These things should be standard...

[FutureBoy]

I saw a lot of great things on the wish list. But let's not overlook the seemingly obvious. There is a lot of great tech showing up as standard equipment on current entry-level production vehicles. Yet it amazes me that these things are not standard in all vehicles. Below is my list.
Feel free to add to it. I'm looking for any reasonable, inexpensive, currently available feature which comes on some, but not necessarily on all cars, which could be added without inflating the price of the VentureOne. If you have a "dream option" be sure to add it to AZEqualizer's "wish list" thread!

Also, I'd like to keep this list confined to items that don't require a detailed knowledge of the measurements/specifications/etc. For example, I saw a great suggestion in the "wish list" for the front seat to fold flat for a nap. Now, I love this idea, but we don't know if it's possible given the interior measurements.

A quick example... We will, of course, need a key to get in. However, a standard key won't do for this caliber of vehicle. Therefore, I've added it as my first item... RFID key fob.


My "it would be a crime if it didn't have 'X' standard" list:
RFID key fob with push button start
windows with auto-down AND auto-up (both sides, not just driver's)
stereo:
with aux in (mini) NOT ipod specific. Not everyone owns an ipod. (I did like the "stereo with SD card slot" idea in the wish list)
with a satellite radio band
RDS (Radio Data System) capable
multi-function steering wheel (for audio... maybe climate control... etc.)
mirrors:
power
heated
turn signal markers What other standard feature do you think should be included?

.

[rogwild]

Some features on my Honda Element that I find helpful/useful that should not increase cost are:
1. Lighted outer ring around 'ignition key hole' for night operation. Comes on when door is opened; goes off when key is inserted.

2. When key is inserted in the ignition, the dash instrument lights automatically come on (could be software 'disabled' on the V~1).

3. When the ignition key is removed, the interior lights automatically come on (and the ignition key 'outer ring' also re-illuminates. The interior lights stay on for a short time, then automatically 'dim' and go off (this feature should also be capable of 'software' [disable] and duration/brightness control).

[beeson]

The main feature I'm looking for is my name on the title!!

Most of my wants are simple.

I've never seen anything about the heating and (i hope) A/C system. I know A/C might be a problem, but the Aptera is supposed to have some kind of heat pump that does both.

Outside temperature gauge. It gets cold here in Central Oregon and it's nice to know when the road might be icy.

This thing really needs tweels, where are you going to have a spare on this vehicle?

Fully controllable windshield wiper, not just on and off, two speeds. A simple request.

[cpaddock]

I read somewhere it will be equiped with "run-flats". Being "old school" I'd like to see a circular steering wheel. Ilike the multiple positions possible which can ease strain and I often fine my left hand at 12:00 o'clock. The horn should be awsome sounding!

[rexscates]

keys with radio transmitters cost over 200 to be replaced.

if the radio tags fail you can't start it.
the more tech you add the higher the cost and more that can go wrong.

just a fyi
-rex

[MHARVEYM]

My gas guzzlin Toyota Sequoia has awsome seat adjustments to make any ride pure pleasure............ very nice option........hey, always thinkin of the better half!

[FutureBoy]

@rexscates: valid point about the RFID fobs. Is there no backup if it fails? If they go with a key ignition, I love rogwild's key illumination suggestions above

@beeson: great suggestion about the wiper control. It would be great to variable-speed intermittent control, the kind where the driver can set multiple degrees of delay instead of having just one delay setting.

[rexscates]

[quote=FutureBoy;4375]@rexscates: valid point about the RFID fobs. Is there no backup if it fails? If they go with a key ignition, I love rogwild's key illumination suggestions above

as far as I know my wifes VW rabbitt will not start if the system fails. But remember VW has been using this for a long time. Venture 1 would be a new technology for them.

i just prefer keepign things as simple as they can be, getting the best mpg possible, being the most reliable as it can be, decent (not extraordinary acceleration), decent impact protection, decent cost, and nice comfortable chairs.

ttyl
rex

[Mike kZ]

Cruise control a must!
Fully adjustable seats

[evCommuter]

A "Check Engine" light is diagnosed by the mechanic with a OBDII scanner. A Power Control Module (PCM) and sensors should be standard on this vehicle also. Here's some background: http://www.autotap.com/welcome.asp

The following options are nice stuff: Heated leather seats, Navigation with voice-guidance, Sonar backup warning, Heated handlebar grips (just kidding) [this all stuff on my 07 Ford Escape Hybrid, except the grips.]

evCommuter
:eek:

[azskycop]

Funny thing is I think you are missing the point of a "high-mileage/low energy" vehicle. The more stuff you add the more it cost to push it down the road, no matter what power source you use. I hope they do not put on power anything/heated anything/or adjustable anything. build it simple, light, cost effective, less to go wrong and less to push down the road!!!

It is really not too hard to crank a window down!!!

[Miracleman89]

I am sorry but the check engine light is so 1980's. IMHO there should be an automatic diagnostics program on the car that will interface with the GPS screen telling you exactly what is wrong. Most cars already have this kind of thing built in but require a reader to read the code. Why not add a program that displays the code across the GPS screen, then you could give owners a code book along with the owners manual!

Of course that's just my opinion I could be wrong!

[FutureBoy]

Funny thing is I think you are missing the point of a "high-mileage/low energy" vehicle. The more stuff you add the more it cost to push it down the road, no matter what power source you use. I hope they do not put on power anything/heated anything/or adjustable anything. build it simple, light, cost effective, less to go wrong and less to push down the road!!!

It is really not too hard to crank a window down!!!

You're not suggesting a manual windshield wiper too, are you?
We'll all have manually crank down the window and reach around to the front to squeegee our own windshield just to make it cost less to push down the road!

I think you're missing the point of this thread.

Ok... ok... of course, the above is being said in the spirit of good natured ribbing.

The thought for this thread was... ok, for example, we know it will most likely have an intermittent windshield wiper, right? Well, it would be nice to have a variable speed wiper rather than one with a single intermittent speed setting. And does it really cost that much extra to manufacture or propel the thing if it has mirror turn signal markers?

Probably not.

I am in total agreement that the crazier you get with this list, the more it will cost to make and operate. But on the flip-side, how much does it really drain the vehicle's resources to roll down windows using a power switch at the start of the trip, then roll them back up when you've reached your destination? What would that process actually cost me? A penny? A fraction of a penny?

I would guess that the inclusion of these features would have a negligible impact on the 100+ mpg and the power requirements unless you, for some strange reason, adjusted your windows and seat to their extremes every three seconds while you were driving.

And finally... yes, I have owned a car with manual crank windows, and I can honestly say that, for me, even if adding power features means a slight loss in efficiency, I could still live with 99 mpg.

[danbucks]

"I would guess that the inclusion of these features would have a negligible impact on the 100+ mpg"
That is correct. we're talking a several watts vs. kW. And a few hundred grams vs hundreds of thousands.

I think the main point of keep it simple is: quick to manufacture (which leads, in part, to cost, but also a V1 that arrives sooner on the doorstep)

[beeson]

I personally do not view a heater as a frivolous addition, even if it reduces mpg. I live in the High Desert region of Oregon. It gets cold here, almost every summer morning it is in the low 40's to mid 30's. We have morning frosts here about once a month in the summer months. Spring and fall morning temps can be in the teen's and twenty's. This would not be a fun drive without a heater. Actually the V1 would not even be usable since a defroster is required if you want to see where your going. For me, no heater/defroster means the V1 is just an expensive toy to be used only in the middle of the day during summer months. I ain't spending $20K for that.

I'm hoping it has some kind of AC also. As cold as it is here every morning, summer afternoons are fairly hot. Temps in the 90's are not unusual. Not Arizona type heat, but hot for me. AC would be in the "man this is nice" category. It makes the vehicle much more likely to be used as a daily commuter AND fun toy for the weekend.

I like electric windows, but it is not a high priority for me.

[RAN]

AFAIK, the V-1 will have both heating and AC, and I think power windows are pretty much in the mix as well.

[Miracleman89]

Personally, I would like to have the power options. Heck if adding the power options became that detrimental to the mpg. I would rather lose weight! LOL

[waboom]

Ran is right about heating and A/C; in fact he posted a quote about it in the VV forums (http://flytheroad.com/blog/forums/topic.php?id=545&page=13#post-11671) back in February:


The HVAC systems we're considering is a Denso solution used in the Toyota Prius and other hybrid vehicles. We expect this to perform very efficiently as our cabin volume is roughly half that of a standard car.

It's also stated on the Venture One Concept page (http://www.flytheroad.com/venture_one.html):

The VentureOne will contain standard and optional equipment identical to conventional motor vehicles – including optional GPS navigation, cruise control, HVAC, and personal entertainment systems.

My own personal "hope to see standard" items are:

Foot rests for the passenger on either side of the driver's seat, like in the Carver.
A "change-lane" directional indicator feature like in VW's (tap the turn stalk in the direction you're going and it blinks the indicators 3-4 times)
Safety safety safety - I know they're going to have the chromoly steel roll cage, collapsible steering column, side-impact rails, air bags, and the lot, but add any safety feature you can! Otherwise my wife won't let me drive our daughter to school in it :LOL:

[azskycop]

OK so I was exaggerating a little with the "crank down" windows. And I do agree it should have at least heat and A/C. But once you start adding "Power everything" it goes beyond what this vehicle should be. I can't see needing a power seat in a vehicle this small, or a heated/A/C seat or anything crazy that adds much total weight. Give it the minimal electric accessories that it needs, built it simple/light/cheap to purchase, use and maintain!

[meckman1]

I'm in favor of keeping the basic model simple, and as economically priced as possible. I think that most non-safety related features should be available as options or add-ons. This would keep the car affordable, and would be a viable option for more consumers:IDEA:

[Baja_Traveler]

For me - as long as it has AC it can have manual everything. Heck - I dont even care if the windows don't roll down at all! I'm not going to be driving thru McDonalds with this thing...

Now that being said - if it did not delay a vehicle release date, cool gadgets are always nice to have. Myself, I will be mounting a D-star ham radio someplace in mine - A nice little Icom 91 A/D handheld, I just have to figure out where to mount the antenna...

[Hardtime11]

Ian has already commented stating that the V1 will have power windows and I think with the hydraulics powering the tilting and rear wheel pivots it would already be considered power steering.

If you think about it power steering actually takes up less interior space with no window cranks inside the interior and the window power units would be encapsulated within the door assemblies.

Further on the Key Fob it would be nice if you could also put the windows down while you approach it. I use this feature in Florida a lot (except during rain) as it helps cool the interior before I actually go to get into it. It also helps get rid of the stale air before entry. :-)

[TazmanianKoala]

I personally would like to have standard DIN-size radio slot, so I can add my radio of choice. If this would compromise the inetrior design too much, I would like to opt for a standard SD-card slot MP3 player. Of course Cruise Control is must to improve mileage. On the exterior I would like to see the front indicators be positioned in the mirrors. Just to show how wide (or narrow) the VV actually is.

[AKP23]

I don't know about the sound machine choices, I don't listen to anything but the road when I drive. It's what I like.

But cruise control is important. I put in about 108 hiway miles (round trip) to and from work. I like relaxing and enjoying the view in the mountains. So TazmanianKoala, waboom, azskycop, meckman1... it sounds like you're tooling on down my kinda roads, and you are describing my machine.=y:

[AKP23]

By the way, Hardtime11, when were you last here? Ft Rich has gone thru som MAJOR overhaul these last 3 years.

[cpaddock]

AKP23, I play jazz, listen to jazz, read about jazz....but my "new" '91 mazda miata MX5
sounds so good I would rather listen to the motor than the CD player. Something about the oneness of driver and machine. Might be the only thing missing on the V1. Could be we'll need to pump a throaty purr thru a speaker system so as to make our presense known to the visually impaired. This issue is becoming mainstream. I believe Fiskar is taking this approach.

[RichDC]

I agree that the more features, the higher the cost and the heavier it will be. Less may be more in this case, and hopefully we'll get some nice goodies standard or as options without delaying further the testing, production and eventual release date.

But since we're just spit balling here... this is definitely going to be an exciting and dynamic riding/driving experience. Personally, I'm not going to want too many distractions. I keep thinking of some of the features in my Wife's Odyssey, and the best one I can think of is voice activated controls. To be able to cruise down the road, with data and GPS nav directly in your front line of sight, and just have to touch a button on the steering wheel to control radio, Air, windows, etc would be a great safety feature. I use it all the time in the Odyssey, and it makes it a lot easier to keep your eyes and attention on the road.

Oh, and some cool afterburner effects for the rear end. And the optional rocket launchers of course ;^)

[meckman1]

I don't know about the sound machine choices, I don't listen to anything but the road when I drive. It's what I like.

But cruise control is important. I put in about 108 hiway miles (round trip) to and from work. I like relaxing and enjoying the view in the mountains. So TazmanianKoala, waboom, azskycop, meckman1... it sounds like you're tooling on down my kinda roads, and you are describing my machine.=y:

I can see why some people like CC, but it's not for me. After all If I'm already driving an auto. tran., what does that leave to actually drive if I also use cruise?

[TazmanianKoala]

On my daily commute to work, I will not use the cruise control at all, it is purely urban travel. But occasionaly I travel over highways. Then CC is very valuable. Just traveling in the neighborhood I will never use the Cruise Control at all, it is just too much fun accellarating and taking all curves, narrow and big, at optimal (but legal) speed.
Since the part of The Netherlands where I live has some hills, there are enough roads for having maximum fun with the tilting action. In fact, this video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=7mRJGfgUBss) has been shot right in my hometown (Maastricht) and near neighborhood. I would surely like the make same corners in a V~1.

[miraclewoman89]

I'm offering a woman's perspective here.


I personally would like to have CC. It's a $250 minimum ticket for speeding in the county I live in. On a 45-minute drive to go to Wal-mart I use CC to keep from doing 90 through the curves! There is also a 10-minute stretch of straight road that goes on FOREVER and the need to speed creeps up on you if CC isn't there to keep you in check. I also have a two hour drive to the nearest big city and CC would really be great for that trip.

I also like the idea of having some sort of assistance for backing up, even if it's an optional feature. My town is a mining community and many of our parking areas are tight and not well thought-out. Everyone here drives super-cab pick-ups with four-wheel drive and it is difficult to avoid hitting something sticking three or four feet into the driving aisle.

As for the sound system, I just want to hook up my Ipod!

[Miracleman89]

Right now about the only option I really want is the "buy it now" option!!!!

[Jack Willard]

When I bought my previous car, I told the salesman that I wanted to buy an air conditioner with a car around it! And I meant it.

I can often get up to 105 or 110 in the Sacramento valley where I work. You can dress right to stay warm. But there's nothing you can do to cool down except find an air conditioner. I just want an air conditioner that immediately puts out FREEZING air to cool the interior down really fast! Not some wimpy one that maybe it will get somewhat cool after way too long.

And of course the heater needs to work good too. I'd like to warm up after a hard day of snow skiing up on the mountain pass near Lake Tahoe. That reminds me: SKI rack option needed.

AM/FM stereo with an aux input or USB jack is all I want. Anything beyond that is a pay more option.

Yes on the cruise control. Set it for just less that the "now you get pulled over" speed (79 on the freeway) and then just steer. dr:ive1) Would you believe a 68 mile one-way commute?

Yes on the continuous outside temperature reading.

[Miracleman89]

Right now about the only option I really want is the "buy it now" option!!!!


allow me to reiterate!

[Jack Willard]

Oh, and some cool afterburner effects for the rear end. And the optional rocket launchers of course ;^)

Optional? I kinda think that aim-able paintball gun ports on both sides should be standard equipment! But how might we accomplish the equivalent of a "nitro boost" to scream past em right after we shoot em for going sooo... slow? Hmm... a big charged-up capacitor might do the trick.
dr:ive1) :guns: :burning:rubber:

OOoooh! I have a great idea! :IDEA:

There is a thing called a "JADO bottle". It is a rocket booster that attaches to the bottom sides (2 are used) of a C130 transport aircraft to boost the speed for short runway takeoff. Obviously two would be somewhat overkill as the weight difference between a C130 and a VentureOne is reeeealllllly SIGNIFICANT! wh;aa;aa;t1 But ONE would still be a heck of a BOOST!

Now THAT would give me the kind of afterburner effect that I was looking for! Just plug it into the trailer hitch hole.

:burning:rubber::burning:rubber::burning:rubber: (((1j:a:w:drop(((1j:a:w:drop(((1 :mad:science: :zap2: :whoohoo:

[jglix]

How about a keyless and fobless entry like on many Ford vehicles. I always liked that I could lock my keys in and still get access to the cabin by using the secret code on the keypad. It wouldn't even have to be on the door, it could be on the power pod or somewhere it wouldn't affect the look of the vehicle. This allows me to not have to carry my keys to the beach or pool or wherever.

[Jack Willard]

Okay, I did a little research on JATO bottles. Jet Assisted Take Off bottles are solid rocket boosters and they are a bit larger than I remember.

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=769&stc=1&d=1227304520

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=770&stc=1&d=1227304534

But, here is something that might work:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=771&stc=1&d=1227304534

After further research, it appears this idea has already won one Darwin Award!

http://www.darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin1995-04.html

Nevermind.....

[Cocolicius]

Requests:

- Sound insulation for the cabin. Being quite low to the ground and with all that glass around the driver, I'm sure it gets pretty loud while driving
- Thermal insulation for the glass. And preferable glass over some sort of plastic composite.
- Option for the LCD screen (as shown in the cockpit rendering) for GPS and HVAC controls.
- Some sort of parking security other than door locks. Wheel locks (like a motorcycle?) or something to keep the trike in place.
- Run-flat tires
- iPod connector (or some way of hooking my iPod up!)
- Indicator lights on side of vehicle for better nighttime visibility
- Handles for rear passenger/footrests for rear passenger
- Warranty, particularly for 1st generation

[Jack Willard]

Hello Cocolicius wel;co;m;e101))

All good ideas.



- iPod connector (or some way of hooking my iPod up!)
- Indicator lights on side of vehicle for better nighttime visibility

I think that there may well be and iPod or iPhone type connector of some sort. There is something like that shown in the latest from Readers Digest cockpit picture that I posted.

The gold stripes on the front sides are supposed to be lights.

Again, welcome to the CLUB!

[Cocolicius]

Thanks Jack!

I was in LOVE with GM's Lean Machine when I first saw it as a kid in Epcot's Wheels of Motion exhibit. I was estatic to find out that the leaning 3-wheel vehicle lives on and looks to have a good chance of making it to a commercial product. And I live in CA, looking for a second 'car' in 2009 so the stars may just align!

I know how difficult is it to get a product from drawing to production... particularly on a timeline... so I'm still a bit skeptical of when or in what configuration the Persu vehicle will be launched. Still, I'm eagerly eating up any info I can find. My suggestions above are a few things that I hope are taken into consideration on some level at the Company.

Best of luck to them and congrats on a very active and prosperous forum site!

[Jack Willard]

And I live in CA, looking for a second 'car' in 2009 so the stars may just align!

Best of luck to them and congrats on a very active and prosperous forum site!

Me too (California) :) Release date is projected for like April 2010, so we both will have to wait another year. :( Thanks for the Club complement. Have fun. :whoohoo:

[ydeardorff]

My desires for a base model unit are pretty, well, basic.

- I expect the safety gear to be standard IE airbags, ABS, seatbelts etc.
- Door locks I expect to be standard, nothing fancy just a key is fine.
- simple full instrumentation IE oil, gas, charge, coolant, speedo, tach etc.
- heater, windshield defroster, heat to floor, a/c not needed in all states.
- stereo (optional), standard din sized unit with speaker built into head rests (space saver).
- standard steering wheel with a horn button
- removable roof, Im fine without I live where it rains often.
- headlights standard Halogen, or HID is fine either way.
- alloy wheels or steel rims with wheel covers are fine too
- simple cloth interior with good padded seats
- monochromatic paint scheme
- manual crank up/down windows are fine for a base model
- optional fog lamps would be nice mounted on front of rear wheel fenders
- cup holder
- ash tray
- gadget holder (IE cell phone or ipod)
- rear view camera system ( I doubt rear view visibility is very good in this vehicle)
- windsheild wiper

Optional upgrades?

- MFD
a multi function display, essentially a large touch screen that is your gauges, navigation system, rear view mirror anything.
- biometric key access
the new owner is finger print ID'ed to the car no one else can start or drive it away that isnt ID'ed to the vehilce
- heated/cooled leather seating
- alloy rims
- tinted windows (factory tint)
- custom exhaust
- chrome or polished aluminum accents
- autostart remote starter system
- increased HP engine(s)
- battery upgrades for extended range
- Ipod/phone/PDA dock
- USB/ bluetooth connectivity
- cargo net built into the back of the rear seat to keep objects in the rear of the vehicle in the event of an accident



Thats just to start. LOL