manik

Very, very cool! tm

Tom, True dat! For most people, I think a stock Duratec block and head with throttle bodies and a fairly standard non-Ford ECU system will comfortably put out ~175HP. But you also have to do a few add-ons to the engine to make it work properly in a RWD application. Not the least of which is a low-line sump and water rail. I think you will find that the advantages an alloy Duratec engine provide over a Zetec more than make up for any premium you might pay. Not to mention you can use a Mazda Miata 5-speed gearbox with one (and you only have to make a small modification to the bellhousing to get the starter to fit). tom

That is the Westfield Electric Vehicle, based on the Westfield SEi chassis. There is a news release about the design competition winner here in the Westfield U.K. website: http://www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk/News%20Pages/article57.html Here are some more photos of the car at the Autosport show: http://usa7s.org/aspnetforum/upload/686742895_IMG_3174.jpg http://usa7s.org/aspnetforum/upload/513939658_IMG_3177.jpg http://usa7s.org/aspnetforum/upload/1207476001_IMG_3178.jpg tm

No mainstream U.S. autoshows planned, and I can't comment on Caterham USA. Ottocycle, are you referring to the Westfield EV car in the last picture, or the lady?

The Euro4 Westfield will be homoligated with the range of GM engines (including the diesel), but the initial approval is for the 1.6L Turbo unit and the factory's development vehicle, they are seeing a consistent 195bhp on rolling road tests. Upgrades will be offered pushing 200HP+. These configurations will still meet the stringent noise and emissions requirements going into effect - something most niche vehicle companies are going to struggle to achieve. While the EU regulations have little effect on the U.S., the GM engine choice will cross over into U.S. supplied kits and rolling chassis, as well as all the other development work. This Westfield Euro4 car has been in constant development for the past 18 months and will very likely be the first low-volume manufacturer to receive certification. I think it will be very interesting to see the market shakeout after the Euro4 regulations go into effect. tm

Here are some photos from the booth that Westfield shared with GM's European performance parts division at the 2009 Birmingham Autosport show, as well as a photo of the Westfield electric vehicle. The Westfield EU4 Homologated vehicle (the blue one) will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motorshow in March. http://usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1760062416_autosport_1_sized.jpg http://usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/882280353_autosport_2_sized.jpg http://usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/603835148_autosport_3_sized.jpg http://usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1693187798_autosport_4_sized.jpg http://usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/707815374_autosport_5_sized.jpg tm

And, it's in Spanish! (Portuguese?) YouTube Video tm

Wow, I think I'd vote the following as less likely to slam you into a wall than the Hoss Fly: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/2650112126_22ef187633.jpg tm

John and Skip are absolutely correct. There are a lot of additional costs and factors involved, and you really cannot compare U.K. and U.S. pricing unfortunately. tm

Not to mention actually getting that power to the ground. Tires are 5" wide, and not really meant as a high HP car. More Pix: http://www.usa7s.net/aspnetforum/upload/1336647647_lotus11010.jpg http://www.usa7s.net/aspnetforum/upload/359898561_lotus11003.jpg tm

Al, did you buy it?

Looks very nice I think! http://westfield-sportscars.co.uk/News%20Pages/article57.html "The final vehicle is targeting a total weight of 600kg. With a 60kW motor, performance is anticipated to be sub 5 seconds 0-60, with a 110 mph top speed. The vehicle has been designed to carry as many standard Westfield components as possible, accelerating the development process. The vehicle will be powered by 180kg of state of the art Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries, over half of which will be located under the floor to improve overall Centre of Gravity." http://westfield-sportscars.co.uk/News%20Pages/Lightning.jpg http://westfield-sportscars.co.uk/News%20Pages/model%20rear%20above.jpg tm

Not to dissuade you from the Quaife box, but have you looked at the Elite 6-speed sequential?

Impressive, and well done! Some pictures of the install over on the WSCC forums: http://boardroom.wscc.co.uk/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=3;t=67497 tm

John is correct, the Mazda 6-speed gearboxes have pretty poor ratios for a 'Seven'. In actuality, the Mazda 5-speed boxes work really well, and only require a minimum of modification to mate up to a Duratec. Just beware the width of the Mazda gearbox case! tom

I would suspect that a spare wheel/tire combo that was in a horizontal position, such that the tire could deform in an impact *might* add some protection, but a vertically-mounted spare on the back of your seven has zero deformability due to the wheel structure. The load would be transferred metal-to-metal and no better force dissipation than without it. Perhaps some of our mechanical engineers can chime in on this? tm

I think you will find more cubic inches is the only way to get a Seven up and above the huge airflow drag that seems to stop most at about 125MPH. That, or make a really aerodynamic, hardtop-enabled Seven (which really wouldn't be much of a Seven at that point IMHO). I suppose you could remove the windshield and opt for an Aeroscreen. I think Kevin's car will need to be not only fast, but really quick to make a record at the Texas Mile. You don't have a lot of room for error down there! Too bad you missed Speed Week at Bonneville. tm

You might ask Barry Ashcroft. His 6.6L V8-powered Westfield was pretty brute-force fast. 500BHP. http://www.chevroletwestfield.co.uk tm

Can you define 'fastest'?

You can order your very own custom cable from Speedycables in the U.K. Choose your own length, fittings, etc. Good place! tm

Second on the Rolite. Also here - no affiliation: http://www.aircraftpolish.com/specrolite.html tm

Pilotis over here too. http://www.piloti.com/products/touring.aspx I thought I was in the minority with a size 13 shoe, but Al may have me beat! tm

Westfield XTR2? http://westfieldxtr.com/images/xtr2_01.jpg

A turbocharged 4-cylinder might meet your need for power, while maintaining lightness, and performance value? Talk amongst yourselves... tm

The Image Wheels that Westfield specs for the Megabusa are: 7x13" and an offset of ET23. The BRM wheel, in your choice of color naturally: http://www.imagewheels.co.uk/wheels/large%20cast/brm_13.jpg