Raw Phoenix at the Autosport Show

[jeffw]

A new Phoenix put together by the guys at RAW is at the Autosport Show. I was there today and had a good long chat (having noticed my car on their literature!). The first car is going to have a supercharged Zetec with a 6 speed sequential box and the bonnet has hinges at the back rather than tipping forward. The car on the stand looks very nice

[Lee Champion]

Did you take any pictures??

[matt_gsxr]

I wish I were going now. But its too expensive for me.

Looking forward to seeing the photos though. Hinging the bonnet at the back isn't so clever if you forget to latch it, but it would make for very nice access and solves the problem with bonnet/tarmac rub. Interested to see what else they have done and how it goes down.

Matt

[jeffw]

Some truly terrible mobile phone pictures, my phone didn't like the red car on a red background but you get the idea.

[Lee Champion]

I am a little dissapointed that they have not chosen to visually go a bit more "retro" with it considering the 1960's shape, especially with the wheels, but I guess they know what sells ( and I do have a thing for Fury / Phoenix / J15 which look proper old-school, probobly bordering on the perverse... ). But it looks like they are kitting out that demo car with some SERIOUS hardware and running gear, I hope they can get some great publicity from it, not just kit car mags but an EVO road test hopefully will give the wider public ( Caterham buyers especially ) an insight into genuine alternatives. I am sure that car will handle superb.

[RobMsport]

Some truly terrible mobile phone pictures, my phone didn't like the red car on a red background but you get the idea.

. It's a great thing that it will be manufactured again and will quite likely surpass Fulcrum sales , I'd bet . Don't like bonnet opening from the screen though . All that's needed to avoid the bonnet hitting the ground in the open position , is a hinge re- design similar to my own on the Stylus ---- which was absolutely necessary once I converted to flip front plus lowered chassis . I wouldn't be very relaxed on track knowing what could happen vision wise if some shutting component failed ???

[jeffw]

I think, Rob, in the event of the failure of the very large pins that hold the front of the bonnet down that you would be more concerned that you had just been hit on the head by the bonnet rather than being able to see !

The fittings for this where very substantial so I wouldn't worry much about it. I do prefer Steve's idea of using a rising front hinge on the new Fury bodywork.

Martin and the guys at RAW have done a very good job on a short period of time and I think the Phoenix sales will outstrip the Fulcrum in less than 12 months (apparently 11 Fulcrums where sold).

[matt_gsxr]

That looks nice. The bodywork looks excellent, even in red-o-vision. Can see that selling loads.

I am with Lee on the wheels (compomotive 4-spoke, is the answer), but that is a detail.

I only worry about the bonnet catch for those occasions when the owner forgets to fasten them. I suspect we have all done it. On muggle-cars there is a fail safe system of latches which would be difficult to replicate with low volume production.

Matt

[jeffw]

Just to clarify. There are bonnet pins underneath the front clam which the whole bonnet clicks over the top of. Even if you forgot to put the pins back I doubt it would go anywhere, you can all judge for yourselves at Stoneleigh or Llandow.

[David]

The Poenix was very pretty indeed -- IMHO it will probably kill the Fulcrum.

Talked to Martin about the bonnet fixing. He was of the view that the locating/securing arrangement for the front are almost certainly at least as strong as the hinge mechanisms previously at the front, so that the only concern should be remembering to put the securing pins back in. He was also of the view that anyone intending the Phoenix for competition could (and probably would) fit the bonnet as a totally removable unit. Good logic, but I normally almost get blown away by my lightweight Striker bonnet when removing it during a typical day at most airfield circuits

What I really liked is that the Raw Phoenix is built on an unmodified Striker chassis -- superb handling guaranteed + interesting upgrade path.