"Boutique" Auto Makers

Interesting idea, and the company in question, which I am very familiar with has yet to actually sell a finished vehicle.

Loads of hype, but not much substance. Interesting to note that the people behind Factory 5 kit cars are also part of this venture, for good or bad.

many of these 'Kit Car' companies made their money based on the Shelby Cobra copies, sort of cashing in on the work of someone else, and while the courts have decided Shelby has no claim on the original designs, if it were not for Shelby these companies would have nothing to sell, but I digress.

The Rally Fighter is indeed an interesting design on the surface, however under the skin it is destine to fail. last I checked the company did not have an agreement with BMW to supply engines, This means they pay retail for the engine and transmission, and are leaving themselves open to supply problems. The Racing shocks used are far to complicated for the average buyer to service also leading to issues in the future.

Considering the vehicle uses a space frame design one would expect optional drive line and suspensions, not the case. this will lead to a very limited market for the vehicle and the idea of selling 2000 is more a dream the a realistic goal.

Their web community is of great value to designers to get their ideas out into the design community, and is a valuable learning experience for those entering the area of automotive design. For that alone the company should be applauded.

They have a long way to go to creating a sustainable viable company, the we know better attitude simply does not work, unless this attitude is corrected they are destine to be yet another what-to-be company. A passion for the car culture is a requirement that is sadly lacking and a requirement to succeed in in a niche market they are in.