Interior Exterior
Q:
Here's a concept I've been toying with (attached below). It's essentially an aluminum center console splashing up into the dash. I'd shift the HVAC controls up where the stereo is currently and put a 7" screen below it. In the passenger footwell, I'd insert a Mac Mini with a spring-loaded pop-up device so I could load a CD in it. I would probably ventilate the computer with the HVAC system somehow. I would cover the entire dash and sides of the console with double-stitched leather and add my on the right side.
Soooo... whaddya guys think?!?!
EDIT: updated image to look more like aluminum.
A:
I kinda like it, but maybe a little mac'ish for me. Would that be white plastic like a mac?
A:
Would that be white plastic like a mac?
No. Anodized aluminum, like an Elise. Let me touch it up so it looks right.
A:
Cool, but it might be a little tight around the knees...
A:
Nice work Steve. The people putting a lot of stereo equipment in their cars might be interested in this, or those using the Elise for cruising purposes (in addition to sport driving). I suppose it would have to be removable for the track.
I see the Elise as a toy with a more singular purpose, so I wouldn't want the added complexity or weight of such a system. In fact, I've hardly use the radio and sparingly use the A/C (which doesn't work).
- J
A:
Cool, but it might be a little tight around the knees...
I dunno.... it's about the same width as the existing console. Just extends all the way back. Where you'll really feel it is around the footwell, but you could taper back the driver side so only the passenger gets crowded!
A:
Interesting. How about instead of moving all the AC stuff up, move them to the right. This way, we can free up the space for some gauges.
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Why not integrate the Mac Mini into the console ? Instead of vertical, it could be oriented horizontally, right under the screen. There could just be a slot, no need for a pop-up ?
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Why not integrate the Mac Mini into the console ?
Simple. I didn't think of it.
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Needs cup holder.
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Why not integrate the Mac Mini into the console ? Instead of vertical, it could be oriented horizontally, right under the screen. There could just be a slot, no need for a pop-up ?
I'd buy an integrated one if the price was right
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The width at the rear needs to be very small to provide room for the feet. So, how about something more along the lines of the center console in the newer Volvos (V40 I think), a vertical panel with nothing behind it? Or something along those lines...it's a little too visually heavy right now with that large side wall.
A:
Nice design! Very clean looking. I'm not interested in the Mac, since I don't need any entertainment in the Elise, but if the display was a touch-screen nav system instead, and there was holes underneath it for two or three standard size round gauges, I would get very excited, as long as it doesn't weigh a ton.
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I thought the elise was built to be the bare bones no frills racer?
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I thought the elise was built to be the bare bones no frills racer?
I'm assume yours has no AC, stereo, or passenger seat, then?
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id buy one of those so fast! that looks amazing. my hats off to you, my friend.
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I like the Mac Mini, but the console makes it too much like a "real" car for me.
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I'm assume yours has no AC, stereo, or passenger seat, then?
I wish I could have got mine without AC.
you should wire up an xbox in there too like west coast customs style.
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I wish I could have got mine without AC.
In retrospect I would have checked that box if it was available on '05s. Granted right now the car is only a weekend toy and that might change as I use it more often. But the A/C doesn't work very well when I've tried it anyway. So why have it? I assume you still get the heater function without it.
- J
A:
The A/C may not be great for cooling, but drying the air fed to the screen in humid weather is something it does do OK.