Iceman
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Posts posted by Iceman
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Great!! Now you've got me watching it 100 times!! The more I watch it, the more I laugh!
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If he also painted the roof in a black color, then possibly a better look... CF is no longer just a cool look to add anywhere on a car. Weight savings can't be very significant, but a few pounds here and there if you're hitting the track always helps.
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The R&T Data Panel... Unfortunately is was Hot and Humid with less than desirable road conditions as it has just rained, but the figures still came out impressive. We've clocked my car stock with a friend's VBox Jr at: 0-60 = 3.1 / 0-100 = 7.4 / 1/4 Mile = 11.4 @ 124mph.
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http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...p;page_number=2
Road Test: 2009 Rossion Q1Cottage-industry coupe has the power-to-weight chops to take on a Ferrari F430.
By Shaun Bailey • Photos by Guy Spangenberg
January 2010
A cool breeze blows in off the Atlantic and rustles palm fronds lining Ocean Boulevard. It's a red light. I'd take this moment to look out at the ocean, but I can't see over the low wall that holds back the dunes of Pompano Beach. That's fine; I only need to see the road ahead. A black SUV pulls to a stop on my right. Looking up, I see the driver's tinted window buzz down. A pretty Floridian is smiling at me. I don't know her, but I think I might like to. She blows me a kiss, the light turns green and I let the clutch out — never to see her again. Such is life with a Rossion Q1, a car I sampled for two hot and humid days near the company's headquarters in southern Florida.
It's fair to say the Rossion Q1 is firmly in the supercar category. Its weight-to-power ratio of 6.3:1 (450 bhp; 2675 lb.) compares favorably with the Ferrari F430's 7.0:1. There are faster cars, but nothing is as light with this much power. It's a quick one for sure, and thus its designation Q1 (quick1), but it really shines in the corners.
The overall dimensions and fiberglass composite body are reminiscent of a Lotus Esprit (a car last sold in the U.S. a half-decade ago). According to our September 1997 road test of the twin-turbo V-8 Esprit, that car weighed 3045 lb. and made 350 bhp from its 3.5-liter V-8. That's a 9.2:1 weight-to-power ratio. And back when we tested the Esprit, it was faster to 60 mph than every Ferrari but the F50! It's a car we wish Lotus had continued to develop. If the company had, it would likely resemble the Rossion.
The Rossion Q1 may look familiar to some, because it's descended directly from Noble cars. From 2002–2007, 1g Racing distributed the Noble M12 and M400 in the U.S. The 1g Racing owners, Ian Grunes and Dean Rosen, then purchased production rights of the cars and began development of the Q1 as an iteration of the design. Noble Automotive has kept the rights to the Noble name and so Rossion Automotive was created, the name being an amalgam of Dean's last name, "Ross," and the South African-accented pronunciation of Ian as "Ion." Of note, founder Lee Noble left the company bearing his name shortly after Rossion came into existence.
Not only is South Africa the owners' homeland, but also the location of Hi Tech Automotive — the factory where chassis are handbuilt. Although the Noble and Rossion can be sold around the world as turn-key cars, the U.S. is not friendly to small boutique car manufacturers, so Q1s are sold sans drivetrain and classified as kit cars. Yes, you can buy a Q1 without an engine and go about installing your own. This is discouraged, though, as the car has an optimized engine/transaxle package, best installed by a professional so as to ensure reliability. How many kit cars have you heard of that come with a warranty?
The engine is a 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V-6 built and blueprinted by AER, the same company that builds engines for Ford Racing. To make 450 bhp with a 3.0-liter requires the addition of twin Garrett T25R turbochargers and a properly mapped ECU. Part of the $26,000 engine package is a Getrag 6-speed transaxle that spins a Quaife torque-sensing limited-slip differential. It's all mounted inside a steel space frame that has an integrated tubular rollcage for race-car-like safety. One might consider the Q1 to be a race car for the street. The Nobles were that, for sure, but Rossion has taken the car to the next level. With the experience of importing the Nobles, the Rossion team knows the changes that current owners want, such as the addition of power windows and mirrors. Noble had done 90 percent of the work, but as we all know the last 10 percent takes just as long to complete. Rossion has done it, and the result is the $108,151 Q1, one of the world's least expensive exotic cars.
When the rubber hits the road, though, all specifications, numbers and changes are forgotten. Instead, I'm focused on what the Q1 is like to drive. First observation: The air conditioning works. The ride is far less stiff than one might expect, on par with that of the Porsche Cayman S. The steering feel on the freeway is relaxed, the car tracking straight. Throttle response is smooth, and there are no hiccups in the power curve. There's little to comment about the shift mechanism, other than that the Ford-sourced shift knob is a little out of place. My one complaint: All your stuff must be kept in the passenger space or glovebox as there is no trunk. But if you're in a Rossion, you have a purpose.
That purpose is to hunt down twisty roads and find a nearby racetrack. Palm Beach International Raceway, previously known as Moroso Motorsports Park, worked perfectly. Under new ownership, the private track has been refurbished and paved glassy smooth. We were welcomed with member privileges during a track day for some hot lapping. (Membership, of note, is a bargain compared to some other private tracks, with the $6000 annual dues for a Founding Member costing considerably less than what many track rats spend already.)
The Rossion crew has been here before, but for me it is all new. Our first reconnaissance lap discovered an alligator — not those gator strips at corner exit, mind you — sunning himself in the middle of the track. The reptile, clearly more intelligent than he looked, split before our second lap.
Our test car was equipped with the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, although for our street drive we opted for the standard less-aggressive Goodyear Eagle F1s. The extra grip was much appreciated as the Q1 is not for the timid driver. There isn't a single electronic nanny. Only one's sense of self preservation, proper driving technique and the Q1's friendly demeanor keep it going where it's pointed. Set up to handle like a well-sorted race car, the Q1 laps as fast as Porsche Cup cars running race slicks, quite an achievement. It does this mostly through massive amounts of acceleration at corner exit. Braking without ABS is a tough skill to master, but the Q1 is rewarding to drive hard. Most notable around the track are its linear acceleration and slight push at corner entry. Trail braking into a corner sets the Q1 on balance easily, allowing the car to maintain incredible levels of cornering speed. The throttle isn't jumpy when applied at the apex, allowing for smooth power application that doesn't disrupt the balance. Getting on the gas early in a corner isn't a problem, and you'll soon be hurtling down the long back straight at a staggering 150 mph!
Aside from the complication of registering the Rossion Q1 for road use, which is state-dependent, it's an easy purchase decision for those who demand the exotic and extraordinary at a relatively reasonable price. I've driven a lot of exotic cars, and this is the first one in which I've been blown a kiss! With that type of endorsement it's hard to go wrong.
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I believe the guy running the event is having one the 3rd week of January. He was talking about potentially making it a 2-3 day event. Which will make it easier to put big numbers up.
www.topgunrun.com
I will post pictures and videos later this week.
Sorry I couldn't make it. Sounds like it was a successful event. I had prior obligations to stage my car for the Miami Festival of Speed in Bayfront on Sunday, so had to leave it ready Saturday. Just did an event last weekend and needed at least one family day this weekend, and the show was it this time around. I also need to keep my head low while I still have an active warranty....
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Now I am the definitive F-Car Basher (definitely a majority here....)..... but this is the first Ferrari in 40 years that I'd actually say YES to in no time flat!! What blew me away was the balance and precision of the driving, both with and w/o the electronic assists. The 499 has also been a very descent car for it's class, but the 458 takes the cake. I wouldn't consider it "Supercar" class or category, but definitely Ferrari's new hyper-sports car. I'm still more in for the McClaren, but they definitely have their work cut out for them!
As for the production numbers, Ferrari's, especially 430's, are seen driving around almost as much as I see P-Cars! It will still be exotic, make a statement, and now backed up with some serious performance it seems. That's one up (and a few more...) on my Rossion, where there are only 48 hand made per year.
After seeing those vids, I tempted to jump into my Q1 right now, underwear and all, and throw it around on the late empty streets of Miami..... Miami Vice style!
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Man, you must either wear a blind fold around or your friends suck! I've been to L.A. repeatedly, 2 times this year for a couple of days, and although it's great in all the areas you've mentioned, I don't see where it's so much better than Miami unless you have some f-cked up fetish like Fat Grandmas or something!? I do agree though that L.A. is better for shopping, and "perhaps" restaurants. I will say that things are kind of slow during the night life out here lately, maybe due to the economy, but I've not really seen it down too much. Sure it's the girls or what they're looking at.... !
Funny though, many of us from here have said that same thing after coming back from L.A. I don't shoot L.A. or NYC, they're just different places with different category of women and nightlife. One thing's for sure, the nice eye-candy ones are getting more plastic every year. Thank God I don't have to deal with the crap I see my younger brothers deal with some of these idiot young bitches, unless you're into that of course.
I have one of those things called a wife (actually an awesome wife to be honest!), so can't be taking some of you single Joes around town like I used to, but if you come down with the GF or wife, my wife can party, so look me up. I'll have 2 of my 3 projects running by January, at which point we can get out more, as of lately I'm always tired as hell.
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Bill..... H A P P Y B - D A Y ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Careful you don't lose anymore hair!
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And now.... introducing, the Convertible! (And IMO, looks WAY too much like an F-Car, but not quite enough
, but not quite enough, therefore I WANT ONE!).....
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Looking fwd to your feedback on how the extra HP compares in with the extra weight!! We want some numbers!
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how do these compare to the Vbox ? much difference?
It is a Vbox, only the Jr. version with the functionality in one small device for the regular consumer. -
Happy B-Day all!! So where and when are we celebrating tomorrow!!
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Or AllanVWgroup. Only because all 3 of your cars would be from the VW group. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all. If all I could drive was something from the VW group I'd be fine with that.
Damn... and I thought I was pretty tough at a stock 7.5!! Nice figures... if it wasn't for the weight, it would probably have better standing start and corning/handling numbers as well.
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You guys are going to end up like those people on the Wall-E movie!!
The Segways are being used all over Miami from Mall Security to South Beach Segway Tours, etc, etc. I just don't see the practicality of it if I can't get it in the trunk of my car with ease. I'll just spend the same $$$ on some good HGH and get lots more out of it... including plenty of hassle free, non-tiring walking :-)
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Like Bill said, a bit more organization would have been a bit better, but I think more on the beginning and arrival part of it. Nothing you can do about the Driving side other than spurt the rules and go... you've got your good school boys, then there are the bad. What happened was that some were just making sprints then slowing back down with the group, but on one of those, everyone sprinted at the same time and we missed 595 to I-75 exit! To put it in perspective, our cluster of Ass-Hauling rockets looked like the ending Bogey scene in Top Gun when Maverick arrived to Help Iceman! Before we knew it, we were heading North rather than West.... and man, we must have been move'n b/c we were quite a few miles off. We did catch up however, as I think we literally folded space till we got to the 6 mile rest stop after getting on 75 where we grouped for our Trooper Lecture. He wasn't that good of a teacher though, as shortly after, some of those participants were sitt'n on the side of the road with many more lecturers!
I for one had a great time. Cruised Naples the next day (still not much there after 20 years
, but cool "chill" destination. Our group has something coming up for next year, including an upbeat coffee lounge for monthly gatherings. Great to see some of you and meet a couple of new gatherers. BTW, is the 11/7 thing a gathering, run or airport event??
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It's at the Garage about 2 blocks from one of my offices. Need an appearance to be made?? Just from a quick visual, the car is just insane to look at, but that's to the extent of my knowledge thus far.
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Thanks Blake!! Great Pic!!
Maybe I'll seeya again on 11/7..... but w/o the "Po-Po" ;-)
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That was the first group. They supposedly called in an extra 10 Troopers to I-75 duty after spotting the first few cars. At first they though we were the Gator Run event, but that was cleared up at our special lecture. There were 3 clusters of cars. My cluster was made up of those who were hauling a bit too much ass and missed one of our exits. They earned about 20 of us a Lecture by the Trooper Sarge the the first Rest Stop 6 miles after the I-75 Toll. The best part was when the Trooper asked if there were any questions, so my buddy Jake with the Noble M400 asked if he though his Trooper Charger could take his Noble.... he shot back, "Hey, I can do 170 in that thing..." (with a slick smile of course...). From there, it was careful speed spurts all the way up. I had to stop for a quick check of an A/C switch, which earned me the Dragon's Tail End, and therefore was pretty much escorted at 80 by 3 Troopers all smiling at me through my Rear View. One got pissed (gave us the evil "Watch Yourself Boy" eyes and dbl finger point) when my wife held up her phone to snap a pic as he was passing. To be honest, this only added to the adventure of the run, but man, 80 was quite punishing in the Rossion which was so damn eager for more (although we did get it.... plenty of times ;-) !!
All in all, great number of cars and good event!!
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I agree with all the comments thus far. I test drove the sedan here in Miami and it has all the tech, and then some, plus it rides incredibly well with some spunk. My wife doesn't want anymore gas guzzlers, so I've put a deposit on one of these, Fisker Karma, but we might await the Sunset S version.
May also await the convertible E Class if it comes with a diesel engine.
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I agree with all the comments thus far. I test drove the sedan here in Miami and it's has all the tech, and then some, plus it rides incredibly well with some spunk. My wife doesn't want anymore gas guzzlers, so I've put a deposit on one of these, Fisker Karma, but the Sunset S version.
May also await the convertible E Class if it comes with a diesel engine.
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Great guy! RIP.... He's definitely watching over you.... I'll dedicate my run this weekend to Peter!
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BTW, the stock dyno numbers at 380 HP means a 29%+ crank to wheels loss!! Man, that's quite a lot! My (deceased) stock Lotus Esprit V8 rated at 355 HP came in at 311 at the wheels, which is a 13% loss. The standard is anywhere from 15-20%. Does this have something to do with AWD??
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HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!
Nice wheels you got yourself there Chris!!! Can you post some hi-rez pix from at least four angles of your car.....
I want to make sure I recognize it if I ever meet you at a track or stop light!!
3D race track on your wall
in Off Topic
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Getting one!