I found a few new spy shots of the 818

[David Hodgkins]

4/24/2013:
I ran across these shots today. Look like they are from a recent track day:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16918&d=1366842217

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16917&d=1366842216

I really like this one. Check out the higher roll hoop and the hinged boot:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16916&d=1366842215

:)

[bwwooster]

Thanks for posting-- does the gelcote look that good, or is it paint?

Oh, y'might want to edit the date. Either that, or I want to ask you about the price of gold and Apple stock!

[David Hodgkins]

Thanks for posting-- does the gelcote look that good, or is it paint?

Oh, y'might want to edit the date. Either that, or I want to ask you about the price of gold and Apple stock!

OOPS! Fixed!

:D

[metalmaker12]

Like the proposed bumper change , and the ride height lowered a bit, looks nice

[David Hodgkins]

Like the proposed bumper change...

Careful, I'm thinking that might be paint...

[metalmaker12]

Key word was proposed, It seems to not be a hole, but just paint.

[Dave Smith]

The front was modded slightly. The car is in gel coat. The rear hatch is final mold but not final hinge. The red car here is the s model and it ran 1.25g on track with a skid pad of 1.05g. The guys are very happy with shock/suspension tuning. I have no idea how these pics came out (hodgkins has his spies!). This car will never be seen again as it will be completely disassembled, parts looked at, some destr tested, running gear recycled for fourth pre-production car.

[bnr32jason]

1.25g on the track and 1.05g on the skidpad is great!

Would you mind saying what tires it was on?

[Mechie3]

I too like the front bumper as it looks. I like the rear shot. Shows the humps nicely. Is that the first time we've seen the gas cap?

[bnr32jason]

Yeah, the gas cap.....not a fan. I would want it to be color matched or black or carbon or something. The silver/polished look isn't my cup of tea, hopefully their are different options, or I guess I could do it myself.

[Wayne Presley]

1.25 peak loads, 1.05 continuous cornering on Toyo R1R's and yes the gel coat body looks as good in person as the pics. Perfect to wrap as is or just a quick scuff if you want to paint it.

Recent track day, You're pretty funny for a Wookie...

[David Hodgkins]

.../Recent track day...

I didn't say HOW recent...

;)

[bnr32jason]

Can you comment on how quickly we can get full access to the engine and rear suspension components. The hood looks decent enough for quick fluid checks and showing off the engine, but for working on it I would want full access. So once we are experienced, how long should it take to remove the rear bumper, rear fenders, hood, etc?

[shinn497]

The engine is in the middle sir.

[bnr32jason]

Ummmmmmmm, yeah. Mid engine means the engine sits over the rear axle. So to access it best you would have to remove the back half of the body work. :confused: You can of course open up the hood and see the engine, but accessing it for maintenance is going to be tough, so it will be required to remove body panels.

I don't understand what you are getting at.

[longislandwrx]

Does it look like to hood has more curve over the headlights too or is it just the angle?

[bstuke]

16947

[longislandwrx]

16948

the hood has definitely been changed and looking at the rear shot and seeing how much light is coming through so far to the drivers side I would say they are holes.

If you look at the original shot see how thin the material on the brake scoop was... much thicker now. I think it was beefed up so they could open those holes up. could be paint.... ENHANCE

[David Hodgkins]

Some people just have it better than the rest of us!

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16949&d=1366896913

You're a lucky dog John George!

:)

[David Hodgkins]

SO, what's the SCOOP on the black lower valance?:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16950&d=1366897130

:)

[Joe Scott]

I think they plasti-dipped it to keep it clean from rock chips before it left for that testing date..

[longislandwrx]

Dave, can you tell us what's in the giant box in the passenger area on the R? Is that a fuel neck on top?

[Joe Scott]

Correct fuel cell was relocated for that magazine test last week

[Mechie3]

I'm guessing black front = new third gen front bumper = no time to paint (and hiding the changes until the big reveal).

[Joe Scott]

any changes would be done on the red S car, since that is their R&D car. the blue car is complete.

[Mechie3]

Maybe somebody wrecked it?
Carbon Fiber?
Conspiracy!?

lol

[Joe Scott]

Just showing the guys here about the glory of plasti-dip. Tony and I have been using it for awhile, so we wanted to show a few others here how it would hold up.

[Mechie3]

Well, that's a lot less exciting that some grand conspiracy, but still interesting none the less.

[longislandwrx]

Joe, where will the production R's fuel tank be? behind the seats like the S?

[Joe Scott]

i know this is the wrong sub-forum for this topic, but we have been playing with the plati dip a lot. i know everyone has their 2cents on the whole plasti-dip / vinyl wrap / paint. i personally think it works great for protecting against any rock chips IE on the back fenders. i have seen whole plasti-dipped cars before and i know Tony has plasti-dipped a 20+ person golf cart and the stuff holds up..

[Joe Scott]

correct, behind the seat on both models. we just moved it to the passenger side because racecar.

[David Hodgkins]

Joe, thanks for all the feedback! I have a couple of questions:

I assume the center-mounted cell results in better weight distribution. Will it be an option on the R?

Have you guys made a determination if the petty bar is going to remain for production?

:)

[bstuke]

I assume the center-mounted cell results in better weight distribution. Will it be an option on the R? That would be very cool..

[Joe Scott]

hey guys just throwing this out here im a "keyboard warrior" and by no aspect an engineer. im just lucky enough to mosey on into the 818 room at leisure. i would venture to say they would use the same location for the gas tank. and as far as the roll bar goes, i have no clue which one they are going to use for production... sorry :(

[Dave Smith]

We were testing the car with a larger fuel cell and placement in the R on the passenger side. The black nose is from an on-track incident last week. The guys report that the suspension tuning is going well. FFR customers John George, Wayne Presley and Mark Dougherty have been part of the development testing and are sworn to secrecy. They are also not very well paid, which explains the leaks...

The hood was changed along the leading lower edge to be flat at the radiator opening. The fuel cell is part of the remaining questions on the R model.

[Movieman]

God bless the Wookie..of course now I have to go and change my depends! :D

[David Hodgkins]

Leaks? What leaks?

:D

[Movieman]

Leaks? What leaks?

:D
My depends don't leak..I do admit they can get a little soggy but they never leak!

[longislandwrx]

We were testing the car with a larger fuel cell and placement in the R on the passenger side.

wow, that thing looks monstrous.

Thanks for the clarification.

[Mechie3]

They are also not very well paid, which explains the leaks...

I think they're overpaid as is and should be paid even less! ;)

[Someday I Suppose]

Dave, tearing the car apart after John George has driven the thing is a sound decision for sure. He isn't exactly gentle when it comes to race cars. :-)

Look forward to seeing more of the testing feedback.




The front was modded slightly. The car is in gel coat. The rear hatch is final mold but not final hinge. The red car here is the s model and it ran 1.25g on track with a skid pad of 1.05g. The guys are very happy with shock/suspension tuning. I have no idea how these pics came out (hodgkins has his spies!). This car will never be seen again as it will be completely disassembled, parts looked at, some destr tested, running gear recycled for fourth pre-production car.

[SixStar]

These are from the track test in Feb... it was in an email that all the pre-order customers got.

I know 100% that these aren't recent since when I was at FFR last Friday the S was there in no shape to be driven and the R was in Michigan.

[cChrisM]

Not surprised it did so well on the skid pad when you have these guys help set the car up (FFR customers John George, Wayne Presley and Mark Dougherty). Wondering if Mark set it up for street or track to get those results??? Looks great, thanks for sharing.

[David Hodgkins]

Uh...

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16953&d=1366918891

:D

[Mechie3]

Hahaha!

Don't change the depends yet, we need a few more leaks! Thanks forthe pics Dave!

[wleehendrick]

I LOVE the fully vented lower valence and high mounted plate; I had already photo-chopped that and was planning to do so. I hope that's the default S configuration.

I assume the GTM badge is there to plate it?

And I hope the spoiler doesn't indicate a critical need for rear downforce, like the original Audi TT. I like the looks of the naked S tail; a little carbon fiber ducktail spoiler would be nice, but I don't want a big wing.

[bbjones121]

I like the slight bumper change a lot.

[JayStockE30]

Good to see the development continuing.

I wish they would integrate the roll hoop into the humps on the rear, I think it would make it look much more polished.


that being said, more spy shots!!!

[07FIREBLADE]

This car needs the 818r wing on it. Its begging for it and a nice dual exhaust setup through the rear mesh area.

[07FIREBLADE]

Having the roll bar going through the humps would make a soft top so much easier to design in my opinion. If

[Dave Smith]

These are from the track test in Feb... it was in an email that all the pre-order customers got.

I know 100% that these aren't recent since when I was at FFR last Friday the S was there in no shape to be driven and the R was in Michigan.


I can understand your belief as you are right about where the cars were last week, but these photos were taken yesterday at NCCAR in North Carolina. The guys worked all weekend (previous) to get the 818S to the track with no attention to cosmetics. The 818R was in the midwest last week for track time but returned in time to make the trailer for NCCAR. I'll get a full report as the crew drives back tonight, bt I am pleased with where we are in the development path.

[Maximus]

I just want to say thank you for not only sticking to a clear mission, but dealing with the constant critiques and comments on the project. I think we all appreciate the time you spend to come to the forums when you can to deliver information. I am looking forward to putting one of these in my garage!

[Xusia]

Dave's updates are the little gems that simultaneously put smile on my face and leave me wanting more!

[bnr32jason]

I LOVE the fully vented lower valence and high mounted plate; I had already photo-chopped that and was planning to do so. I hope that's the default S configuration.

I assume the GTM badge is there to plate it?

And I hope the spoiler doesn't indicate a critical need for rear downforce, like the original Audi TT. I like the looks of the naked S tail; a little carbon fiber ducktail spoiler would be nice, but I don't want a big wing.

Different strokes I guess, I really don't like the high mounted license plate and I think the 818s is absolutely begging for a rear spoiler. :)


This car needs the 818r wing on it. Its begging for it and a nice dual exhaust setup through the rear mesh area.

I'm planning for a wing on mine, but not as high as the 818r wing. I also plan to do a Scuderia style exhaust exiting through either side of the license plate in the black mesh.

[wleehendrick]

I also plan to do a Scuderia style exhaust exiting through either side of the license plate in the black mesh.

I'm with you on the exhaust exiting through the black mesh!

[bnr32jason]

I'm still contemplating the best way to do it, I think I won't know for sure until we see some complete and detailed build pics. Not sure if twin mufflers is the way to go or a single muffler modified to have two exit pipes coming out or even possibly getting a custom muffler made to fit.

[JayStockE30]

I just want to say thank you for not only sticking to a clear mission, but dealing with the constant critiques and comments on the project. I think we all appreciate the time you spend to come to the forums when you can to deliver information. I am looking forward to putting one of these in my garage!

+1 keep the updates comming

[BipDBo]

I'm a fan of the side exhaust on the 818R.
Is thee any reason why that wouldn't be road leagal for the 818S? Any other possible downsides or hurdles?

[Dave Smith]

Not surprised it did so well on the skid pad when you have these guys help set the car up (FFR customers John George, Wayne Presley and Mark Dougherty). Wondering if Mark set it up for street or track to get those results??? Looks great, thanks for sharing.

The S was set up for the street and the R was a bit lower, ran aero adds and slicks. I dont know how the testing went as I havent spoken to the guys. I can give more detials later but the goals were to spend two days on the track without distraction and also to do alot of street driving in the local area. The engineers at KONI were there and I only recvd a thumbs up text from the boys saying they were well into many spring and shock setting changes. These numbers that the car is putting up for Lat G and accelration are really impressive. The car is delivering on the performance goals for sure. I'm flying out in the am for So Cal and am looking forward to autocrossing my Mk4 on Sunday as well as the car show on Saturday. More in a while, but we have ALOT of work to do as we head towards June 15.

[Mechie3]

Where in the midwest were you?

[first time builder]

I think I saw Wayne Presley's knee's in the photos!!!!!

Kenny

[AZPete]

Thanks Dave for the spy photos and thanks Dave for the updates. I'm SO glad I got my order in early! I look forward to starting my 818 project this summer but now I still have 107 days until the (tentative) 8/10 ship date. In the meantime I'm learning how to read Subie (TMIC, BOV, etc.).
Tomorrow it will be 106! Keep feeding the frenzy with info.
Thanks!
Pete

[bstuke]

Uh...

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16953&d=1366918891

:D

Two uses for a Roadster chin spoiler.. ;-)

[Wayne Presley]

HAHAHAH...I have all the photos (559) and video (33 gb)from the two days of testing on my laptop. I also put in over a hundred track miles on the cars over the two days. The cars are amazing....I would put the 818R on the grid tomorrow, so easy to drive it at 100%. The 818S has tremendous grip for running a true street tire (toyo R1R), smooth ride. Both cars are fast and they have completely stock 06 WRX engines.

You can't pry this smile off my face.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/vcpinjectionpb/IMG_8956_zps03c93d9c.jpg

[David Hodgkins]

HAHAHAH...I have all the photos (559) and video (33 gb)from the two days of testing on my laptop...

Wayne Presley, My new BEST FRIEND!!!

Fork over the goods, ol' buddy!!!

:D

[07FIREBLADE]

Wayne, how tall are you btw? Any comment on fitment issues

[Wayne Presley]

Wayne, how tall are you btw? Any comment on fitment issues

I'm 5'10", 33" inseam, 185 lbs. I fit fine and easily heel toe in both cars.

[RM1SepEx]

Thanks Dave for the spy photos and thanks Dave for the updates. I'm SO glad I got my order in early! I look forward to starting my 818 project this summer but now I still have 107 days until the (tentative) 8/10 ship date. In the meantime I'm learning how to read Subie (TMIC, BOV, etc.).
Tomorrow it will be 106! Keep feeding the frenzy with info.
Thanks!
Pete

Damn you... please STOP posting how many days... I've got the same est date... and don't want to be counting! :-) !!!

[Mechie3]

I'm 5'10", 33" inseam, 185 lbs. I fit fine and easily heel toe in both cars.

Were the pedals set up in the stock config? I remember reading a long time ago that Jim changed the pickup point on the brake pedal.

[Wayne Presley]

John George mugging for the camera
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/vcpinjectionpb/IMG_8955_zpscc22cf13.jpg

Spring change #36 or so it seemed...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/vcpinjectionpb/IMG_8834_zpsc764f8a0.jpg

[Wayne Presley]

Ok, here's two quick teaser videos

http://youtu.be/jOXPrQ5mijk

http://youtu.be/GOe8woqW1eo


http://youtu.be/jOXPrQ5mijk

[Wayne Presley]

http://youtu.be/GOe8woqW1eo

[David Hodgkins]

What pedals were you guys using? Will adjustable Wilwoods fit?

:)

[Mechie3]

The motor shakes quite a bit. Is the S still using stock motor mounts?

[Wayne Presley]

The red car was missing one engine locating mount, preproduction car and it's getting taken completely apart in the next few days.
Red car had stock Sube, 818R had Wilwood. With the Hoosier R6's on the R and Jim went down one size on the rear MC , the brakes were fabulous on it.

[Wayne Presley]

I'll post more videos when I get a chance but I'm at Road Atlanta for the Mitty now. 2 days of fun on the track in NC and 3 days on the track at RA, not a bad week

[Mechie3]

Zooming in on the front bumper vent I think i see a couple of screw heads and a mesh pattern. It shows upbetter on my phone since it makes a moire pattern.

[C.Plavan]

Not sure I would like sitting next to a fuel cell. I plan on Endurance racing mine. Pit stop fueling/spills, right next to me would be a BIG problem to get over in my head.

Everything else is getting me soooooooo excited for Dec!

[ehansen007]

Wow, so cool Presley. Enjoy the Mitty. I love the fact that you can get footage with these small cameras nowadays. To see when and where you bottom out and over all spring/shock movement has got to be a huge asset...although still can't measure up to seat of the pants feeling. Glad you are having fun. The cars look great.

[longislandwrx]

Zooming in on the front bumper vent I think i see a couple of screw heads and a mesh pattern. It shows upbetter on my phone since it makes a moire pattern.

easy to tell its mesh on PC... I KNEW IT!

[Movieman]

Wayne Presley, My new BEST FRIEND!!!

Fork over the goods, ol' buddy!!!

:D

Hell, I'm gonna adopt him! :D
Wait, might bew easier to adopt John George. He's just on the other side of the river from me!:cool:

[FFR-ADV]

Thanks for the updates.

In the first round of track testing the 818R was getting 1.5 G's continuous. Now what is it with the suspension further dialed in?

In your experience based on driving the 818R on the street, is it reasonable to drive the 818S at the 818R suspension setup (1 inch lower than street)?
How good was the 818S setup compared with the 818R? With aero and full track tires, I wonder how close they would be?

Thank you for posting the videos and photos. There is no such thing as too long a video or too many pictures!

Cheers!

[BipDBo]

What do those front corner vents do? Are they ducted to the front disks? If they cool the front disks, then what is the purpose of the small openings on either side of the top center radiator intake?

[BrandonDrums]

Man! I'm only 1.5 hours from NCCAR! I could have tried to sneak around the track in the woods or something lol.

I'm still most interested in the 818S's intercooler ducting. Without the passenger hump vent that the 818R has I wonder how they get adequate air flow through it. If you look close there appears to be something behind the mesh in the back end of the S in this shot....

Oh, with the GTM badge and the wing, I wonder if they were trying to pass the car as a registered GTM for testing for highway testing or something.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16953&d=1366918891

[AZPete]

What do those front corner vents do? Are they ducted to the front disks? If they cool the front disks, then what is the purpose of the small openings on either side of the top center radiator intake?

My guess is that those openings in the front can be whatever you make them. On the roadster some guys use the front openings for an oil cooler, engine air intake, brake vents or cool air ducts to the cockpit. I think I might use the two top ones for air ducts to the cockpit and the lower outside vents to the brakes but I'm not sure yet. A lot of the fun is making it the way you want.
Pete

[BipDBo]

My guess is that those openings in the front can be whatever you make them. On the roadster some guys use the front openings for an oil cooler, engine air intake, brake vents or cool air ducts to the cockpit. I think I might use the two top ones for air ducts to the cockpit and the lower outside vents to the brakes but I'm not sure yet. A lot of the fun is making it the way you want.
Pete

Do they just open to an empty wheel well? If so, then what ever opening isn't utilized for anything useful, like being ducted to the disks would be best to be blanked off. Otherwise, it just provides uplift.

There's a lot of intake on the front of the car. That's what people have been asking for styling wise, but what's the function? It seems like as they provide more intake they need to provide more ways for the air to get out.

There's much less output area on the top of the hood than there is radiator intake. That doesn't seem right. Is there any place for the radiator air to go but up through those relatively small and restricted hood openings?

The two small openings and the corner openings will scoop air in that will pressurize the wheel wells. Unless ducted somewhere else, the air will come out around the wheels and down, under the car.

[Wayne Presley]

The vents are there for styling and brake ducts. On my car they are going to feed the heat exchangers for the air to water intercooler. The hood on the red car at the previous test has been changed with larger exhaust vents. It's funny that no one picked up on that at the first test the red car had a completely different body than at SEMA and was gel coat.

[bstuke]

I'm at Road Atlanta for the Mitty now.Good to see you today Wayne. I told Garry you all might stop by the RV tomorrow night for some of Melissa's butt..

[shinn497]

Hey Wayne your right!

The body is different.

The lip above the front radiator inlet is flatter. The hood clips are in a different location. Sharper crease on the quarter panel ubove the front wheels. Different rear hatch and front brake ducts.

That is all I see. Is there anything else?

[Wayne Presley]

http://youtu.be/XYP610n0hYo

[Wayne Presley]

http://youtu.be/DqIbU0aOUZE

[Wayne Presley]

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/vcpinjectionpb/IMG_9378_zpsb9297018.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/vcpinjectionpb/20130425_123115_zps5f8dc6b2.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/vcpinjectionpb/IMG_9277_zps503db521.jpg

[jimgood]

Not sure I would like sitting next to a fuel cell. I plan on Endurance racing mine. Pit stop fueling/spills, right next to me would be a BIG problem to get over in my head.

Everything else is getting me soooooooo excited for Dec!
Even if the cell sits in that position for the production model, I'm betting the filler will be outside the cockpit. I would question any race series that would allow that configuration.

[Mechie3]

That front bumper vent change is so subtle yet gives a rather different feel to the front end. I'm really liking it. Can't wait!

[bnr32jason]

Exactly! This is the only front picture I've seen of the 818 that I really have liked. I hope it ends up on the final production body.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/vcpinjectionpb/IMG_9378_zpsb9297018.jpg

Only thing I would change besides lowering the center down a little bit is to use Aerocatch hood pins.

[Mechie3]

I had those same thoughts. Locking aerocatch pins to keep curious hands out.

[bnr32jason]

Yeah, the locking part is great, but I'm more in for aesthetics. They just look so much better than traditional style hood pins.

One more thing, and I have to say I'm a little disappointed, but I was expecting it, it doesn't look like there's anywhere for luggage storage. I'm not talking about anything big, maybe just a camera bag and a day bag. So if my passenger and I decide to go on a day trip we could have somewhere to put stuff. Of course cooling is more important than luggage storage, but I was hoping for at least a small cargo are under the frunk.

One project I'll be taking on if I can find the time is to do a homemade undertray for the front that's as flat as possible. Maybe they already have something planned for this, but from looking at the action shot above, it doesn't appear that anything is fitted to smooth out the air going underneath the car.

[Wayne Presley]

I took that shot specifically to show how a small change make a big visual impact. The cut out had a mesh screen behind it. With some black wrap vinyl you could try out a few opening shapes until you have one you like, then the vinyl would be your guide to cut it out. You could do the same at the rear as well.

[bnr32jason]

I took that shot specifically to show how a small change make a big visual impact. The cut out had a mesh screen behind it. With some black wrap vinyl you could try out a few opening shapes until you have one you like, then the vinyl would be your guide to cut it out. You could do the same at the rear as well.

So are you saying these cutouts as they are shown in the picture are custom and won't be that way when we receive the kit?

[Mechie3]

Even if they are custom, it looks to be a rather simple change. It'd be nicer if it was stock, but I'll take what I can get. Only problem would be the fit and finish of the cut edge.

There should be cargo area in the rear and you can probably work something out in the front.

[bnr32jason]

There will be a cargo area in the rear behind the seats? Or above the engine?

[Xusia]

If they don't have a stock solution, you should be able to make some cargo areas both front and rear. How big, we aren't sure. Personally, I'm considering using smaller dual radiators mounted on the sides (below the headlights) to make more space up front. That change should allow for a very large front trunk).

Different topic: I've checked the online gallery, and the SEMA pics, and I'm failing to see the difference in the front being discussed. Can someone who can see it post a pic with the areas circled or something? Sorry for being so dense... :(

[wleehendrick]

If they don't have a stock solution, you should be able to make some cargo areas both front and rear. How big, we aren't sure. Personally, I'm considering using smaller dual radiators mounted on the sides (below the headlights) to make more space up front. That change should allow for a very large front trunk).(

Did someone ask for a trunk?

16997

[flynntuna]

I don't see anything different either. Like Wayne said, small changes can make a big visual impact .

[RM1SepEx]

the openings out at the lower left and right extremities used to be just a narrow slit!

[Wayne Presley]

So are you saying these cutouts as they are shown in the picture are custom and won't be that way when we receive the kit?

I do not know whether the car will come with this exact cutout as the car is a prototype and subject to change. All of the panels are trimmed on a CNC router so the edges are very nice.

[Mechie3]

I don't see anything different either. Like Wayne said, small changes can make a big visual impact .

Go to the gallery studio pics. The hood use to curve over on the leading edge and didn't sit flush with the front of the bumper. Looks much better now.

[AZPete]

Here's a composite photo of the front, November 2012 vs. April 2013.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/818SfrontNov-Apr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/AZPeteCobra/media/818SfrontNov-Apr.jpg.html)

A=openings at the lower ends of the front bumper
B=hood clips
C=hood vents (I can't see any difference in these shots)
D=front edge of hood (squared for better fit)
E=adhesive backed aero film ($$$ option)
F=fender top (sharper line?)

I've got a business to run and lots of stuff to do but now this is MUCH more important. Right?
Pete

[Silvertop]

........I'm still most interested in the 818S's intercooler ducting. Without the passenger hump vent that the 818R has I wonder how they get adequate air flow through it. If you look close there appears to be something behind the mesh in the back end of the S in this shot....

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16953&d=1366918891

Did the test team discover that the 818S needed more engine ventilation during the recent track testing? Is this why the entire lower vent area was opened up? The reason I ask -- To me, the license plate looks much better down low, and I would want to leave it there unless there was a need to move it. Wayne, can you respond to that? You were there..........

The change in the leading edge of the front hood looks much better. Just a better fit. The larger front brake vent openings look better too, although I'm not sure I would change mine just for the look (though I might). I'm guessing that a pure streeter probably isn't going to need the extra airflow for brake cooling.

[flynntuna]

Go to the gallery studio pics. The hood use to curve over on the leading edge and didn't sit flush with the front of the bumper. Looks much better now.
I see that,"sweating the details" is what makes or breaks good design.

[07FIREBLADE]

Love the way its coming around. Is it just me or is there a nasty gap between the door mirror. Im assuming that its necessary for the door to clear the windshield frame but damn is it sore to look at especially at that angle

[skullandbones]

Here's a composite photo of the front, November 2012 vs. April 2013.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/818SfrontNov-Apr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/AZPeteCobra/media/818SfrontNov-Apr.jpg.html)

A=openings at the lower ends of the front bumper
B=hood clips
C=hood vents (I can't see any difference in these shots)
D=front edge of h
ood (squared for better fit)
E=adhesive backed aero film ($$$ option)
F=fender top (sharper line?)

I've got a business to run and lots of stuff to do but now this is MUCH more important. Right?
Pete

Well. It sounds like you are getting excited about this thing after all! The problem with making different light and angles in the pictures make it really hard to verify a change.
But I like your observations. I am not sure about the sharper edge on the top of the fender. And when they moved the fastners on the hood, they may have made it more likely to flap
in a high speed situation sort of like the old MkI hoods. Maybe they beefed up the edge to stabilize it. That's what I think. Good luck on your build! WEK.

[bigAl]

I think people are seeing what they want to in the horizontal hood line at the front. The line clearly has some "crown" from DIRECT front but, from a higher angle, it looks straighter because of its curvature in the plan view.
It is undoubtably the same part & same surface - although the exact fit to the fenders could be different car to car.
Same issue with the supposedly sharper fender crease...

[metalmaker12]

I want to beat the negative people with a ugly stick, they must need a new set of eyes, or maybe a new brain all together, the car is shaping up nice, I never doubted you FFR

[bigAl]

Metalmaker, are you saying I'm a "negative people" because I know how to read form on a photograph?

[bstuke]

Does anyone remember that game that was played when you were a kid? One person whispered a comment on your ear, you whispered it in the next persons ear. By the time it got around the circle it was nothing like the original comment?

[Mechie3]

Dave smith mentioned a hood change near the radiator so I'd say its safe to say its changed.

[bigAl]

Check the photos in post #92. There is one take down low, which has the unsightly "crown" and the one on the ramp which is taken higher and the line is STRAIGHT. Same car, same hood!

[bnr32jason]

Here is an older shot of the car from straight on:
http://i47.tinypic.com/ioddnn.jpg

The recent shot:
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc175/vcpinjectionpb/IMG_9378_zpsb9297018.jpg

The line in the fender looks the same to me, the only real difference that I saw was the cutouts at the edges of the bumper and the location of the hood pins. The "speed tape" was there probably because they moved the hood pins and realized that it was lifting a little at speed.

[Xusia]

Here's a composite photo of the front, November 2012 vs. April 2013.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/818SfrontNov-Apr.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/AZPeteCobra/media/818SfrontNov-Apr.jpg.html)

A=openings at the lower ends of the front bumper
B=hood clips
C=hood vents (I can't see any difference in these shots)
D=front edge of hood (squared for better fit)
E=adhesive backed aero film ($$$ option)
F=fender top (sharper line?)

I've got a business to run and lots of stuff to do but now this is MUCH more important. Right?
Pete

First off, THANK YOU for graciously helping me out!
"A" was obvious - DEFINITELY saw that one! But thanks! (I wasn't clear - LOL)
"B" I noticed, but thought nothing of it. In my mind, hood pin locations could be chosen for any number of reasons. I'm still not sure this is implies anything of import.
"C" I still can't see a difference.
"D" I think I see what people are talking about. Very subtle, but if it is what I'm seeing, it's a good change!
"E" Yeah. That's all I have to say about that... :)
"F" I still can't see a difference.

[FFR-ADV]

The vents are there for styling and brake ducts. On my car they are going to feed the heat exchangers for the air to water intercooler. The hood on the red car at the previous test has been changed with larger exhaust vents. It's funny that no one picked up on that at the first test the red car had a completely different body than at SEMA and was gel coat.

Hi Wayne,

Can you tell us more about the specifics of the air water intercooler you have planned? Parts, Sources and Setup plans? Thanks!

BTW what were the tire setups on the 818R and 818S?

[clintavo]

Did someone ask for a trunk?

16997

This is the view you'll have when getting in. Like strapping on an Iron Man suit.

[C.Plavan]

This is the view you'll have when getting in. Like strapping on an Iron Man suit.

Looks like an "Air Brake" to me. :)