NoveZeroSei

Introduction & Ethos:

The NoveZeroSei is heavily inspired by the Porsche 908 but it mounts a naturally aspirated flat six engine for the best sound. Turbocharging is a later option but probably with a different vehicle name.

The project tries to keep parts and weight to a minimum and allow the customer to run reliable german running gear. In a market with very expensive hypercars, this car aims to break no power or speed targets but instead provide a purist driving experience. It will only have one colour schemes with light blue colour.

In terms of feel and proportions, it should be like a 908/3 reimagined for 2025 and a "mini-Carrera GT" (2004). In fact the NoveZeroSei is to be a precursor to a later model fitted with more cylinders.

Lightness & Power-to-weight ratio:

The car must have the very "manual" and "analogue" powertrain ethos like the early Koenigsegg CC8S or Pagani Zonda but in the smallest possible size and with the minimum indispensable windscreen. In order to feel as engaging as possible it must achieve a power to weight of 700 hp/tonne. In simple terms this equates to targeting an 800 kg mass and at least 560 hp although given underpinnings with a steel chassis, it may be necessary to use 700 hp with a 1000 kg mass. 908 hp/tonne would be a good number, meaning the engine would require 727 hp and the chassis 800 kg. The table below shows some figures of other vehicles:

Engineering spec:

- 800 - 1000 kg dry mass
- "barchetta" layout
- hillclimb and road usage
- F6 engine
- 2 seats (3 considered historically not relevant)
- closed wheel bodywork (3 pieces max)

5 Simple Goals:

- memorable name
- better looking than Dallara Stradale and Ariel Atom (avoid Radical or Caterham styling)
- best possible power to weight ratio and engine sound (naturally aspirated to begin with)
- focus on visible details and colours (wheels, lights, body curves, interior)
- aim for affordable sale price by allowing it as remanufactured vehicle (from donor)

Styling direction:

For this vehicle the body should be in as few pieces as possible and the styling very minimalistic due to cost and manufacturing reasons.

The car has to be a revelation to drive by having chassis & controls which have 997 GT3 levels of finely judged damping, steering, clutch and gear-lever. It must definitely NOT drive like a stiffly set up race car with sequential gearbox. The steering wheel and gear lever should have a precise, delicate yet decent "chunky" feel to them as the best Porsche. A flat six powertrain could work well, while V8, V10 & V12 options are left to other cars in the range.

While the open topped architecture is a vital part of the car's soul it must not feel small inside like a BAC Mono or Valkyrie. It must have sufficient body roll and compliance to make it "chuckable", predictable and easy to handle under and over the limit as if it was a 911.

The interior should be simplified but not unwelcoming; it should be cossetting but not claustrophobic. For cost and rigidity reasons the car will not have doors and electric windows.

The seats should have nicely cross-stitched alcantara and the steering wheel should be soft to the touch (i.e. the right materials). The stitching and seat belts should be two tone in grey and red or grey and light blue.

Styling inspiration: