ROCKET REIGNS SUPREME

[Stiggy]

Excellent feature in issue 3 (Out NOV) of Track Driver magazine.
The experts were clearly impressed with the MEV M350 Rocket.
The magazine is available on free subscription at
www.trackdriver.com
Many many congratulations to the RTR team who presented a car that is clearly almost perfect, just a few minors that the drivers picked up and those items were sorted a couple of days later. This car is set to be the one to beat in 2011. Well done chaps!

[Tim Kerr]

Can you post a PDF or email a pdf of the aricle for those of us that missed it? Just been on their web site and registered but would like to see a copy of the M350 Rocket article.

Tim

[Stiggy]

Hi Tim, I think that would be copyright theft!
They tested the SDR and a MEV in the one, quotes from the feature are;
re MEV-"It was probably the fastest car to change direction I've driven since a Lancia Stratos"
"The SDR was behind the curve compared to the MEV Rocket"
"The chassis was very nicely balanced. It appears MEV has conquered the centre of gravity issue normally associated with this type of transmission layout"
Many thanks to Mark Hales and John Hayman of Track Driver magazine.

[s t o n i c]

I just watched the videos of the Rocket and SDR. The Rocket was faster on the straight but the G force on the corners was really impressive... Mind, i watched the Sport 2000 lap and that’s unreal.

I almost went down the SDR route. It certainly "looks" very clever the way the chassis is made up and the horizontal shocks. Just shows that its the end results that count. Saw them at Exeter in 2009 and they put Mev in the budget bracket and really slagged off the Sonic - called it a boat.

I think we can safely say MEV delivers value for money. Clearly you can do things on a tight budget or invest the effort RTR have put in and get the results we have seen. It shows the Rocket (and I hope the Sonic!) can perform way above the price level if set-up correctly. Inspiration I am sure for everyone planning on doing track days.

[Stiggy]

It shows signs of weakness when a salesman feels the need to dis a competitors product in the hope that the potential client will come his way. Gladly most of us are smart enough to smell a rat when the salesman cannot convince you to part with money without slagging of a product that clearly is beating him at his own game. That said I feel it is appropriate to reveal some more independant quotes from the experts at Track Driver in relation to the SDR, just to convince you further that you made the right choice.
"the Subaru transaxle format seems a little too much for the yards of cable required to connect the lever of the transaxle slung out at the far end of the car"
"the steering was more vague than expected"
"with a pedal set too close, I could either depress the clutch or foul the steering wheel with my thigh, there was no middle ground"
"it's the lateral loading that gave us the biggest problem. When the rear broke away it couldn't be accused of being progressive or gentle"
So it's as per the title of this thread.

[roadtrackrace]

Much as we manufacture the Rocket I think credit here should also go to Stiggy for designing it in the first place.

We have now had several highly respected professional drivers praise the dynamics of the Rocket and the Track Driver article reinforces all of this.

Track driver have already invited us back for further editorial content in 2011...

Watch this space

[Stiggy]

Interesting debate going on at another forum.
pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=30&t=940970&mid=79803&nmt=Complete Kit Car Magazine - Car of the Year 2010

[mabbs]

Was reading this last night and resisted myself to replying. Each to their own. The V-storm was a strong contender for me but at the time I felt it was at the early stages of development and was it going to be developed further ? Liked the concept of the 3 seats and middle driving position. All reviewers look for different aspects of the vehicle but as a good handeling track day car, at this current moment the Rocket seems to be the better car from a professionals point of view. I feel the Rocket has a better future to be a classic/superior self build sports car - does not meen it should be car of the year

I am very happy with mine and wont be changing it !!

[Stiggy]

I too have resisted from adding to that thread Mabbs.
The authorised dealer and a customer and then the designer are having their say. Not balanced is it?
The Rocket was in the top 3 in CKC 2 years ago and then the Sonic was in the top 3 in 2010. I see the car of the year competition as more of a celebration of what our industry has to offer rather than a direct comparison of the 3 cars in the feature. They all win. Would have been interesting to see the Rocket compared directly to the SDR though. Correct I would not be the slightest bit worried!
My favorite was the Toniq as the styling is fresh and it clearly can be made to perform and handle as it is very similar to a 7 type chassis.

[dinosaurjuice]

a PH thread turning into a debate

yawn.

[Stiggy]

Cover story on this months CKC ( cover date Feb ) nice feature.