The infamous ultimate supercar thread.

[mPWRD]

To all GTPers -

Many people have had the dream to build the ultimate supercar, and some have come close (Ferrucio Lamborghini, Horacio Pagani and Christian von Koenigsegg to name a few). I really think that with a team of true car enthusiasts and engineers, I can build something in that category. If you are interested in joining, here is what you have to do.

Answer these questions:
1. If you were involved in the building of a supercar, which part of the process would you be most involved in: Design, Manufacturing, Testing, or Marketing?
2. In what specific area are you most interested in? What education/practice have you had in this area? What tools and resources, both tangible and intangible, can you bring to the team?
3. Describe your work ethic and how you work with others.
4. Describe the drivetrain in your ultimate supercar (propulsion, gearbox, etc.)
5. If you could add one feature to any car, what would it be?
6. How would you move Mt. Fuji?

There is no right or wrong answer to any one of these questions. Thorough answers are preferred.

Then, if I think you would make a good addition to the team, I will send you an email address through private messaging. Do not pm me before that. The pm will include details as to what to submit via email. You are liable to be cut at any moment - I am only picking 12 total.

The project will not begin for a while - I am still completing college and grad school. Age is no object - I don't care if you're 14 or 40 or anywhere between or over.

Do not post on this thread unless you are truly interested. Once I get enough response (if there is enough response) then I will post another thread for a design competition.

Enjoy!

 

[Fyshokid]

I like the idea of a design competition (And design in general)
But I don't really know about the rest (Since I'm only 15 years old)...

Sounds interesting though... A car built by the members of GTPlanet

 

[Alex.]

Has Ferrari never come close to building the ultimate supercar?

 

[Leonidae]

no. they've become fatter just like everything else. Lotus and Porsche are best options if you want light supercar.

 

[Jim Prower]

Manufacturing: I just about have a degree in it.

However, to be honest, I'd rather not give out a bunch of personal information to someone I don't know on the Internet.

 

[Dave A]

With a Haynes manual I can do anything to my car . If you are serious first of all, don't expect everyone to take it as that and secondly there will be much better ways of getting a group of people together for a project like this than asking members of a internet forum. You must either have a lot of money or not thought this through becasue this will be an expensive ventur, a very expensive venture. You might not begin to make a return in years. What you'd be better off doing is canvasing for people in college or uni who are just finishing studying in the various fields you need to fill. You will have people who are interested and qualified. Me, even if I did feel I was able to help you in person which I possibly could, there is no way I am dropping what I'm currently doing to join someone I've met on a Gran Turismo forum.

 

[McLaren]

no. they've become fatter just like everything else. Lotus and Porsche are best options if you want light supercar.

I don't think Lotus has actually built a super car since the Elise GT1. Everything out of their factory is more around the lines of a track-ready sports car, imo, minus the Evora.

 

[Leonidae]

oh, what do you make out of Esprit V8 twinturbo then? a GT car? and 911 GT3 RS?

 

[eiriksmil]

Many people have had the dream to build the ultimate supercar, and some have come close (Ferrucio Lamborghini, Horacio Pagani and Christian von Koenigsegg to name a few). I really think that with a team of true car enthusiasts and engineers, I can build something in that category.

 

[the Interceptor]

The ultimate supercar has already been built a long time ago:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mclaren_f1

 

[mPWRD]

Thank you all for your comments, but if you read the very first post, you would have realized that I clearly said not to post unless you were truly interested.

 

[Alex.]

You can't expect everyone to be truly interested without first asking questions of their own about the idea

 

[mPWRD]

this is why you post a message on my profile asking me these questions instead of debating about what is the current ultimate supercar... and I am not asking for a load of personal information. merely your strengths and interests... i understand your skittishness about not responding, but if you look at the questions, they are quite general.

 

[paskowitz]

I have been drawing cars for a couple of years now and I am no Giorgetto Giugiaro I consider my self to always draw simple, tasteful designs. I usually draw cars that look fast standing still. I also put reality into my designs (I consider aero, functionality, ease of production, etc) But in all honesty unless it is a one off I am curious to know where the money to fund such a project would come from..? Anyways I am a mere high school student so I do not think I am qualified for such a project. Maybe in a couple years.

 

[Dave A]

You are on a public message board my friend, populated by and large by minors no doubt. Look at it this way, you (nothing more than a user name who no one on here really knows) have just made a post implying that you have the means to build the ultimate supercar if you get a few volunteers from this site to help. Is there any way you can at least back up these claims in some way and if you don't currently have the means outline your plan to aquire them?
Have you sat down and got a rough plan of any sort?
Have you got a pre-finace deal or will you be using your own cash?
Have you go the tools and equiptment and/or will you be paying to source the manufacturing of certain/all custom parts?
Do you have anyone to hadle the legal aspect and paperwork?
Have you looked into the costs of patenting the car name, shape and any parts you build yourself should you actually get a team together and green light a plan?
Do you even have an idea of what the project is likely to cost?
Are you going to be hiring the people who join the team or will they be self employed?
Will you be expecting anyone who joins your team to invest in the project?
If you are expecting an investment then how much and what percentage of the company the car will be built under will each memeber own for that investment?
What is your plan with regards to creating a return on the investment?
Do you have a timeline of how long it will take to a: assemble a team and b: get the project going once a has been achieved?
Have you contacted any third party comapnies with regards to any work that may need outsourcing to gather information on timescales and finanaces?
Have you vetted any third party companies in order to ascertain whic would be most suitable to the project you have in mind?
Are you willing to answer any of the above and more should any moe questions be put forwards?

You can't and I mean can't expect people to take you seriously without asking questions and needing assurances that firstly you arn't some kid or guy just having fun and secondly arn't just some kid or guy with a genuine pipe dream but no chance of actually getting it going. If you want people to take this idea seriousely you need to have done your homework, and even then if you have done it I would still advise tha you contact universities and colleges and look for people in thier final year of studies in the various areas you need expertise in and offer them a job to leave to, there's not long to go. Infact a few courses are probably winding down already for exams and you could have some ready to start whenever.

 

[mPWRD]

paskowitz - you are perfectly ok to join. if you are interested by any means please do not let anyone to stop you. i could seriously use a good designer.

dave - allow me to answer your questions in order.
1. I have seriously thought this out. I have spent three years thinking about the various facets of this project. I have much more than a rough plan.
2. I do not have the financial means to go through with this as of now. Obviously, I will be using my own cash as well as looking for investors.
3. I have the software to design the parts, and I know someone who runs a machine shop with state-of-the-art CNC machines and everything. I can probably get a discount off of them too.
4. No. I do need someone with legal expertise.
5. Yes. My dad has multiple patents, and has volunteered to handle that sort of work.
6. Yes. It is not cheap by any means. I am working on the parts list right now, and including a price with each part (estimated, of course)
7. These people will most likely have a full-time job over and above this. Once I have it registered as a company, they will be employed by said company.
8. Probably. If they are truly passionate about it, they will.
9. That has not been decided yet.
10. Obviously, there will be a profit involved in selling the car. At first, the profit margin will be higher, but as time progresses and the company has better equipment and facilities, people will start seeing a more direct return on their investment. That, of course, and salaries.
11. Yes. I would like to assemble the team within 2 or 3 years after I leave the university, and begin work almost immediately.
12 and 13. No.
14. I think i just answered the first part of that question... as for more questions.. fire away.

I don't know if people will take me seriously, I'm just trying to gauge interest and possibly recruit a couple of people. If people are really passionate and interested in such a thing, they will pursue it. I admit it. There is a lot of stuff I need to do before I can get the project started, but I plan to go through with it either way. It has been my dream since I was around 11, when I first saw Christian von Koenigsegg's story. I know it's possible, and the more work I put into it, the more probable.

But thanks a lot for the questions and feedback. Keep them coming, and if you're interested... you know what to do.

 

[Philly]

So this is a thread about thoughts of actually building a supercar?

And not a "design the ultimate supercar" thread like you see pop up on VWVortex from time to time where it's just for kicks?

And keep in mind that this is a video game enthusiast site. Sure, some of us will have degrees in business and engineering, or some good racing experience for testing. But there is a big difference between somebody like me, who is competent in engineering and things because that's my major and somebody who will be able to put those skills to work being a head engineer on an actual car. Your best move by far would be searching for people who have lots of experience in the automotive field.

But, if you can build a unique supercar with a unique engine, .

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

Dream on, dreamer.

I second that the McLaren F1 is the ultimate supercar, but it's not perfect for eveyone (even with 3 seats and luggage space!)

 

[mPWRD]

@Philly - Yes, I plan to actually build this. It will have a unique engine, the specs of which have been decided on. I am currently CADding it. Obviously, many people can't seem to take me seriously, which is understandable.

I know this is a video game enthusiast site. But after seeing the other threads on the "cars in general" and "auto news" forums, i realized that there might be some valuable resources.

@imakuni - I've stopped dreaming and started doing. And if you can't post anything good, don't post anything at all.

 

[eschey]

As keen as I am, I live in new zealand . Ive gt one more year of study in engineering before I get my degree and this is exactly what I'd be keen on doing, when i finish my degree that is. . . . Last year I did a design project building a race car (a bit of a fail really) and the university im at builds a race car every year (small single seater with a motorbike engine) from scratch.

Its sad that so many people are ripping up this idea. I think its great and cool to see someone doing this.

So if this was two years later, and I lived in somewhere closer I would be putting my name down.

Anyway, best of luck mPWDR, hope to see your name in a few years tme

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

@imakuni - I've stopped dreaming and started doing. And if you can't post anything good, don't post anything at all.

This is a public forum and I shall post when and where I like.

Started doing what? Asking for help on an internet forum? Started CADing it out? Have you developed concept sketches to show you what you're aiming for?
These days it would take ridiculous amounts of money, especially if you plan to develop your own powerplant.

Creators of supercars are very special people. They give up everything to follow their vision, accepting no compromise in the journey to turn their dreams into reality.

If you really understand what you're undertaking, then I wish you much luck and success. Just remember how many fail in comparison to how many succeed

 

[mPWRD]

As keen as I am, I live in new zealand . Ive gt one more year of study in engineering before I get my degree and this is exactly what I'd be keen on doing, when i finish my degree that is. . . . Last year I did a design project building a race car (a bit of a fail really) and the university im at builds a race car every year (small single seater with a motorbike engine) from scratch.

Its sad that so many people are ripping up this idea. I think its great and cool to see someone doing this.

So if this was two years later, and I lived in somewhere closer I would be putting my name down.

Anyway, best of luck mPWRD, hope to see your name in a few years tme

You know what? I don't give a damn where you live. Answer the questions and we'll see. THIS IS WHAT I LIKE TO SEE. In fact, the more global opinion I get, the better. I have yet to decide on a location, but it will probably be somewhere in the states. Having global correspondents and workers will most certainly benefit the process. Thanks a lot!

Started doing what? Asking for help on an internet forum? Started CADing it out? Have you developed concept sketches to show you what you're aiming for?
These days it would take ridiculous amounts of money, especially if you plan to develop your own powerplant.

Creators of supercars are very special people. They give up everything to follow their vision, accepting no compromise in the journey to turn their dreams into reality.

If you really understand what you're undertaking, then I wish you much luck and success. Just remember how many fail in comparison to how many succeed

Trust me, this required a lot of internal struggles and debates over whether to proceed or not... read my responses to the several questions above... i have put serious thought into it.

 

[Leonidae]

okay, a set of questions to you:

1.) Is it going to be one off or more along the lines of Veyron/Enzo etc?
2.) What safety/emission standards it will meet?
3.) is it going to be practical everyday supercar (GT-R), or more along the lines of hardcore trackday supercar (911 GT3 RS)?
4.) What fuel it will use? Distilled blood of Zebra perhaps? emission tests are necessary.
5.) is it going to be engineers car ( push button and let the computer deal with it ), mechanics car ( easy to access oil/fuel filters etc ) or enthusiasts car ( you can DIY it all with a set of allen keys and monkey wrench )
6.) roadlegal or trackday only?
7.) legal in US only or globally legal?
8.) since its a supercar, it needs to have strong structures and good suspension setup and tyres. you have to produce atleast one or two models for crash testing and wind tunnel tests etc..
9.) suspension geometry. Will it eat tyres, is it stabile when it encounters a wet patch/bump on the road? more testing.
10.) There WILL be setbacks. Can you afford it? is there a timetable to follow?

 

[McLaren]

oh, what do you make out of Esprit V8 twinturbo then? a GT car? and 911 GT3 RS?

I consider the Esprit a sports car much like the 360 Modena and the first generation Gallardo, & the GT3 RS a track-ready sports car, same as the Exige. A supercar to me is something like a Murcielago or a Carrera GT.

We all have our own categories for cars, and anything offered by Lotus right now does not fall into what I would call a supercar.

 

[mPWRD]

okay, a set of questions to you:

1.) Is it going to be one off or more along the lines of Veyron/Enzo etc?
2.) What safety/emission standards it will meet?
3.) is it going to be practical everyday supercar (GT-R), or more along the lines of hardcore trackday supercar (911 GT3 RS)?
4.) What fuel it will use? Distilled blood of Zebra perhaps? emission tests are necessary.
5.) is it going to be engineers car ( push button and let the computer deal with it ), mechanics car ( easy to access oil/fuel filters etc ) or enthusiasts car ( you can DIY it all with a set of allen keys and monkey wrench )
6.) roadlegal or trackday only?
7.) legal in US only or globally legal?
8.) since its a supercar, it needs to have strong structures and good suspension setup and tyres. you have to produce atleast one or two models for crash testing and wind tunnel tests etc..
9.) suspension geometry. Will it eat tyres, is it stabile when it encounters a wet patch/bump on the road? more testing.
10.) There WILL be setbacks. Can you afford it? is there a timetable to follow?

Nice questions!
1. I will build however many people want me to build. They will be custom-tailored to the buyer, and it all depends on how much he or she is willing to pay. It will not be cheap, and not every prospective buyer will be chosen.
2. Worldwide safety/emissions standards. It will be quite economical due to a hybrid system.
3. A good balance. I plan to produce two versions based on the same chassis and body: a slightly more luxurious and more powerful version, and a track-hardened speed machine that can churn out serious lap times.
4. Good old 91 or 98-octane fuel. Emissions tests are necessary and will be passed. Trust me.
5. Again, a balance. There be enough computers and tech to keep the car on the road, but as far as squeezing out max performance... that is up to the driver. Every customer will have an understanding of basic repairs, but more complicated problems mean that the car must be shipped to hq. If you can afford the car, you can afford the shipping.
6. Both.
7. Globally. Due to financial constraints, I will only produce a left-hand-drive version.
8. Yup. Can do and will do. I am planning on producing 2 prototypes: One fully-functioning one for demos, emissions, and customer test drives, and one shell for aero and show purposes.
9. Yes, of course. I understand the various testing procedures that are involved. A bulk of them can be done on the computer, but for those that cannot be done virtually, I will have a prototype on hand.
10. Well, obviously i can't afford it right now. It will take a while for me to raise the cash. And as for the setbacks, I will cross that bridge when I get there. I won't know what the setbacks are until I encounter them.

Thanks for the questions. I knew that if I posted on GTP, there will be people like Leonidae and dave who would ask these kinds of questions. There are also the cynics and skeptics, and the outright supporters. Keep it coming, guys.

 

[Dave A]

All I can say is that if you are geniunely ready to do this, best of luck to you.

 

[neanderthal]

Good luck.

I for one think you are a little off your rocker in asking a bunch of people on the internet, most of whom don't have any professional ability, in the required fields, to join such an endeavour.

To say you have set yourself up to fail spectacularly would be an understatement. I could conceptualise a vehicle adequately, even a car for the Average Joe. But a supercar? That takes us from beyond the realms of Average Joe in looks, dynamics, performance, luxury. How do you possibly think you could out Ferrari Ferrari? Or Lamborghini? Pagani? Ostensibly Porsche too as they did make the Carrera GT.

Do you have anywhere near the resources, facilities, expertise that the afore mentioned have. The reams and gigabytes of data they have from years and years of car making experience?

In fact, what knowledge/ experience do YOU bring to the table? CAD experience is great, but it amounts to nothing in the process of creating a supercar. It's equivalent to the change on the sticker of a very expensive car.

 

[Dave A]

I should imagine a supercar is the easiest type of car to get out there and sell, because you only need to sell it in low numbers. Ofcourse its still not easy, but the R&D costs of getting an everyday hatchback or saloon out there cost just as much as that of a supercar, and you can't sell a family saloon car for half a million, you can for a supercar if you get people interested. If you invest 10 million + each car costs 5k to manufacture (just an example) then you sell 21 cars at 500k to start to make profit. If the car is a hatchback or saloon, your looking at a price closer to 15-20k sale so 10-15 goes to you after manufacturing which means you need to sell an awful lot more than 20 to make that 10 million back. Now the reality is less simple and the costs will likely be higher, but the principal is there. The supercar is the easier option by a long shot.

 

[mPWRD]

Evidently, a lot of people think i'm off my rocker. And please don't forget that Lamborghini was conceived as something to rival Ferrari. Pagani emerged from relatively nowhere to challenge them both. So did Koenigsegg, Ascari, Caparo, etc.

Let's get this clear: I KNOW IT WILL BE HARD. So all of you posting comments like "you can't do it" and "do you have the facilities" and "you haven't thought this through" can stop. It's pessimists like you who ruin the chances of other promising startups.

Why am I asking a bunch of people on the internet? Because this is a global forum with people who DO have expertise in some of the fields i need. Unfortunately, they are not posting on this thread. Instead, it's all the haters and cynics. May I ask where your area of expertise is?

What do I bring to the table? I am currently in college, looking for a masters in engineering. I'm not the best at anything, but I know a decent amount about mechanics, electronics, computers, design, and management.

Allow me to remind you: Everyone has to start somewhere. All those great carmakers who we adore today had to start small at sometime or another. They all had a dream of creating a great car and they did. And yet now, everyone seemingly forgets about that.

 

[Nicksfix]

I have only 1 question . #6 that you posted.

How would you move Mt. Fuji? - what does this have to do with building a car ? perhaps I missed something on this one but I cannot connect the two together.