The SUB G1 - 135hp 1000cc V-twin three-wheeler

Each individual brought a complementary skill set to the project. Smart is a designer, and fabricator whose résumé includes work on the Aston Martin Vantage concept and the ultra-light weight Ariel Atom sports car. Brett's background of Industrial design and his ten-year involvement in film and automotive concept vehicle construction lends the project his expertise in fabrication and program management. Mynott, a digital modeller, has an extensive background in automotive, product design and engineering and has worked on the construction of 6 concept and race vehicles within the last 4 years. The combination produced the expertise in design, modelling and build required for the project, the overlapping skills creating an effective team.

Advanced 3D surfacing software was used to model the entire car from the ground up. From initial suspension geometry in wire frame to the completed wishbones uprights and wheel arches, all modelled and animated through its full range of motion. The computer enabled the team to design, refine and simplify each component, reduce costs and simplify assembly all before committing to production. In it's element as a tool for building and checking interference, fit and assembly the computer was used to speed production, reduce errors and produce a higher quality at a reduced costs to the team. Throughout the build phase, modifications were updated in data and the physical models continually checked against the digital model to ensure tolerances were met.

Co-ordinate geometry machines and white light scans ensured that all the space available was utilized to best effect, giving a finished product that is tightly packaged, of minimum weight and has a formula feel. Once surfaced and highlighted, the body tools were CNC cut to produce highly accurate low cost re-usable moulds. A complete cross section of tooling from plaster, foam and clay to composite epoxy and even rapid prototype parts were used. Composite parts were oven cured before being finished and painted. Great importance was given to materials and finishes, from the powder coated two piece custom made forged wheels to the black phosphate finish of the steel bolts that hold the aluminium alloy uprights together. Everything was given the same degree of consideration and importance to ensure a coherent high quality finish. The result is three fully functioning road legal custom built vehicles that were delivered on time, on budget and to a very high quality. Vehicles that have s ince driven over 1000 miles each with only suspension and spring rates needed to be dialled in.

What's it like to drive?

The three cars are each individually fitted to the customers with custom seats and floor mounted pedals positioned to cater to their range in size; from 6 foot 8inches tall, to 5 foot 10 inches. The car uses a modified motorcycle wiring loom and the gauge pack is carried through as well, with everything functioning including the fuel level meter. The indicators and lights are positioned around the gauge pack within easy fingertip reach without having to take our hands off the wheel. Each car is fitted with a four point anti-submarining harness and uses a cut off Momo steering wheel for better gauge visibility. The cockpit walls are high giving the formula car feel while rear visibility is good due to the positioning of the mirrors. The gear stick is mounted close to the steering wheel on the firewall that separates the driver from the engine which maintains the 6 speed sequential box form the TL1000R.

The steering is quick with one complete turn for lock to lock. The brakes are strong and progressive giving good feedback. Driving on the road you are smaller than most cars and much lower to the ground. You feel like a race car driver because it has super bike-like speed and formula car handling. The ability to see the wheels further enhances the formula feel of the vehicle with the ability to place the wheels right on the curbs through corners. It all combines to create an unbelievably fun and unique experience.