Discussion
The V6 version of the Libra uses the Rover 75 version of the KV6 - Numlock's comments about unreliability apply to the Rover 800 version of the engine. Under BMW ownership the KV6 was heavily revised to (successfully) solve the earlier version's reliability problems. How do I know this? My Libra is the factory prototype V6, which has now covered 22,500 hassle free miles (quite quickly!).
Although I am in no way connected with GTM Cars, I would be happy to provide demonstration drives to interested parties - insurance is the only issue, as I do not carry "any driver" cover myself, but temporary cover is easily obtained.
If interested please reply to the above e-mail address.
>> Edited by gregstark on Wednesday 12th June 11:47
Although I am in no way connected with GTM Cars, I would be happy to provide demonstration drives to interested parties - insurance is the only issue, as I do not carry "any driver" cover myself, but temporary cover is easily obtained.
If interested please reply to the above e-mail address.
>> Edited by gregstark on Wednesday 12th June 11:47
Does the reply bit work?
quote:
The V6 version of the Libra uses the Rover 75 version of the KV6 - Numlock's comments about unreliability apply to the Rover 800 version of the engine. Under BMW ownership the KV6 was heavily revised to (successfully) solve the earlier version's reliability problems. How do I know this? My Libra is the factory prototype V6, which has now covered 22,500 hassle free miles (quite quickly!).
Although I am in no way connected with GTM Cars, I would be happy to provide demonstration drives to interested parties - insurance is the only issue, as I do not carry "any driver" cover myself, but temporary cover is easily obtained.
If interested please reply to the above e-mail address.
>> Edited by gregstark on Wednesday 12th June 11:47
resurecting this thread, because I've just noticed that it has been almost 10yrs since the Libra entered kitcar production.
Great achievement in my opinion, due the quality of the product, but most of all to a great looking design.
Does anyone know if a new Libra model will be presented this year at Stoneleigh ?
Italo
Great achievement in my opinion, due the quality of the product, but most of all to a great looking design.
Does anyone know if a new Libra model will be presented this year at Stoneleigh ?
Italo
Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 27th April 09:32
Italo,
I would be VERY suprised if an updated Libra appeared at Stoneleigh. GTM Cars are now part of Potenza so they now have the same ultimate owners as Westfield Cars. In my opinion this could be the best thing for GTM in many respects, because the owners know and understand the business that GTM are in, have experience in developing cars for the market, and (I assume) have the financial backing to develop the car.
However, my suspicion is that the sales of the Libra/Spyder have been rather slow of late, which means that model development will have to proceed on a conservative rather than radical basis. Since the new owners will have hardly had time to see 'whats in the boxes' I suspect that the most we will see at Stoneleigh is maybe a properly finished demonstrator, with some small cosmetic improvements.
Any model developments would take a rather longer time to bring to market than the new owners have had.
But then, what do I know? I am only assuming; which is always risky!
I would be VERY suprised if an updated Libra appeared at Stoneleigh. GTM Cars are now part of Potenza so they now have the same ultimate owners as Westfield Cars. In my opinion this could be the best thing for GTM in many respects, because the owners know and understand the business that GTM are in, have experience in developing cars for the market, and (I assume) have the financial backing to develop the car.
However, my suspicion is that the sales of the Libra/Spyder have been rather slow of late, which means that model development will have to proceed on a conservative rather than radical basis. Since the new owners will have hardly had time to see 'whats in the boxes' I suspect that the most we will see at Stoneleigh is maybe a properly finished demonstrator, with some small cosmetic improvements.
Any model developments would take a rather longer time to bring to market than the new owners have had.
But then, what do I know? I am only assuming; which is always risky!
Paul Drawmer said:
However, my suspicion is that the sales of the Libra/Spyder have been rather slow of late, which means that model development will have to proceed on a conservative rather than radical basis. Since the new owners will have hardly had time to see 'whats in the boxes' I suspect that the most we will see at Stoneleigh is maybe a properly finished demonstrator, with some small cosmetic improvements.
Any model developments would take a rather longer time to bring to market than the new owners have had.
But then, what do I know? I am only assuming; which is always risky!
Paul, Any model developments would take a rather longer time to bring to market than the new owners have had.
But then, what do I know? I am only assuming; which is always risky!
I agree with you on the fact that, the new owners need more time to plan new models and the future, but the Libra has still a few more years of life in the model cycle, just by thoroughly redesigning the front and rear of the car.
I would love to see a Gtm with an Alfa Romeo engine......, and with a few design tweeks...
See you at Stoneleigh
Cheers
Italo
Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 27th April 10:51
I quite agree, the whole car could be updated by alterations to the engine frame, allowing a different power unit (I favour the Ford Duratec on BHP/Kg/£ grounds).
Also, as you say, the front and rear bodies are just clothes, and could be updated to make a completely new car.
I can't draw, but I do like the rear of the V8 Aston with the lip spoiler and a pair of horizontal light units with diffuser, would disguise the height of the rear end.
Something more modern at the front, with a bigger lip on the rear edge of the bonnet to help extract radiator exhaust, and a more modern 'mouth' incorporating a splitter, would allow the undertray to filled in to improve the aero. Then apply some thought to improving the hinges/fixings of the clams......
Oh well, I'll wait and see!
Also, as you say, the front and rear bodies are just clothes, and could be updated to make a completely new car.
I can't draw, but I do like the rear of the V8 Aston with the lip spoiler and a pair of horizontal light units with diffuser, would disguise the height of the rear end.
Something more modern at the front, with a bigger lip on the rear edge of the bonnet to help extract radiator exhaust, and a more modern 'mouth' incorporating a splitter, would allow the undertray to filled in to improve the aero. Then apply some thought to improving the hinges/fixings of the clams......
Oh well, I'll wait and see!
if i were to have another GTM (im on my second), i'd want a GTM, ie a grand touring mini.
as the mini part is all but gone, read it as a small GT car, rather that a track day car
i use mine (spider) everyday, but find the doors a pain to get into and out
and yes the clamsheel fixing leave a lot to be desired
doug
as the mini part is all but gone, read it as a small GT car, rather that a track day car
i use mine (spider) everyday, but find the doors a pain to get into and out
and yes the clamsheel fixing leave a lot to be desired
doug
dugt said:
if i were to have another GTM (im on my second), i'd want a GTM, ie a grand touring mini.
as the mini part is all but gone, read it as a small GT car, rather that a track day car
i use mine (spider) everyday, but find the doors a pain to get into and out
and yes the clamsheel fixing leave a lot to be desired
doug
Hi Dougas the mini part is all but gone, read it as a small GT car, rather that a track day car
i use mine (spider) everyday, but find the doors a pain to get into and out
and yes the clamsheel fixing leave a lot to be desired
doug
very interesting thought........and would that be a front wheel drive or a rear wheel drive Gt?, and what type of mechanicals? BMW Mini or other ?
Italo
oh god, i hadn't thought that far into it
but proberbly front engine/rear wheel drive (ferg will be along in a moment to protest!)
as for bmw mini - bmw arent known for being cheap, so that would put me off
id also be interested in a cc (coupe convertible) version (not sure how realistic/doable it is) as the wind noise with the roof up infuriates me
doug
but proberbly front engine/rear wheel drive (ferg will be along in a moment to protest!)
as for bmw mini - bmw arent known for being cheap, so that would put me off
id also be interested in a cc (coupe convertible) version (not sure how realistic/doable it is) as the wind noise with the roof up infuriates me
doug
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