Factory Five 818

[Evan]

Man, you guys are harsh. It's a seemingly awesome, capable roadster. And if it really is $15k, that's a game changer. And you don't like the nose.
If you saw one of those driving down the street, you would:
A) like it?
B) not like it because it's just SOOOOooo ugly

If you could walk into a dealership write a check for $15k, and drive out with an 1800 pound WRX powered mid engine car Id agree with you.

But the sweat equity you have to invest in this is considerably more, so if Im busting my ass spending all my free time building this thing, the final product, light at the end of the tunnel, needs to get my blood pumping to make it worth it.

I think FF has lost sight of the fact that its the emotional attachment that has driven the popularity of their cobras all along.

[ScottyB]

its not that i don't like the car. its just that they had at their disposal, basically for free, a huge allotment of really interesting, creative, and cogent designs that people got really pumped about. and then they largely decided to ignore them.

if i have the opportunity, i'll build one, and i'm sure it will be fantastic and raw and visceral. i just wish the bodywork lived up to the massive potential they had on their hands....nothing more than that.

[HAULN-SS]

What is the time to build one if you're doing it say in a few big sessions?

[Evan]

its not out yet so nobody knows but its supposed to be easier and faster than the cobra.

not sure if i believe that given the more modern and complex wrx drivetrain

[Evan]

818 who?
LS2 in this.....
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[Goodspeed]

Oof. Thats much better.

[ScottyB]

the named it The Catfish. beady-eyed scavengers that eat crap off the bottom of the river. what the hell were the other options that didn't win out?

[Seantn1k]

Why can't they just model a few kit cars based on 80's german auto's? I mean..... seriously.....

[BLINGMW]

Why can't they just model a few kit cars based on 80's german auto's? I mean..... seriously.....

Not necessary, most are still on the road!

[Evan]

Why can't they just model a few kit cars based on 80's german auto's? I mean..... seriously.....

because you, Channing, and a select few are the only ones brain damaged enough to think this is a good looking automobile! :wink:

[Evan]

in the flesh
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8012-New-818-Photo-Galleries-Posted&s=cd38e0b5148817cc377169a6c32bb9f0">http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthre ... a6c32bb9f0</a><!-- m -->







front end is still super busted. those stupid hood vents jumped the shark about the time the first fast and furious movie came out. Bumper has no design, almost as bad as an econocar. panel gaps and fitment is terrible.
and what on earth possessed them to use camry headlights?

rear end looks real real nice though. theres that.
maybe just needs something to fill that big gap between the lights on the street version.

[JPolen01]

The front end looks like a s2000 out of a wings west catalog circa 2002. The no windscreen thing also looks retarded.

[Nis01]

Far cry from aggressive, but not terrible. Does seem the shell is a bit of an afterthought. If the performance is there this would still be a fun build.

[ScottyB]

something about that front end made me think


but still - what matters is how it drives, and i hope the numbers justify the strategic cost cutting in design that i'm sure they had to do to make the target price a reality.

[Evan]

I just really hope its successful enough that they redesign the front end in a couple years.

[WRXtranceformed]

That car would be really great for me to poop on. Scotty hit the nail on the head.

[Goodspeed]

Uh...I know we're talking a low volume/kit car manufacturer, but I'm pretty sure that design would give even the worst automotive designer an aneurysm.

[Evan]

818 who?
LS2 in this.....
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2012/9/18/Miata-based-Catfish-Speedster-Coming-to-SEMA-7710768/">http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2012/9/18/M ... A-7710768/</a><!-- m -->

dear factory five, this is how you do it.

[*insertusernamehere*]

[ScottyB]

this angle right here is delightful and i want it.

looking back at the 818 now after seeing this.... at least it should drive amazingly.