ETA for the Rush?

[Karlo]

Joe@kms

Any official time for the launch Date?

Karlo

[Joe@KMS]

Hi Karlo,

The ETA for the Rush is the third or fourth quarter of 2008. We are working on another large project at the time and it is taking all of our R&D man power. Once that project is complete we will begin working on the production version of the Rush.

The show car was powered by a new Ford V6 and included the 6 speed automatic transaxle from that car. When it was shown at SEMA it also had a supercharger and made some serious power. For the production version we would much rather have a lightweight 4 cylinder engine and manual transaxle. We are leaning toward a Honda engine and transaxle with an option for a 'Busa engine.

The show car was also built to be very strong and rigid and is perhaps overbuilt. We would like the car with the auto engine and trans to weigh in between 1200 and 1300 pounds. The bike engined version should be quite a bit less.

Another thing that we are looking at is the suspension design. The show car had functional push-rod suspension with Penske racing shocks that feature remote reservoirs. This looks really cool and is fully functional, but it is somewhat complex and heavier than a more traditional suspension design. Is it better to have a cutting edge suspension just because you can, or keep it simple and have one that performs almost as well, weighs less and is simpler overall?

Stay tuned for more information.

Joe

[dwmtl1000s]

" Is it better to have a cutting edge suspension just because you can, or keep it simple and have one that performs almost as well, weighs less and is simpler overall?"

My guess is that when the SL-R comes out it will be very popular because it is so simple and easy to figure out. The weight issue is kinda big on such a small car so i would think that the light simple suspension would be the right choice. Adding 10 or so pounds to a 3000lb car isn't nearly the issue as is is to a 1250lb car. The weight is also spung so being light would make it all the sweeter.

Is the production RUSH going to have a nice shinny frame or be painted?

[cheapracer]

I s this still a happening thing?

would like to see it painted in some realistic colours.

[flexer]

I have been by there shop and the car looks the same as it did 2 years ago. I would assume they have given up on the car and this segment of the market.