Vv Update 2/01/08 - enhanced "C" and "D" design candidates

[AZEqualizer]

Hi people,
Sorry for the late start, but it's been a heck of a two weeks. This past Friday we were presented with the new, enhanced versions of the "C" and "D" design candidates. Just as I thought, your comments and suggestions had a big impact on the design refinements for both vehicles.
We'll be using these images in a final round of consumer validation studies this week. If you've pre-registered for a VentureOne on our website, you'll be seeing the survey link in your email in the next couple of days. Watch for it.
Friday was a particularly busy day for us. Besides the design review, we had an opportunity to test-drive the propulsion mule with the full hybrid setup. For those of of you who are new to the forums, we're using a sand-rail as a test bed since it's far easier to work on, and provides much better real-world data than a bench top prototype ever could.
Functionally, the hybrid system performed flawlessly. We still need to swap out the temporary lead-acid batteries with the new NiMH pack for the next phase of testing, but that should happen within the next couple of weeks.
I know you're all anxious to see the new refinements, so I won't keep you hanging any longer:


Concept "C" base model:
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_front_base.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_front_base.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_side_base.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_side_base.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_rear_base.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_rear_base.jpg

Concept "C" sports package:
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_front_sport.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_front_sport.jpg

Concept "D" base model:
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/D_front_base.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/D_front_base.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/D_side_base.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/D_side_base.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/D_rear_base.jpg
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/D_rear_base.jpg

Concept "D" sports package:
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/D_front_sport.jpg

http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/D_front_sport.jpg



As long as you're here, I thought you might also like to see some shots from Friday's hybrid mule review:


http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4590.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4590.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4605.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4605.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4611.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4611.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4613.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4613.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4618.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4618.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4624.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4624.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4626.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4626.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4630.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4630.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4634.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4634.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4638.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4638.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4655.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4655.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4660.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4660.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4661.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4661.jpg)
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4667.jpg (http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/IMG_4667.jpg)


We're entering an accelerated phase of development, and are traveling quite a bit now. We'll keep you posted as time and developments permit, but may not be able to keep to a strict fortnightly update schedule. Let's see how it goes.
Thank you again for all of your help and support. 2008's shaping up to be an exciting year, and I'm happy to have you along for the ride.
Cheers,
-- Ian

{Posted: 2008-02-04 FTR Site -IanBruce}

[AZEqualizer]

The front and rear headroom should be nearly identical in both vehicles.

-- Ian
{Posted: 2008-02-05 FTR site IanBruce]



Infinite wrote:

But you all area crazy about thinking the head room is different. Here are the two profiles in comparison. There is almost no difference.

You're absolutely correct:
http://www.flytheroad.com/2_1_08_post/C_D_seating.jpg

{Posted: 2008-02-09 FTR site IanBruce]

[AZEqualizer]

Hardtime wrote:

Back to the V-1, I wonder if there will be any mock-ups of these latest designs or are they choosing and going with whichever from this point before the mock-ups...

Once we've chosen the final candidate, we're going straight to clay modeling.


I would still like to see the air flow from wind tunnel testing (even low speed) for these designs/models to confirm or deny my thoughts about the designs.

You and me both. We're doing the CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis as we speak. It should be completed by early next week. I'd also like to do a practical wind tunnel test on a 50% scale model during the final clay modeling to iron out any major issues.
{Posted: 2008-02-07 on FTR site by IanBruce}

[AZEqualizer]

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/Pics/hatch.jpg
Here is a picture from the survey showing the Hatch and luggage racks for both concepts.

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/Pics/specs.jpg
Both models will have an automatic transmission; heater/AC; basic audio system; sunroof; Wi-Fi connectivity; and Bluetooth. The safety features include steel roll cage construction; side impact protection; and driver's air-bag as standard equipment.

[MikeB]

Ok, I just noticed this. The EV model used to be specified as having a 17kWh battery pack, with a 120 mile range. But the feature chart from the newest survey (shown in the post above this one), lists 15kWh.

I wonder if the estimated range per kWh has been increased? Clearly, if they can get a little more performance out of the battery, they can reduce it's size and cost by a little bit.

[AZEqualizer]

Ian - I have a question about the design. Are the designs on the door side of the vehicle mirrored on the non-door side of the vehicle?

They're symmetrical -- except where the front swing arm attaches to the main body.

DavidBunin wrote:

If the whole thing is window area, then there is nowhere to roll them down.

This might make things a bit more "transparent" for you:
http://www.flytheroad.com/DLO/Concept_D_window_track.jpg

{Posted: 2008-02-13 FTR Site by IanBruce}