Wow Big Design Changes and good ones.

[AZEqualizer]

I think the design direction that VV is making is more toward the vision that Ian and company had at the beginning of all this.

My opinion:

I like the fighter jet D model direction.... It is mondo exciting... especially with the transparent lower panel. And I was impressed with the cargo pod... looks like a booster pack.
I also like what I think happened to the extra storage ... that is it being moved from behind the passenger into the power pod.

More later.... I need to be more analytical but I am just excited.

[randi]

Ditto!

Love the transparent front panels; I just wish that we can hold on to the 1 1/2 doors.

Looks great, and truer to the the original design and vision.

Except for the detached nose, I prefer the more aggressive D concept.

[RAN]

I think they need to do a mock-up of the interior just to see how claustrophobic it might be inside these. Is it still going to have roll-down windows?... you couldn't rest your arm on the door sill even if it did, since it's so high.

[rogwild]

Great 'concept' drawings; I liked features of both. But now the REAL work begins to make it 'FUNCTIONAL", good visibility; side and rear, accessible and comfortable; driver & passenger, lights and mirrors; to meet all federal and state codes.
I would like to see an "Ortho-graphic" view of the most current "D" design. It would answer some of my questions about mirrors, rear lighting, and rear 'wing' width.
I am also 'concerned' about the feeling of 'OPENESS' with the windows down and the sunroof open (removed). That would be my preferred choice for 'Flying the Road'.
My other 'concern' is the roof rack. Will it still be offered, and how will it attach? The 'Cargo Module' (Google ears) would be good for soft 'flexible' items, but skis, snowboards, etc. will still have to be roof mounted; and the 'Module' blocks any driver rear view, and ALL the passenger's.

[AZEqualizer]

If it is a pop off panel for the roof ... don't know where it would be stowed. Might have to have a soft top to go along with it for that times when the weather changes and you left the top at home. I do like the earlier designed wheels better. And it looks like three wheel disk brakes. So I guess that the change away from in the wheel electric motors to a central one is like what was guessed from the component design. Add regenerative braking and this thing should stop on a dime and give you a dollar and a half back.


http://www.flytheroad.com/images/prop_hybrid.jpg

[rogwild]

I wonder where the Carver One 'stows' its top? They must have a solution, since it rains a lot in Europe also.
I was also wondering if they go away from 'hub motors' to a single drive motor, will they have to have a differential for the rear wheels, and also a mechanical system for ABS and Traction control. Seems like the 'hub motors' would have been simpler for the these to be 'software' controlled. Like I said earlier, now the REAL WORK begins, to get to a running prototype. I hope Ian sheds some light on the 'drive system'.

[AZEqualizer]

I could care less about leaning my arm out the window. It actually makes sense to have it that high for a seat deployed side air bag that could protect your head and side.
Rear view I will bet will be via camera. I believe they will have to have some side mirrors to cover certain state requirements. Too bad it takes so long to get gov modernized. I was reading about a 5 camera system that does panorama for vehicles that was pretty cheep.

[Mark Tomlinson]

I was away for the weekend without an Internet connection, so I was kind of excited to get back to see if there was any announcement. My initial reaction; Wow!

My second reaction, however, was some disappointment. Both design C or D appear to have limited visibility, the back seat appears cramped, and neither contains the door and a half that I thought Ian was committed to. And that fin on design D doesn't make a lot of sense to me. They seem more inclined to sporting up the Carver than building a replacement for big ol' wasteful American Sedan.

Sure it would make a great commuter vehicle and a lot of fun. But we're a two vehicle family and soon to be empty nesters. We have a sedan and a Jeep Cherokee for hauling stuff. Neither design looks like it would be a practical replacement for the sedan. I don't intend to own three vehicles.

But, they are still conceptual. So, we'll see.

[smoove7410]

I like the "google" add on pod, very nice looking. I don't care for the wheels either on the concepts, but aftermarket wheels will be where I go if I buy one anyways.

[Hardtime11]

Aftermarket wheels may be available but it has to be good looking on both sides. Remember that both sides of the wheel will be visible as there will not be an inside portion of same and he has to have the proper offset for the single control arm. This will be very important reference the centering of the wheel as well as the handling.

For the above reasoning I think we will pretty much be restrained (at least at first) to whatever VV comes out with.;)

[AZEqualizer]

I want Black Chrome Wheels .... they can make lots of wheels look good even marginal ones.

[WattGas?]

Hey AZE, how about a poll for the C versus the D? Is there a consensus at the VV site?

[Hardtime11]

I thought I would list my preferences in designs just for the heck of it. They are in order of preference below:
1. Design A (the original on the FTR Site) (http://flytheroad.com/images/splash.jpg)
2. Design B (http://www.flytheroad.com/renders/VentureOne_3.jpg)
3. Design C (http://www.flytheroad.com/images/Concepts/Vv_concepts_p1.jpg)
4. Design D (http://www.flytheroad.com/images/Concepts/Vv_concepts_p2.jpg)

Each of the above are linked to show the reference of changes. Each of the attachments are numbered in the order of my preference. They are also dated to show when created. Maybe this could be arranged in a poll. I know the original artist design by Ian is the preferred but probably not feasible.

[RAN]

My preferences are close..... with C & D reversed.
1. Design A (the original on the FTR Site)
2. Design B
3. Design D
4. Design C

[rogwild]

I'm biased, my choices would be:
1. The Original
2. C+ convertible
3. B+

[AZEqualizer]

I put up a poll on A Vs B from the survey ... unless we hear something different I am guessing these are the two current design directions.
Poll Here (http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150)

The survey is now live - so go cast your vote:)

[Hardtime11]

Good Job,

I had to re-login to participate but it works good.