Vv Update 1/04/08

[AZEqualizer]

Hi people,
As we begin the New Year, we wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your continued contribution in helping us make Venture Vehicles a reality! I'm not exaggerating when I say that the past 6 months has seen the greatest growth and momentum for us since Howard Levine and I began this effort back in 2005.
We have made huge strides this past year, both in terms of creating this incredible vehicle as well as continuing to build and grow our company. We've addend new members added to our team, as well as new strategic partners, and I am grateful for their talent, enthusiasm, and commitment to this effort.
We have received over 10,000 emails from passionate Vv fans from all over the world, and have close to 5,000 that have Pre-registered on flytheroad.com -- all since March of this year. This trend shows no signs of slacking off in 2008.
While there hasn't been a lot of new news to report since our last posting (was there a holiday in there somewhere?), we DID want to let you know where we are regarding vehicle design. We had a fantastic meeting on December 20th with our design partners, where we were presented with the full-scale Styrofoam models for both our Concept C and D -- not to mention a full-scale seat buck and interior design directions. Our team was able to view the models inside the design studio as well as outside with the models positioned next to real vehicles -- helping put the models into a real world context. Needless to say, we were very impressed with what we saw.
Our next step is giving the design team the final design direction -- either "C" or "D" -- which we will hand them within the next two weeks. This doesn't mean the design is final, only the design direction -- allowing them to further develop and enhance the design before we go to the clay sculpting process. Once we make the call on the exterior design direction, another team will begin the serious work on the interior design. This is at least as important as the exterior, since 99% of the time you spend interacting with your vehicle, you're actually inside it. We'll share more with you with you as this develops in the upcoming weeks.
We are looking at 2008 to be another exciting year for Vv as we get closer to making our vision a reality. All of us at Venture Vehicles wish you and your family a happy & healthy New Year, and look forward to having you aboard on our continuing journey in 2008 and beyond!
Thanks again for all of your help and your support. We simply couldn't be where we are today without it!
Cheers,
-- Ian



Oh, as long as I have you here... ;^) I mentioned that on December 20th, 2007, our design partners presented us with the full-sized models of the two final candidate designs for the VentureOne. Here are a few images from that event:



Design presentation:

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/3.jpg




http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/19.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/25.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/27.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/30.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/31.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/46.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/66.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/71.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/88.jpg

Concept D was designed to be highly customizable. The Sports Package with the optional door glass inserts was the version created in full scale. However, the vehicle would also be available with a basic panel set, and we've retouched some of the images to show what that looks like:

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Retouched_Concept_D.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Retouched_Concept_C.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Retouched_D_with_C.jpg

Also presented were some 3D renderings of both concepts:

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Studio_1_Concept_C.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Studio_2_Concept_C.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Studio_3_Concept_C.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Studio_1_Concept_D.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Studio_2_Concept_D.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Studio_3_Concept_D.jpg

... as well as some idea for the direction for the vehicle Interior. Don't read too much into what you see here. Much more work is being done on this:

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Interior_Concept_D.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Interior_Concept_D_2.jpg

And finally, a very small sampling of the feature exploration sheets. Our design partners have created literally dozens and dozens of these -- the originals measuring about 6 feet wide. Please note the trailer on C (also available for D), and the spoiler/rack concept specifically for D -- I think they're awesome:

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Accessories_Concept_C.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Luggage_Concept_C.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Luggage_Concept_D.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Personalization_Concept_D.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Rear_Modules_Concept_D.jpg

Thanks again -- you guys are the greatest.
{Ian Bruce FTR site Posted: 2008-01-05}

[Derwin]

This is really incredible. It is encouraging to see that things are happening, and progress is being made. The more I look at this vehicle, the more I want one. I really, really just simply can't wait!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Derwin

[randi]

va va va voom!

(i'am just a' hottin' and a' hollerin')

yip, yip, hooray! three cheers for the venture team!

[Miracleman89]

I am so stoked over the new images and I am with you Derwin!!! The more I look at these photos and images, the more I want one!!!!!! I can't wait!!!

[rogwild]

A very much appreciated, "Belated Christmas Present". I like that BOTH models seem to have 'adopted' the rear 'hatch' idea, but am concerned that the removable/sliding sunroof (top 'egress' port) did not seem apparent in either model. :(
I am actually liking the "D" a bit more now. With the rear wing/rack combo and a trailer; I'm ready for my Cross-Country Flight. I might even add the 'roll on luggage pod'. Just hope they keep some type of SUN ROOF, so I can see the sky and feel the wind!=y:

[PHEVadvocate]

This is great; I can see the first prototype tooling down the road this year!

I like the retouched Concept C and my wife likes Concept C too, but she says use the front wheel fender from Concept D.

Do you think Matt Marshall at VentureBeat is ready to start “Eating Crow” by now?

[rogwild]

Do you think Matt Marshall at VentureBeat is ready to start “Eating Crow” by now?:cry:

Well, when Vv gets their 'Series B' Funding (after prototype completion), I guess we will have to see how his 'write-up' sounds.:LOL:
I wonder if California Crow tastes any better than Florida Crow?:LOL:

[AZEqualizer]

Underlings: You hit the nail on the head.


I'm thinking the concerns about the short windows may be less of an issue than we might think at first blush, primarily because both left and right windows are so close to the passenger that it actually offers a much larger view than it may seem (the closer the window to the passenger, the higher it can be and still offer the same field of view).

We deliberately chose the window layout for "D" to test out that theory:
http://flytheroad.com/DLO/DLO1.jpg

http://flytheroad.com/DLO/DLO2.jpg

http://flytheroad.com/DLO/DLO3.jpg

I also took a shot past Howard's head with the door closed:
http://flytheroad.com/DLO/DLO4.jpg

I'm about average (5' 11"- 1.8m), and the visibility from the back is actually very good when you don't have the front seat sitting in your lap. ;^)
{Ian Bruce posted FTR Posted: 2008-01-06}

[AZEqualizer]

To all - If you copy and save the pictures as a lot of us have you can take both of the full size foam mocks: http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Retouched_Concept_D.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Retouched_Concept_C.jpg and use something like the MS Office Picture Manager or Windows Picture & Fax Viewer using cursor arrows flip back and forth quickly and see the major differences such as the "C" has more glass and viewable areas (including rearward) as well as an apparently more flow permitting drive/rear pod. The "D" has a much more appealing front fender and body work (IMO).

Nice catch Hardtime .... Nice flipbook to see the differences in the two designs and as an additional idea -you can also launch both in two different tabs in a browser and flip between the tabs...

Also like Rogwild and Hardtime observed the D model foam concept has door markings (panel markings) on both sides .... though there could be several reasons for this it is interesting that the C model doesn't have them.

[smoove7410]

I voted c before, but actually like d now. C looks like a whale for some reason. They need to change the orange turn signal....way too big. I would like it integrated into the headlight assembly as an eyebrow of leds. WHere it is orange now, I would like it to just be body colored. I think that interior sketch looks great. As long as they don't skimp on materials, it will be world class. I must say, unless they make a performance version, I will not buy. I liked the original 0-60 estimates, but the new ones are just too slow for me. Heres hoping....

[Bladerunner]

I was thinking more like a pregnant guppy... especially when I do the flip book thing with the pics.

[Derwin]

A "pregnant guppy"????? LOL! Heck, at this rate I would be willing to purchase ANY model. I really love both of them.

[rogwild]

Oh, PLEASE make me a 'Guppy' that does 100mph and gets 100mpg!:p

But don't put a sleek, 'confining' body on a machine that performs like a 'Snail'.=n:

If Vv can get the performance (0-60mph in the 5's), then go with the less creature comfort (less windows/ less rear headroom) design and keep the 'sporty, performance minded' folks happy. But if it falls short of 'sport car' standards, please make it comfortable for the 'masses', and let the 'Speed Freaks' wait until the Technology (or their pocketbooks) can meet their desires.:p

[Mark Tomlinson]

I voted c before, but actually like d now. C looks like a whale for some reason.

I like C because it appears roomier. Therein lies the reason some like C and some like D, in my opinion. Over in the FlyTheRoad forums people seem to be advocating (without actually saying so) both C and D, calling D the "sport model", which is kind of goofy since they are both sportier than anything else on the road.

Remember the survey we took? They asked if this would be a replacement for a motorcycle or a sedan. I'm in the sedan camp. I have a spouse, and whether I'm driving or she's driving, we will often have two people and maybe some luggage. But I can understand the other camp as well.

We'll see where the final design ends up. But if Venture can swing it, I'd love to see a V1 and a V1 Sport.

[jmeineck]

I agree with bladerunner, C does look like a pregnant guppy:-0

I do understand that their are people who don't mind the pregnant guppy look and have more than one person to think about.

But Mark between C and D, D does look sportier than C. Though I do agree both are sportier that the average car:-) I also agree that it would be great if VV could find away to build both so everyone can get the version that they want.

[randi]

In my case, the Venture is a replacement for a small two-seater w/ a small trunk.

The raison d'etre for this vehicle, I believe, is to address the "masses" of 70% of all driving traffic and 90% commuting traffic who are single drivers--drivers who ride solo.

As I see it, that's the "masses" this vehicle is meant for.

It's nice that incidental add-ons such as trailer, luggage rack, golf bag carrier, etc. are available as options. Nice but not necessary.

Speed freak or not, the Venture is--in fact--first and foremost a "sport" vehicle.=y:=y:=y::cool:

[rogwild]

Speed freak or not, the Venture is--in fact--first and foremost a "sport" vehicle.=y:=y:=y::cool:

IN FACT-- the Venture is TWO 'hunks of foam', without a final design and no name.:RADAR: Until Vv decides upon a propulsion system, and builds a running prototype that demonstrates performance close to the Carver One; it will remain a Great Idea/Dream that can revolutionize transportation, or join the 'heap' of other vehicle ideas that were 'poorly executed'.:IDEA: Since I plan to get and drive one, lets hope it is the former =y:, and NOT the latter :cry:

[randi]

Faith over hope.

Can't get upstream with half a paddle in the water. I see VV paddling with both oars in the water--and more joining in the journey from mere "hunks of foam" to a true road-flying machine.

Nothing pejorative about that adventure.

Hunks of foam indeed--for now.

Hope may wither and die--ah, but Faith moves mountains.

(Point is, VV's building a road flying machine--not an RV on 3 wheels.;))

[jmeineck]

randi,

I had to look up the meaning of that word "pejorative". You see I don't get out much.:)

When I filled out the survey I answered the question "which vehicle will this be replacing a car or motorcycle" and I chose motorcycle as that is what I will replace if or when the V1 is produced. Though the V1 will become my primary transportation and I will not care if it goes 0-60 in 10sec as long as is cruses down the freeway easily at 70MPH I still want the D version. 90% of the time my usage model will be commuting to work by myself. Most of the weekend trips for me since the coast is 2hrs west of me and the mountains are 2hrs east of me will be short trips and that is not IMO long enough to cause a passanger any great discomfort riding in the back of the D version. This is why I hope the first release is the D model.

If the C version is the first release, then I hope the D version doen't take to long because I will wait for the (IMO) better looking model before I buy.

[MikeB]

The V1 will be replacing my motorcycle, but my motorcycle is actually my primary vehicle. I only take the car when I've got a load of cargo or extra passengers, which isn't all that often.

[philgrin]

I love both C & D and want, no, NEED one of each!

[AZEqualizer]

We have a Poll for C or D voting here. (http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1603#post1603)

[AZEqualizer]

I count 21 votes for D, 8 votes for C, and 11 votes for D's front with C's behind.

Expressed plainly, 80% of voters seem to prefer the business end of D, while 48% love C for her body.

The larger windows on C make a big difference perceptually, but believe it or not, the elbow room is identical in both models by design. As far as headroom, incline the front seat a couple o' 3 degrees on “D”, and the difference between the two vanishes.

{Posted by Ian Bruce on FTR site 2008-01-08 16:33:31}

[WarpedOne]

The V1 will be replacing my motorcycle, but my motorcycle is actually my primary vehicle. I only take the car when I've got a load of cargo or extra passengers, which isn't all that often.

I guess this could be the future of city transport. Many people find motorcycles to unpractical (weather, safety, stability, cargo). So they opt for the only alternative and end up driving around with four empty seats 98% of time.

[AZEqualizer]

Just an observation - When looking at the pictures of the C & D & MiniCooper back ends ... doesn't it look like the Mini Coopers tires might be the same size as the rear tires on the V's?

[Mark Tomlinson]

The raison d'etre for this vehicle, I believe, is to address the "masses" of 70% of all driving traffic and 90% commuting traffic who are single drivers--drivers who ride solo.

As I see it, that's the "masses" this vehicle is meant for.

Randi,

I am part of the masses who will use the vehicle for commuting 90% of the time. But what do I do about the other 10%? Take the gas guzzling truck? Rent a car? Spend another $30,000 to put yet another vehicle in my drive?

See, I keep thinking about driving out of town to the relatives for holidays and such. If I've got a V1, I'll want to show it off. Finally upstage those cousins of mine. And my wife and I just spent the weekend in Chicago (saw Wicked). You now the valets at the hotel would want the thing parked out front with the BMWs. Or the leisurely Sunday drives we enjoy around Lake Geneva and the Kettle Moraine. Certainly I'd like my wife (or me) to enjoy the ride as much as the driver.

So given the choice, while I love the sporty look of D, the headroom in C becomes the deciding factor.

[AZEqualizer]

"are those {D model} rear fins hollow? How about storage compartments inside them?"

Yes. Among other things they're for the acoustical chambers for the rear speakers, a swing out cup holder, and flip-down storage bins.
{Posted: 2008-01-08 by Ian Bruce on the FTR Site}

[Bikers Inc]

Hi there Ian and gang. Thanks for updating us on the information posted on our blog. Could we use the photos placed on this thread to update the post at our end?

EDITOR
BIKERS INC
A proud publication of WILD MEDIA PTE LTD (Singapore)

[Derwin]

Editors of Bikers, inc.

We are an independent Venture Vehicles club. You can contact Ian directly by going to his website at www.flytheroad.com

Please feel free to promote our club site in your blog. We are always looking for new members.

Derwin

[joduddridge]

It's been interesting watch the debate rage :mad: on the VV Forum. Everyone is coming at it with there own agenda's and views. Which is fair enough.

For me, they look pretty much of a muchness practicality wise. :o Perhaps a little bit here, a little bit there, but I can't see there being that much difference between the two on the rare occasions I do need it to be more 'practical'. I'm sure my wife will feel the same after being in the back of C for 2hrs as she would D. :confused: So would my kids! =y: =y:

Therefore, I see it as purely a beauty contest between the two. D gets my vote, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I also love the luggage options (for either C or D!), as if you want to go 'walk-about' with someone you can. And again I think if you need to consider these options for weekends away in D, you will in C too. Either way, I think these are great options!

[AZEqualizer]

Miracleman89=" Jesus Ian! Do you ever sleep?!!!! One time you sent me an email at 2:00 in the morning and now you are posting stuff on here at 4 am! My god man!!! LOL Take care of yourself, non of us want our star quarterback sick!"

I do sleep -- usually about 3 or 4 hours -- though I go some nights (about once a week) without any sleep at all. It's about 3:00 right now, and I'm working on our bi-weekly post. There's been such a great discussion on this thread, that I'm loath to wipe the slate clean and start a new one. {Posted on FTR site by Ian Bruce: 2008-01-20}




dwfwaco: "The picture doesn't show them, but does have the "Snowboards/Skis" option for attaching them to the roof rack."

Actually, both concept designs have optional racks:

http://flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Concept_rack_systems.jpg

"C" has a classic design -- while "D" is both a rack and a spoiler.
{Posted on FTR site by Ian Bruce: 2008-01-20}
http://flytheroad.com/1_4_07_post/Concept_rack_systems.jpg


Derwin:" Hey, I was told that you guys are hard at work on getting a new company site up and running, along with another site strictly dedicated to the new name of the vehicle... "

That's true... but it may be a while. I'll give you an ETA just as soon as I know. {Posted on FTR site by Ian Bruce: 2008-01-20}