Wish list by FlyTheRoad members

[AZEqualizer]

This is a list of options and features that FlyTheRoad members requested. This I am sure will take some time to complete but this is the start.

Some things are controversial, others are wishes and desires. Some are practical, some are far out. This is food for thought: Dig in and try some –Stimulate your mind and broaden your desires…. For a V1 that is. There is no particular order:

1. Right side door (only one door)
2. Left side door (only one door)
3. Door and ½
4. flip up doors like a Lamborghini (lambo doors)
5. Front door one side, rear door other side
6. Sliding door
7. Yoke steering wheel
8. HID or LED Headlights, Modulated Headlights if not HID
9. LED lighting Modulated auxiliary break light
10. HUD
11. FLIR
12. RLIR
13. Blue tooth multi function communication entertainment hookup similar to the chatterbox XB1
14. UWB (Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Technology) integration for upgrades and computer features
15. GPS with on board access and storage.
16. Tweel , Michelin airless motorcycle front wheel/tire.
17. Cruise control
18. Adjustable driver seat height
19. Heated windscreen
20. Remote control of some features, e.g. cabin heating, demisting, windows up /down
21. As much of roof to be removable as possible.
22. Slidable sun roof
23. RECARO seats.
24. mesh chairs (a la Hermon Miller)
25. Speakers in the seat.
26. Rear seat monitor with touch controls
27. Dual Climate Control for rear seat
28. Discreet Cameras for 360 recording and viewing
29. Side Impact Air Bags front and rear head to hip
30. More storage
31. just a radio and an sd card slot / ipod dock option
32. USB2 ports
33. Tron-esque front wheel arrangement
34. Decent tint to the top window ? and/or maybe a small opening window on the roof, so you can get fresh air without aircon / opening one of the bigger side windows
35. monitor for the rear passenger (possible tough screen)
36. Grocery bag hooks, perhaps behind the fold-down rear seat.
37. Aviation style seatbelt mounted airbag for rear seat
38. Fixed Driver Airbag Module, the bag does not turn with the wheel.
39. Electro chromic Glass.

Note from IanBruce (in original post): “Electrochromic glass is a very cool idea, as long as it would work with a sliding or retractable top, and presented no other major issues. As you say, it would have to be an option -- it ain't cheap.”
40. Headlights that "Tilt" with the vehicle or auxiliary lighting that tilts.
41. Clock
42. Mesh pockets
43. Computer in car diagnostic.
44. All wheel drive including front wheel
45. Satellite Radio capability

Note from IanBruce (in original post): “The main reason we have no mechanical break on the rear is because it isn't necessary. The result is that the unsprung weight is no more than a few pounds more than a standard wheel-bearing/disk/caliper assembly.”
46. Preheat / Precool while still plugged in
47. System should provide enough information to let the driver manage the performance / range options depending on the situation.
48. Make Body panels easily changeable
49. Translucent panels with interior backlighting
50. HVAC have a replaceable dust/pollen filter.
51. Be able to run HVAC while unattended with Alarm. (shutdown at approved battery level)
52. Loud Horn
53. Watt/hr gauge – also to follow usage while plugged into grid.
54. Hour meter on ICE
55. 'Pull down / pull forward' sun visor
56. Auxiliary fog or driving lights. (possibly aerodynamic molded in)
57. Alarm security system, PIN, Biometrics, Key fob along with keyfob start with manual override.
58. Valet mode
59. PIN for all computer changes required with Manufacturer override
60. Good backup /rear lighting… maybe two modes normal and bright (for those dark situations)
61. Sporty color options
62. Inside door jams reflective
63. Sing out passenger windows for venting.
64. Solar powered venting
65. Floor vents
66. Speed sensitive sound system
67. Alarm system has internal noise when it goes off.
68. Active / Adaptive Cruse control
69. Rear seat leg room
70. Removable rear seat
71. Clear body panels with interior paint
72. Silicone Windshield Wiper Blades and backup radar sensors
73. 4 point seatbelts 95 point seatbelts)
74. Roof rack with tie downs.
75. Tire repair kit
76. Protective cover
77. First aid / safety kit
78. Mesh net / bungee net for folded rear seat to help cover and hold items when folded
79. Roller shade cover to conceal folded rear seat
80. Grab handles Chicken strap
81. Upper surface grab handles with hanger mounts in rear seat area
82. Front to rear tilting cup holder
83. Selectable front panel gauges - Analog / Digital
84. backlighted transflective display
85. Specially treated leather reflects sunlight's infrared radiation Like BMW’s (Sun Reflective's technology is shared by BMW and its leather suppliers, Bader GmbH & Co. Kg and Branaa GmbH, both of Germany.)
86. Interior –option: DuPont has launched a new system for tanning leather called Hydrology, which is said to offer weather-resistance as well as being washable and dry able in household appliances, colorfast, breathable and stain and soil resistant.
87. Valet key that allows limited functionality and limited range say 5 miles. (also keeps secured compartments secured.
88. Heated and cooled seat options.
89. Lighted ignition key area.
90. Timed interior lights in low light conditions.
91. Programmable wipers.
92. Consumer request which side the doors are on.
93. Sheepskin seat covers.
94. Child locks (lock-outs) on any back seat doors and windows.
95. Yoke controls instead of standard floor pedals.
96. Auto function window switches in central position.

Note from IanBruce (in original post): “We've discussed the single door issue with the design team, and yes -- the removable roof panel will the alternate means of escape.”
97. Disability (ADA) steering wheel speed /brake.
98. LoJack Friendly hideaway
99. Programmable switches on the yolk
100. Multi LCD display information displays.
101. Open architecture plugs
102. WiFi or wireless addressable with high security & firewalled.
103. Thumb-ball for a yoke switch to change displays or hat switch
104. Separate HVAC controls for rear passenger with lockout.
105. Diesel generator
106. Be able to use the ICE as a generator in the field.
107. Left foot rest
108. Trailer hitch
109. Generator trailer
110. Display average mileage that is continuously updated
111. Electric seat position with memory
112. Changeable lumbar support
113. Lateral seat bolsters
114. Front seat can fold flat for nap
115. Run flats
116. Tire pressure sensors
117. Turn indicators in side rear-view mirrors
118. Modular battery packs and generator
119. Mechanics repair manual
120. Remote controlled lock for power-pod and rear storage
121. Rear view Camera system ( Or Panoramic Camera System)
122. Voice activated systems / speech recognition systems
123. Power ports and standard DIN panels for ham radio install.
124. Mounting hard points for antennas.
125. LED's in the plug in port area giving you status of your recharge when plugging in.
126. Black Chrome Wheels
127. Stubs w/ cameras to replace side mirrors with signal connector, and replaceable Motorcycle mirrors instead of car mirrors.

[AZEqualizer]

From Rog:

'General Discussions'
LED= LED brake lights; daytime running lights, Targa version, sliding roof
Coasting= maintain speed when foot off accelerator; adaptive cruise controls and collision avoidance
systems;
?'s for Ian= door & 1/2; sun visor (flip or roll down); electrochromic film (windshield & roof);
license plate mount for both standard and motorcycle size plates;
Progress= front and rear wheels/tires covered for better aerodynamics (possible 'ducted' air to cool
rear wheel motors); DVC 'low speed tilt override' to allow tilting at low speeds to decrease
turning radius;"pivot mode" parking (where one rear wheel locks [or rotates backwards] for
'pivot parking'; bigger wheels in the rear than the carver;
HUD= Heads up display (like; Microvision.com)
Two Roof Rails= 2 roof rails to mount racks; adjustable mount system to configure for different loads;
Better Aero= better aerodynamics for the front, power pod, and protrusions (wiperblades, side mirrors); run-flat tires (optional);solar panels to run the AC (when car is 'off')
Fly To Buy= 'Original V-1' dash plaque for the first X,000 vehicles produced;V.V. become an authorized 'dealer' for trailers approved for the V-1;
Possible...Towing= capable to be towed behind RV;
V-1 in Snow= Test the V-1 in snow & ice;
Google.org= check on additional funding from google.org;
Maint.&Repairs= method to monitor actual ICE runtime (ie. Hobs meter);
Nice Option= ability to manually run ICE to 'top off' battery prior to gas refill'
Publicity= side mirrors w/directional & running lights; foldaway mirrors; good alarm system; proximity alarm, loud perhaps with voice option; have a program to train new owners in basic V-1 systems and safe driving techniques;

[RAN]

If the ICE/genset were modular, and there were modular battery packs available, we could customize our E50's and Q100's to suit individual needs. As it stands, these models offer a 20 mile range on batteries. That pretty much suits my needs at present, but say someone has a 40-60 mile commute and wants to run without gas, but wants genset range for weekend trips. They buy an extra battery pack or two, remove the genset module, and put them in for their weekly commute. Now they can run in complete EV mode. If they want to go out of town, they swap them out for the genset and have unlimited range (with fill-ups, of course). If it's too complicated to include the fuel tank in the module, then leave it in the chassis. It should be possible to add enough extra battery packs to increase battery range to maybe 80 miles on the hybrid versions. Who knows? It may be possible to completely interchange the EV and hybrid models (so that you could add enough packs to get the full 120 mile EV range).

I'm just thinking from a marketing standpoint, that would eliminate many objections. As it stands now, people have to choose one or the other. Why not design in a way to make them even more versatile?

My apologies if this subject has been nailed up and bleeding from every extremity in the FTR forum already, but since this is a new forum, I thought I'd bring it up while there's still time to design it in (or to see why it's not practical from a manufacturing perspective).

Rick

[Mark Tomlinson]

As someone with a 50 mile round-trip commute daily, I agree with you. It would be great to build a V1 that exactly matches my driving today, and then change it up a little if my driving changes.

But I think "modulerizing" everything should come in a later model year. I suspect the level of integration between the motors, motor controllers, batteries, and genset need to be fine tuned and managed carefully. It's probably not as easy as just plugging in a bigger battery. (I know you didn't imply that; I'm oversimplifying). So creating viable options that work with each other and future technologies without voiding the warrenty will probably be a challange.

[RAN]

If modularizing everything is going to delay the production of the V-1 by many months, I agree with you :D

Hopefully, though, since they're starting pretty much from scratch on this, it's something that could be planned on from scratch, and wouldn't take much longer to incorporate.

Maybe they can divert some time away from FLIR/RLIR development to work on this :rolleyes:

Rick

[RAN]

For What it's worth, I was reading about the Spark EV Comet, and under specifications it states: "Lithium Polymer “Fascharge” Slide-out/Slide-in packs in
50 mile increments per pack. Maximum 4 packs Integrated Charger, 100v, 20a circuit. Optional on-board micro gen-set."

So maybe it's do-able after all.
http://www.spark-ev.com/comet.html

[AZEqualizer]

Spark EV Comet changes their specs at the drop of a coin... it is a moving target about a questionable product.

Do a Google on Michael Papp ... There is some interesting info out there.

( He also claims he is the Head Designer or is that Chief Designer or maybe CEO - guy wears too many interchangeable hats.) Comet EV on FlyTheRoad (http://flytheroad.com/blog/forums/topic.php?id=267)

[rogwild]

Spark EV Comet changes their specs at the drop of a coin... it is a moving target about a questionable product.
Originally they announced an October 'release date' (but moved back to ??) with no explanation. No word on prototypes or photos of an 'actual' vehicle. Also was a non-tilter, now says 30* tilt.

[bmwgc1946]

Hey now that we know something is coming (when???) lets restart the wish list thread. there are already 127 +++ I didn't see great tires for all that tilting I want to see the best on the front tire (???)

[willk]

Regardless of factory options, I'm putting green underglow on mine. 2thumb:up

[Tex]

Since it appears possible that this vehicle may be available before I am too old to drive, I will add my wishes to the list. I want to be able to tow my fun vehicle behind my motorhome on a suitable trailer. One could start with a frame like a boat trailer (pointy front). I would want a solid protective shield in front but sides open for easy access (and to show off my toy). Then I want a suitable trailer hitch on the Venture/Persue to be able to tow and park its own trailer.

[Firedawg]

How about they make a limited edition model that has a fully brushed aluminum shell and a single gull wing door? Make it like a 3 wheel De Lorean? The perfect vehicle in my humble opinion.

[TOSS]

The problem with the De Lorean (well one of them) was weight. Might make the economy and available power kind of sorry. Also wasn't the De Lorean body stainless? Like the door idea though. TOSS

[Miracleman89]

As long as nobody puts spinning rims or one of those wings that are taller then the vehicle on theirs, then I don't care! :)

[Firedawg]

Yeah it was stainless but that is why I said brushed aluminum. It would look close enough but be like half the weight. I just think the single gull wing door would be a really sweet mod. I am sure once our baby comes out there will be mod kits out for all kinds of different things. Yeah unfortunately I am sure someone will throw spinners on it and somehow find a way to lower it with airbags underneath. "Spinners" will likely find their way on to flying cars whenever they are finally created.

[RawNRG]

Heads Up Display, nothing more need said.

Raw

[Beaugrand®™©]

This could be on the road today p:ss:dY(( if the design team had focused on bring a salable (that is, solely ICE powered) product to market, instead of obsessing with EV/hybrid technology :( . Pay attention to the Automotive X-Prize results, kiddies. NO EV finished o:h"we"ll1. What won was a (relatively) conventional design :) built by people who know how to win races.