Old vs New SL-R

[xperimental]

I've had my eye on the SL-R for a while now and find myself checking on the progress every month or so. I really liked the look of what I believe was the prototype. I don't think that the latest version is ugly, but I really liked the original look without the body panels & fenders and with the x brace over the engine. I also really liked the seats in the prototype and don't care so much for the newer versions. Does anyone know if it will be possible to order the original version as found in the picture below? I've debated over calling RCR, but thought I would ask here first.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z302/landfalcon/rcr_roadster_7_fs.jpg


I live in Utah and am not sure what the laws are here as far as fenders go. I've owned a T-Bucket in the past without fenders and had no problems, but it was registered as a 1923 and I don't know if the laws are different on newer built kits.

[Chadillac]

The reason for removing the X-brace over the engine was that the honda engine is much taller than the chevy engine and wouldn't have fit.

I think someone found the seats that were on the prototype for about $250 a piece on e-bay. I would try the fiberglass seats first though. When I first saw them in pictures I didn't like them very much either but since I've gotten the car I'm really starting to like them. They do look much nicer in person and are quite comfortable. They're also durable as you have to stand on them to get in the car.

You would have to talk to your local DMV about the fenders if you're planning on making this street legal.

Where do you live in Utah? You're more than welcome to come up to Idaho Falls if you'd like to look at mine.

[Craig – Absolute PACE]

Yeah, certainly agree that the SL-R looks great naked. You can mix and match. Our first owner here in Australia will be running the SL-R with nose cone & side pods, without front fenders for track work. I assume the front fenders will only be fitted when it's wet.

As you guys would understand, all of the changes were made for a reason.

I personally like the new curved rear stays as they flow better with the chassis shape, but can understand preferring the cross-over rear stays.

As Chad indicated the cross-over rear stays foul with Honda and also the Mistubishi 4G63 engine. So obviously to simplify production, we wanted a rear stay solution that could be fitted to all engine packages.

The GM Ecotec engine that fits under the cross-over rear stays was a cracking package when the SL-R prototypes were made. You could buy brand new Supercharged crate engines for a good price, but unfortunately GM removed them from sale.

The seats are also a compromise. It comes back to weight, style and cost. Some owners will want different colour trim to suit body colour etc, others want just bare fibreglass seat shells as it's simple, practical and light weight. Others will compromise and have just minimal padding that can be removed during wet weather.

We would really like to satisfy all buyers, but the more variations/options we offer, the more expensive it is to produce the cars. If we find we have a huge demand for a particular option/request, we would certainly look into the feasibility of offering it in the future.

So we certainly welcome any suggestions. But remember there are no guarantees. RCR's main focus with this car is keeping the price to a minimum and offering the best value we can to the customer through volume production techniques.

I hope that helps.

[Gage]

Great reply Craig.

[B_OBrien]

I think it would make a lot of sense to offer the seats as an added option.

[Craig – Absolute PACE]

Yeah, that's worth thinking about.