New Kitcar Design Sketches and Concepts
Discussion
Gompo said:
I like the body re-styling (as per usual with Italo's work), but one thing that sticks out on your drawing, and what ruins a lot of car designs (often on MX5 rebodies) is the keeping of the Mx5 door handle. As soon as you see that you can see what it's based on..
Thanks...
, but it would be expensive to replace and redesign a new door handel, when the original works so well.I don't see nothing wrong with the original if it blends in with the new design, but do agree that not all designs look good with the originals.
It would be a limit, but it's something that you could live with if the design is good enough.
fuoriserie said:
A thread opened by me 6yrs. ago on Mx5 and Mr2 rebodies:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I was actually reading that thread last night but all your photobucket links are broken so there are hardly any pics or sketches in it!http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
fuoriserie said:
Thanks..., but it would be expensive to replace and redesign a new door handel, when the original works so well.
Perhaps, I don't know the details but in the modified car scene door handles would often get swapped (or shaved/removed). All MX5s have 'pleasing' handles, but just think when it comes to a replica/homage/whatever that they spoil it a little.., but it would be expensive to replace and redesign a new door handel, when the original works so well.fuoriserie said:
An alternative body Design and Styling proposal for an Ultima Gt chassis.
The fact that a modern Ultima can be had with a classic Corvette LS3/7 engine, was what inspired this rendering.
Enjoy...
Italo
I see project X ideas spreading. (Yes, the page 53 design H) The fact that a modern Ultima can be had with a classic Corvette LS3/7 engine, was what inspired this rendering.
Enjoy...
Italo
As to the design now build it, drive and show the kit car world what you could do with current kits.
Puma donor, mid engined, slightly larger wheelbase than an Elise. Easy construction/manufacture with a front clamshell, rer shell and 2 side panels. Would have a removable scuttle so you could start cheap with a fly screen and swap to full windscreen, or just go for a track option with no screen.
I am about to sell my Quantum H4 RS Turbo and my Banham Sprint now both registered following completion which are surplus to requirements and in the way of the two Westfields I am building currently and the other Banham Sprint and MG Midget special and the Midas which is screaming to be finished not to mention all the other half built kits I have.
In consequence I may be in funds again (it won't last!!! I will spend them on more cars!!) and I have been wondering for some time of the possibility of fitting a Hayabusa engine and box into a Smart car in decent nick but with a blown engine of which there do seem to be a few about. Given the lightweight of the Smart car and handling and braking qualities therein and the power output of the Hayabusa that strikes me as a real possibility for an interesting powerful special car which really would be fun on the road. I will need to sort a chain drive to the axle. And a reverse gear which will probably be a modified starter motor given the lightweight and manoeuvrability of the Smart car. But it is certainly worth a bit of research.
Thinking about this while musing on my next projects it has occurred to me that the idea might get around the IVA requirements because the body/chassis would be totally unchanged. I am not trying to get away with anything but having thought about it I can see a number of Advantages. I will of course register the changes with the DVLA and get all the provenance on both the Smart and Hayabusa components and body chassis sorted and arrange the appropriate engineers report to provide this for the DVLA to register everything but I definetely can see possibilities with this idea. I am aware it has been done before but not by me, as yet! Any thoughts from the other kit builders here?
One advantage will be a fully trimmed cabin and handling system designed to provide reasonable comfort.not to mention the steering front suspension and brakes being already built by Smart . Its a lot of work to save. I must have a soft top or possibly a Smart version of that but in principle I can definitely see distinct advantages. I love bombing along on country roads and swinging through the bends. With this much power I would have to limit my enthusiasm ( which thankfully the increasing proximity of the Grim Reaper has already begun!) but in principle a Smart car driven by Hayabusa would certainly be different. I might even use that as a daily driver it could be a lot of fun. I can see this as a brilliant town car which given my residence in North Birmingham must be good.
However until I resolve my space problem and drop some kit cars I just cannot get around to this idea without incurring the awful wrath of my other half which could be very bad. But it is there at the back of my mind and I will do it once I can honestly inform SWMBO that I have sold some kit cars. Oh! The trials of Life !!
Anyone think it's a good idea? See any snags? Think it's worth a try? Think it's daft? I would be interested to hear, please.
In consequence I may be in funds again (it won't last!!! I will spend them on more cars!!) and I have been wondering for some time of the possibility of fitting a Hayabusa engine and box into a Smart car in decent nick but with a blown engine of which there do seem to be a few about. Given the lightweight of the Smart car and handling and braking qualities therein and the power output of the Hayabusa that strikes me as a real possibility for an interesting powerful special car which really would be fun on the road. I will need to sort a chain drive to the axle. And a reverse gear which will probably be a modified starter motor given the lightweight and manoeuvrability of the Smart car. But it is certainly worth a bit of research.
Thinking about this while musing on my next projects it has occurred to me that the idea might get around the IVA requirements because the body/chassis would be totally unchanged. I am not trying to get away with anything but having thought about it I can see a number of Advantages. I will of course register the changes with the DVLA and get all the provenance on both the Smart and Hayabusa components and body chassis sorted and arrange the appropriate engineers report to provide this for the DVLA to register everything but I definetely can see possibilities with this idea. I am aware it has been done before but not by me, as yet! Any thoughts from the other kit builders here?
One advantage will be a fully trimmed cabin and handling system designed to provide reasonable comfort.not to mention the steering front suspension and brakes being already built by Smart . Its a lot of work to save. I must have a soft top or possibly a Smart version of that but in principle I can definitely see distinct advantages. I love bombing along on country roads and swinging through the bends. With this much power I would have to limit my enthusiasm ( which thankfully the increasing proximity of the Grim Reaper has already begun!) but in principle a Smart car driven by Hayabusa would certainly be different. I might even use that as a daily driver it could be a lot of fun. I can see this as a brilliant town car which given my residence in North Birmingham must be good.
However until I resolve my space problem and drop some kit cars I just cannot get around to this idea without incurring the awful wrath of my other half which could be very bad. But it is there at the back of my mind and I will do it once I can honestly inform SWMBO that I have sold some kit cars. Oh! The trials of Life !!
Anyone think it's a good idea? See any snags? Think it's worth a try? Think it's daft? I would be interested to hear, please.
Edited by Steffan on Thursday 26th June 20:14
Steffan, such a good idea that it has been done a lot. See http://www.smartbusa.co.uk/index2.php for instance. Also with Suzuki bike engines - see http://www.smartuki.com/ - and others.
They look like a complete hoot
They look like a complete hoot
Steffan said:
I am about to sell my Quantum H4 RS Turbo and my Banham Sprint now both registered following completion which are surplus to requirements and in the way of the two Westfields I am building currently and the other Banham Sprint and MG Midget special and the Midas which is screaming to be finished not to mention all the other half built kits I have.
In consequence I may be in funds again (it won't last!!! I will spend them on more cars!!) and I have been wondering for some time of the possibility of fitting a Hayabusa engine and box into a Smart car in decent nick but with a blown engine of which there do seem to be a few about. Given the lightweight of the Smart car and handling and braking qualities therein and the power output of the Hayabusa that strikes me as a real possibility for an interesting powerful special car which really would be fun on the road. I will need to sort a chain drive to the axle. And a reverse gear which will probably be a modified starter motor given the lightweight and manoeuvrability of the Smart car. But it is certainly worth a bit of research.
Thinking about this while musing on my next projects it has occurred to me that the idea might get around the IVA requirements because the body/chassis would be totally unchanged. I am not trying to get away with anything but having thought about it I can see a number of Advantages. I will of course register the changes with the DVLA and get all the provenance on both the Smart and Hayabusa components and body chassis sorted and arrange the appropriate engineers report to provide this for the DVLA to register everything but I definetely can see possibilities with this idea. I am aware it has been done before but not by me, as yet! Any thoughts from the other kit builders here?
One advantage will be a fully trimmed cabin and handling system designed to provide reasonable comfort.not to mention the steering front suspension and brakes being already built by Smart . Its a lot of work to save. I must have a soft top or possibly a Smart version of that but in principle I can definitely see distinct advantages. I love bombing along on country roads and swinging through the bends. With this much power I would have to limit my enthusiasm ( which thankfully the increasing proximity of the Grim Reaper has already begun!) but in principle a Smart car driven by Hayabusa would certainly be different. I might even use that as a daily driver it could be a lot of fun. I can see this as a brilliant town car which given my residence in North Birmingham must be good.
However until I resolve my space problem and drop some kit cars I just cannot get around to this idea without incurring the awful wrath of my other half which could be very bad. But it is there at the back of my mind and I will do it once I can honestly inform SWMBO that I have sold some kit cars. Oh! The trials of Life !!
Anyone think it's a good idea? See any snags? Think it's worth a try? Think it's daft? I would be interested to hear, please.
I would have to say that the real issue here is what you hear. Take a bike engine and sit in an enclosed space with it (albeit after an attempt to sound proof) and it may well leave your ears bleeding. I have driven a Smartbusa!In consequence I may be in funds again (it won't last!!! I will spend them on more cars!!) and I have been wondering for some time of the possibility of fitting a Hayabusa engine and box into a Smart car in decent nick but with a blown engine of which there do seem to be a few about. Given the lightweight of the Smart car and handling and braking qualities therein and the power output of the Hayabusa that strikes me as a real possibility for an interesting powerful special car which really would be fun on the road. I will need to sort a chain drive to the axle. And a reverse gear which will probably be a modified starter motor given the lightweight and manoeuvrability of the Smart car. But it is certainly worth a bit of research.
Thinking about this while musing on my next projects it has occurred to me that the idea might get around the IVA requirements because the body/chassis would be totally unchanged. I am not trying to get away with anything but having thought about it I can see a number of Advantages. I will of course register the changes with the DVLA and get all the provenance on both the Smart and Hayabusa components and body chassis sorted and arrange the appropriate engineers report to provide this for the DVLA to register everything but I definetely can see possibilities with this idea. I am aware it has been done before but not by me, as yet! Any thoughts from the other kit builders here?
One advantage will be a fully trimmed cabin and handling system designed to provide reasonable comfort.not to mention the steering front suspension and brakes being already built by Smart . Its a lot of work to save. I must have a soft top or possibly a Smart version of that but in principle I can definitely see distinct advantages. I love bombing along on country roads and swinging through the bends. With this much power I would have to limit my enthusiasm ( which thankfully the increasing proximity of the Grim Reaper has already begun!) but in principle a Smart car driven by Hayabusa would certainly be different. I might even use that as a daily driver it could be a lot of fun. I can see this as a brilliant town car which given my residence in North Birmingham must be good.
However until I resolve my space problem and drop some kit cars I just cannot get around to this idea without incurring the awful wrath of my other half which could be very bad. But it is there at the back of my mind and I will do it once I can honestly inform SWMBO that I have sold some kit cars. Oh! The trials of Life !!
Anyone think it's a good idea? See any snags? Think it's worth a try? Think it's daft? I would be interested to hear, please.
Edited by Steffan on Thursday 26th June 20:14
Bike engines are a hoot in a car although they are designed for light bikes, a Smart car is surprisingly heavy. Personally the idea of having to constantly change gear with a high revving engine does nothing to attract me, that said a bike engine in a very light car aimed at track use is difficult to beat. Long term though whilst it is possible to upgrade a bike clutch you have to bear in mind the extra loads on the gearbox components too compared to what they were intended for. Your smart-busa will be 3 times the weight of a Busa bike. Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm.
Stuart Mills said:
Steffan said:
I am about to sell my Quantum H4 RS Turbo and my Banham Sprint now both registered following completion which are surplus to requirements and in the way of the two Westfields I am building currently and the other Banham Sprint and MG Midget special and the Midas which is screaming to be finished not to mention all the other half built kits I have.
In consequence I may be in funds again (it won't last!!! I will spend them on more cars!!) and I have been wondering for some time of the possibility of fitting a Hayabusa engine and box into a Smart car in decent nick but with a blown engine of which there do seem to be a few about. Given the lightweight of the Smart car and handling and braking qualities therein and the power output of the Hayabusa that strikes me as a real possibility for an interesting powerful special car which really would be fun on the road. I will need to sort a chain drive to the axle. And a reverse gear which will probably be a modified starter motor given the lightweight and manoeuvrability of the Smart car. But it is certainly worth a bit of research.
Thinking about this while musing on my next projects it has occurred to me that the idea might get around the IVA requirements because the body/chassis would be totally unchanged. I am not trying to get away with anything but having thought about it I can see a number of Advantages. I will of course register the changes with the DVLA and get all the provenance on both the Smart and Hayabusa components and body chassis sorted and arrange the appropriate engineers report to provide this for the DVLA to register everything but I definetely can see possibilities with this idea. I am aware it has been done before but not by me, as yet! Any thoughts from the other kit builders here?
One advantage will be a fully trimmed cabin and handling system designed to provide reasonable comfort.not to mention the steering front suspension and brakes being already built by Smart . Its a lot of work to save. I must have a soft top or possibly a Smart version of that but in principle I can definitely see distinct advantages. I love bombing along on country roads and swinging through the bends. With this much power I would have to limit my enthusiasm ( which thankfully the increasing proximity of the Grim Reaper has already begun!) but in principle a Smart car driven by Hayabusa would certainly be different. I might even use that as a daily driver it could be a lot of fun. I can see this as a brilliant town car which given my residence in North Birmingham must be good.
However until I resolve my space problem and drop some kit cars I just cannot get around to this idea without incurring the awful wrath of my other half which could be very bad. But it is there at the back of my mind and I will do it once I can honestly inform SWMBO that I have sold some kit cars. Oh! The trials of Life !!
Anyone think it's a good idea? See any snags? Think it's worth a try? Think it's daft? I would be interested to hear, please.
I would have to say that the real issue here is what you hear. Take a bike engine and sit in an enclosed space with it (albeit after an attempt to sound proof) and it may well leave your ears bleeding. I have driven a Smartbusa!In consequence I may be in funds again (it won't last!!! I will spend them on more cars!!) and I have been wondering for some time of the possibility of fitting a Hayabusa engine and box into a Smart car in decent nick but with a blown engine of which there do seem to be a few about. Given the lightweight of the Smart car and handling and braking qualities therein and the power output of the Hayabusa that strikes me as a real possibility for an interesting powerful special car which really would be fun on the road. I will need to sort a chain drive to the axle. And a reverse gear which will probably be a modified starter motor given the lightweight and manoeuvrability of the Smart car. But it is certainly worth a bit of research.
Thinking about this while musing on my next projects it has occurred to me that the idea might get around the IVA requirements because the body/chassis would be totally unchanged. I am not trying to get away with anything but having thought about it I can see a number of Advantages. I will of course register the changes with the DVLA and get all the provenance on both the Smart and Hayabusa components and body chassis sorted and arrange the appropriate engineers report to provide this for the DVLA to register everything but I definetely can see possibilities with this idea. I am aware it has been done before but not by me, as yet! Any thoughts from the other kit builders here?
One advantage will be a fully trimmed cabin and handling system designed to provide reasonable comfort.not to mention the steering front suspension and brakes being already built by Smart . Its a lot of work to save. I must have a soft top or possibly a Smart version of that but in principle I can definitely see distinct advantages. I love bombing along on country roads and swinging through the bends. With this much power I would have to limit my enthusiasm ( which thankfully the increasing proximity of the Grim Reaper has already begun!) but in principle a Smart car driven by Hayabusa would certainly be different. I might even use that as a daily driver it could be a lot of fun. I can see this as a brilliant town car which given my residence in North Birmingham must be good.
However until I resolve my space problem and drop some kit cars I just cannot get around to this idea without incurring the awful wrath of my other half which could be very bad. But it is there at the back of my mind and I will do it once I can honestly inform SWMBO that I have sold some kit cars. Oh! The trials of Life !!
Anyone think it's a good idea? See any snags? Think it's worth a try? Think it's daft? I would be interested to hear, please.
Edited by Steffan on Thursday 26th June 20:14
Bike engines are a hoot in a car although they are designed for light bikes, a Smart car is surprisingly heavy. Personally the idea of having to constantly change gear with a high revving engine does nothing to attract me, that said a bike engine in a very light car aimed at track use is difficult to beat. Long term though whilst it is possible to upgrade a bike clutch you have to bear in mind the extra loads on the gearbox components too compared to what they were intended for. Your smart-busa will be 3 times the weight of a Busa bike. Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm.
Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff