Sneak Peak at the new MK5

[Higgybulin]

I'm thinking about ordering Coupe #2...

Is there something I should hold off a bit for?

Thanks,
Dave
Gen III Coupe #17
22500+ miles

Order today!! Last day of the $2024 sale!! I am sure you could adjust your order before its promise date.
Higgy
Higgy

[NiceGuyEddie]

OK if no one wants to comment to my comment where I said I'm surprised there's a MK5 because they said there would not BE a MK5 because "it can't be improved" that's OK but...

Can someone at least tell me if you need a subscription to Powernation TV to see the video? All I get is a dead link and there's no new video on their YouTube channel.

[Papa]

OK if no one wants to comment to my comment where I said I'm surprised there's a MK5 because they said there would not BE a MK5 because "it can't be improved" that's OK but...

Can someone at least tell me if you need a subscription to Powernation TV to see the video? All I get is a dead link and there's no new video on their YouTube channel.

The link works for me -- no subscription.

[Higgybulin]

I went to their site and it was there
https://www.powernationtv.com/

[mrmustang]

OK if no one wants to comment to my comment where I said I'm surprised there's a MK5 because they said there would not BE a MK5 because "it can't be improved" that's OK but...

Can someone at least tell me if you need a subscription to Powernation TV to see the video? All I get is a dead link and there's no new video on their YouTube channel.

Did not load using firefox or Edge, it did load using Seamonkey and Safari

Bill S.

[fauxbra5.0]

OK if no one wants to comment to my comment where I said I'm surprised there's a MK5 because they said there would not BE a MK5 because "it can't be improved" that's OK but...

Can someone at least tell me if you need a subscription to Powernation TV to see the video? All I get is a dead link and there's no new video on their YouTube channel.

The link works, but may not display if you have a pop-up/ad blocker on your browser. Its free to watch, no subscription required.

[Candocad]

https://www.powernationtv.com/episod...-collaboration

14:56 "the carbon body", now I am very , very interested...............

[Blitzboy54]

https://www.powernationtv.com/episod...-collaboration

14:56 "the carbon body", now I am very , very interested...............

I have it from a reliable source the hard top will only be offered in carbon fiber.


Which is so sick

[rich grsc]

No one ever said there would never be a Mrk5

[Todd Baumann]

I have it from a reliable source the hard top will only be offered in carbon fiber.


Which is so sick

I would say your source should be checked again

[GoDadGo]

No one ever said there would never be a Mrk5

Rich,

My brother, 6'4" with size 15 feet, and my other big buddies are hoping that this car gives them the options to build a Factory-5 Cobra.
As for me, at 5'10" and 170 pounds, my MK-4 fits me like a glove plus I love the period correctness of the 4" round tube chassis.
On the same note, I still want to build a Type-65 because I think that car is Factory-5's finest vehicle that they ever produced.
I just wish Dave would bring back the Type-65 Spyder since they can now produce a square tube open top roadster chassis.

Steve

[rich grsc]

Steve, I have no issue with improvements, round frame or not just doesn't make much difference. I didn't but an FFR because the frame was round tube. I may consider a Mrk5, but the fun of building just isn't there like it used to be.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I would say your source should be checked again

Todd,
PM sent.

Jeff

[ydousurf]

While I appreciate what Dave and his team are attempting to do; however, I now wonder if they fixed a problem that didn't need to be fixed.

I wish them luck on this new endeavor but after some soul searching I still prefer the round tube chassis.

I just don't know if this is a step forward or simply change for change sake.

Only Time & Future Sale Will Tell So I Wish Them Great Luck!

I think Steve said it pretty well! Now, here’s my five cents worth…..

First, congratulations to; Dave, Jim, Jesper and the entire crew at FFR who continue to innovate and build on past designs to make them in many ways, that much better.

Second, as an attempt to solve certain issues and help bring new ideas to life, and revenue for that matter, I must give them credit there as well! (Loud round of applause!)

Third, I was surprised that this was announced on PN and not here on TFFForum or the FF website or their FB page or YT channel for that matter. I stopped watching PN back when Ian left the show.

Anyway, as for the new design, I think it’s great that FF took a new approach with the space frame design to achieve certain goals. However, the MK4 frame was a reflection on a past connection and nod to the original and that made it very special. The new frame looks “busy” and now I feel it just doesn’t compliment the car as a whole, but it will no doubt serve its purpose. Though, I do feel it has lost that attractive element to give a sparkle to its overall beauty of the body and chassis.

Don’t get me wrong, if I was building a roadster to race full-time, I would definitely want the new chassis. But as the majority of consumers just want a great car to drive and show, then the MK4 is what I would want. I guess I’m glad I got this chassis version. There are other subtle changes that may not allow specific custom modifications, I’m not going to point them out. The chassis and changes will work as designed.

Fourth, hopefully FFR will hold onto the now (Legacy MK4) as an option to purchase for those who feel the same about the beauty of the front X-crossmember and twin tube look. Not to mention the new price $$$, which I suspect will be much more higher for initial base/complete kits for the MK5?

As for the new hardtop, it’s also great to see that they have developed one. I was a strong advocate to get another seller of these as a supported vendor on this site. Having a hard top truly gives the car a wild new look. A two-for-one kinda deal! However, remember, constructive criticism is a good thing! I’m not sure I like the rear spoiler and having to remove the trunk to fit the top? I think just as with the F9 concept, I felt they should target their consumers with “various options” to choose from and not just a one-size-design fits all. Offering it with or without a: front spoiler, rear deck wing, hood, top and side scoop choices, etc. I know they have to be careful of current trademark designs with the MK5 hard top. Anyway, hopefully they will offer new “geometry correct roll-bars” for the MK4 to fit the MK5 hard top and expand the selling aspect to previous MK4 Roadster owners. I’m still considering either a hard top option, or hopefully a Rods Tops choice in 2025. I definitely want a top for times when maybe a long trip in the sun would be more beneficial than a hat.

Again, congrats FFR on the MK5 version! I know there will be many satisfied builders of this platform in the future! And for those of you with patience and unlimited funds at hand, maybe just maybe be ready for, well, I think I am safe to assume 30th Anniversary MK5 at least (2 of 30) available with or without the top? The anniversary models are really special and I’m honored to have had the privilege to be building the 25th edition. Though, I thought I would’ve had it on the road already, but life got in the way. Oh well.

Fifth, my one last penny for thoughts... I just hope FFR releases a new wheel design to compliment the 30th anniversary. I fell in love with the 25th anniversary wheels when I first saw them and it was a major factor in my decision to want to have this edition, and I feel very fortunate to have a set. So, for what it is worth Dave, if you do make a new wheel set for FFR’s 30th, make a bunch of extra sets and add me to the list - - - - - PLEASE! I know they will be awesome and I would surely like an extra set for my Roadster.

All the best FFR. I/WE can’t wait to hear other wonderful news coming in the near future…..

Doug

[i.e.427]

No one ever said there would never be a Mrk5

I guess that depends on what never means? I was at a dinner, out here in SoCal, a number of years ago when Dave said "the Mk4 is the last bite of the apple". Everyone in that room was lead to believe that there would not be a Mk5. Now, it's Dave company to run and I have no issue with a Mk5. But he did say it.

Frank

[ydousurf]

For those wondering… Dave said it in this opening video -
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6ckgfk...Vydmlldw%3D%3D

Funny. I always believed there would eventually be a MK5. Though, I figured it would be fully electric. Maybe an MK6?

Doug

[Todd Baumann]

Blitzboy54,

I got to say sorry, but it looks like you are correct and Dave has changed his mind since we did the show.
Unfortunately I was right for about a month and a half.
I was updated this afternoon and was told that you are correct and it will be only a carbon top.
Sad that this will be the case because I know there are tons of guys that would love to do the top but are really torn now cause they would be painting it instead of leaving it as is.

Todd

[GoDadGo]

I Guess Dave Got Bored!

https://youtu.be/6ckgfkPU8Ss

As for me, I'm very happy with my Dark Side MK-4 Chassis #8515.

https://youtu.be/iwslgKJUaKc

Good Luck To Dave & His Team Regarding The MK-5!

[Blitzboy54]

Blitzboy54,

I got to say sorry, but it looks like you are correct and Dave has changed his mind since we did the show.
Unfortunately I was right for about a month and a half.
I was updated this afternoon and was told that you are correct and it will be only a carbon top.
Sad that this will be the case because I know there are tons of guys that would love to do the top but are really torn now cause they would be painting it instead of leaving it as is.

Todd

No worries, wouldn’t carbon fiber give you the option of leaving it naked? I would think a carbon top would go with just about anything. You could still paint it if you wanted.

If it was glass it would be in gel coat no?

[Pizzman76]

A company with a good-selling product doesn't get there without continued innovation. Innovation attracts new builders like myself and brings back some of you multi-vehicle builders who just purchase kits for the fun of building them.
This forum alone is a community of people partly responsible for Mk5. Every time someone works through some challenge in their build and figures it out with the help of this community, FFR has an opportunity to improve on the product.

[FFinisher]

They do have a price hike coming. I am curious what this one will cost or if these two things are connected in any way. I am real interested in seeing that hard top in finished form too. Although in my experience this car isn’t nearly as fun to drive with a lid on it.


I’m excited to see the first build threads. I hope whoever gets one publishes here. Best part of this forum is when one person does something new we all get to go along for the ride.

I know the guy who has the first one…but he got it before it was announced and he is not much for posting. I will, I mean he will, answer any questions though.FFR hit a home run here. I have built many many mkiv’s. There is nothing to be ashamed of there. Like all companies , FFR continues to improve on their best. This is the outcome of those efforts….. and the top is super cool!

[Jeff Kleiner]

No worries, wouldn’t carbon fiber give you the option of leaving it naked? I would think a carbon top would go with just about anything. You could still paint it if you wanted.

If it was glass it would be in gel coat no?

Yes, the CF can be painted or left raw. The current plan for mine is somewhere in between

Yes, if the top was produced in 'glass it would be gel coat same as the body.

I know the guy who has the first one…FFR hit a home run here. I have built many many mkiv’s. There is nothing to be ashamed of there. Like all companies , FFR continues to improve on their best. This is the outcome of those efforts…..

Exactly! Yes, Dave did indeed say "last bite of the apple"...but that was 14 years ago! Think of it as being the last bite of the round tube chassis apple. Did you see the part of the video where Dave said "do something better every day"? That's what this is. I happen to know the guy with the second one and when the time is right there will be posts.

Jeff

[rich grsc]

I guess that depends on what never means? I was at a dinner, out here in SoCal, a number of years ago when Dave said "the Mk4 is the last bite of the apple". Everyone in that room was lead to believe that there would not be a Mk5. Now, it's Dave company to run and I have no issue with a Mk5. But he did say it.

Frank

I guess the real meaning of my post is.......never say never

[Papa]

I for one am happy to see FFR not content to sit idly on their past success but rather continuing to innovate and improve their product offerings. When you think about what put them on the map, it was the concept of building a Cobra using a donor Mustang. That worked really well for many years, but as the Mustang evolved, the donor concept started to dry up and most kits are now built with all new parts. Fast forward to the XTF designed around the donor model with the F150 and a truck-crazy market. Genius!! Watching FFR's investment in the production of their kits has been amazing. I suspect when you look at the new MK5 frame vs. the Coupe frame, they are 90% the same, which allows for reduced production costs and hopefully keeps these kits within reach for the builder community.

[BRRT]

The purchase of the laser tube cutter really opened the door to revisiting the frame design. When you can make your parts "self fixture" it saves time and money, plus makes for a more consistent, repeatable product. Serious respect for what FFR (Dave) is doing.
They are a model for many larger companies.

[MPTech]

Don't forget, the new MK5 is tapping into a new market that FFR has not been able to adequetly address up till now; Tall / Big guys!
I know there are mods that could be done, but there were compromises and extra work/cost to accomodate them.
With additional interior space, dropped floor, and seat sliders, FFR can better compete with the other manufacturers for these buyers.
Seems like this would also open the door for more seat options too!
I think this was a very smart decision on FFR's part to go in this direction, especially if they plan to also offer the MK4/vintage Round-tube version for the "original" crowd.

Someone mentioned earlier in the post about body improvements. What might these be??

[rich grsc]

Not red???

[MPTech]

Forget the Godzilla, THIS is what the mk5 needs!
SOHC.jpg

[rich grsc]

Mark, can you get me one for Christmas? I'd be for ever grateful.

[FFinisher]

Not red???

Yup. Not red.

[Higgybulin]

Yes, the CF can be painted or left raw. The current plan for mine is somewhere in between

Yes, if the top was produced in 'glass it would be gel coat same as the body.




Exactly! Yes, Dave did indeed say "last bite of the apple"...but that was 14 years ago! Think of it as being the last bite of the round tube chassis apple. Did you see the part of the video where Dave said "do something better every day"? That's what this is. I happen to know the guy with the second one and when the time is right there will be posts.

Jeff

How did I not read this before?!!!
Higgy

[CW_MI]

The new improvements look great, and that hard top...wow.
I've been bummed that I can't purchase my kit for another year....maybe this will end up working out for the best. As long as the price increase isn't too drastic.

[fauxbra5.0]

The new improvements look great, and that hard top...wow.
I've been bummed that I can't purchase my kit for another year....maybe this will end up working out for the best. As long as the price increase isn't too drastic.

sometimes procrastination pays off!

[jpschramek]

Ok well now I've got a big dilemma. I've been planning on ordering the Type 65 Coupe next year but now I'm starting to rethink my decision and wait for the Roadster MK5 with that roof. Curious to hear people opinions on what the differences would be besides looks between the two.

[rich grsc]

The top is CF, so my guess is not cheap? That said it does look great

[Papa]

Ok well now I've got a big dilemma. I've been planning on ordering the Type 65 Coupe next year but now I'm starting to rethink my decision and wait for the Roadster MK5 with that roof. Curious to hear people opinions on what the differences would be besides looks between the two.

I haven't driven or built a Coupe, so my comments are not based on experience with the Coupe. In my opinion, the Coupe is a lot more exclusive with the proliferation of replica Cobras on the road. I suspect the coupe will be a bit more expensive to build and a bit more complex to build (body fitment being the biggest difference in that respect).

[lewma]

a bit more expensive to build and a bit more complex to build

you're right

[AMRE2ME2]

Apparently this video has been taken down because now it’s a video of an engine build. I don’t suppose anyone saved it and could send it to me?

[Papa]

Apparently this video has been taken down because now it’s a video of an engine build. I don’t suppose anyone saved it and could send it to me?

Still there: https://www.powernationtv.com/episod...-collaboration