Future 818R builders

[C.Plavan]

Just curious if any of you will be checking the box for the "Windshield Option" like me. That way if a cool hardtop comes out, we can install the windshield and add bars to the roll cage for a proper cage.
The only problem I see is getting in and out of the car, because of the doors.

Thoughts?

[slopoke]

a hardtop would almost have to be a gullwing or some sort of scissor-type arrangement to allow us wookies to clamber in and out (dare I say) ... gracefully

[wleehendrick]

Doors? Who needs doors?

Bo and Luke climbing into car_1088026017.jpg

[THE ITALIAN]

I like the car you want to build, However I see the Gull Wing as cheesy, the hard top as impossible (we're talking R model) The Bikini top like on the roadster is a very good possibility. It pushes away, you get in, then you lock it down. This car will not accept the windows and stuff that we get in normal production cars unless someone builds a million dollar kit, the whole idea of this car is fun, not luxury.

The roll cage,,,,I have seen some real good adaptors that can be pulled on and off (with tools) I would have a worry of compromising the whole idea that was built in for safety in the design itself.I have seen removable roll bars that lift out with just pins, but then you may have a rattle trap. We just have to see how things work out.
I'm sittin back like at the movies

[C.Plavan]

I personally would never have a roll cage with a pin setup. But that's just me. I have seen welded bars fail, but lets not get off topic.

I am specifically talking about the 818R- not S. The R is meant to be at the race track exploring the limits of the car. Making it safer, AND faster is always a good thing. I'm not a "Wookie", I am 5'11" 178 pounds, so I probably can get through the window with a hardtop and roll bar/cage modification.

A hardtop is an option later if the window is large enough to get in and out. It will help the Aerodynamics, and be safer by adding bars to the rollcage (A pillars). I would cut out the current angled side bars of course.

Going 160mph, I would like a roof/cage over my head

[longislandwrx]

I ordered it without. The only reason I thought about ordering one is so I can take my 3 year old out with me on the street. Fortunately I found a pink helmet for her that fits perfect.

The hard top would most likely be designed for the S and I seriously doubt it would be wide enough on top to clear the R's roll cage.

[Samiam1017]

You don't need a windshield or top to put a full cage in so I don't understand what one as to do with the other

[C.Plavan]

You don't need a windshield or top to put a full cage in so I don't understand what one as to do with the other

1- Aerodynamics
2- Looks, because it's beautiful car. (Not a fan of roll cages without windshield/roofs in race cars- ruins the look of the car, even though technically safer)

A hardtop would fix both.

[DodgyTim]

I may buy the screen as an option, but if I put it on for the registration process I'd legally also need wipers, washers and a demister (even without a roof!)
All that extra stuff is heading the wrong way for me, I'm going for an ultra simple, light build.
I do take your point about a full cage, it would be nice

[flynntuna]

An idea like this may work,but you would have to fabricate the whole thing. I saw this in an issue of Hot Rod mag and it could be an option if one has the fab skills to pull it off. I myself don't have these skills, but would consider buying it from a vendor who could build it.

[C.Plavan]

Ugly to me-
946645_536777813050919_1206533656_n.jpg

Way better looking like the 818R
entry-level-lotus-2-eleven-1.jpg

[D2W]

On google i saw a Lotus 340R (no doors like the 818R) that somebody had made a hardtop with gullwing/scissor doors built into the hardtop. I'm sure it made getting in and out easier.

[flynntuna]

Is this what you saw?

On google i saw a Lotus 340R (no doors like the 818R) that somebody had made a hardtop with gullwing/scissor doors built into the hardtop. I'm sure it made getting in and out easier.

[D2W]

yes

[mrvwcastner]

I will be getting optional full glass for occasional cars & coffee run or even drive it to the track for a close autocross. I plan on having plates even if they are seldom used.

[frogracing]

If you put the car in an enclosed trailer to go to the races, you won't be able to open the doors anyway. The thing that really matters is to have a removable steering wheel especially if you have bucket seats. It made a huge difference in my Corvette to get in and out.