R_1
mtm - Motorentechnik Mayer
Briefing:
- Design for a super sports car
- Race as well as road homologation
- Pure and direct driving experience
- Optional Targa
- No classic Group-C design
- Prominent and polarising design
- Highlighting engineering components
- Implementation of carry-over-parts
- Target group: Technophile, ambitioned drivers
Scope:
- Sketches
- Tapes
- CAD/CAS - full digital model of body, underbody, frame and design relevant components
- Renderings
- Milled quarter scale model (supervision)
Project R_1 was launched in 2002 by mtm.
The design was created by Marco Vanetta during an Internship at Fuore Design, Barcelona and subsequently as diploma thesis at Munich University (Tutor: Prof. Wickenheiser).
In this first evloution stage the design was presented to the public during 2003 degree show at Munich University.
The R_1 is an two-seater sports car (roadster with hardtop) consequently implementing the trend for exclusive cars with distinctiv character.
Sheer power together with low weight not as an end in itself but as quintessence of the R-1 concept: No compromise.
In contrast to current sporst cars only mature and race-approved technology is used. Therefore a reasonable price as well as easy and economic maintenance and repair are guaranteed. Actually the R_1 is not meant to be an adequat medium for the boulevard but rather for self-awareness on the race track .
Smaller or bigger "injuries" on the car will be ordinary battle marks.
Tracks as the Nürburgring are the home of the R_1. However the USP is the compatibility of the R_1: It is an absolutly competitive race car with road homologation. Moreover transport is obsolete - the R_1 can be driven to the track .
Only by ambition and motivation the R_1 reaches itd full potential. Every single ride will show the laws of physics to the driver. The R_1 is supposed to be a well-thought part of your life's plan.
The concept and the design remind of a motor cycle. Components as well as the driver are visible, not covered. The full design impact only gets visible by intense use - when people around can see a blazing manifold and the driver realises a steadily moving push rod suspension.
Short overhangs and big wheel arches represent the load-bearing elements. Rocker and shoulder are clamped between the wheels. Those components together with front and rear end form an outer frame which retains the inner volume consisting of the cockpit and the engine.
All air in- and outtakes which are elementary for such a car are main features of the design. One could say: all surfaces are modelled around those vents. In addition this creates a light-weight appearance.
The main characteristic of the R_1: Harmonic roughness instead of cheesy elegance, relentlessness instead of reservation.