The earliest work on this project was related to the Mk4 Roadster, Local Motors, and the Gen 2 GTM. R&D Dir Jim Schenck was charged with the selection/identification of the next Factory Five. There was intense debate as there were two competing projects, this subaru-based sports car we've called the 818 and an off-road truck project (which was beaten back by the first).

We knew the 818 design goals and price targets would involve a paint-free body design (gel coat), so the work on the new Mk4 molds and red gel coat was done to prepare for that and learn about the process. That projects in one car affect others is by design, and the real chance that the 818 will be free from "requiring paint" is a result of the work done on the Mk4. I'm not saying the mk4 is a gel-coat only, paint free body (it is not), but that molding work got us close and helped us learn what we need to do on the 818 to reach that goal. Paint alone is a HUGE enemy of the completed car budget. Most may paint the car, but by having an option like gel coating, the car can be built for a real low budget.