Observations from my soapbox.

[chrisdc]

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.

[07FIREBLADE]

Well said. The top is going to be an option with release of the car. And they plan on coming out with a few different versions. So I would wait for the right one that suits your taste. Also you can add in ac and creature comforts. But you are going to have to plan your budget accordingly.

[chrisdc]

So the roadster isn't going to be a permanent open top?

The video made it sound like the top/coupe would be potential "later" releases. My concern was that an open top only release may not get the sales that a sealed/sealable top would, and so the top/coupe dreams could die before they even had a chance.

[PhyrraM]

The styling has been basically decided and likely on the way to production. All of our heated *discussion* on the subject over the last year has put FFR in blackout mode until release.

[chrisdc]

Well, here's to hoping. Lol.

[07FIREBLADE]

the roadster is going to have a soft top from launch. At least that was what has been repeated several times from different sources. I am personally waiting for the hard top/ coupe so come out.

[shinn497]

Yup,

also your commentary on the design has been noted. But they are not listening to anyone about that. The car also hasn't been completely unveiled. Wait till sema for the final body. I think creature comforts like a/c will be up to the driver.

[2006 WRB 818]

the roadster is going to have a soft top from launch. At least that was what has been repeated several times from different sources. I am personally waiting for the hard top/ coupe so come out.

That's what I believe I heard. It would ship with a soft top and zip-up windows.

[Xusia]

INITIALLY zip-in windows. Dave made a comment about roll up windows down the road.

[Silvertop]

That's what I believe I heard. It would ship with a soft top and zip-up windows.

For clarification -- The soft top will be AVAILABLE at launch. I don't think it will be included in the base $9990 Price tag. It will almost certainly be an extra-cost option.

[ajr4]

Much as I love the idea of a top, the email I just got from Factory Five suggests that there will not be one available at launch. The following came from Dan Golub of Factory Five Racing: "Currently, we are not going to launch the 818 with a roof or side
windows, it will be a roadster only." Will there be a soft top with no side windows at launch?

[PhyrraM]

Dave Smith mentioned in one of his more recent posts that the plan is a soft top and snap in windows will be available at launch. I'm taking this to mean very basic things like on early British roadsters or open top Jeeps. I'm also thinking that they will be extra cost.

I'm reading Dan's above email to mean "no HARD top" and "no GLASS side windows".

Either way, time will tell.

[Xusia]

That is also my understanding and interpretation of the comments in that email.

[Zodiac]

I would really like to add power windows in the beggining but not sure how easy it will be to do. I have seen kits like this one for universal set ups. So hopefully All I gotta do is find a glass that would fit and probably cut and smooth it down. then run the set up and hopefully all good after that. but it's easier said than done haha

http://www.a1electric.com/Merchant2/...3300-0030-0147