dyintorace wrote:
Do you guys think it would make more sense to replicate something iconic (assuming we can come up said icon) or pen something new, borrowing from other designs?
FF really is an interesting company to me. Everything I've heard about them has been positive.
Good point on the LS front. That makes perfect sense.
Both choices have their issues.
Borrowing is cleary easier in terms of the shape- you can tweak some basic dimensions to fit the driveline. But you still have to find the right shape that will be popular, and you might have copyright issues, as well.
Penning new opens the world to you. And that's the issue. If you don't make it look just right, it's not going to be popular.
The thing about kits, I think, is that they are popular as a reminder of a good past. So all in all, you probably are better of with a body copy.
Some choices- the bugeye is a great idea, also the MG T series- the TF had steel wheels + a arm front, so you could make it look pretty reasonable, P cars are out, since they are rear engined. People love the shape of Alfas, but IMHO, the best 4 cyl cars are too common. Maybe the 750/101 Spiders.
But I think the bugeye shape is pretty easy to mold, good shape, good emotions, and also looks good with a roll bar (which HAS to be included, so you can have a NASA spec series for your car).
The T series is good since you can use basically a Locost chassis, and the body shape is dead simple. Plus, it's not like they've never seen V8's.
Have to be careful not to choose something too difficult to live with.
One last idea, the obvious- 7. A well done 7 kit with a support series where the whole undeside is just a Miata that is NOT hacked up is sitll a great idea. Like FF, you are choosing a very popular shape in the Kit/ DIY market. And with the longer wb, you can make the car a lot easier to live with. If you can somehow fit in the HVAC box from a Miata, you just made the car a whole lot easier to live with.... Maybe even figure out the top??
Keith- what's the WB difference between a 7 and a Miata?
Eric