Kit car industry and how to revive interest and sales
Discussion
You don't want to be taking on the main stream guys though, their budgets just make it not worth while.
It has to have a USP which differentiates it from the norm. That's the only reason you buy kit cars really.
I would like to see a more rugged mid engined car, like an off roader that works on road too. Full bodied to let it be used in the rain. Just dreaming really.
It has to have a USP which differentiates it from the norm. That's the only reason you buy kit cars really.
I would like to see a more rugged mid engined car, like an off roader that works on road too. Full bodied to let it be used in the rain. Just dreaming really.
OlberJ said:
I would like to see a more rugged mid engined car, like an off roader that works on road too. Full bodied to let it be used in the rain. Just dreaming really.
Interesting, something like these? Giugiaro Parcour Concept
Audi Nanuk
Useless fact #739 - They are the same car underneath http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/10/audi-nanuk-conc...
Indeed. Strangely enough thinking of using the Audi 4.2 to power it.
A 2 seater with mid engined power plant and adjustable suspension to switch between road and off road would do it for me.
Mid engine 4x4 is a nightmare so i'll stop short of requesting that.
If it had bodywork on the bottom half of the car that you could remove, skirts and bumpers, then you really do have ther best of both worlds.
Basically a rallycross car for the road.
I'd quite happily drive something with big sidewalls and enjoy some dynamics over rock hard suspension and rubber band tyres.
A 2 seater with mid engined power plant and adjustable suspension to switch between road and off road would do it for me.
Mid engine 4x4 is a nightmare so i'll stop short of requesting that.
If it had bodywork on the bottom half of the car that you could remove, skirts and bumpers, then you really do have ther best of both worlds.
Basically a rallycross car for the road.
I'd quite happily drive something with big sidewalls and enjoy some dynamics over rock hard suspension and rubber band tyres.
The industry has to look at what will sell and why. Take the new Healy that is in COMPLETE KIT CAR magazine, looks great and build wise should be easy to do. But cost wise over £15k, about the same price as a high specced MX5 which is the doner. Will it sell? I hope so but is it too normal.
I have two friends who both had Westfields, one sold and bought an Elise the other a Boxster, bothe for less than the Westfields they had. Both drive well and the boxster has air con and ABS etc. They both have that important bit which is spousal support, they both get more use out of them.
So if quality cars like that are so cheap unless Kit Cars offer more than that in some way it will be a hard slog. Kits have to be either a replica of something that a normal person could never own, or something that is radically different or offers something different.
I have two friends who both had Westfields, one sold and bought an Elise the other a Boxster, bothe for less than the Westfields they had. Both drive well and the boxster has air con and ABS etc. They both have that important bit which is spousal support, they both get more use out of them.
So if quality cars like that are so cheap unless Kit Cars offer more than that in some way it will be a hard slog. Kits have to be either a replica of something that a normal person could never own, or something that is radically different or offers something different.
OlberJ said:
Indeed. Strangely enough thinking of using the Audi 4.2 to power it.
A 2 seater with mid engined power plant and adjustable suspension to switch between road and off road would do it for me.
Mid engine 4x4 is a nightmare so i'll stop short of requesting that.
If it had bodywork on the bottom half of the car that you could remove, skirts and bumpers, then you really do have ther best of both worlds.
Basically a rallycross car for the road.
I'd quite happily drive something with big sidewalls and enjoy some dynamics over rock hard suspension and rubber band tyres.
From the "Cars you didn't know existed" thread in GGA 2 seater with mid engined power plant and adjustable suspension to switch between road and off road would do it for me.
Mid engine 4x4 is a nightmare so i'll stop short of requesting that.
If it had bodywork on the bottom half of the car that you could remove, skirts and bumpers, then you really do have ther best of both worlds.
Basically a rallycross car for the road.
I'd quite happily drive something with big sidewalls and enjoy some dynamics over rock hard suspension and rubber band tyres.
Risotto said:
Axiom Mega Track:
Sort of giant, luxury off-road supercar. Think they only made a handful...slightly niche, so not surprising really!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...Sort of giant, luxury off-road supercar. Think they only made a handful...slightly niche, so not surprising really!
I don't think the kit car market will ever be the same again due to the number of finance options available on cars these days. Additionally, the majority seem to strive for a new car, full of creature comforts and Bluetooth connectivity than an AC Cobra. The hole market needs to reposition itself, and I believe the future is no longer in replicas - you need to offer something different, something more attractive than currently available. The problem lays in technology, and what we are all starting to consider the norm.
AudiSport said:
I don't think the kit car market will ever be the same again due to the number of finance options available on cars these days. Additionally, the majority seem to strive for a new car, full of creature comforts and Bluetooth connectivity than an AC Cobra. The hole market needs to reposition itself, and I believe the future is no longer in replicas - you need to offer something different, something more attractive than currently available. The problem lays in technology, and what we are all starting to consider the norm.
I personally feel the next kit car breakthrough will be something to do with electric cars. At the moment it is too expensive. But batteries are getting better and cheaper while fuel is getting higher...and Leon's getting laaaarger. Combine that with the performance growing and the increasing need for people to take a "face value" moral stance on the environment and it is a winner. The only thing that could stop progress is workers rights in China. I think it would suit the kit car world as the more range you need the more batteries you need. Track toys could still be relatively light.
The other thing is hub motors. Bikes are already out and about so ready made ones for a car are not too far away.
The other thing is hub motors. Bikes are already out and about so ready made ones for a car are not too far away.
OlberJ said:
Indeed. Strangely enough thinking of using the Audi 4.2 to power it.
A 2 seater with mid engined power plant and adjustable suspension to switch between road and off road would do it for me.
Mid engine 4x4 is a nightmare so i'll stop short of requesting that.
If it had bodywork on the bottom half of the car that you could remove, skirts and bumpers, then you really do have ther best of both worlds.
Basically a rallycross car for the road.
I'd quite happily drive something with big sidewalls and enjoy some dynamics over rock hard suspension and rubber band tyres.
Much the same desire.... Fun to see the Lambo and Audi concept cars. A 2 seater with mid engined power plant and adjustable suspension to switch between road and off road would do it for me.
Mid engine 4x4 is a nightmare so i'll stop short of requesting that.
If it had bodywork on the bottom half of the car that you could remove, skirts and bumpers, then you really do have ther best of both worlds.
Basically a rallycross car for the road.
I'd quite happily drive something with big sidewalls and enjoy some dynamics over rock hard suspension and rubber band tyres.
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