www.SpartanV8.com

Welcome to my latest project, the Spartan V8 prototype roadster.


Take a look around, and feel free to leave a comment!

What is it?
A:
The Spartan V8 is a type of high performance car called an "exoskeleton" car, exoskeleton referring to the framework of the car which is both visible and aesthetic by design. It is being designed entirely from scratch, by me alone (constructed and tested entirely in SolidWorks). I'm about a year into the design; from initial idea, to working concept, to full 3d virtual model. Once I have the remainder of the crucial components (engine, transmission, suspension, etc) modeled accurately in 3D, I'll be able to finalize the design and begin construction.


What would it be like to drive?
A:
Something like this.
The metallic click of a switch engages the ignition and fuel pump with a hum. You engage the clutch and push the starter button.. the V8 engine thrashes and bursts to life with a snarl, sending shivers through the frame, and straight up your spine. The shifter in your right hand snicks into gear, and you ease out the clutch and apply the throttle.. by the time you fully release the clutch, its already time to shift into second. As you shift to 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, the sheer acceleration nails you to your seat, the exhaust roars to either side of you, the intake growls in front of you, the big 305 series tires shriek in protest as they claw at the pavement, the wind whips past your head and body, and you are catapulted to speed more rapidly than you thought possible.
A stab at the brakes invites the race compound pads to bite into four oversized vented rotors, rapidly bringing you to a screeching halt.. brutally throwing you forward against the belts of your 5 point harness, threatening to eject you from the cockpit as you slow back to a stop. Your pulse is racing, your breathing is quickened, and the back of your neck is tingling. Savage and raw, the Spartan V8 isn't just quick. It is downright terrifying.

More akin to riding something wild, overpowered, and foaming at the mouth than just driving a car. It roars, it screams, it snarls. It thrums with power lurking just under its thin skin, daring you to mash that accelerator to the floor, and chase down something exotic..


Why design and build your own car?
A:
Why not? It will be fun to design, build, and drive. It will be a learning experience like no other. Also, because of it's tremendous power to weight ratio, the Spartan will be a veritable supercar - more than able to hold its own on the road or racetrack against other street cars costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Check back whenever you like, as I'll be adding updates frequently.



News:

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Continuing design work..

The design work continues on the Spartan V8, currently working on the rear suspension (shown below, in SolidWorks). I've been debating what to do here, as I could use the Corvette rear end as originally intended, a different production car's independent rear suspension, a solid rear (live axle) setup, or custom build my own independent design. Reasons abound for each, and there is no clear winner at the moment..

I like the corvette parts, they look nice and obviously work, however there are some shortcomings in the design, its heavy, and must use mushy rubber bushings (due to each joint needing a fair amount of misalignment). Aluminum is used extensively, and won't corrode any more than it already has, or could be polished if desired. Toe adjustment and camber adjustments are built in, although camber gain is essentially already set. It does match up with the corvette front end nicely.


Using another car's independent rear end parts are a possibility, however they must be rated to deal with 300+ hp and 300+ ft-lbs. Keeping the same lug pattern as the front means they essentially must be GM parts, or custom parts ($$$). Keeping the same track width (spacers affect geometry!) will be tricky as well..

A live axle setup would work well in a straight line and in the turns due to almost zero camber change, and would likely handle the power and torque just fine, but will be heavy. In particular, the unsprung weight will be high, perhaps causing the rear to lose grip in bumpy corners. It would likely be easier to mount as well, and adjustability could be built in to change the antisquat to suit the driver. Spacers could be used to get the desired width as well, as geometry isn't affected so much in this case. I need to get an accurate weight for a complete disc brake rear to make a judgement here.

A custom suspension could theoretically do exactly what I want, and combine the best things from the other types, BUT: this will add considerably more design time to the project, I'd like to start building before winter hits; will likely drive the project cost up exponentially as custom shafts, hubs, cv joints, etc. are expensive; even with the best intentions, I might just uncover similar or worse problems with my design than the others, only real testing would tell..

2 comments:

  1. JPB, instead of using a windshield, the Spartan uses twin windscreens to deflect much of the airflow above and around it's occupant(s). Much like riding a motorcycle, some type of protective eyewear would be required, but I would recommend a full helmet or full face mask.

    A full windshield would be constrictive to the Spartan's open air design, as well as add unnecessary weight. There are also no provisions for windshield wipers. The windscreens will be Lexan, and are not large enough or really even tall enough for a wiper to fit or be effective. In reality, most people will look out over the windscreens as they drive, having an unimpeded view of everything around them, including seeing the engine and front suspension working.

    ReplyDelete