New Prototype/Concept Car

[BladeX1]

Hey Guys… great forums here. I am obviously new and thought I would start my first post by sharing a project with everyone to get a little feed back. I am currently building a new prototype performance car. I designed the car in 3D studio and am now building the full version in the Garage. It’s definitely a challenge and keeping the details in line are getting more and more difficult. So far the response has been pretty good… and when people see in person the reaction is just as good so that keeps my energy up on it.

Here are a few rendered images… let me know what you think of the design. Keep in mind that I tried to merge a little old school looks in with some modern details.













This is the Hard Top version. Just a rough concept to get an idea.











Thanks,

- Neal

[tribbles]

I like pretty much everything of that - except the top of the hood; that doesn't look quite right.

Won't pass SVA in the UK though

[tomTVR]

I like it - are you using a cobra chassis?

[BladeX1]

tribbles said:

I like pretty much everything of that - except the top of the hood; that doesn't look quite right.

Won't pass SVA in the UK though

Ummm… ok please excuse my ignorance here but I am not familiar with UK regulations? What is SVA and what about the hood would not make it pass?

[dc53]

Mmmm, sorta reminds me of a Corvette Stingray!

[Vodka Margarine]

Just an idea but maybe the panels (such as the bonnet) would look better if they were smoother i.e. less ridges (like the Ac Cobra for example, where everything looks rounded and smooth, with the bonnet flowing subtly into the front wings)

Sorry if there is any bad spelling btw, it's late and ive had a bit to drink

[BladeX1]

tomTVR said:

I like it - are you using a cobra chassis?

Actually Yes… I own a Cobra and decided to tear it apart and use the chassis for now. The official chassis will be a hybrid combing both square light weight steel with tubular steel support for rollover and side impact.

[tribbles]

BladeX1 said:

tribbles said:

I like pretty much everything of that - except the top of the hood; that doesn't look quite right.

Won't pass SVA in the UK though

Ummm… ok please excuse my ignorance here but I am not familiar with UK regulations? What is SVA and what about the hood would not make it pass?

The SVA is a test that low-production (and kit) cars need to go through - it's to do with sharp edges and a minimum radius. It could probably be made to work though.

Wing mirrors might need raising to see over the rear wings.

Unless you're planning on selling it in the UK, it's not worth bothering about (would look great though!)

[BladeX1]

Vodka Margarine said:

Just an idea but maybe the panels (such as the bonnet) would look better if they were smoother i.e. less ridges (like the Ac Cobra for example, where everything looks rounded and smooth, with the bonnet flowing subtly into the front wings)

Sorry if there is any bad spelling btw, it's late and ive had a bit to drink

Yeah good idea… but I worked hard to not make it so rounded like the Cobra… I expect people to see many different cars within this design as I used many for my inspiration. Basically I drive 2 hours to too work everyday and as I looked at various cars on my drive I would write down what I liked about certain ones. Then I brought it all back to the computer and started designing. Did not even know CAD at the time… and surly did not know how I was going to do this. But so far it looks just like the 3d Image.

[BladeX1]

tribbles said:

The SVA is a test that low-production (and kit) cars need to go through - it's to do with sharp edges and a minimum radius. It could probably be made to work though.

Wing mirrors might need raising to see over the rear wings.

Unless you're planning on selling it in the UK, it's not worth bothering about (would look great though!)

Ahh ok… Interesting about the sharp edges… Not sure I fully understand that. I mean I don’t think anyone is going to get cut if they lean on the car. LOL … Interesting though as I named the Car the Blade for now – due to the sharp edges.

I do plan to market it to the UK as well… and have been talking to folks about a right hand drive version.

[tribbles]

BladeX1 said:

Ahh ok… Interesting about the sharp edges… Not sure I fully understand that. I mean I don’t think anyone is going to get cut if they lean on the car. LOL … Interesting though as I named the Car the Blade for now – due to the sharp edges.

I do plan to market it to the UK as well… and have been talking to folks about a right hand drive version.

Basically really annoying regulations that got brought in because some really bad cars got made.

The headlamps will need to be moved forward as well (you've got to be able to see them from an 80 degree angle from the side).

If it does make it to the UK, I'd ***really*** want one (even if I have to build it myself - done that before ).

[BladeX1]

tribbles said:

Basically really annoying regulations that got brought in because some really bad cars got made.

The headlamps will need to be moved forward as well (you've got to be able to see them from an 80 degree angle from the side).

If it does make it to the UK, I'd ***really*** want one (even if I have to build it myself - done that before ).

Interesting… is there a place where I can get the regulations for such a project. It would be nice to see the regulations for the US too. But as I understand it its pretty relaxed if you keep production under 100 cars a year. I would be happy with that.


Here are some images of the real prototype in the garage… It’s all made out of Foam and Wood at the moment. Once I get past the initial stage of shaping the car I will lay up some special material over the car and Epoxy resin to make a hard shell. Then I will finish the details with I’m sure gallons of Body filler and other various compounds. After the shape is painted and looks like the real think I have a company that will make a mold of it. Then the work will continue….

[o.versteer]

That is awesome, I want one. Hardtop especially looks great. All of it using nice references witout being directly retro or derivative. Very impressive. keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing the finished result!

[BladeX1]

o.versteer said:

That is awesome, I want one. Hardtop especially looks great. All of it using nice references witout being directly retro or derivative. Very impressive. keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing the finished result!

Thanks man… yeah I can’t wait till it’s done too. I work on it everyday. My wife calls it the other woman now.

I appreciate how you see the design because that’s exactly what I wanted to do. The over all concept was to create a car that’s small and powerful like the Shelby Cobra but also to be able to fit a tall person. I am 6’4” tall at about 235lbs. I designed the inside to fit me with room to spare. If you ever sat in a Cobra before it barley fits a tiny person. I basically got tired of all the new two seater cars that have been created lately and don’t sit a tall person very well at all.

[Mr Wong]

Are you also making a submarine in your garage?

[Jderh]

That design is simply fabulous. Especially in that colour, the hardtop reminds me of what, if the '64 Corvette was redesigned for now, would look like. Looks amazing, look forward too seeing the real life version. You should work in car design if you don't already (but i presume you do.).

[uzzi]

I think your car is awesome! I love the design...and I really like the old school meets new design...make it in right hand drive aswell though!

Hmmm...maybe its just me, but I think that the big middle gap in the front may need something there rather than just a black hole!...although I cant picture something there without it ruining the beauty of the car!

Any idea about what engine you want etc?

[lightningghost]

Yeah, that's gorgeous. Best of luck, chap.

[tomTVR]

uzzi said:

Hmmm...maybe its just me, but I think that the big middle gap in the front may need something there rather than just a black hole!...although I cant picture something there without it ruining the beauty of the car!

Maybe a black grille with 2 large round Mustang GT style lamps?

Edited by tomTVR on Monday 27th August 23:23

[Morningside]

tomTVR said:

uzzi said:

Hmmm...maybe its just me, but I think that the big middle gap in the front may need something there rather than just a black hole!...although I cant picture something there without it ruining the beauty of the car!

Maybe a black grille with 2 large round Mustang GT style lamps?

Very stunning looking idea and I also agree with what could fill that fount. But I would be worried about the exposed radiator with possible stone damage?.