I'm not posting my design yet, as it's just for fun and is a work in progress.
However, my attempts to best the old Cab-Forward rules have had some disappointments.
When I draw a Le Mans Prototype style canopy it keeps getting pushed reward because of rules of thumb for vision angles, distance of driver's head to windshield (typically too much) and foot room better than that of a 1960's VW Beetle.
Measuring from front axle to head horizontal distance looks great at 3 feet, but needs to be 4-5 feet for foot room around the front wheel wells. This pushed the driver to the center area between the wheelbase and further back than I want.
Interesting article below that supports the study diagrams that I've been doing since the 1970's when I was but a child and teaching myself.
Cab-forward Design Saved Chrysler and Reshaped Urban Cars
https://medium.com/cardesignchronicl...s-e1a5620642dc
Quote:
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In short, Chrysler managed to enlarge the cabin by making it move toward the car’s two other compartments, mostly the engine’s.
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NOTE: My concept design has an electric motor at each wheel (
inboard not hub-motor), and a rear mounted gas generator, the old center-line battery tray of former designs being replaced by a battery skateboard and or other low center of gravity and center of mass locations.
Where I'm at has gone full circle, two distinct paths.
Back to the clay car (
fastback dune-buggy) I made with light blue pool noodle wheels - fits the aero-template and as posted over a decade ago in this forum.
And another path truer to the Le Mans Prototype inspiration that only fits a scaled down aero-template over the upper greenhouse teardrop canopy.
Circles within circles, I will probably put this down for a few weeks and go back the the Cab Over Engine (in look only) inspired concept that is in the spirit of the old Ford Model-T and Model-A, platforms that spawned; roadster, coupe, convertible, pickup truck and cargo van variants.
These head of a fish and body of a cheetah or bear designs are dear to my heart.