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FIRST RML SHORT WHEELBASE TAKES SHAPE
Wellingborough, UK – The first RML Short Wheelbase is now on the finishing straight for completion before the end of the year, with all bodywork and sills dry-fitted to the car’s modified chassis for the first time today.
“We’re very pleased with this result,” said Ben Amos, Manufacturing Engineer for the Short Wheelbase programme. “To see the first production car’s bodywork in this complete state, fixed to the chassis, with sound deadening and heat insulation in place, is quite special after only viewing it virtually up until now. We even have the door seals fitted and ready for bonding.”
Predictive engineering, using CAD (computer aided design) and CFD (computational fluid dynamics), is an area in which RML has vast experience, having been entrusted with many complex, whole-vehicle programmes before on behalf of OEMs. The process accelerates development times, but also guarantees a far more exacting and high-quality result once components have been manufactured and are ready for final assembly.
With the Short Wheelbase’s body comprising just two main ‘clams’ fixed to its seam-sealed, powder- and electro-coated chassis, the overall structure is immensely rigid, improving safety, as well as the car’s on-road dynamics. It’s light, too, with the rear clam weighing just 40kg - a full 30kg less than the same section from the donor car. The SWB’s doors and boot panel are next to be fitted, with a stringent ‘gap and flush’ process in place to make sure that the end result will be a match for any premium car.
While the exquisite carbon-composite bodywork will be painted next month, there will still be areas of the car where the carbon-weave will be proudly visible, such as the scuttle, interior sections of the door, and the oil, coolant tanks and air-filter housing in the engine compartment. “We just want to remind owners of the high-end materials that go in to this car,” said Amos. “And while we’ve chosen a 60 per cent gloss for these exposed parts, it will be clear that they are the real deal.”
The final build stages for the first Short Wheelbase, known as ‘Car Zero’, will be tightly packed into the next few weeks, with powertrain, exterior trim, wiring harness and brake lines all due for fitment next month, in addition to the bodywork being painted.
“RML’s Short Wheelbase team have been working incredibly hard to deliver a fully productionised car that meets our exceptionally high standards. And now, we’re very nearly there.” said RML’s CEO, Michael Mallock. “Finished quality will be no different to that expected from our OEM clients; in other words, among the very best in the industry.”
More news will follow through the final stages of Car Zero’s build, but in the meantime please visit https://rmlgroup.com/news to see all previous releases.
Press contact:
Simon Hucknall ClassicPRose@outlook.com +44 7860 151953
Notes to Editors
RML Group Ltd
RML is one of the world’s leading high performance automotive engineering companies. We undertake whole-vehicle design, build and development projects for motorsport and road car applications.
We push the boundaries with exceptional and cost-effective solutions for automotive OEM’s. Defence and Aerospace clients, whether this is for a one off powertrain or a complete continuation programme, RML Group has the capabilities and experience to make your programme a success.
One of our fastest-growing specialisations is EV technology for road and race applications, made possible by our state of the art energy storage design and manufacturing facility, design engineering, software and simulation services.
In Motorsport RML’s experience extends to Touring Car, GT, Sports Prototype and off-road programmes in major motorsport series for global automotive brands worldwide, RML has won multiple World-Championships for its partners and has a winning pedigree in every series in which it has competed. RML applies this nimble, innovative and winning mind set to developing high performance road car derivatives and advanced automotive engineering solutions for OEMs.
RML Group:
For further information, please contact:
Simon Holloway
RML Group Ltd
E:simonh@rmlgroup.com
T: (0) 1933 402440