Sneak Peek - Goblin V2

[MeltedSolid]

Any updates as it has been almost 4 months. I am wondering if the focus is somewhere else as I see they are also working on a VW bug chassis with a GTI motor and they started pre orders on it back in 2023 and it also has still not been released.

We just got an update 2 weeks ago with pictures of our completed chassis, they're doing powder coating right now.

 

[Mhuerter]

Thanks for the update. It would be good if they would give the public more updates. I was looking at a GTI on Copart, but did not bid as I do not know where they stood on production.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

The V2 prototype is pretty much complete, as I was in Red Oak at Christmas and reviewed it's progress with Adam. It is probably complete by now as a final design. To reinforce this, @Justinreed7 racing V2 chassis was in final assembly when I was there. The V2 is a go ahead, as the evolution of the Goblin is a requirement over the V1, as has been discussed in this thread.

Personally I would be more worried if just starting a V1, as this version is winding down as the V2 is beginning to wind up. This transition is not an easy thing to accomplish. DF being a very small company makes it even harder and Adam is doing the best he can to accommodate questions, getting to the most important where possible, but trying to get to them all is more than a full time job. Be patient, if you have ordered a V2 there will be information forthcoming. If you still on fence about ordering a kit and/or picking up a donor, then the information on the forum in the V2 postings may be your best (and quickest) place to get information.

 

[Lonny]

Hey everyone,

It’s been a while since our last check-in. We’ve been heads-down in the shop reengineering, testing, and finalizing the V2 Goblin, and we wanted to give you a transparent look at where we are.

The "Cascade" for a Better Product

One of the biggest recent shifts was ensuring the V2 frame is track-ready. We made the decision to incorporate X braces to meet requirements for various racing events. While this was the right move for the product, it triggered a massive "cascade" effect:

• We had to completely remodel the frame.
• Every plasma file, tube bending program, sheet metal part, tab, and weld jig had to be checked and updated to match.

As of last week, that massive modeling effort is 100% complete. The result is a much more rigid, high-performance frame that allows for easier powerplant swaps and future upgrades.

Current Production Status

• Frame #1: Our first production frame is officially at the powder coating shop!
• Frame #2: This second frame is nearing completion in the jig right now.
• Parts: Many parts have been sourced, with several being upgraded during this refinement phase to ensure better performance and easier assembly.

What’s Next: The "Big Ticket" Items

While the chassis progress is huge, we still have a ways to go before complete kits are ready to ship. Our next major focus is the exterior:

• Machining Body Panel Bucks: We are moving into the precision machining phase for the buck forms.
• Molding: Once the bucks are ready, we’ll begin laying up the production molds for the bodywork.

This version of the Goblin has had significantly more thought put into production-readiness and modularity. It’s taking time to get these details right, but it’s making for a much more refined kit.

Thanks for sticking with us while we dial in the V2. We’re excited to see these start coming together!

— Lonny & the DF Kit Car Team

 

[Classy]

I love this! I would love the 3D files to help design some things I have planned.

The front suspension gets in the way of the electric FWD I want to do, but that is a me problem.

What is the grey box above the engine?

 

[Lonny]

We are adding an optional storage box under the engine cover floor. We will likely use a hinge on the forward edge of the floor and a catch on the rear.

 

[Gtstorey]

I wouldn't try and carry your ice cream home in that.

 

[Lonny]

It has a refrigerated cooling system option for ice cream.

 

[Rttoys]

It has a refrigerated cooling system option for ice cream.

Could easily be done using the ac system.

 

[MeltedSolid]

Could easily be done using the ac system.

The golf actually has a refrigerated glove box using the AC system controlled with an adjustable vent so it's not even far fetched.

 

[Classy]

Could be rough with a air to water heat exchanger cooking at 100-200 degrees right below it

 

[95Blitz]

I like that wing mount.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

I like that wing mount.

It's almost up where it needs to be.

 

[95Blitz]

It's almost up where it needs to be.

I was looking at mounting a wing above the main hoop. It would look silly but would be in clean air if 5 or so inches above it. But now I think using the rear bars like the V2 is setup would be much more visually appealing. It just needs to be about a foot higher at that location.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

I'm a believer in functionality over just looking good. Mounting the wing at the rear edge of roof -with a full flat surface roof panel - is the ideal location. Downforce is almost directly over the center of gravity and the airflow is as clean as can be found on the Goblin chassis.

Call it silly, but it can pull double duty as an air brake if you have the right skills for fabrication.

 

[95Blitz]

Yes SIR just like that...

 

[Mhuerter]

Hey everyone,

It’s been a while since our last check-in. We’ve been heads-down in the shop reengineering, testing, and finalizing the V2 Goblin, and we wanted to give you a transparent look at where we are.

The "Cascade" for a Better Product

One of the biggest recent shifts was ensuring the V2 frame is track-ready. We made the decision to incorporate X braces to meet requirements for various racing events. While this was the right move for the product, it triggered a massive "cascade" effect:

• We had to completely remodel the frame.
• Every plasma file, tube bending program, sheet metal part, tab, and weld jig had to be checked and updated to match.

As of last week, that massive modeling effort is 100% complete. The result is a much more rigid, high-performance frame that allows for easier powerplant swaps and future upgrades.

Current Production Status

• Frame #1: Our first production frame is officially at the powder coating shop!
• Frame #2: This second frame is nearing completion in the jig right now.
• Parts: Many parts have been sourced, with several being upgraded during this refinement phase to ensure better performance and easier assembly.

What’s Next: The "Big Ticket" Items

While the chassis progress is huge, we still have a ways to go before complete kits are ready to ship. Our next major focus is the exterior:

• Machining Body Panel Bucks: We are moving into the precision machining phase for the buck forms.
• Molding: Once the bucks are ready, we’ll begin laying up the production molds for the bodywork.

This version of the Goblin has had significantly more thought put into production-readiness and modularity. It’s taking time to get these details right, but it’s making for a much more refined kit.

Thanks for sticking with us while we dial in the V2. We’re excited to see these start coming together!

— Lonny & the DF Kit Car Team

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Excellent! Thanks for the update as it looks like you are making good progress and I understand the need to get it right the first time and perfected with out regret and I am sure all will appreciate that.

 

[OptimizePrime]

I have a v1 and I'm pretty excited to see those v2 wing mounts. Is there a chance they can be retrofitted to a v1?

Nice job on the front vents!