HethelSport has been developing some suspension systems, and while they are not nearly ready for release, here's some info. There are also some brief updates and pictures on Facebook. I don't think you have to be signed-in to see these: HethelSport | Suspension Testing
The Evora is pretty darn good and I definitely acknowledge that on Facebook. Every vehicle in the world has compromises. For the street, I believe the Evora compromises (not flaws) are perfect for the car and the target drivers. On track, it can depend on the race circuit, the driver's comfort at the limit, and their experience. For example, I spent three days at Laguna Seca and the stock suspension was pretty darn good at most turns, including the Corkscrew. But at the very technical Sonoma Raceway, at speed, the compromise-turns and the esses really throw the Evora off. The stock setup compresses too much and then releases too quickly and too much--at speed, the car pogos left and right. Throttle steer can also be better--it's okay but in an IPS car with a torque converter, it lags behind the manual. We've already fixed both. We're now working on increasing shear grip!
We also have a track sway bar kit that--in addition to the shocks--will allow more tuning. It's a simple, inexpensive addition that will allow owners to tune the balance of the car. I personally like slightly loose cars... the setup I have now is awesome. "WRC" awesome!
Well, not quite but it drives like it.
We have three suspension systems in development--they are not tiered but three different setups at three different price points. All of these kits are ours--they are not rebranded pieces. None are 'race setups' either--they are all meant for the street with varying levels of track appropriateness, and all systems will allow corner balancing.
System-A is what I'm experimenting with now and it's wonderful on both the track & street with only a slight increase in ride stiffness--if you have decent roads, as a passenger, your S.O. probably won't notice any difference on the street. We're about 3/4 through development on this.
System-B steps up with Penske shocks. It will provide more adjustments and more suspension control. I'm not willing to make a statement about ride compromises yet--often, advanced shock valve technology will allow stiffer springs to feel softer while making the car more compliant--that's the magic of shock valve tuning and certainly what I'm hoping for here. We're about 1/4 through development on this.
System-C will be similar to -B but with the very best shocks available. Yes, I thought Penskes were the very best--it turns out, that's not always the case. The suspension shop's expectation for this system is ridiculously high. Also 1/4.
System-1 will be comparable to the stock shocks in wear and maintenance. -B & -C will require more maintenance, perhaps every 25,000 street miles but for those that track their Evoras, I expect it will be worth it. Contrary to the trend, neither -B or -C will have too many adjustments--I feel strongly that shocks with too many adjustments are too complex for anyone except suspension experts with years of dedicated experience. This overabundance of adjustments almost always yields an improperly setup car and is generally not appropriate for a streetable car. When we get all three to around 8 or 9/10ths development, we'll re-evaluate and see which kits make it to market. I've been advocating for -A and -B only but the engineers have said I will melt when -C is dialed in.
We've been working on this for six-plus months. You can extrapolate our time line.
Prices... I hope System-A will be comparable to other entry level shocks. Our will have less adjustability but much better overall performance. System-C might be ±2x -A.
The above started as a response to some questions in another post but I realized this might deserve it's own interest and thread. The original questions appeared here: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f170/would-you-go-back-elise-373402/index2.html#post5203138
@brgelise Thanks for asking. Yes--I have held a racing license, have raced, have been a driving instructor for almost twenty years, have literally thousands of hours on-track at-speed, and have driven on race tracks in three continents. However, the real expertise comes from other racing professionals and a suspension shop that I have confirmed with shock manufactures as 'the' racing & custom suspension shop in the country. I'm pretty okay at this but I've surrounded myself with much better company.
The Evora is pretty darn good and I definitely acknowledge that on Facebook. Every vehicle in the world has compromises. For the street, I believe the Evora compromises (not flaws) are perfect for the car and the target drivers. On track, it can depend on the race circuit, the driver's comfort at the limit, and their experience. For example, I spent three days at Laguna Seca and the stock suspension was pretty darn good at most turns, including the Corkscrew. But at the very technical Sonoma Raceway, at speed, the compromise-turns and the esses really throw the Evora off. The stock setup compresses too much and then releases too quickly and too much--at speed, the car pogos left and right. Throttle steer can also be better--it's okay but in an IPS car with a torque converter, it lags behind the manual. We've already fixed both. We're now working on increasing shear grip!
We also have a track sway bar kit that--in addition to the shocks--will allow more tuning. It's a simple, inexpensive addition that will allow owners to tune the balance of the car. I personally like slightly loose cars... the setup I have now is awesome. "WRC" awesome!
Well, not quite but it drives like it.We have three suspension systems in development--they are not tiered but three different setups at three different price points. All of these kits are ours--they are not rebranded pieces. None are 'race setups' either--they are all meant for the street with varying levels of track appropriateness, and all systems will allow corner balancing.
System-A is what I'm experimenting with now and it's wonderful on both the track & street with only a slight increase in ride stiffness--if you have decent roads, as a passenger, your S.O. probably won't notice any difference on the street. We're about 3/4 through development on this.
System-B steps up with Penske shocks. It will provide more adjustments and more suspension control. I'm not willing to make a statement about ride compromises yet--often, advanced shock valve technology will allow stiffer springs to feel softer while making the car more compliant--that's the magic of shock valve tuning and certainly what I'm hoping for here. We're about 1/4 through development on this.
System-C will be similar to -B but with the very best shocks available. Yes, I thought Penskes were the very best--it turns out, that's not always the case. The suspension shop's expectation for this system is ridiculously high. Also 1/4.
System-1 will be comparable to the stock shocks in wear and maintenance. -B & -C will require more maintenance, perhaps every 25,000 street miles but for those that track their Evoras, I expect it will be worth it. Contrary to the trend, neither -B or -C will have too many adjustments--I feel strongly that shocks with too many adjustments are too complex for anyone except suspension experts with years of dedicated experience. This overabundance of adjustments almost always yields an improperly setup car and is generally not appropriate for a streetable car. When we get all three to around 8 or 9/10ths development, we'll re-evaluate and see which kits make it to market. I've been advocating for -A and -B only but the engineers have said I will melt when -C is dialed in.
We've been working on this for six-plus months. You can extrapolate our time line.
Prices... I hope System-A will be comparable to other entry level shocks. Our will have less adjustability but much better overall performance. System-C might be ±2x -A.
The above started as a response to some questions in another post but I realized this might deserve it's own interest and thread. The original questions appeared here: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f170/would-you-go-back-elise-373402/index2.html#post5203138
@brgelise Thanks for asking. Yes--I have held a racing license, have raced, have been a driving instructor for almost twenty years, have literally thousands of hours on-track at-speed, and have driven on race tracks in three continents.
However, the real expertise comes from other racing professionals and a suspension shop that I have confirmed with shock manufactures as 'the' racing & custom suspension shop in the country. I'm pretty okay at this but I've surrounded myself with much better company.
