WRX-based RWD kit car roadster from Factory Five Racing....
Discussion
http://www.factoryfive.com/whatsnew/update/5ffrsur...
Apparently they've been spending a year designing the base for it and will be having a public design contest for the exterior body soon...But they're planning for it to be:
-Mid-engined (I assume rear-mid-engined)
-2-seater roadster
-RWD
-Single-donor Subaru WRX (since this is from the US FFR, I assume 2002+ WRX's)
-Relatively cheap: $10,000 US for the kit
-No-painting required body parts
Sounds like fun...I'd be surprised if they can hit the price point, but then again, I might be a bit sensitive from past experiences. But if it works, I might get it (probably still before my Murtaya arrives).
(I don't think this was already posted, but if so, please disregard)
Mike
Apparently they've been spending a year designing the base for it and will be having a public design contest for the exterior body soon...But they're planning for it to be:
-Mid-engined (I assume rear-mid-engined)
-2-seater roadster
-RWD
-Single-donor Subaru WRX (since this is from the US FFR, I assume 2002+ WRX's)
-Relatively cheap: $10,000 US for the kit
-No-painting required body parts
Sounds like fun...I'd be surprised if they can hit the price point, but then again, I might be a bit sensitive from past experiences. But if it works, I might get it (probably still before my Murtaya arrives).
(I don't think this was already posted, but if so, please disregard)
Mike
Hiryu said:
http://www.factoryfive.com/whatsnew/update/5ffrsur...
Apparently they've been spending a year designing the base for it and will be having a public design contest for the exterior body soon...But they're planning for it to be:
-Mid-engined (I assume rear-mid-engined)
-2-seater roadster
-RWD
-Single-donor Subaru WRX (since this is from the US FFR, I assume 2002+ WRX's)
-Relatively cheap: $10,000 US for the kit
-No-painting required body parts
Sounds like fun...I'd be surprised if they can hit the price point, but then again, I might be a bit sensitive from past experiences. But if it works, I might get it (probably still before my Murtaya arrives).
(I don't think this was already posted, but if so, please disregard)
Mike
Looks like they have a great project and I'm really looking forward to the new design.Apparently they've been spending a year designing the base for it and will be having a public design contest for the exterior body soon...But they're planning for it to be:
-Mid-engined (I assume rear-mid-engined)
-2-seater roadster
-RWD
-Single-donor Subaru WRX (since this is from the US FFR, I assume 2002+ WRX's)
-Relatively cheap: $10,000 US for the kit
-No-painting required body parts
Sounds like fun...I'd be surprised if they can hit the price point, but then again, I might be a bit sensitive from past experiences. But if it works, I might get it (probably still before my Murtaya arrives).
(I don't think this was already posted, but if so, please disregard)
Mike
I've always thought that a mid-engine coupe with Subaru running gear would have been a great concept and it's nice to see that someoneis going to doing it.
The Saker is the other sportscar with Subaru running gear:
http://www.sakercars.com.au/main.htm
To save anyone interested schlepping over, here is the design 'template' for the profile:
Unbelievable. The chassis is described as 'mostly designed' - and apparently totally top secret too. I assume there blanking off the proshaft and using the Impreza drivetrain as mid rear, much like the SDR Storm - so why not outline the mechanical package?
Maybe the chassis does contain some top secret details you want to keep confidential, but that doesn't preclude showing the extent of the cabin outline, scuttle position, etc. Will the radiator be front mounted, and even if so can we play with the positioning (horizontal, vertical, etc)?
However good the quality of entries are, translating that into reality is no easy task - but failing to define what I would term as the most basic details seems a sure way to make that task as difficult as possible. If I were a more cynical man, based on the paucity of information provided I might think this is nothing more than a cheap publicity stunt...
Unbelievable. The chassis is described as 'mostly designed' - and apparently totally top secret too. I assume there blanking off the proshaft and using the Impreza drivetrain as mid rear, much like the SDR Storm - so why not outline the mechanical package?
Maybe the chassis does contain some top secret details you want to keep confidential, but that doesn't preclude showing the extent of the cabin outline, scuttle position, etc. Will the radiator be front mounted, and even if so can we play with the positioning (horizontal, vertical, etc)?
However good the quality of entries are, translating that into reality is no easy task - but failing to define what I would term as the most basic details seems a sure way to make that task as difficult as possible. If I were a more cynical man, based on the paucity of information provided I might think this is nothing more than a cheap publicity stunt...
Erm, well some kind of idea of mechanicals or any hard points of the body at all would have been a help. Looking at that I've got no idea about the height of the engine, the size of those wheels or the amount of overhang at the back. Doesn't the gearbox on the Subaru engined V Storm stick out the back of the car?
Did point that out to them, with all the tact of a wounded buffalo (bad day). In fairness they are going to make some updates; even so, aside from the engine and seating positions it's all to play for. The description of chassis design has been changed from 'almost complete' to not finalised - in the sense that items like radiator placement are negotiable.
ajprice said:
Great. Going by the main dimension so far, 95" is quite short for the wheelbase, it's around that on the Mini, Fiat 500 and Smart Roadster. If width is still around the size of a Subaru it's going to be a squat little thing 
.
But 96" on an E-type and 90.6" for a Lotus Elise, so not that squat for a 2 seater. .No info on chassis hard points or engine size?
Flat engine aren't as low as you'd think once you've allowed for putting the exhaust underneath and the intake on top.
I've thought about something very similar over the years and here's a rough height estimate:
Flat engine aren't as low as you'd think once you've allowed for putting the exhaust underneath and the intake on top.
I've thought about something very similar over the years and here's a rough height estimate:
- ground clearance 4 inches
- chopped sump to 10 inches (more has been tried but owners report problems)
- another 13 inches from the crank to the top of the intake
- an inch to the bodywork
There was mention of adding basic engine and seating info to template but that's yet to materialise, but they won't be giving any chassis hardpoints - they don't want to constrain our creativity
Was only ever interested in it in an academic / intellectual capacity, but TBH trying to figure it out: they've put up a not insubstantial prize fund, and the engineering design has been ongoing for a year. They don't want to dictate too much in terms of engineering detail - but even if they decide on the winning design on the day of the deadline that gives them just 5 months to get the job done in time for debut at SEMA.
Even if more than 28" in truth that's easier to hide on a mid engined roadster - just make sure it has headrest fairings...
In fairness to FFR, there were a couple of other templates - plan:
and three quarter design template (?) (they've called isometric - but given it perspective!)
Was only ever interested in it in an academic / intellectual capacity, but TBH trying to figure it out: they've put up a not insubstantial prize fund, and the engineering design has been ongoing for a year. They don't want to dictate too much in terms of engineering detail - but even if they decide on the winning design on the day of the deadline that gives them just 5 months to get the job done in time for debut at SEMA.
Even if more than 28" in truth that's easier to hide on a mid engined roadster - just make sure it has headrest fairings...
In fairness to FFR, there were a couple of other templates - plan:
and three quarter design template (?) (they've called isometric - but given it perspective!)
The only kitcar chassis that comes close in concept and could help a few with info is the Saker GT.
Here is a very nice build posted by Kiwi Carguy
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Here is a very nice build posted by Kiwi Carguy
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
seansverige said:
even with a relatively slim tank the driver is well forward (wonder if tank in 'transmission' tunnel might be safer and improve packaging?))
The Smart Brabus V6 roadster had its fuel tank in the front, replacing the luggage space under the bonnet. It was a foam filled F1 spec thing though, so probably not in budget for this 
seansverige said:
re: Saker. Agreed - but surely even the Spyder version must cost more than FFR's projected kit price of $9900?
Useful photos though: even with a relatively slim tank the driver is well forward (wonder if tank in 'transmission' tunnel might be safer and improve packaging?))
http://www.dunebuggyarchives.com/subbug/manuals.htmlUseful photos though: even with a relatively slim tank the driver is well forward (wonder if tank in 'transmission' tunnel might be safer and improve packaging?))
Hi Sean, just go here for some great info on any Subaru engine you might need....
Italo
ajprice said:
The Smart Brabus V6 roadster had its fuel tank in the front, replacing the luggage space under the bonnet. It was a foam filled F1 spec thing though, so probably not in budget for this
...and if you're going to use it as a crumple zone, best not skimp on the spec, eh? 
Just checked: Saker's wheelbase 6" longer than FFR, and footwell pretty far forward as is...
more pics here
http://www.automobilesreview.com/auto-news/saker-r...
small exterior profile view from their website:
dramatic but slightly ungainly
Front tank may not be the greatest place then . Another alternative fuel tank I've remembered from watching too much Top Gear/Fifth Gear and having access to google ... Toyota iQ has its tank under the floor, 32 litres and 12cm high
http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_st...
Not sure of part cost or availability for it though.
. Another alternative fuel tank I've remembered from watching too much Top Gear/Fifth Gear and having access to google ... Toyota iQ has its tank under the floor, 32 litres and 12cm highhttp://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_st...
Not sure of part cost or availability for it though.
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