Body Design of the Persu V3

[Derwin]

If you haven't already, please go to the new website that Persu has put up at www.FlyTheRoad.com

As you can see in the flash header, the vehicle has a very slick enclosed design to it, which is a bit different from the "final design" that we were given a while back. Actually, when you choose a color on the CLUB homepage graphic, you can see that there is a "see through" area that wraps the door.

My question to members is simple: Which body design do you like better? The smooth aerospace-like design, or the design with the see-through panels as displayed on the home page of the club?



http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1296&d=1297280418
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Please vote in the poll and let's discuss this here in this thread.

Thanks.

Derwin

[JoeU]

Derwin, the problem is those of us with IE only access don't see anything. :confused: I went to the FTR website and saw the smooth design, is there anyway to allow all of us to see the other one?du:n:n:o(

[Derwin]

It's VERY easy to download Firefox, and it doesn't affect your computer at all. I would suggest all members to simply download the Firefox browser.

That aside, I thought I had posted a side-by-side photo of the 2 door designs, but I guess they didn't show up. I just went and posted the photo again. Please let me know if you can see it.

Thanks.

Derwin

[JoeU]

Derwin, You did it! Thanks

[pharuan]

Something needs to be done about the silver ones mirrors. They don't look right. As if they were an afterthought and thrown on there.

[OSulliban]

I like how the windows in the old design appear to have a lower belt-line when looking forward, the more visibility out the front the better. Also the newer design appears to be shorter overall, but it could be that they are showing it at a more oblique view. and where is the motor going to go? The ICE pod is half the size.

[bmwgc1946]

Are you sure the L shape black is see through glass? My first guess was just design cosmetics with a small square window near the bottom. You don't see much. Isn't there also a sliver of glass in front of the mirror down to the front wheel? This glass to me is more important to see the road ahead.

[Derwin]

Are you sure the L shape black is see through glass? My first guess was just design cosmetics with a small square window near the bottom.

I think you're correct in that not ALL of the "L" shape is see-through, but about half way down, and then shooting to the right is the transparent part to the best of my knowledge. This was actually part of the design, and we had many discussions about it with Ian Bruce a long time ago. This was a feature that many of us really liked very much, and I have no clue why they changed it now. Then again, it may be something that people can "add" as an upgrade if they desire, but again, this is just a guess.


Also the newer design appears to be shorter overall, but it could be that they are showing it at a more oblique view. and where is the motor going to go? The ICE pod is half the size.

You have a point. It could just be the angle that we're looking at, but it can also be a re-design of the entire POD area for the ICE. But the ICE motor is definitely in the rear pod, no doubt about that.

Derwin

[Photobug]

I agree with Pharuan that the new mirrors look pretty sad when compared to the previous design. And what happened to the turn signals!? Maybe the new design is still being worked on?

Regardless, I'm tickled pink to see this car may still make it to production!

Jack

[Donald1800]

I love the idea of a "Road Window" on the Persu V3, but the current "L" design is a jarring visual feature that draws the eye away from the overal beautifully designed body. I voted for the left 'Clean' body design. Too bad.

Donald1800

[Derwin]

My opinion is that the "L" design actually brings out the overall beauty of the body, and adds to the stunning look of it. But that's why I opened this up to the membership. I think it's a good idea to get feedback from as many people as possible about all aspects of this vehicle. I'm sure the people at Persu will read this and take all of our thoughts and ideas into consideration.

So, if you haven't commented on the body design yet, please feel free to post your feelings here!

[TOSS]

If its purely asthetic I don't much care. If it makes the design lighter or improves crash safety I'd be for it. We've waited so long to see this thing on the road that if it drives production costs up or design times longer I'd be against it. TOSS

[Donald1800]

Can anyone post a picture of the rear of the V1 foam mockup, 3/4 view if possible? I thought that I had it, but so far all that I can find are a 3/4 front right and 3/4 front left - no rear views.

Donald1800

[MVRacing]

In one of the threads is a 360 view...let me see if I can find it.

[post]

i like the idea of the see-through door, but i wonder how vulnerable it would be to rocks or other debris kicked up from the road, and whether it would mean a heavier door..? the lighter the curb weight, the better, both for efficiency and acceleration -- i want very much for this to be a 50-60mpg vehicle, but it would be a real shame if it's a slouch.

is the image on the website now another mockup or an actual test mule? great paint if it's a mockup, great news if it's a running prototype - but looks like no door handle, so am thinking it's another mockup?

the mirrors on the new model are terrible - the ones on the coloured render look perfect; appreciate the turn signals there and the more aerodynamic design!

[Donald1800]

That's a good point about the 'new' rear-view mirrors. I too thought that both the shape and missing turn-signals was a step in the wrong direction - cluggy and lower safety.

Donald1800

[Ronzo]

Part of it could be the perspective of the view that is being used on the site. But I do like the helicopter windows. When I saw them in the color swatch app I have hopes that they are still keeping them as an option.
1297
I also liked the idea of embedded turn signals in the mirrors and the more aerodynamic shape.

[Ronzo]

i like the idea of the see-through door, but i wonder how vulnerable it would be to rocks or other debris kicked up from the road... I wouldn't be overly worried about this kind of thing .... as long as you don't mind aftermarket add on stuff. There are all kinds of clear protection out there from a 3M product to the clear vinyl film that they use for headlight armor (or for that matter vehicle wraps) to the stuff that Zagg makes to protect laptops and cell phones (it is the same self healing stuff used on military helicopter blades. Probably going to have to put this stuff on the lower body and lower pod to protect it from debris as well (some of which might be the carbon fiber looking film or other wraps to give that custom look).

[Jack Willard]

There are lots of choices on how to personalize your vehicle. Each body panel will be available in all the various colors and you can mix and match them how ever it pleases you.

1298

Imagine how it would look with almost all vision panels! Talk about a view, from both inside and outside. LOL Well, they might not offer every panel in the clear vision material. Anyway, there are sure a lot of different color combinations possible.

[pharuan]

I like the Road Window and the Mirrors on the old design. However, the "cleaner" body of the other one as shown without the notch for the door handle I like too. They would benefit from a merging of these aspects.

[Derwin]

Imagine how it would look with almost all vision panels! Talk about a view, from both inside and outside. LOL Well, they might not offer every panel in the clear vision material. Anyway, there are sure a lot of different color combinations possible.

Very nice, Jack. I completely forgot about that old graphic from Venture Vehicles! Thanks for pulling it back up.

[TOSS]

It's an odd place for a window but I'm good either way. TOSS

[bmwgc1946]

The new company web site doesn't show a 360 view. I can't tell if there is still a rear window. This would be awful for the passenger if they didn't have a good view. I know on Jay l. garage show they popped out a "Glass" rear panel, is that still in?

[Ronzo]

I also noticed there are no turn signals or parking lights on the computer model.... So one can't use it as a detail examination of the product... it is just a flashy (somewhat) concept picture

[Firedawg]

Seeing the model on their site makes me want to rethink my DeLorean Persu statement from before. Having an all chrome looking Persu would look horrible. I do like the color panel combos that Jack posted. Very cool.

Hey Persu gang, when you all get closer to release, how about you re-do the website, and have that color panel thing in a flash format. Allow the buyer to change any panel color that you guys offer and let them play with the combos. I think that would really allow for a feeling of individuality when they buy their dream. Let the buyer feel in control of their vehicle choice before they buy. I think that would be an inexpensive feature to add to your site and garner some interest.

[kuri77]

Been away for a year or two since the apparent demise of the Venture vehicle. Just heard about Jay Leno and the new Persu update. Like the new designs but the see-thru is killer. Sure glad you kept this site going Derwin, thanks. Actually had to go to my old unused computer to remember the name of this site. Here's hoping all the infighting and negativity of the previous goround has ceased. Can't wait for this to become a reality. Have been considering the Monotracer too. If you haven't checked it out, it's great too.

[Jack Willard]

Very nice, Jack. I completely forgot about that old graphic from Venture Vehicles! Thanks for pulling it back up.

Is there some trick you might know to get the graphic to show? Are images dead in this new software too?

[Derwin]

Is there some trick you might know to get the graphic to show? Are images dead in this new software too?

Images are NOT dead. I know there is a glitch, though.

But here's how you get them to show up inline.....

1. Click on the "insert image" button above the text editor.

2. Pick the image you want to insert from your computer.

3. Upload the image.

4. It will then place the image in the text editor automatically.

5. Hover your pointer over the upper left corner of the image and click. Then pick whether you want the image to show up small, medium, or large.

That's it! Your images should show up perfectly within the text.

Let me know if you have any problems with this.

Derwin

[Derwin]

Sure glad you kept this site going Derwin, thanks. Actually had to go to my old unused computer to remember the name of this site. Here's hoping all the infighting and negativity of the previous goround has ceased.

Welcome back to the club, Kuri!

I've made sure all of the "negativity" that you mentioned has been completely removed from the club. The members who were causing friction have either left on their own or have been removed, so all is well now. We are here because we love this vehicle and want to have a good time talking about it.

I'm glad you made it back.

Derwin

[kuri77]

Thanks Derwin, good to be back. Chris

[Jack Willard]

1304

There... NOW you can SEE IT! Yipee!

[kuri77]

Nice Jack, thanks

[Ronzo]

So examine Jacks post to the fixed image from the new Persu website. It is as close as they have to a side view with the computer rendered V3. Even though it is not a straight on side shot and is from slightly below you will see that it hasn't changed a whole lot. Also due to lack of detail I would say it is a non finished work to give overall look and feel. Also I wish they would pick a bolder color since they have so many nice ones.
1305
I emailed Persu and asked if they were still considering letting us swap panels and never got a reply. Hopefully they will follow through on this idea.

[Jack Willard]

I think emailing Persu is likely a waste of time. Hopefully they are busy working on design, production and other useful tasks. Contact them in late 2013... maybe.

[Derwin]

Jack may be correct about this. But I would suggest that if ANYBODY has ANY questions for Persu, simply submit the to ME, and I'll contact Howard personally.

One thing I know for sure is that Howard will answer any questions (within reason!) that I present him. We have a great relationship, and he is actually using this club to communicate with all of the enthusiasts anyway. So I would just suggest that you submit any of your question to me in the appropriate forum. I think we have a forum entitled "Question for Persu".

Derwin

[Firedawg]

Derwin, please ask Howard if Santa got my letters and if the answer to all of life's questions is still 47. Thx!!

[Firedawg]

I wonder how much it would cost to have Carbon Fiber panels made up for the V3? I think that would be awesome.

[Jonesy Wales]

I wonder how much it would cost to have Carbon Fiber panels made up for the V3? I think that would be awesome.

Over the last 10 years Carbon Fiber has dropped from $150/Lb to under $10/Lb, producers are aiming to to get it down to under $5/Lb in the near future.

The next thing currently being developed is 'Forged Carbon' where sheets of a special Carbon fiber 'resin' are heated in steel molds so that complex shapes can be made easily and quickly (strong, light and cheap to make)

I'm betting the guys at Persu will be looking into this.

[Firedawg]

Over the last 10 years Carbon Fiber has dropped from $150/Lb to under $10/Lb, producers are aiming to to get it down to under $5/Lb in the near future.

The next thing currently being developed is 'Forged Carbon' where sheets of a special Carbon fiber 'resin' are heated in steel molds so that complex shapes can be made easily and quickly (strong, light and cheap to make)

I'm betting the guys at Persu will be looking into this.

Perfect that means that if Persu uses Forged Carbon for the shell, and the metal foam that I posted about for the frame, the V3 would be the leanest, meanest, little beast on the road ;)

[smoove7410]

It is a styrofoam mock-up....this one to be exact. It is only a concept to show investors something tangible. If this ever does see the light of day, the final design will be far more refined. I prefer the cleaner design on the left.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/GrabberOrange/Picture1.png

[Miracleman89]

Where are the Canard Wings???? LOL 1322 or here is a couple of good pics of them!

13241325

[Firedawg]

That larger rear end looks better IMO. I think it makes it look a little more like a trike.

[Derwin]

I can't help it. This vehicle is so dang sexy. I want one. I want one NOW! lol

[paulcummings55]

I wonder if the smaller rear pod was done to give a bit more room in the passenger cab? If so, that is probably a good thing!

[RawNRG]

Definetly prefer the one on the right, just looks sexier to me. Would like to see a rear wing on it, but not mandatory. Getting rid of the canards was probably for the best as I could see them creating problems at high speeds.

[Jonah_X]

Personally, I prefer a narrower footprint giving the Pursu the ability, in some cases, to lane share (split traffic). A valuable ability in major congestion. The Carver's footprint appeared to be not much wider or even as wide as a full dress motorcycle. If the horizontal footprint can be narrow without giving up stability, this would be a major asset. Imagine being able to fly side by side.

[RawNRG]

Indeed, having a footprint that small would be beneficial. However, riding side by side is not a very good idea at any speed over about 25 mph. Bike riders may do it for brief periods on the highway, but typically they are in a staggered pattern for safety. This does however allow them to take up less room than if they were single file. At low speeds riding side by side would save considerable space, and being able to park 2 in a single parking spot would be icing on the cake.

[Jonah_X]

I agree, as a MSF Instructor as well as a retired Motor Officer, I taught the staggered formation with one second separation while riding in pairs or groups. When I operated as Safety Officer for large club rides we would use the staggered formation in 10 motorcycle groups (some of the rides I was in had more than 100 bikes). Law Enforcement riding is different in the fact that we do ride side by side with our partners most of the time with the exception of turns at which point we stagger to allow for maneuverability. We trained for hundreds of hours in this type of riding and spent our work days riding in formation. My partner and I knew each other's habits and rode as one, sometimes as close together as to touch our chrome crash bars once in a while. My "fly side by side" statement was the Motor Officer talking, as I have suggested to Pursu to look into contracting these vehicles to LE agencies as well as emergency services. These contracts can do a great deal in helping to finance and increase production of civilian vehicles. BMW has been very successful in doing this for years now as well as Harley Davidson and Honda. I apologize for the wording I used, I'm still in the Motor Officer mind set, usually meaning "Talk slow and use small words."

One concern that came to mind after posting this reply is the low profile of the Pursu. On a bike like my former bike (06 BMW R1200RT) My seating position afforded me the ability to see over the roofs of most vehicles giving a great view of the road ahead. The Pursu is low giving very poor visibility beyond the vehicle in front of you. As an unwritten rule 10 mph faster than the speed of traffic while splitting is standard. However, for me, if traffic was traveling any faster than 45mph I would not split as the chances of someone moving over/changing lanes increases and response time drastically decreases.

Being able to park two or even three Pursus (triangular position) in one spot would be outstanding. Also, in most big cities, like San Francisco, there is designated motorcycle parking areas. It would be great to have the Pursu fit in the narrow hash lines of one of those spots.

I know we are years away from, hopefully, seeing production of the Pursu. I would love to see advanced training sessions for the owners, even competitions, much like we had with motorcycle clubs as well as the MINI Cooper clubs with whom I know affiliate myself now. Cheers my friends.