A new fastback top coming to the Miata market....
I figured I let you guys in on a little secret. I was recently contected by someone who is designing and building a fastback top that will hopefully one-up Autokenexion's current offering. I don't know what details I am not to giveaway, but I will quite what is currently on the website they're setting up to display it soon.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/...44819fe5_b.jpg http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/...90dd963c_o.jpg http://www.warhorseperformance.com/
Originally Posted by Warhorse Performance
Warhorse Performance Miata hatchback hard top
100% made in the USA by fiberglass professionals with 30+ years experience. COMING SPRING 2011 The picture above is an accurate artistic rendering. The first prototype is nearly finished and pictures will be coming soon. The first version will be a fiberglass top for the NB Miata (NA will follow shortly, and then NC) complete with lexan windows, window seals and attaching hardware. We will have 1 or 2 available removeable ducktail spoiler designs and the top will be designed for mounting an APR or similar competition wing. The top is designed to work with rear decklid completely removed and will function as a true hatchback using the trunk release mechanism. Pricing will depend on level of trim and options. Initial estimates put an unpainted (black or grey gel coat) but complete ready to bolt on and go OEM quality top complete with weather ready lexan and door window seals, mounting hardware and hatch hinges for less then the price of an OEM top. Bare fiberglass tops will also be available for the DIY racer, as well as any configuration in between. We hope to be ready to ship the first "bare" tops by the end of March 2011 and complete tops in April or May. Wet and/or Dry carbon version are also in the works. NA, NB and NC tops should all be very similar, possibly with minor changes to the shapes of the side windows to better compliment the different body styles. We will be looking for a NC to borrow for approximately a month. This hatchback top is only the beginning for us, more will follow. |
i dont like the side window (the lower line needs to mimic the arch of the rear 1/4) and the hight of the end of the hatch is to high, lil lower and will it will be perfect!
the rest looks tits to me! |
I know its just a sketch but I want one. The miata looks amazing in a fastback.
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buy an rx7.
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they're not as gay therefore not as good
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Window is wrong and it looks too tall on the trunk, like a miata-hearse
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Maybe, I'll hold off on buying a hardtop, I like what I see.
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This looks much more aerodynamic. I should model this and CFD it. :X
Originally Posted by Doppelgänger
(Post 671181)
I figured I let you guys in on a little secret. I was recently contected by someone who is designing and building a fastback top that will hopefully one-up Autokenexion's current offering. I don't know what details I am not to giveaway, but I will quite what is currently on the website they're setting up to display it soon.
http://www.imagelinkers.com/out.php/...ackconcept.jpg http://www.warhorseperformance.com/ I'm hoping to help get the word out there for everyone to see and for them to get some feedback on. Who knows, we might even see Hippo rocking one of these as well. Remember that the picture is just a rendering and that any completes version will likely look a little different. The BIG PLUS to this that I see is the functional hatch...not having to remove the rear section to access the trunk like the Autokenexion piece. I have seen prototype pictures of this as well....so don't think that it's jsut an idea in someones head, thay're actually doing this (I have been asked not to post up any of these pictures). After seeing the prototype pictures, I will say that they are "doing it right"...anyone who has ever build molds/bucks/prototype fiberflass or composite parts would know what I am talking about. I have a few opinions on parts of the design but I'll refrain from posting that because I want to see if anyone else is thinking what I am thinking. |
Yeah guys....things like the window placement...are something I am asking about and things he will be reading as feedback from you guys. Is it me, or do I see a lot of Jagual E-Type styling in the top slope?
Here...I did a quick job of moving the window forward a bit and contoured the bottom line- http://www.imagelinkers.com/out.php/...onceptver2.jpg |
Do they have any pics from their 30yrs of experience? Autokenexion supposedly has a bunch of XP too but his still had poor lines at the end of the day. Looks good in your last pic, but I'm not drinking the coolaid until I see a finished product this time.
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Someone make a shooting brake style hardtop.
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Originally Posted by Braineack
(Post 671206)
buy an rx7.
....LS-x, I know, I know. |
I would honestly buy one if the top was 3 inches higher and allowed me to fit under it with a helmet. I'd then have hard dog custom make me a taller main hoop and pop that shit in for hours of enjoyment.
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Originally Posted by neogenesis2004
(Post 671248)
Do they have any pics from their 30yrs of experience? Autokenexion supposedly has a bunch of XP too but his still had poor lines at the end of the day. Looks good in your last pic, but I'm not drinking the coolaid until I see a finished product this time.
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Originally Posted by y8s
(Post 671255)
I would honestly buy one if the top was 3 inches higher and allowed me to fit under it with a helmet. I'd then have hard dog custom make me a taller main hoop and pop that shit in for hours of enjoyment.
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Gee it looks exactly like the autokonexion fb. i wonder if they'll just make a mold of it and change it just a bit and then call it theirs.
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Originally Posted by leatherface24
(Post 671261)
Gee it looks exactly like the autokonexion fb. i wonder if they'll just make a mold of it and change it just a bit and then call it theirs.
Autokonexion- http://www.mazda-speed.com/albums/album312/Miata_7.jpg |
Pics or it didn't happen.
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Scott swoops in and drops the PS knowledge smackdown
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Originally Posted by Doppelgänger
(Post 671262)
Most definitely is not. I can tell you that it's wider at the rear and doesn't look "pinched" like the AK fastback does. It's much wider like the NB coupe.
Autokonexion- http://www.mazda-speed.com/albums/album312/Miata_7.jpg
Originally Posted by neogenesis2004
(Post 671268)
Pics or it didn't happen.
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Originally Posted by neogenesis2004
(Post 671270)
Scott swoops in and drops the PS knowledge smackdown
hollarsz |
I think I need ot get a hold of one of those NB coupes that sold only in Japan. I am thinking about getting an NB for a daily and one of these would definately be fun.
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So um... where do you fill the gas?
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Originally Posted by TravisR
(Post 671231)
This looks much more aerodynamic. I should model this and CFD it. :X
If this reduced even 0.02 lbs of drag, that's roughly +5% MPG @ 60... right Travis? 1.8m² frontal area |
whatever. what's the MPG at 80?
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Originally Posted by Braineack
(Post 671269)
Do you accept paypal???? :drool: |
now guess what car I chopped it from.
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s2000?
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I'm not good at these guessing games and all.
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m coupe fools.
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As in Z4M? The window is different.
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well yeah i changed the angle is all.
http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2006-z...llpaper_07.htm used this image. |
Hate to break it to you, but that's a corvette buddy. I get them confused all the time too.
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bastard links.
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lolz
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Originally Posted by Braineack
(Post 671318)
well yeah i changed the angle is all.
http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/2006-z...llpaper_07.htm used this image. |
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fuck that site.
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Something looks weird about it. In for real pictures. Until then:blah:
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How much for a fiberglass hardtop shell with no hinges, latches, molding, windows?
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About tree fitty.
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goddamn lochness monster
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Interesting. I can see myself rocking this pending pics of non-fuglyness.
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BTW- Jes, the guy I am in touch with about this, is reading your comments and feedback on here....
Hey Travis, can you please PM me when you get a chance? |
I suppose I should introduce myself and give you guys some info but first I'd like to give a big thanks to doppelganger for letting me use his photo and giving me feedback on the project.
I started kicking this idea back in may 2007 when emilio from 949 started talking about doing a fastback on miata.net. I was incredibly disappointed when he said he was just too busy to make it happen, so I started a 3d model and made some photoshops and looking in to what it would take to make it happen and get something going "on the side". When the AK top first came out I had mixed feelings. I wanted one, but was also a bit disappointed that they beat me to it and with the design. Its cool, but not how I'd do it, and it was different enough from what I was working on that I decided to keep at it. If you think this is a copy of the AK top you are dead wrong and it baffles me how anyone could look at this and think that. No disrespect to AK... I hope to get one of their NB widebody kits and their "adore" NA is beautifully clean. Anyway My daily grind is being office manager, right hand man, jack-of-all-trades for a Shelby mustang/cobra parts and resto business that has been around for 32 years. www.shelbyparts.com I decided to talk to the guys that make our fiberglass about getting help to do this top, and we decided together that it made the most sense to have them build the buck, molds and handle all of the production fglass work. These are the ONLY guys who's fiberglass we will use or sell for the last 25 years. All the other brands dont even come close. The guy who started the fiberglass company 37 years ago was a tool and die maker before he went off on his own and although he still works there (he built the hatchback buck, mold and is finishing up the prototype) his son is taking over the company after working there his whole life. Here is some of the stuff they produce for us: http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/warhorse/67hood1.jpg http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/warhorse/buckets1.jpg http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/warhorse/nose1.jpg http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/warhorse/hood1.jpg They also took a concept that was brought to them and did this car. Regardless of the proportions they were given to work with or how appropriate a 2007 mustang made to look like a 69 shelby is, they got the job done. They are also doing a much much better looking 05+ mustang that looks like a 69 mach 1 for the same customers. http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/wa...age_2139_3.jpg http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/wa...age_2178_3.jpg http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/wa...age_2157_2.jpg They also did the 5ft tall fiberglass cobra for us standing next to carroll shelbys personal convertible we resorted a few years ago. Its a 13 pc mold. That takes experience. http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/wa...ys69vert40.jpg Yes, this project is a departure for them, but they are more then capable of producing a quality part. Anyway, back to the main topic here, the top. To address some concerns. The mold and prototype outer shell are done, but yes, we should be able to change the window and make the b-pillar more narrow, or also possibly extend and bond the lexan to the b-pillar to make it an invisible b-pillar design. I will try to get a better image of the current window shape. What you are not seeing is the slope of the top as it tapers back. The top is much wider at its base then the AK in back... about the middle of the orange lens in the tail lights. But it is also much more contoured and sloped then say a 240z.... the sides and windows are not very straight up and down, they tip in twards the center of the car quite a bit. We also incorporated the NB's slight bump/lip on the trunk into the design, so the top tapers down into that shape at the rear and that puts a slight curve on the rear window so its not totally flat. Here is an old pic of the wooden buck before it was glassed and tail was finished off to give you an idea of what I am talking about. Once again, ignore the window. http://www.period13cobras.com/jes/warhorse/DSC02551.JPG The hatch will open with the trunk release. We are putting an aggressive bevel on the edge that meets the back of the window on the oem top... the part that is perpendicular to the airflow and sticks out about an inch at the base of the top and makes wind-noise and drag. Lexan will be sealed and weatherproof, not just riveted on. The top and side windows will seal as well as OEM. Gas filler issue has been solved.... secondary door that doesnt interfere with original door. The ducktail spoiler is not molded into the top, it is removable and we plan on offering one smaller more subtle spoiler and one bigger more aggressive spoiler. The deck is also being designed for mounting an APR wing and transmitting the load down through the tops mounting hardware into the trunk seal u-channel. There will be no hump to get in the way of rollbars like the oem top. It will weigh less then the OEM top, but we are not sure how much yet. Factor in the removal of the decklid and it should be a nice net loss of weight, although I'm pretty sure the AK top will likely hold an advantage in that department. I am also working on attaching hardware that will be very stout and have about 1/4 inch of adjustment in it via a turnbuckle mechanism. Once you get it where you want it, it gets cross-bolted into a single structural piece. That specific hardware may not be available until mid to late summer... we'll see. I may not even do this because people can just use oem hardware or spec brackets. I may make my own laser cut powder coated spec brackets with a simplified adjusting system to come standard with the top, or be deleted as an option. Hinges will also be laser cut powder coated pieces. Timeline TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT... I should have pictures of the first outer shell on a car in a week or two. Then is on to some "beta-testing". My glass guys think by april they should be able to make bare glass tops at a rate of 4/week, send them to me and I will finish them (install seals, windows, hinges etc) and ship them. I dont know how fast I can complete them yet because I would like to ship them in various states of trim, from just fglass with window templates and a set of hinges for DIY guys and racers, to complete minus paint. We plan on doing NA and NC versions if there is interest. We could realistically have them ready to ship by late fall. The main difference in versions will be side window shape. We have a few other ideas for parts we are working on as well, but one thing at a time. Pricing is still being figured out but I'd like to stay under $2600 with ALL attaching hardware, seals, installed windows and spoiler ready to paint and bolt on.... down to 2k or less for top, hatch hinges and lexan templates. AGAIN this is just a ballpark and subject to change. I will also consider having them painted to match OEM colors by special order. I will have pictures of a black gel coat top on a black car very soon (without ducktail) to give you a better idea of how this thing is actually going to look and work. I think you will be pleased. Of course, constructive feedback is appreciated. thanks, jes |
Thanks for dropping in man, I really really really like the idea of this top having a real functional hatch.
In for NA :giggle: |
Suddenly this thread got a whole lot more interesting:)
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Originally Posted by 18psi
(Post 671381)
Suddenly this thread got a whole lot more interesting:)
In for moar pics and updates.... |
Forget mileage improvements. I want to know how much faster the drag reduction will let me go on the front straight at Texas World Speedway.
In for a NA, budget version for my LS1 Miata track car depending on the cost. Very cool. A way to STRONGLY attach functional rear wing risers, or the ability to modify it for one, would be nice. But then again that may be in low demand. |
Interested for sure.
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Newb don't know how ta use da 'net...
Meaning me... Attachment 192077 Finally! I gots it! I'ma gonna go have a drinks... |
Originally Posted by ZX-Tex
(Post 671390)
A way to STRONGLY attach functional rear wing risers, or the ability to modify it for one, would be nice. But then again that may be in low demand.
I need to get an APR wing to get this figured out. |
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^^^^^
im diggin that! :p |
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Originally Posted by turotufas
(Post 671398)
^ Looks like a Porsche Panamera. Eww...
This is similar to a design I had over a year ago shown in the 3d render. Production realities killed it. If we want to keep the strength AND have internal rollbar clearance, there is going to be a B-pillar, and it will probably be pretty thick. The option is overlapping the front of the 1/4 window over the shell a few inches and backing it with a solid black adhesive. First we are making sure the top is no wider then the side windows and eliminating the step the OEM top has to make to fit over the soft top strip. Then we are addressing the internal structure where the top attaches on the sides. Then we can see how much we can tweak the leading edge of the 1/4 window. The rest of the window can be tweaked as long as it doesnt interfere with the secondary gas filler door. This 'chop is about as far forward as I think we can realistically stretch the window forward without overlapping it over the shell. I also edited the image to show the curve of the rear window more accurately. |
Originally Posted by Braineack
(Post 671206)
buy an rx7.
I actually kind of like it. Quality will sell. So will functionality. A real hatchback should open up like real hatchbacks do. That would be tits. |
Originally Posted by gospeed81
(Post 671425)
I actually kind of like it. Quality will sell. So will functionality. A real hatchback should open up like real hatchbacks do. That would be tits. Ducktail is single piece attached to hatch door only and wraps around sides of top down to rear quarters. |
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Hey JJ...
I totally agree with keeping the b-pillar at all costs. "The option is overlapping the front of the 1/4 window over the shell a few inches and backing it with a solid black adhesive." That was my thought with my li'l styling exercise above. Another idea is to recess the outside of the b only a 16th or less, affixing a corresponding black plexi panel to it, separate from the actual quarter-window. Or, an enterprising owner could just recess the b himself. (Best solution for your end...) Would it be even feasable to produce a top with no quarter-opening for those who would endeavor to create their own? :dunno: Here's one with raised, re-contoured roofline, re-contoured quarter-window for taller, set-back rollbar. Attachment 192075 |
cmon guys... now im going to HAVE to get a fucking NB just to get this top. I HATE YOU!
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