Ian's June 15th Update

[Derwin]

IanBruce
Administrator

Hi guys,

Here's another quick Alpha update.

Someone (Rogwild) asked about posting the latest 'revised' "D" concept drawings to better assist in the vehicle naming effort. BTW: If you do find yourself so inspired, please post those responses on the "Company/Vehicle Name Thread".

This image shows the powerwindow drop and final silhouette of the VentureOne:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=498&stc=1&d=1213575502


These images show the final model as it was being prepped for mold making:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=499&stc=1&d=1213575502

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=500&stc=1&d=1213575502

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=501&stc=1&d=1213575502

Mold prep only occurred last week, but the mold making is already well underway. We're using a CNC milling system to carve the vacc-form masters out of a southeast asian wood regularly used for this purpose.

Lower door inserts:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=502&stc=1&d=1213575502

Main windshield:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=503&stc=1&d=1213575502

These pieces are being cast in thick clear acrylic, but the main body is being molded in 1/4" ABS plastic -- the same material used in bumpers and panels on virtually every car made today. The results should be fantastic.

That's all for now, but we'll have some more images and renderings to come, as well as some pictures of the actual build. Things are moving very quickly now, and I'll try keep you posted.

-- Ian

Posted: 2008-06-15 15:53:17 #

[MVRacing]

So, in comparing these photos with the CAD files Ian provided for the RC/model project, I am seeing a few minor differences. I've asked Ian (via the thread) to provide us with any updated files as we are getting closer to producing molds.

Derwin, could you ask him officially?

[Derwin]

MVR....I have already emailed Ian. Hopefully he will respond.

Derwin

[MVRacing]

So, if Ian is producing body and window molds :IDEA: I'm assuming the Alpha is close enough to final production dimensions that bodywork can be hung on it. :)

:IDEA: I'm hoping this means that the design is now final ... it wouldn't make any sense to go thru the cost of doing molds if it weren't.

Could it be that we are getting close to the Beta???

[MVRacing]

IanBruce
Administrator
"How about the frame and power pod?"

The frame has been updated and strengthened -- we've even fabricated a new teflon-lined connector where the cabin and propulsion modules lock together.

The frame for the main cabin is at the site where the panels are being molded and fitted. The power pod frame is at our propulsion partners, being fitted with the new drive system.

[MikeB]

I'm not seeing the embedded images, Derwin. The links inside your [IMG] tags don't seem to be valid, but I'm not sure how to fix them.

[CelticFlyer]

Awesome to finally see some progress on the production of the prototype, isn't it? =y:

[Derwin]

I NEED YOUR HELP........

Is ANYBODY else having problems seeing the photo's in the above post?

PLEASE GIVE ME SOME MORE FEEDBACK ON THIS.

Thanks.

Derwin

[MVRacing]

I'm still not getting them here :(

[CelticFlyer]

I do not see them here, but do see them on the FTR site. I thought my computer wasn't showing them here for some reason. I know, sloppy thinking, but you do have to actually click on the link on the FTR site in order to see them. Are you using something like Photobucket to show them?

[MVRacing]

The frame has been updated and strengthened -- we've even fabricated a new teflon-lined connector where the cabin and propulsion modules lock together.

The frame for the main cabin is at the site where the panels are being molded and fitted. The power pod frame is at our propulsion partners, being fitted with the new drive system.

From Ian's comments, it sounds as if the Alpha is turning into a Beta. Less of a test bed, and more of a functional prototype. Frame updated? New connector? Main cabin frame at the panel site?

[Derwin]

No. I host them on this club server. I don't rely on any other outside source to host the images of the club. I must have screwed something up when posting the images. I'm going to go back now and try to fix it.

Thanks for the input.

Derwin

[Derwin]

O.K. I just fixed the problem.....at least I think I did. Please let me know if you see the images now. Thanks.

Derwin

[MVRacing]

Derwin,
Looking good now, Thanks!

[CelticFlyer]

I can see all of the photos now. Thanks, Derwin! ;)

[waboom]

Yep, I can see them too. Amazing how a few computer screen shots & pictures of slabs of wood can get you pumped!

He didn't say anything about 1 vs 2 doors, did he? I don't know even if he's decided on just one door, but the 1st & 3rd shots of the mold-making model shows segmentation lines for a door on the right-hand side of the model. I'm still betting Ian decided on 1 door though, and the segments are just there to keep the left & right sides looking symmetrical. Either way, great to see some real fabrication taking place!

[Mike kZ]

Looks like we may get a targa top:




"The glass roof looking like it does forbids a cabrio option ? It's permanent right ? "

Nope. We're doing a pop-top (targa) for the initial Alpha build, with the possibility of a sliding track for production.

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=504&stc=1&d=1213624071

Ian

[Derwin]

Very nice! I'm beginning to like this vehicle more and more! =y:

Derwin

[Timon]

Here is the 360 using quicktime. You should be able to use the scroll wheel on your mouse to rotate it.

http://www.flytheroad.com/video/Concept_D_360.mov

[TazmanianKoala]

The design is really looking OK.
I'm also liking the design more and more! Whereas the carver is looking like an unfinished product (the front wheel is loose from the rest of the car), the design Ian shows now is really looking neat. The front wheel is nicely integrated in the passenger cabin.

I want this car!

[Derwin]

rogwild
Member


Will the 'pop-out' roof have a VENT position, or is it either IN or OUT? If the roof panel will not fit inside, you might consider an optional collapsible fabric panel (ala' early Porsche Targa) for those that like to drive 'topless' but want a roof while parked at their destination.

Posted: 2008-06-16 11:59:26 #

IanBruce
Administrator

Hi Rogwild,

Great minds think alike:
http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=513&stc=1&d=1213675720

We are indeed considering a collapsible fabric roof -- actually, the iconic Citroën 2CV served as my inspiration for this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_2CV

That, and too much time spent reading Tintin in high school:
http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512&stc=1&d=1213675464

If we choose a simple solid panel, there will be a vent position short of actual removal. If we choose a sliding version, it will both vent and fully retract.

Both the fabric and sliding panels will obviously require that we keep the top rails parallel for the length of the track.

Posted: 2008-06-16 12:37:09 #

[smoove7410]

Looks like we may get a targa top:




"The glass roof looking like it does forbids a cabrio option ? It's permanent right ? "

Nope. We're doing a pop-top (targa) for the initial Alpha build, with the possibility of a sliding track for production.

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=504&stc=1&d=1213624071

Ian
This looks very cool.:cool:

[TazmanianKoala]

I would go for the pop-out roof panel. Just because it causes less noise when installed. I hope Ian finds a way to store the panel in the car when driving "open".

[rogwild]

My suggestion to Ian was for an optional "pop-out or removable" Fabric roof panel that would also have a 'vent' position (like the hard panel shown). This removable panel could have a collapsible frame (like the early 60-70's Porsche Targas) that would fold to about 1/3 its size to easily be stowed inside the vehicle. This would not require any 'sliding rails', not cause additional air resistance (like the Citroën-style sliding one), and could use the exact (unmodified) opening as the original hard or glass panel. If anyone can find (or take) a picture of one of these Targa panels OPENED (for installation on the roof) and CLOSED (for stowage inside); please post them. I have not been able to find any on the web. I may check some local auto dealers to see if they have an old one that I can take pictures of.

[Derwin]

IanBruce
Administrator


Have you made any headway on the interior design?

It's progressing well. To give you some idea of the challenge, here are a couple of the original concept sketches:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=517&stc=1&d=1213714207

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=518&stc=1&d=1213714207

We've sharpened out thinking quite a bit since, and should have something to show you in a couple of weeks.

Posted: 2008-06-17 09:05:43 #

[johnhead]

I too love the looks of this design.. It just doesn't seem to me that the front wheel has enough "upper travel" before it hit's the main body? I'm compairing it to the "typical" motorcycle rear wheel travel. Time and testing will tell....
I'll just have to "Fly the Road"- slower over the railroad crossings...
John

[MVRacing]

IanBruce
Administrator
"Do the mechanical gauges in the pictures mean that the idea for a single, customizable LCD with everything you need being scrapped?"

Not at all -- We're going with the screen. Wait for the new stuff -- I think you'll be pleased.



MVR - Now, I think that's pretty cool :cool: =y:

[RAN]

From Ian's comments, it sounds as if the Alpha is turning into a Beta. Less of a test bed, and more of a functional prototype. Frame updated? New connector? Main cabin frame at the panel site?

I agree MVR... no wonder it's taking so long to get it finished. I guess (hope) they felt confident enough with the sand rail drive system tests to wait and add all these other components to the Alpha configuration.

[Derwin]

RAN, I think things are moving along a bit faster than we were beginning to think! Maybe some more surprises are awaiting us just around the corner....who knows!

Derwin

[Baja_Traveler]

God I hope so - This is getting really exciting seeing all these design drawings. This is more information in one week than we've had all year! I can't wait...

[JeistD]

Maybe this question was asked already but I wasnt sure where to ask it. When and how much? I have seen April 2009 as the release date. Any ideas on how much? Is April 09 still a good date? I am VERY interested in one of these. I read the article about bring the auto enthusiasts and the green people together. This will do it. I for one am the enthusiast who will apreciate the gas savings but not as much as the fun ride. I could definately see ripping up the highway with some greeny folks in a group of these.

[CelticFlyer]

A more realistic release date is April 2010. The manufacturers have been pushing back the date since they came online. The official Fly The Road website documents this timeframe, and may answer more of your questions.

[MVRacing]

[quote=JeistD;5671]Maybe this question was asked already ... [quote]

Welcome! Check out the FAQ section and the search feature on this lub site is excellent. Hope you will enjoy the wait with us. :)

[MVRacing]

IanBruce
Administrator
"Will the materials under consideration for the cockpit windows provide UVA and UVB sun protection? "

Yes, absolutely. We're also adding IR blocking -- with such a large window area, things could get pretty hot.

[nigelht]

A more realistic release date is April 2010. The manufacturers have been pushing back the date since they came online. The official Fly The Road website documents this timeframe, and may answer more of your questions.

I was looking at the Aptera milestones.

Technology prototype MK0 in March of 2007.
Pre-production prototype MK1 in September of 2007
1st units expected in December of 2008.

So a 2010 California launch is doable as long as the MK0 equivalent gets out by end of summer and MK1 equivalent out by the end of this year or early next year.

It seems Aptera had a larger team though and any 2010 launch has the danger of getting eclipsed by other offerings.

[RAN]

any 2010 launch has the danger of getting eclipsed by other offerings.

Yup. With new offerings by Tesla, Aptera, Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi, possibly the Chevy Volt and an EV or 2 from Mercedes, as well as the Th!nk and Zenn, by 2010 (and that's only for a CA launch) the V-1 is going to be lost in the background noise.

No amount of prodding seems to light a fire anywhere close to VV's backside to get on with it already. They act like they have all the time in the world to get this on the road.

Personally, I'm not impressed anymore with a gas burning ICE genset. I don't want to use gas at all in my next vehicle. Now that VV has moved the EV version back to who-knows-when (2013? 2015? 2267?), it's looking less and less likely that I'm going to have a V-1 sitting outside. By 2010 there will be many more options... even much better conversions available. By 2011-2012, VV is going to be wayyyyyyyyy down on the page. They'll still be able to probably sell the 4000 units/year they've talked about producing (assuming their prices don't go up to $30k and beyond), but it makes me sad to think about what could still be if they would just install some deadlines and do what it takes to meet them.

[Derwin]

How do we really KNOW for a fact what is going on "behind the scenes" at Venture Vehicles? They may indeed be far more ahead of schedule than you or I give them credit for. But for legal purposes, or whatever, they are not releasing the information. I don't know....and that's the point. I guess I am always hoping for the best, even when I don't see any real evidence.

As far as other vehicle that are coming out..... I don't see any vehicles in those you mentioned that have the same FUN FACTOR as the V1. Will there be a bunch of new hybrids, and maybe even a few all EV's available? Sure. But none will be like the V1. If there were 20 vehicles lined up that were hybrids and EV's and the V1 was amongst them, you can bet I would choose the V1 hands down. No competition at all. If the V1 won't be out until 2011, then I guess that's how long we'll have to wait. I WANT MINE NOW! But WHENEVER they come out with it, I will surely be there! In the meantime, your right, we'll have to get some other vehicle that comes out. Then we can always sell it when the V1 eventually reaches the marketplace.

Well, that's my view of it, anyway.

Derwin

-----C'mon, Venture Vehicles.......get with it! Or at least give us a hint of where you are REALLY at in the process.

[cpaddock]

Call me gullible, or call me naieve, but I see a young and energetic group of entrepenuers
developing a radical vision into reality. We have seen, and heard the sound from a tightly
assembled motor pod, we have seen the frame of the alpha drivers unit, we have seen
the master molds and the first body panels. If I were in Ian's position, all the skepticism
and impatience would have me feeling some resentment. But I guess a hungry public can
never get enough. It seems that in any public endeavor there is never a shortage of
critics. Be it politics, music, art, invention, business or decorating, there is always going to be some folks who think theirs is the better way. Let's hope that all the clamoring
isn't a distraction but rather causes the V1 team to focus even more on the goal.
You can't push the river.....
Curves Ahead! And a Happy 4th of July! Celebrating our freedom of self-expression!
Perhaps the most precious of all!

[CelticFlyer]

I don't want to use gas at all in my next vehicle.

Likewise! However, at this point I would settle for a hybrid. Still, in the back of my head is the scary prospect that EVERY car on the road today will become nothing more than four-wheeled planters once the oil supply fails to meet our demands. Nothing brings this scenario into clearer focus than the documentary "Crude Awakening." I know they're selling an argument, and theirs is a worst-case scenario, but it does give you cause to ponder our reliance on fossil fuels!

Happy 4th to everyone! :Beer: