Part 6: Weight Distribution Funkyness

 

Weight Distribution (Engine Mounts)

 

Weight distribution is a key feature when thinking about a cars performance. Since we aren't racing in a circle, and actually turn in both directions, left to right weight balance is as close to equal as possible. However, front to back weight balance can be altered. Basically, a car with weight far forward, will jump really well, (throw a hammer head first), it will push on power and at speed (slide a hammer fast in a circle head first, front will push out), but will turn well at low speed (weight = traction, not enough speed to push front end out). A car with weight far back will not jump as well (throw hammer with handle first), it will have more steering on power and at speed (slide hammer fast in a circle with handle first, rear will slide out), but it will turn less at low speed (weight = traction, not enough speed to push rear end out). As for bump handling, I believe both can be really good, weight forward, or weight back, that depends on the set up. However, it is more common, that cars with the weight further back feel more stable and better on really challenging tracks. This is specially true for beginners or hobby level drivers. A car with the weight further back will be easier to control as it has more rear traction.

 

 

So where to put the weight? I believe that depends on your driving style. Solution? Adjustable Weight Distribution. THE Car is designed so it is possible to move the centre diff-mount, and engine 8mm forwards and backwards. This makes a huge difference in the handling of THE Car. The advantage of having this unique adjustment available, is that now it is possible to set up the car to perfectly suit each track. At major events changing a chassis to a different design, is not allowed, and if it is allowed, it's a lot of work. On THE Car it can be done on the same chassis, in a few minutes. This has proved to make up to 0.5s changes in average laptimes which I am sure you will agree is A LOT! Basically, jumps, hairpins, technical, = weight forward, fast, speeping corners, bumpy, weight back. But to each his own, be brave, try it out for yourselves!

 

 

 

Additionally, the chassis has locations for weights, which can be secured with a sinlge M3 countersunk screw. These weights will be available at a later stage as option parts. When building the car with optional lightweight items, which will also be available later on, THE Car will be under the weight limit. Then each driver can choose where to place the additional ballast, in order to bring THE Car back up over the weight limit. There are locations at the front and the back of the chassis. This way the centre of gravity of THE Car is as low as possible, and the longitudinal balance can be adjusted by the driver.

 

Centre Diff Mount

 

This is my proudest creation along with the Adjustable Weight Distribution. But unfortunately one that is now not anymore completely unique. The centre diff mount was the second part assembly I designed for THE Car back in 2006, right after the radiotray. Back then I hadn’t seen a laydown system before. And this is what I came up with.

 

 

Again, I wanted to keep it simple. I use only one link for the brakes, which makes it really easy to move the diffmount forwards and backwards. Also, the centre diff can be taken out without messing about with the brake system. I chose to make the mount aluminium for 3 reasons:

 

1. It saves space

2. It is strong, stiff, and consistent in hot weather, heat from the engine, and friction from brakes.

3. It looks cool

 

 

 

--> All Pics from THE Car you can find in our Gallery! <--

 

03. August 2010 Part 1: First Photos, and Specs.

09. August 2010 Part 2: THE Car Features Listed.

12. August 2010 Part 3: My Goals, and Front end Geometry.

18. August 2010 Part 4: Rear End Geometry.

24. August 2010 Part 5: Steering, Shocks and Radiotray Simplicity.

26. August 2010 Part 6: Weight Distribution Funkyness.

02. September 2010 Part 7: Drivetrain, Fueltank and Aerodynamical Beauty.

Item Number: JQB377

 

 

Under the Motto "What's your number" you now can pre-order "THE Car" from JQ.
THE CAR has the Part No. JQB-377 and a Retail Price of 519,-€.

 

For a long time it seemed like THE Car would never be released. After too many setbacks to count, the slogan Against THE Odds was born. This was the new beginning. Dedication goes a long way, and we weren't ready to give up, and a couple of days ago the first photos were released. Based on feedback, it looks like we didn't create a dud!

In order to celebrate the release of THE Car, we have decided to make the first 100 production kits special. They will be engraved, and numbered 001 - 100, signed and there will also be some other things done, to make these first cars special, that we do not want to reveal at this time. Personally I have a feeling that some people will not want to run them! :-)

Anyway, in order to be in with a chance of getting your hands on one of the numbered LE-Cars, all you have to do is pre-order one. 100 selected people will be contacted personally later on this year. It does not matter where you order THE Car from, as we will be gathering all pre-order information from our distributors, who in turn will gather pre-order information from their dealers. And we are not picking the first 100 orders, as this would be impossible to do fairly. Although being quick helps your chances, to be honest, you just need to be lucky!

The only other criteria is:

You need to pre order before 30th September 2010

 

Part No.: JQB377