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A new line of fresh products for our beloved 44's will be releasing throughout the year.
I'm sharing the evolution of the design and prototyping with the hope of getting those that have interest in modifying their 944's a chance to influence design and become part of the process.
Here is a look at the first sketches of the Project Nine modular body concept.
The idea is to have an over fender widebody that could be used in conjunction with a drop in fender cutout. In the end, giving '44 owners multiple configuration options.
The narrow body with fender cutouts and hatch valence.
So very pleased, and not to mention fortunate, to have such talent onboard with the project. It's quite an improvement from my pencil sketches I have to admit. Hahaha
A couple of different shapes for the vents were laid out on the fenders. In the end, the shape in the original sketch was the most visually appealing and will provide ample area.
Sculpting the vents with modelers clay.
This post gets everyone current on the project, these images were taken before I left the studio today. The basic shape for both vents is now complete. Tomorrow the detail work will begin before making the prototype molds.
I like it, I like it all, creative and different, some of the features are borrowed from track mods that are proven to work.
A couple of points since you asked for feedback while ongoing.
The top fender vents....very bad in rain conditions.
Not only do you get bombarded by extra water mist on the windshield, but it's also muddy, road grime water, hard for the wiper to clear.
That said, it DOES look like your design is intended to take the flow over the fender and down the side of the car...?
A simple lip between the hood and fender would just about guarantee this.
The rear deck/roof valence...., unless there's data to show me otherwise, this piece will cause detachment of the normal flow over the roof and to the factory rear wing.
If the piece was (for lack of a better word) corrugated with high guides and low channels, I could see it as focusing air flow to the wing.
Some ideas I am working on currently......, would be great to see your design talent and take them if you want,
I like the fender recesses you show already, they are functional and proven to work in aiding front downforce with splitters and dive planes.
My idea is to incorporate a barge board that should further guide air alongside the car and above a side rocker.
To the second thing, rockers that are very close to the ground at a car ride height 1-2" lower than stock and that extend outward a few inches like a shelf as far as race class rules allow.
All air flow from canards at front, barge board directed excavation from front wheel wells (or your vent design) and strategic vortex generators should remain above this shelf
Great work Brian. I suggest setting the vents in the fender in rather than having them stick out like that. Im not sure if thats the final design or not. Take a look at the new GT3 RS fender vents to get an idea of what I am talking about.
For the over fenders, will there be an example where it wraps all the way around and doesn't end in the back? So like a rocket bunny style that would look good without the open and over fenders combined?
05-30-2018, 11:32 PM
Project Nine - Program 944
