Observations from my soapbox.
Hi, everyone. I'm new, sorta.
Me, I'm a long time FF fan, semi-regular reader of the forums, and avid googler of builds that I "plan" on doing.
I just watch the 45min bit on ustream.tv, and I thought I'd throw in my $.02. I think the fascia needs a redesign, and I think a hardtop/softtop/targa is a must.
The fascia, as well as the body overall are an opportunity to establish a design language. I think that the most recent rendering that's been released looks generic. Far more generic than the rest of the body, and the mechanical potential would suggest. That isn't to say that it needs to be aggressively complex, and busy. Simple is fine, even great, but the headlights aren't nearly as contemporary as many of the design contest winners, nor does it appeal to a retro sort of simple vibe. It rests comfortably in the realm of the forgettable. The opening of the mouth seems a bit off. It isn't a wide open design that would look to maximize flow, but it isn't a closed off aerodynamic design of an electric either. The two openings, stacked on top of each other are interrupted by a functionless (at least in appearance) flat piece suggests that there are either 2 separate long air-cooled heat exchangers, or that folds and creases are being added simply to busy up the front.
My suggestions are these:
1) Rethink the headlight geometry. Go for bold.
2) Open the mouth up, a-la Honda CR-Z, Mitsubishi Evo-X, Cadillac CTS-V.
3) OR, close up the mouth and opt for smaller functional openings (i.e. Porsche GT3, Chevy Volt, Acura ILX.
4) Consider codifying design elements for future projects to make FF pieces more identifiable. Who knows, they may be popular enough to offer a GTM refresh with these elements.
As for the overall layout, I can understand from a resource perspective, why starting with a track roadster makes sense, but I think that a top of any sort is a must. $15k puts this squarely in the realm of ‘everyman’, and the more resource challenged hopefuls that dream of starting a project as ambitious as this. I’d be willing to bet, that the $15k project cost is going to make turn-key options also very much an affordable option to a great many people. With a broader base of appeal, considerations of utility matter more. If you’re fortunate enough to keep several vehicles, or live in a sunny state, and are certain that you’ll have access to a garage forever, then I guess it won’t matter, but the rest of us have to worry about rain. Rain while driving; rain when parked over night. Rain, and thieves. Beyond the availability of a top, for people to consider this as a DD (and I know that several people out there, like myself, have DD nearly as impractical cars), certain creature comforts are a must. Namely AC/heating, and music. They don’t have to be standard, but they should be an option. And with this being a world car, who knows what Paul Poland, and Jimmy Japan’s meteorological concerns are.
My suggestions are these:
1) Put a top on it. The sleeker and sexier the better, but at least something to deter vagabonds and falling water.
2) Make creature comforts an option.
That’s what I think. Feel free to completely ignore everything above.
