Things I build @ work (cars)

General Composites Discussions Showcase
#1

I’ve got a new job about 3 months ago, and since beginning of this month I lead the composites area at a small car builder.
I build all of the composite parts and do some forming of windows, prototyping and testpieces, and will (probably) do the mouldbuilding and production setup for the new car.
All cars are made by hand, so it’s not a huge company (about 30 cars a year leave the factory, different models)
My contracts prevent me from sharing nearly everything, but I can share some presspics (from autoblog.nl)

So what are the composite parts?
nose, sidepanels, cyclewings, scuttle, roof, doors, rear, chairs, dahsboard, some internal structures, and some engine dress up parts. All made from pre-pregs, mostly carbon fiber. indside parts all clear coated, the next will have clear coated sidepanels too.
Power: 270 hp audi engine
Weight: +/- 750 kg
Speed: faster than you dare ;)(estimated: 250+ kmph, 0-100 kmph in 3.7 seconds.)

#2

That is absolutely unbelieveable!

#3

I love the leather fancy luxury center counsel looking thing in the xxxxpit of a race car.
But in sort…F all mate, what is one nice looking thing. Based off the Prowler?

#4

how much they sell for?

#5

Damn that is one sweet looking car although I must admit I’m more jealous of your job than the car! Any tips on how to get in on one of these small car manufacturer’s as an engineer?

#6

this one the most expensive, cheapest version is about 150000 euro
This one is based on the car that won the 24 hour race at dubai in the GT4 class. The carbon sidepanels are glued to the steel frame, what enhances the stiffnes significantly.

It’s based originally on the lotus super seven, so it’s a cousin from the caterham. The open version this one is based on resembles the lotus a lot more, but this one (and the upcoming GTO) don’t share much but the idee from that car. There is a lot more coming, but I can’t share that (yet).
For those interested, this one is called the D8 GT, the open one is called the D8, and the new will be the GTO. All Donkervoort .

Any tips on how to get in on one of these small car manufacturer’s as an engineer?

apply for a job, haha. I have a background in boatbuilding with various types of laminating, I applied, convinced them I could build cars, and working with prepregs wasn’t that hard to learn. Three months later I’m still learning how to work with prepregs, but products are coming out faster and nicer than the ones before me could produce them :slight_smile:

#7

WoW Susho
That’s one of the xxxiest cars in NL.
Made in the Netherlands with pride!!
Could you arange a guided tour one day?? I’m doing a kevlar hatch for my car and can use some help aswell :cheesy:

#8

Thats interesting Is it a monocoque??