/21327270026_large.jpg

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/i/CA/news/editorial/autosportshow/prodrive_p2_3_800x600.jpg

That's the Prodrive P2 concept using almost a complete STi drivetrain. Take out the need for the AWD system, or a top, slope the rear to front a bit more, re-design the front end... couple other things... this is the car Prodrive really should have made.

--kC

[Olli]

If it looks anything like the K1, then I want one. I've already built a 1900lb car that had an Sti engine in the back. It is fun,fun,fun.

Olli

[legacy_y_tu]

Make it look similar to the K1 and I'd be hard pressed to NOT start one of these kits! :eek: Love the Boxer engine and driveline choice too. Please design around Subaru's turbo 2.0 or 2.5L engines.

[Benji]

The P2 is nice, some compared the Murtaya Coupe concept to the P2.... both are concepts only, both use the subaru drivetrain :D

[bauhaus]

I really hope it doesn't look like the k-1 attack. That design is already looking dated and has too many holes - also the proportions are strange with the windshield placement.
A Lancia look, mini GTM or Porsche 908 look would be cool.

[Dave Smith]

re: crowd sourcing. I am really between the two. I think the opinions of people who have bought and built cars is truly invaluable. The knowing that comes from building, the understanding of fitment, simplicity of design, running gear, features... all magnify when you've built your own car. Then again there can be an effect where you try to be everything to everybody... minvans and hondas are better at that than anything, and thats not bad, but thats not why you build a great car.

I think March 1 body design competiton will open alot of peoples eyes. The talent we have in the FFR community (which IS experienced and deep) is amazing! We'll go forward with a bit of both approaches.

Dave Smith

[Doc_FFR]

I think its a great idea...much better than designing it and finding out everyone thinks its hideous after its already in production. I'm thinking I would have built 7 fewer GTMs had they not listened to the public and put the duck's butt into production.I see where you're coming from, but you're not the "people" I'm referring to. Getting valuable customer information is different than polling the mob. A quick look at the open design discussion will show a dozen different ideas from daily driver, to coupe, to truck! No way to satisfy us all, and now we're all rilled up and empowered! :)
I think your example is the perfect way to go about getting feedback. Get a few great minds together and put together what you think is best, but still be humble enough to listen to some other really smart people who are also your customers.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Luckily, I think the guys at FFR already have a good idea of the direction they want to take this.....and suggestions from the general public that are way off of FFR's target will be politely ignored.

I think (hope) that the goal of all of this is for FFR to use a coarse filter here to sift out the good/great suggestion from those that are off their target and use the positive stuff to their advantage. Reading thru all of these posts and treads, I see some very clear and repeating trends in what these guys want. The goal may not be to just do what the majority says, but to take into account what the majority wants as long as those wants hit FFR's target.

[D2W]

Luckily, I think the guys at FFR already have a good idea of the direction they want to take this.....and suggestions from the general public that are way off of FFR's target will be politely ignored.

I think (hope) that the goal of all of this is for FFR to use a coarse filter here to sift out the good/great suggestion from those that are off their target and use the positive stuff to their advantage. Reading thru all of these posts and treads, I see some very clear and repeating trends in what these guys want. The goal may not be to just do what the majority says, but to take into account what the majority wants as long as those wants hit FFR's target.

Well said Shane, I think feedback is important and the guys at ffr only need to stick to their design goals and keep an open ear. They will never please everybody, nor should they try, but they may find something good along the way.
DP

[Olli]

Use a windsheild from an existing production car. This gives; availablity and the all important DOT compliance. All lighting needs to have the SAE #s on them. So a design contest is a very cool idea but there needs to be some criteria to use existing production lighting. Again, availability and DOT compliance. Windsheild wipers. (most States and especially if export is being considered will require them). The option to retain the catalytic convertor. Design 2 exhaust systems one with the OEM cat, one without. Most states will require one to pass title inspection if their emissions are based on the year of the block. From what I've read Europeans certainly will need cat(s).

It is great fun to get all excited about cool shapes and looks but you also must take DOT, DMV compliance into consideration. Or it won't be a "world" road car, it will just be a track car. I know that some states don't have any inspections to get a title but most do.

Olli

[Arrowhead]

Use a windsheild from an existing production car. This gives; availablity and the all important DOT compliance. All lighting needs to have the SAE #s on them. So a design contest is a very cool idea but there needs to be some criteria to use existing production lighting. Again, availability and DOT compliance. Windsheild wipers. (most States and especially if export is being considered will require them). The option to retain the catalytic convertor. Design 2 exhaust systems one with the OEM cat, one without. Most states will require one to pass title inspection if their emissions are based on the year of the block. From what I've read Europeans certainly will need cat(s).

It is great fun to get all excited about cool shapes and looks but you also must take DOT, DMV compliance into consideration. Or it won't be a "world" road car, it will just be a track car. I know that some states don't have any inspections to get a title but most do.

Olli

Olli brings up a lot of great points. To keep the cost down the base kit should incorporate as much of a donor as possible like headlights and tail lights, exterior mirrors, etc. Take the windshield and rake it back a bit so it will be a stock replacement if needed. I'm sure FFR has already taken that into consideration, but maybe that should be part of the design criteria for people that are going to submit body designs.

[Johnny Suede]

I am excited! I understand that the body is still in progress. I was hoping to get some (rough) specs on what donor parts are retained, maybe some chassis specs? Will it have the inboard springs like the 33?

[keys2heaven]

Olli brings up a lot of great points. To keep the cost down the base kit should incorporate as much of a donor as possible like headlights and tail lights, exterior mirrors, etc. Take the windshield and rake it back a bit so it will be a stock replacement if needed. I'm sure FFR has already taken that into consideration, but maybe that should be part of the design criteria for people that are going to submit body designs.

+1

I seen this a few times in other posts. As a prospective builder, having the ability to purchase stock replacement parts for these items is key.

[Johnny Suede]

Olli brings up a lot of great points. To keep the cost down the base kit should incorporate as much of a donor as possible like headlights and tail lights, exterior mirrors, etc. Take the windshield and rake it back a bit so it will be a stock replacement if needed. I'm sure FFR has already taken that into consideration, but maybe that should be part of the design criteria for people that are going to submit body designs.

Man, I'm kinda torn on this one. I would hate for ffr to design the car around a windshield or headlight. While it keeps the cost down, I think it would make the car look like a "kit". At any rate I'm excited to see what they come up with.

[keys2heaven]

Man, I'm kinda torn on this one. I would hate for ffr to design the car around a windshield or headlight. While it keeps the cost down, I think it would make the car look like a "kit". At any rate I'm excited to see what they come up with.

There's a difference between designing around something and incorporating something into a design. I'm sure we'll know a lot more come March 1.

[BrandonDrums]

Olli brings up a lot of great points. To keep the cost down the base kit should incorporate as much of a donor as possible like headlights and tail lights, exterior mirrors, etc. Take the windshield and rake it back a bit so it will be a stock replacement if needed. I'm sure FFR has already taken that into consideration, but maybe that should be part of the design criteria for people that are going to submit body designs.

Unfortunately, WRX's vary quite a bit in headlight design etc. Unless you want to be stuck using a bugeye (02-03) a "blobeye" (04-05) or Hawkeye (06-07) then I'd much rather have the kit use it's own head or tail-light designs.

Plus, the cheapest way to getting a wrx as a donor is to buy a wrecked one which unfortunately is nearly as easy as finding one that's in-tact. These cars are fast and driven by kids that total them on a regular basis. Using trim pieces would add to the cost and complexity of the build, not to mention that GC chassis imprezas of all years don't have the best looking headlights when you consider them on a small 2 seater...

[Olli]

The use of production windsheild and lights yes, could keep costs down. It also makes replacement easier. But the key point is DOT DMV compliance. I'm not implying that the parts need to come from a single donor. Just that they are pre-existing production pieces.

If the winning design has some ultra cool unique headlights, and everyone is gaga over them, do you really think that it would be reasonable for FFR to have something custom made for them? And then try and have them get an SAE # and DOT approved? Not going to happen. The FFR engineers would be forced to alter the winning design to utilize something that is SAE DOT approved. Believe me , now the folks that were all gaga over the ultra cool unique headlight design in the winning drawing will be all disappointed. If the design criteria is clearly spelled out so that the design must incorporate pre-existing SAE DOT headlights and taillights and windshield then the winning design would indeed be a winner. No major alterations of the design would be required. Compliance is a real issue. Unless, you are building a track only or show only car and never intend on getting a title.


Olli

[Arrowhead]

Unfortunately, WRX's vary quite a bit in headlight design etc. Unless you want to be stuck using a bugeye (02-03) a "blobeye" (04-05) or Hawkeye (06-07) then I'd much rather have the kit use it's own head or tail-light designs.

Plus, the cheapest way to getting a wrx as a donor is to buy a wrecked one which unfortunately is nearly as easy as finding one that's in-tact. These cars are fast and driven by kids that total them on a regular basis. Using trim pieces would add to the cost and complexity of the build, not to mention that GC chassis imprezas of all years don't have the best looking headlights when you consider them on a small 2 seater...

Yea, I saw the posts on the donors since I posted that and didn't realize there were so many possibilities. I thought the build was targeting a WRX only donor, but like you said, that may not be realistic for all builders.

I should propably keep my nose out of it as I don't know anything about designing a sports car. I do know that when I went through the registration process for my hot rod, as long as the actual headlight bulb had a DOT number, I was ok. Of course that is only one state and that probably won't work in global market. I'm pretty sure all newer cars have DOT numbers on the actual lens, but I'm not sure.

[PhyrraM]

With many-many car having DOT approved projector beam headlights (both HID and halogen), I'm sure finding a suitable light will not be a challenge.

My wifes Mazda CX-9, for example, has an HID projector that drops into the same basic housing that is used with a Halogen projector on lesser models. Something like that would give the builder options for 2 different price points - without changing the kit.

I agree, that the designer needs to spec the lights for an intergrated look. I'm sure a list of requirements will accompany the contest when announced.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

If you look at the new Pagani Huayra.....we're talking about a car selling in the 7 figures....it appears they're using pretty much the same headlights as the GTM and the same Hella LED tail-lights that many of you may have seen on the "other" GTM forum on that white GTM in Italy. That's what I was referring to earlier.....you don't necessarily have to have some fancy $400 production-car headlight or tail light assembly to look nice.......you just need to integrate it into the body so it looks like it was supposed to be there. For just a cheap, generic round LED tail light assembly, I think Pagani did an excellent job of integrating them into the rear of the car for a truly exotic look. Same with the headlights. No Lexan lens there......just a nicely formed headlight "bucket" that integrates the "generic" round headlights into a shape that blends with the rest of the car's styling.

[DougR]

Well, I never imagined that I might someday be a ricer but if anyone could move me in that direction it would be Dave and the folks at Factory Five. I really like the concept and can't wait to see some more details on the chassis and of course the styling. I'll be watching closely.

[Olimk2]

I've already tryed to reuse the original front and rear lights in my design, not an easy task!. The 2006 front light are the nicest, but the most expensive, it seems they only exist in HID form, which requires a lot of hardware. For Europe, you need healamp washers for HID setup...
I'm really looking forward to see the contest "rules" to finalise the styling! Windows are a big deal too!

[Rotr8]

The use of production windsheild and lights yes, could keep costs down. It also makes replacement easier. But the key point is DOT DMV compliance. I'm not implying that the parts need to come from a single donor. Just that they are pre-existing production pieces.

If the winning design has some ultra cool unique headlights, and everyone is gaga over them, do you really think that it would be reasonable for FFR to have something custom made for them? And then try and have them get an SAE # and DOT approved? Not going to happen. The FFR engineers would be forced to alter the winning design to utilize something that is SAE DOT approved. Believe me , now the folks that were all gaga over the ultra cool unique headlight design in the winning drawing will be all disappointed. If the design criteria is clearly spelled out so that the design must incorporate pre-existing SAE DOT headlights and taillights and windshield then the winning design would indeed be a winner. No major alterations of the design would be required. Compliance is a real issue. Unless, you are building a track only or show only car and never intend on getting a title.


Olli

I understand your points concerns about emissions and mechanical items. But as for the body, thats why theres a 'design' competition not an 'engineering' competition, its up to FFR to figure out the details. Working as a designer on an engineering team for the army for the past 6 yrs I ve learned that some things (lines or bells and whistles) will never make it to the final product, but you cant limit people to such a confined context or you might as well not have the contest in the first place. FFR has a sketch and Im sure its not the only one, they opened it to the public for some help and new inspiration. Its not design a WRX body kit its "hey lets see what people come up with and draw form an international talent pool".
And as for your point of DOT requirments for headlights and taillight,s it may be a moot point all headlights and taillights for production years '12 and above are required to LED powered, so using '04-'08 lights will not be DOT compliant. thats why there have been a dramatic push for this in the last few years from the big companies, its not just a trend they're easing into it so that peope wont be shocked all of a sudden when they see an entire LED headlight and a dramatic departure from the traditional lights of a few years ago. I have no idea about so called "kit cars" but we will have to see FFRs aspirations of wheter they are developing a typical "kit" car or trying to do a little more and establish themselves as a so called small production co.

[Olimk2]

Looks like the goal is to create an affordable kit, maybe gelcoat finish, so it's pure kitcar to me (but a good one!).

[riptide motorsport]

One more day!!!

[thebeerbaron]

I haven't been this amp'd up since that Christmas where I really, really, wanted that big Lego set... :)

[Olimk2]

Difference between boy and man, the size of the toys!!Can't wait too! I've stopped drawing because i need more infos!! Mainly glass and lights, the overal styling depends on this so...

[Rotr8]

dont get too excited, it only starts on Tues, and will last several months it will take me at least another week to finish my first set of drawings, then hopefully off to a more catered approach once some specs are spelled out.
Id be very suprised if you see more than a few pieces of preliminary work in the beginning.

[thebeerbaron]

I'm planning to go directly to clay, if they will allow that. Have a few ideas sketched out, but need the hard points so I know what's possible. And knowing what the goals are would be nice too.

[Olimk2]

Idealy, we would need a complete layout with desired overall dimension (original tracks?), front suspension set up, engine and driver/passenger allowed space...quite a lot of things in order to be accurate. If not it's pointless...

[AVIONX]

I seriously can barely contain myself. I am so excited I am actually asking myself stupid questions like " I wonder if they are going to post thsi info @ midnight Eastern or just tomorrow morning. I still remember the day my first Factory Five kit showed in my driveway (a MK II Cobra) It was one of the best days of my life. The suspense is killing me. I am really hoping we will get enough info to go donor shopping. :)

[AVIONX]

I can't wait for this car. I will take any info I can get at this point. Just enough info to be able to shop for a donor would at least give me something to do to keep me busy while we wiat for the kit.

[Seagondollar]

I suspect & hope the great announcement will be a CAD drawing of the chassis with suspension and engine. That'll give us the hard points that we can avoid to decide what the body can look like.

[Olimk2]

Yeah, fuel tank and radiator location are important as well.

[Seagondollar]

Yeah, fuel tank and radiator location are important as well.

Where would you put them? On the Mk1 MR2, radiator is front of the front wheels (some people form air release over the hood) and fuel is in the tunnel between the driver and passenger. Shifter is cable actuated, so not much of an issue there.

[thebeerbaron]

Where would you put them?

Wherever there is room. Above the footwells. Behind the cockpit. In the door sills. On the roof. Under the transmission.

I suspect/hope the design will have some hard parameters, like frame locations, that can't be moved and some soft parameters, like radiator location, that can be tweaked to fit the body design. Less than a day left to see!

[Rotr8]

In front of the rear wheel wells would be a good place figuring that the rear doors and b-pillar would be removed?

[Olimk2]

I'd see the tank on the front axle or behind the seats (safe zone), will act in the weight distribution...Rad could be at the very front or back above the trans, depends again where to put a small trunk space (front or rear!!)...

[Olimk2]

As i am in Europe, how much longer to wait for the contest official launch?

[Rotr8]

^^^ March first for us, which is tomorrow, I imagine sometime mid to late morning EST so another 12 hrs maybe?(from this post)

[Olimk2]

It's on!!! and your design is illustrated ...
I think it's very short on infos, hope we will have some more here...

[Olimk2]

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2008/07/23-lotus-evora/Lotus-Evora-Technical-Drawing.jpg

This is a technical layout!

[Olimk2]

http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/Lotus_Esprit_Technical_Drawing_Autocar.gif

For you guys, LOTUS Esprit, wheelbase 96,tracks around the same as the sub, gives an idea of a decent cockpit size...

[Cooluser23]

Yep, that's the kind of pictures I was expecting.

[Olimk2]

We are not styling a dreamcar, we are designing a practical sportcar, there's a big difference...There's many story of big manufacturers striking concept cars you can't even fit in...don't even talking about fancy (very virtual) concepts on the net...

[Olimk2]

So i've seen the new template on GRM, see the driver a bit "upright" in his position, and what is the shape at the rear? Too high to be the gearbox right?
What do you think?

[Kasmodean]

The raised area is the intake manifold and possibly the intercooler that sits on top of the boxer engine.

[Olimk2]

Was talking of the rear part after the wheel...

[Olimk2]

Could be the exhaust system (transverse silencer)?

[AVIONX]

Nope. It's the tranny, which stick out behind the engine. It is that high. It's large and the 6 speed is even larger. In fact. That may be the envelope for the STI 6 speed.

[Olimk2]

They said the donor was a 2006, have to check...