Carisma Cerbera

[Jamie Shaw]

hello to all at Piston Heads.

I have read all your comments and would like to take this opportunity to put my views across in relation to some of your comments.

To start i am 27 and owner of Carisma Automotive Design (UK) a well established company specialising in Incar design, leather upholstery & specialist av/multimedia installations.

I firstly would like to stress that the naming of my new car ( Max Powered Cerbera ) is not a choice of my own but someones topic name on Piston Heads. Although this car was unvieled at Max Power Live At the Birmingham NEC it was not soley aimed at the "Max Power" market. The modified car market is only 30 - 40% of work we undertake at Carisma. AND WE DO NOT WORK ON NOVAS................

Within the so called "Max Power" scene we have reached a stature unachieved by anyone else within the market place. This is due to our unique designs coupled with cartsmanship usually associated with the likes of Rolls Royce/Astin Martin etc.

Whether you like or dislike this car please keep your opinions to yourselve until you have actually seen it for real or viewed some professional photography not some undercover pics a teenager has taken from a cruise site that we were unaware were even taken. I must stress that under no circumstances did we give permission for anyone to do this. Do you really think i would want anyone to view poor photography & footage of an unfinished project ???. We have already had people from within the TVR Industry that had seen the appauling pics & footage and chose to come and view the car for themselves. Their views changed very quickly from what they had seen on here.

The choice of a TVR Cerbera as a car promote Carisma was done for many reasons. Some of the key elements for this vehicle to suceed within the modified car scene where as follows.

1. The Cerbera in standard form is one of the fastest production cars ever produced capable of acceleration and top speed far beyond the likes of Supras, Skylines,Imprezas, etc.

2. The second hand value of a Cerbera is now at a point where the likes of your Supra, Skyline, Impreza owner could afford to buy one but dont realise this.

3. The Cerbera has never been modified to this degree and within the modified car scene to find a car that has'nt is almost impossible.

4. The Cerbera whether you agree or disagree does in my opinion actually suit the upto date Japansese Bodystyling normally associated whith other manufactures cars.


I know many people have questioned things like the colour scheme choice, the TV Screens, DVD, Sat Nav, the wing etc etc. As a Show case of products & services you do not have any choice but to include everything you can offer, hence the OTT comments. You would not go into a shop that only had one item on display in the window would you ??? I am sure many of you would love to be able to record yourselve driving at a track day from a onboard camera and showing your friends overtaking a skyline at 170mph !!! Or maybe on a long journey your passenger could watch a DVD on screen installed a sunvisor. Answer me this, how bad is your Radio reception in your Cerbera??? maybe DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) could improve things. Whether it be Interior/Exterior styling, av/multimedia installation or leather upholstery when you see this Cerbera you will feel comfortable that what ever job you put in front of us we can exceed all your expectations in relation to design/installion and quality crafsmanship.

Comments such as "sacralige", "if i saw it i would ram it of the road", "Raped", "Barstadised" is there really any need for this ????? i feel some of you to be very narrow minded and probably the kind of people that individuality is not appealing.

I actually find this very pleasing because i set out for this car to be controversional within the TVR scene and i have acheived this 10 times over. The TVR scene has such a broad spectrum of owners with a variety of different tastes, I know that it will not appeal to most as an "Overall Car" but take the time to look at the modifications and quality of workmanship individually, if you look at it as an overall car then yes of course it is OTT !!! I always produce OTT Demonstration cars beacause they attract the largest crowds at shows and receive more editorial coverage than others.

Just to let you know that at Max Power Live at the NEC which was attended by over 50,000 people we were awarded the "Best Car of Show" award & also to top that off we where also given "Best Stand of Show" award, so even with all your negative comments on here we still exceeded what we set out to acheive.

Finally whether you love it or hate what i have created i have no way intended to take away what TVR created or intentionally offend. The Cerbera is one of the most beautifully designed cars ever produced in my eyes but i look at every car as a blank canvas to create some thing unique to me and to promote Carisma as a company.

If you would like to discuss anything in relation to this matter please dont hesiate to contact me via email [e-mail] or phone [phone]. I Shall be posting some professional photographic pictures to Pistonheads and would love to here your comments both positive and those with constructive critism.

Jamie Shaw

Carisma Automotive Design (UK)

[Ston]

Jamie, as I said in the other thread, people that innovate and lead the way in car design get my support.

As they say, 'hanging your balls out there on the line is what makes people great'

I think the car looks great.

[Podie]

Fair points, well made. Not my cup of tea, but agreed that you cannot comment on the workmanship without seeing it in the flesh / metal.

quote:
AND WE DO NOT WORK ON NOVAS................

... and the man has a sense of humour..

[yellow peril]

Hi everyone,

Yesterday, I was invited along to see Jamie's revamped Cerbera. As the owner of a 4.5 Cerbie I was obviously interested, especially as I had seen the 1 minute 6 second lousy video clip and noted the comments that followed it.

Believe me, really, you just have to see this car in the flesh!

To say that the very poor video clip does not do it justice is the understatement of the year!

I believe most people buy TVRs because they are fast and have smooth flowing lines that are pleasing to the eye, with very simplistic but tasteful interiors.

This is the sort of car that a true TVR lover will probably not appreciate. But at the same time, you just HAVE to admire this car.

It is stunning!

The Speed 12 has a monstrous, beastly look about it.
This car doesn't have that.
Although transforming so much of it, the car still flows in a magnificent metallic gold. The huge spoiler balances out the enorous bonnet modification and all in all, this cars looks not beastly, but.....menacing. That's the word, menacing.
Any TVR driver knows that reaction of drivers when you roar up behind them on the motorway, those that are awake get out of the way pretty damn quick. Believe me, an eyeful of this car in your mirrors and you move over.........no question.
The external appearance of this car is totally awesome.
I have to say that I loved it!

The interior........well.....yes...I can understand how contoversial the interior will be. The modifications, especially with the sound, television and video system are outrageous! There are speakers, huge speakers, everywhere, behind, above, at the back and to the side. I didn't hear it, but I can't wait to experience it!
All the gauges have been converted to round, lcd displays, the seats are radically different, the whole concept is that of a machine built to give personal pleasure.
And that is where we all differ, one man's meat etc...

All this has been my personal opinion and I know that I will probably be told where to put it....However, one thing cannot come under dispute.

Anyone who has actually seen this car will not question it's build quality. It is superb. Jamie and his crew have done a magnificent job on the build of this car.
TVR are not in the top ten for the quality of their workmanship, but everything that has been done to this car has been to the highest specification and it shows.
You'll note that I haven't commented on the technical side, that's because I don't know enough to comment on technical terms, I leave my other half to do that. But from what I heard last night and Ray's comments, it's obvious that if this car needed the best...it got it!

This car will be capable of 600+bhp!

You don't skimp and scrape when you are going to drive that sort of oomph!
As an R O of the TVR Club, I have seen a lot of modified TVRs.
Jamie's Cerbera is just stunning and I congratulate him on winning Max Power's best car and best stand awards and having the balls to produce what is the most controversial TVR I have seen to date!

[sixspeed]

I posted the original thread, and apologies for choosing the title that I did. I chose the Max Power'd Cerbera comment to grab the attention of people on here, and it certainly managed that.

I wasn't sure of the car at first, from the footage I saw, but I spoke to one of your guys at the stand on Saturday and as soon as I saw the car in the flesh my views on the car were completely changed. I didn't give any opinions on here until I had seen the car for myself, but am quite happy to say now that the quality of the work is outstanding, and I love the work on the dash with the digital dials etc. The colour scheme wouldn't be my choice, but the car is designed to stand out, and it certainly does that.


I reckon it would be great to have the car at one of the TVR events to change the perception of some people on here, and open their eyes to what can be done to a standard car. I know Duxford was mentioned as a possibility to bring the car along to a large group of TVR owners. Would this be a possibility Jamie? I think its on the 10th August.



-andy-

[s_willy]

You've made some fair points particularly regarding the quality of the pictures and the method with which they were obtained. Certainly doesn't present the product in a fair or good light.

As you say, the car is meant to be contraversial and it is, and as a result has attracted a lot of attention to it and your company, which can only be a good thing.

I haven't seen the car in the flesh but no doubt the quality of workmanship is high, the problem is what has been done.

Maybe another car could be modified based around the original TVR concepts of less is more, radical individuality but without the industry-wide pointless over-design we see all the time.

[.mark]

I've looked at the pictures, watched the videos (both of them) and, well, it's OK. The picture quality may be crap but even I can see the workmanship is excellent.
And whilst I agree you have to put all your mods on to one product to sell yourselves it isn't going to please all.

Please take the time to rearange the following words in to a well known phrase or saying.
Your Put Pram Toys Back In Your

Bet Henry Ford didn't react like that when he unveiled his new fangled horseless carriage.

[Graham and Rosie]

quote:
Maybe another car could be modified based around the original TVR concepts of less is more, radical individuality but without the industry-wide pointless over-design we see all the time

Less is more? TVR? have you seen the interior of a Cerbera or the Tuscan R?????

[pbrettle]

Well I am glad that you took the time to respond on PH with the long post above. It is refreshing to see that people do actually take PH owners seriously (why I have yet to find out!), but we collectively do know quite a lot about "stuff". No, generally we dont like customised cars and the yoof culture that goes with it - simply cos it is sad. However, that said you have obviously spent the time and effort to generate publicity for yourself and your company and TVRs have never been short of that either now or in the past.

Just thing - £50K on advertising probably wouldnt have brought so much attention so it is obviously money well spent. However, you are potentially playing with fire and risking a lot of backlash. Not that I necessarily agree with that, but some people could see this as a red rag to a bull - so just be careful.

I admire the effort, money and craftmanship that you have dedicated to the project. Its not my cup of tea, but I can see that as a showcase it is good. Association with the Max Power brigade hurts yourself and us too and the sooner that everyone gets bored of it the better. I also admire you candid approach to responses - posting your email address for example. Lets hope people are mature enough to respond reasonably rather than personal attacks. Some people - Guibo if anyone remembers like to hide behind personas (SP?) and never tell the truth. Its nice to see that you are certain not one of those.

Stick with your plan, go for the extreme and I hope that you continue with your business. Britain is made up of barking mad people who insist doing bizzare things - like tuning up one of the fastest cars on the road. Long may it continue.

Cheers,

Paul

P.S. Do you honestly expect the engine to survive NOS? Just wondering as there are plenty of Cerbera owners here and collectively we seem to know a lot about the engine - is it going to work?

[dans]

It is clearly a beautifully built car, not to everybodys taste, but I guess that was not the point.

Did you have issues wuth the eletrics?

[leszekg]

quote:
Please take the time to rearange the following words in to a well known phrase or saying.
Your Put Pram Toys Back In Your

Bet Henry Ford didn't react like that when he unveiled his new fangled horseless carriage.

Quite. I'm coming in from the cold here as I've not seen the 'offending' car neither have I bothered looking at the thread with the 'offending' comments. And, to be honest I'm not particularly interested even now in looking at either.

However, having read Mr Shaw's note I have to say to Mr Shaw that:

(a) These guys are entitled to air their opinions and (shock horror) some of them may not be to your liking.

(b) If you make public a new product, idea or concept, whether you're a large scale manufacturer or a small business, you will (whether you like it or not) hear others opinions and you will not stop Joe Public from taking pictures and video footage - it comes with the territory. Most, however, will gracefully take on board the comments and take the rough with the smooth.

(c) If you're having so much success with awards at the show why should you care about a few negative opinions being aired and discussed on this forum?

IMHO by jumping on the defensive you've perhaps missed a good opportunity to take advantage and capitalise on the discussions with some positive PR. Instead, why not do something more positive and bring the car to Duxford Mania (if you're brave enough)?

[JonRB]

quote:I'm coming in from the cold here as I've not seen the 'offending' car neither have I bothered looking at the thread with the 'offending' comments. And, to be honest I'm not particularly interested even now in looking at either.

So you're basically saying "I don't know any of the facts, I can't be arsed to appraise myself of them either, but I'm going to give my half-baked opinion anyway."

The car may not be to my taste or to yours, but I think Jamie's eloquent and candid post deserves more credit than you appear to be prepared to give it.

>> Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 16th July 15:57

[dopamine]

I'm pretty surprised at some of the comments on the Max Powered thread to be honest. I have read these boards for ages, and finally got it together, and bought my first TVR a couple of weeks ago. It is fantastic, but what has surprised me most is the response from people on the streets - shouts of 'nice car mate!' and people coming over to talk to you about it in petrol stations etc. Of course there are the small minority that try to run me off the road, and make wan$er signs for no apparent reason. I am just surprised that this ignorant and prejudiced attitude of the few is so alive and well on these gassing boards.
Personally, I think the car looks amazing, a big part of TVR ownership is to be different from everyone else, this takes it to another level, I would love to own it. This car was never designed to be for the mass market, it was put together as a showcase to make people talk and remember Carisma are the people to talk to if car modding is your bag - and boy didn't Jamie do well!! From my point of view as a TVR owner who is about to put a satelite navigation system in my car, I should imagine I will be getting a quote from them, coz lets face it, its gonna be a walk in the park compared to his cerbie!

2 things though... isn't Carisma with an H? and isn't Charisma a Hyundai family car?? not a lot in common there then!

Travis

[plotloss]

Jamie,

It was me, amongst others, that was quite vocal about your creation. On that basis alone your project has achieved its aim, it did get people talking.

I personally still havent seen it in the flesh (would really like to though) or through the eyes of a professional cameraman or photographer however, I am still entitled to my opinion. From what I have seen though the standard of the workmanship does look extremely impressive and having over the years had my own ham fisted attempts at trimming I do know just how tricky it can be. As has also been mentioned you provide a multitude of services for people looking for personalisation and as a showcase for your services it undoubtedly does let people see that your firm are professional and skilled and for that you can only be applauded.

However.

The comments that your car evoked, as I said above proved that its done its job, but to suggest narrow mindedness on behalf of spectators on a mostly TVR site is a bit arrogant isnt it? Yes, I personally was a little harsh but I love TVR's, they are my thing. A few other sports cars evoke the same level of emotion in me but the Cerb just has something special in standard trim that I personally wouldnt touch. However to suggest that because I prefer the Cerb in stock trim I dont enjoy individulisation is ludicrous. I have a Mini thats in an almost perpetual state of being customised because the Mini was such a volume car it almost lends itself to being customised and I enjoy doing it. You no doubt massively enjoyed doing this to a Cerbera other people may say that you should be strung up, its all down to personal taste at the end of the day.

Its all about agreeing to differ I suppose but one thing you have done, from a personal perspective, is that I ever need some professional trimming assitance on the Mini (if its not beneath you ) I'll be sure and look Carisma up.

Matt.

[mondeoman]

quote:

quote:I'm coming in from the cold here as I've not seen the 'offending' car neither have I bothered looking at the thread with the 'offending' comments. And, to be honest I'm not particularly interested even now in looking at either.

So you're basically saying "I don't know any of the facts, I can't be arsed to appraise myself of them either, but I'm going to give my half-baked opinion anyway."

The car may not be to my taste or to yours, but I think Jamie's eloquent and candid post deserves more credit than you appear to be prepared to give it.

>> Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 16th July 15:57

My thoughts exactly Jon - well said!

[Karthik2000]

Hello Jamie and Piston Heads. I do not own a TVR but would love a Tuscan and will be looking into buying one in a couple of years. I am good friends with Sixspeed, and adore his car.

I can see why Jamies car was critisised so much but i would like to add my 2p's worth.

Jamie has produced amazing cars for many years now, and the quality of the workmanship is absolutely mind blowing. Although at first the cerbera may have looked dubious from the images, i can assure all of you that it truely is an amazing car and i have complete respect for Jamie for doing this. He has taking what is an awesome car and only made it better, and i think comments should be reserved until you have all seen the car in the flesh! To be honest, Jamie's retrims are of a much higher standard that TVRs and if you give him a chance then this will probably be felt by all.

Yes, i own a modified car, and also i own a bodyshop that specialises in modified cars, but i also have a strong following for TVRs and other supercars. My enthusiasm is such that i went with Andy (sixspeed) to the factory when his tuscan was being built. So i am not a "Max Power" boy racer, and would just like to show my views on the Carisma Cerbera!

Thanks and Hello to everyone!

Karthik
Type K Styling

>> Edited by Karthik2000 on Tuesday 16th July 20:56

[RCA]

Hi Jamie, glad you came on, have seen all of your project cars and think they are brilliant!!!, I have a chimaera which I am hoping you might be working your magic on in the future!!!! I go to Max P every year and think your two awards are thoroughly deserved!!!, keep up the good work!!!
cheers
Richard

[kerniki]

quote:
Whether you like or dislike this car please keep your opinions to yourselve until you have actually seen it for real
Carisma Automotive Design (UK)

Seen it, appreciate the workmanship, still think the car looks awfull, everyone is entitled to there opinion. no doubt you have yours.

[MikeyT]

I shall reserve any comments until I ever see the car in the flesh however, it would be nice to see it in the flesh – perhaps at PH4 – not TVR Mania as that is ticket only and won't be accessible to the vast majority of PHers – whereas PH 4 will be more centrally based so easing traveliing for all.

Besides I'm on holiday from 9th August otherwise I'd be there

[leszekg]

quote:
So you're basically saying "I don't know any of the facts, I can't be arsed to appraise myself of them either, but I'm going to give my half-baked opinion anyway."

Nope. I wasn't commenting on the car or the workmanship and having now seen the original thread I really don't care to. Merely on the fact that Jamie could have taken the opportunity to respond in a more pragmatic and positive manner.

quote:
The car may not be to my taste or to yours, but I think Jamie's eloquent and candid post deserves more credit than you appear to be prepared to give it.
>> Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 16th July 15:57

Eloquence has nothing to do with it. In the words of one of the other responses above , throwing toys out of a pram comes to mind ...


>> Edited by leszekg on Wednesday 17th July 10:23