|
Post by Stiggy on Jan 4, 2012 14:58:33 GMT
I will be offering 2 different style options for the front and rear of the X5 together with options for Coupe, Convertible and Superlight (no screen, lightweight chassis version) This will provide the customer with 12 variations of the car. I hope to build an interactive website where customers can build their own version too by allowing selection from the 12 options plus wheel and colour choices. I have attached a drawing of the new front option. I call it "shark" and the original one "smile". I will also be offering a "clam shell" front end to get rid of the bonnet shut line and appeal to race mechanics for ease of access at a meeting. The new chassis weighs only 56 kgs and is considerably stiffer than the MX5 monocoque I would appreciate any opinions. Regards Stuart Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by smokemare on Jan 5, 2012 17:27:59 GMT
I'm really excited about this project.
I loved my MX5 but it always seemed a little too heavy and a little low on power.
The Exocet looks fantastic, but I'd really like a car that was more driveable every day. The standard MEVX5 isn't really a big enough reduction in wieght to justify the myther to me, it looks great - but it's the functionality I'm looking for.
the lightweight chassis option could be the right kit for me though! I'm looking forward to seeing it!
|
|
olberj
Full
SC Rocketeer
Posts: 150
|
Post by olberj on Jan 6, 2012 0:18:32 GMT
Absolutely bob on Stiggy. I look forward to seeing all the options and costs laid out.
Total target weight for a full coupe on the new chassis?
|
|
|
Post by Wayne Bale on Jan 7, 2012 8:41:50 GMT
This sounds great. What kind of timescales are you talking about? I can see the more practical side of building a MEVX5, but i would need to make that decision fairly soon as I am about to get going on the build process.
|
|
olberj
Full
SC Rocketeer
Posts: 150
|
Post by olberj on Jan 7, 2012 10:40:12 GMT
How have you gone about door access Stiggy?
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Jan 7, 2012 16:21:59 GMT
The Coupe and superlight do not have windscreens, we are using the doors from the MX5. We cut out the inside steel of the doors and window glass/motors etc but retain the side impact bar. The door weight is reduced by a massive 15 kgs, Nigel has pictures that he may add to this for us. It would be possible to build a Coupe by cutting a screen frame from an MX5. I may make a GRP one later but then you would need draft proof windows doors and so on. I have one order for an X5 Coupe on the new lightweight chassis for racing, I will let you know how that comes out. It will not have door glass or waterproof seals though.
|
|
|
Post by leahy on Jan 9, 2012 12:25:17 GMT
great idea and just in time for me,
I'm currently in the process of stripping my MX5 with a hope to put an order in soon, excuse my ignorance but will the lightweight version require the body to be removed and exocet type chassis bolted on with wings and hinged nose similar to an e type (roughly speaking)
is it wish full thinking or would they be displayed at one of the next shows?
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Jan 9, 2012 18:19:44 GMT
A clam like the E-type is about right. The new chassis will bolt straight on to the MX5 sub frames a la Exocet. We have now completed the chassis jig and can take orders.
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Jan 9, 2012 18:20:30 GMT
New outline of the 12 options Attachments:
|
|
olberj
Full
SC Rocketeer
Posts: 150
|
Post by olberj on Jan 9, 2012 18:59:15 GMT
Silly question, is the superlight chassis available in coupe form rather than the coupe you bond to the Mx5?
You can use a Mk2 Mx5 as well i assume?
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Jan 9, 2012 21:21:35 GMT
The doors on the MK2 are different. The superlight chassis will take a coupe body but the coupe body has no screen frmae, you would need to cut one off the donor
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Jan 9, 2012 21:23:20 GMT
Silly question, is the superlight chassis available in coupe form rather than the coupe you bond to the Mx5? You can use a Mk2 Mx5 as well i assume? Thanx for posting the picture on PH, as you know I was booted off for advertising. I now self harm on a daily basis to hide my guilt!
|
|
olberj
Full
SC Rocketeer
Posts: 150
|
Post by olberj on Jan 9, 2012 22:55:26 GMT
Didn't know you'd been booted! To be fair it's the sames rule for everyone and does seem a bit too blanket a times. A funny old place.
So i could have a superlight chassis, coupe body and then add Mx5 parts and screen? Any idea of a rough weight for that lot?
|
|
|
Post by Stiggy on Jan 10, 2012 9:35:44 GMT
I would guess around 600 kgs. I can still post on PH but if I start a topic it gets pulled.
|
|
|
Post by leahy on Jan 10, 2012 11:18:27 GMT
Hi, a shame about pistonheads
Regarding the the frame for the the lightweight, will you be offering it powder coated for an additional sum as per exocet ?
Thanks
|
|