What is it? (Spotted: rear engine TDI, custom aero body)
I saw this today on my way home from work.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...32010558_n.jpg https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...14165523_n.jpg I am guessing something on a VW chassis as it has a TDi tag on the back. === Admin edit, June 28: mystery solved - vehicle details in post #103. |
Looks like a guy who doesn't know to put his phone away while driving... Other than that, it looks like a very nicely modded VWQ TDI. Only thing he needs to change is to get rid of those exterior mirrors and the side vents (unless they are for cooling a rear engine).
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Wow. Nice catch! Looks rear engine to me.
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What is it? Awesome.
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I'm really liking how nice those front wheel covers look. Almost makes me want to do them on my car. I wonder how much those would effect the steering? I never did understand those things.
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I think I see bucket style headlights??
but cool nonetheless! |
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My first impression is it is pretty well built and pretty well thought out......not like those are fake glue-ons from the auto parts store.....:rolleyes: And why does he need to 'get rid of the mirrors"?????? Maybe you can post up a side by side ......yours vs his.......:rolleyes: |
He wasn't gonna wait for VW to get their XL1 on the market!
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Notice the fully enclosed front & rear wheel wells!
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Not saying his mirrors are bad (especially compared to mine), but no exterior mirrors are better than having exterior mirrors no matter how small. My mirrors are terrible for the aerodynamics of my car, that is why I plan to remove them in the future (no side by side needed). Overall this is a very impressive car and I wish I could see the kind of numbers he puts out, in terms of MPG. |
What are the numbers? :confused:
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Time for the New Yorkers to do some research and get the scoop on this car for the rest of us... :)
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That is pretty awesome.
I was told that the shape of those side air scoops are a design that is meant to be low drag without turbulence or noise. The body looks really well done, crisp lines, not like the average one off. |
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I think they have been discussed it the aero threads:
NACA duct - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
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Nice looking piece! I'd suggest checking the local colleges, universities, tech institutes. (I googled around a bit but didn't find anything.)
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This was in the Rochester, NY area BTW.
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My friend saw this too!
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This is a fun mystery! Posted to the front page.
I'm sure I'm not the only one questioning the design behind the rear wheels, and would love to know more about the builder's thinking there. The front & greenhouse looks great, but that "reverse slope" behind the rear wheels raises a red flag as far as conventional low-drag shapes go. And the soot on the back? Doesn't look like a "Clean Diesel (TM)". :D |
Considering the (apparent) quality of the build, it's surprising how little information is available on the 'net... Would love to learn more too!
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I'm a judge for the upcoming Shriner's charity car show & fundraiser on July 14th (979 Bay Rd Webster, NY). If anyone happens to get a chance to talk to this guy see if he can bring his rig down to the show. I think it would be awesome.
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Looks to have independent rear suspension, leads me to think its not a MKIV VW chassis.
Could be fun to drive around. I always liked the thought of a custom built vehicle like this. |
The only other mid-engine TDI configuration for home builders and tuner shops. Smyth VW Jetta Golf Based Mid Engine Diesel Kit Car not Factory Five Racing FFR | eBay
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I agree the rear slope does look a little too aggressive.
amazing with this high-quality and he's not somebody from here? |
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https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...05741760_o.jpg The front suspension is retained, with axle removed and steering rods fixed in place... you end up with an MKIV with 4-wheel independent suspension! See https://www.facebook.com/SmythPerformance for more on the Smyth G3F |
I like the swing out window ventilation. If he has proper foot well vents, that car will be comfortable inside at outside temperatures over 80 deg F.
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Sheet Metal
Even my friend who works at a sheet metal shop said that this would not be an easy project to do.... this must have been professionally built.
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Find the IP logs over at www.aerocivic.com/ and see who has visited it most from the Rochester area.
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keep your eyes peeled, maybe you'll have the fortune of seeing him again in that area. I have often day-dreamed of something like that. I love my little TDI and could only imagine what it could do in an Insight/Prius or something similar to this one of his! Or, since we are drooling, how about one of the little Lupo motors, the 1.2L TDI...now we're talking cool! WOW :{)
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Michael |
Man i love to see this in person! i live literally 30 miles from that area ;).
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I saw that too-steep rise behind the rear wheels right off too; it's a shame they did that as the rest of it looks so good. Could be a student SAE build at one of the local colleges? But then the college name and sponsors would be plastered all over it. Maybe they were testing it and haven't decorated it yet. |
we have the picture of the plate...anyone have a friend to run it...just sayin'.... :P
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