Ever since I started on this project, the rear seat has been bugging me, in regards to a person having to sit back there in a confined space, staring at the back of the driver's seat and head, I have always felt it was unnacceptable, and of course was the major reason I moved to having a rear door, unlike the Elio.
But it doesn't help the space issue, or rather, the lack of space for the passenger, especially their legs of course, and it's been eating at me the entire project, along with a few other annoyances, a critical one being the fitment of air conditioning under the dash, there simple isn't room.
So 2 weeks ago, i decided to test out a "staggered seat" arrangement, modifying the current design to be wider at the base, but no wider at the roof, obviously tilting the sides to achieve that (3 degrees each side), and mending a few design issues as well along the way, but I digress ....
"Staggered seating" is achieved by moving the driver's seat to the left, and the rear seat to the right, offsetting them to each other, and here are the reasons why:
Passenger is more forward, with full forward viewing access.This also aids in the stability of the 3 wheeler with the weight moved forward away from the single rear wheel.
Passenger feels more part of the trip, rather than hidden 'down in the back'.
Massive leg room for passenger, and that is simply NOT available with tandem seating.
More storage space available, both next to the driver's seat, and directly behind the driver (next to the passenger).
Both seats can be reclined backwards for comfort and naps, with passenger in the car.
2 x front doors only needed, better visual balance of car design rather than "odd door".
2 OEM front doors allows use of OEM door trims, making internal trimming of car less complicated, and improved internal asthetics. Also electric windows on both front doors.
Length of car and length of wheelbase will be shorter shorter for better parking and maneuverability.
Overall styling presence improved due to better length to width ratio.
Car is lighter and cheaper due to less material useage.
Rear vision improved due to greater taper angle and narrower rear.
Car's stability and safety is improved with better 'reverse trike wheelbase triangle' ratio, and passenger/storage weight further forward.
Use of more standard 'off the shelf' parts such as steering rack, brake master cylinder, brake booster and pedal box (that before had to be assembled from different models cars) and modified previously. Also standard steering intermediate shaft, and clutch master cylinder and pedal box.
Most of these are important changes, but one of the most important is large area now available for an air conditioner unit, which was proving to be an issue.
In summary the main primary reasons for the change are:
-Passenger comfort.
-Passenger forward vision, and can see driver's face.
-Air conditioner fitment.
-Ease of cargo carrying ability.
-Ability to utilise unmodified OEM components, and less bespoke parts.
-The awesome things I have forgotten to write here today.
Anyway, look at the video for some explanation ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xDhNzCMwKs[youtube]www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xDhNzCMwKs[/youtube]
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