Wow! Thanks for the interest, guys. A lot of ths stuff we are doing for the Second Gen's will morph right over to the first gens and multiple other platforms as well, including Fords, and Mopars.
Lateral II should be a really interesting car, the concepts are still being fleshed out, but some of the initial product work is well underway. We were able to come up with a really nice front suspension geometry that will allow the use of VERY large front tires, while still allowing really super kinematics (roll center is dead solid in bump/roll, has really nice bump steer, etc). Now that this is complete, Matt is starting to do some really cool ideas for a frame and other ideas, I am super pleased with how creative he is and the quality of his work/ideas. For the rear suspension, the setup will be largely derived from the 69 test mule, three link, Watt's linkage, but the 70 will have triple adjustable Penske's in place of the D/A's on Lateral 1. We have already obtained hard parts for the differential, and have ruled out one potential supplier due to some quality issues. Luckily, we are starting to work with Strange Engineering, and their parts look WAY nicer than the other guys, while being 4 pounds lighter!!! Anyway, the front sub, and rear suspension systems will be offered for sale, most likely by SEMA this year (we will most likley have a booth and will display the setups). We wanted to bring this car to the show, but there is just no way it will be ready in time.
Right now, the car is getting quarter panels installed, and will be back in my shop Tuesday. We left the old subframe, motor and rear suspension on the car during the quarter panel work, in order to insure the body will line up right (I was surprised how much the body moves, we cut the rear panel out of the car as well as the trunk, both are replaced, made it easier to do the mini-tub job). Next step is to put a roll cage in it, which will be done at my place, and then the sub, rear suspension, etc will come off and the car will go on the rotisserie.
Right now, powertrain is not set, but I am leaning towards a reliable alloy rat motor. The overall theme of the car will have a definite road race attitude, and will be all business in terms of track performance. Everything on the car will be designed for road course function, but it will still be a street car (I might even put A/C in it!). The whole project has us all extremely excited, I think it will be a really special car when complete.
And yes, Allen, it'll have nice wheels too. Kinesis, of course, but they will probably be black (most likely car color choice) instead of the polished ones....
No question we will have a ton of questions, so I look forward to collaborating with all of you guys.
Mark
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Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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