So, like many other modsters, we at FTR created something we hope is cool. Now, so far, I've heard a lot of interesting remarks in other club threads. From "Yea, it's cool" to "It belongs in one place,.... the trash." Harsh, but alas, an opinion. And since we here at FTR respect ALL opinions and want you guys to be happy, let's hear what you guys think? It's not for everyone and can be a pricey item, but although I think it's cool, some don't.

Bottom line is that this is not about selling the wing no matter what anyone thinks, it's about you guys getting the best stuff that we can create to expand the passion for you Mini. So, consider it a suggestion box. We can't improve unless we hear from you. But I would appreciate true opinions 'cause we'll be making more wings in the future.

 

This thread needs some pics.

From the original Vendor Annoucements post:

 

I kinda like the wing. (Some think its a little on the rice side.) Need to see a pic of the whole car with the wing. I showed the wife and see didn't care for it, what does she know, she's a women.......oops, did I say that out loud??? J/K. Need a fiberglass version. A little easier on the wallet... How about a mid wing? One that mounts towards the bottom of the rear window. I know they made them for the VW golfs and I liked them during my VW days....

 

I agree that a painted fiberglass version, preferably without the vertical wing tips would be incredible!

I also must say that I am very excited to see what the Fireball team is doing and am looking forward to some neat new stuff in the future. It is very refreshing to have someone doing something very new and different!

 

Tim: When will this wing be ready to order. I personally like it... also when will the wheels be ready that's on your web site.

 

eh, some will definitly like it, some wont. preference thing for sure. this woulda been a pretty huge hit when f&f 1 came out. Now you would need some serious HP to backup that wing, as you would get revved at on a daily basis.

 

I am sure there are a lot of kids who will like it but it's way too rice for a MINI in my opinion.

 

It's a little over the top for my taste but I believe the Fireball aesthetic is one of "there is no top high enough for us not to be over" and that's cool.

 

so-WHEN CAN I EXPECT THE ONES I ORDERED? good seeing you loking out for the coolest stuff, Tim!

 

Pull the wing closer to the the car and shrink it. I really like it, but that thing is huge!

LongBoard

 

Great input by all. Thanks, guys.

It's interesting, 'cause everyone's looking for something a little different. Wish I could push a button and have just what you guys want. A fiberglass wing is a good option and I'll look into that. Nicer on the wallet as one of you said, but also paintable. That's cool. That'll take some time, though, as did this.

We are taking orders now and it should be fully available a couple weeks after MTTS. We'll have a wing on the race car for the trip as well. In order to begin production, we need to make sure there's a desire, as usual.

I'll explore other design options based on the input here in the future. Maybe try to xerox one a bit smaller.;-)

Really appreciate it, all.

 

I would like to see it in ABS plastic to reduce cost. Do you have any developmental data to support down force or stability effects or is it a “for looks only” device?

 

As we all know, the functionality of any wing comes in at extremely high speeds. Unless you plan on taking your car to the track (drag), then it's purely aesthetic. But the wing is fully adjustable.

I'm not a total expert in aerodynamics, so I won't pretend to give you numbers backed up by crap. However, I do have someone who CAN provide true aero information from Northrop Grumman testing.

What we'll be doing is adjusting the wing as we race and see how it affects the car with each run.

 

If you want my honest opinion, Fireball Tim, I'd drop all the "Welcome to fireballed.com, yo!" stuff. Honestly , it makes you come across as fanbois, not manufacturing pros. I'd think twice about buying a $700 product from someone that can't even make a website that uses proper English. Maybe that makes me a snob, but I highly doubt that you'll ever hear anyone say "Well, I was intrigued by that site's products, but in the end I decided to not buy it beause they came across as so competent and professional on their web site". It just ain't ever gonna happen.


I'd also hire a real web designer and lose the black web site with the visually annoying multicolored text thing - it was really hot back in 1996 but now it just looks amateur. That's fine if I'm thinking of ordering $50 in novelty products but it's not a place I'd be comfortable sending several HUNDRED dollars to. Again - maybe I'm a snob, but you do only have one chance to make a good impression, and you have to ask yourself what lingering impression a customer is going to have after a 30 second scan of your web site. Mine was "this stuff is for kids".


I know you wanted comments on the PRODUCT, but honestly, I never got that far... I got on the site, browsed for a few minutes and then left because it seemed like a site for guys that like to slap neon all over their POS Honda (tagged as an Accura), sorry.

 

any pics from farther out, its hard to gauge the size. Its a little rice, but a wing, when done right, can look good. I like the fact its a direct replacement for the MCS Spoiler, nice touch

 

ImagoX,

I believe Mr. Tim's approach to tuning is akin to professional wrestling's approach to sports. It all about putting on a larger than life show with lots of drama and color. It appears, though, that he does intend to back up that silliness with some quality products. I guess we'll have to wait and see on that final point.

 

I think $625 is a little steep considering the same style can be afforded for less.

http://www.modacar.com/products/Hond...SPO/wings.html

But I understand this is a "MINI" community and not a "Honda" community.

 

I've seen the wing in person and I have to say wings are not usually my thing so I understand where the ricer comments come from but compaired to a lot of the other wings out there, the darn thing looks nice. It's also not as big as it looks in those pictures, I didn't feel it was overwhelming at all.
I've posted this picture on another thread but maybe it'll give a better perspective, my all time favorite thing about this wing is that it actually curves with the contour of the car which the other wings I've seen haven't not to mention you don't have to drill new holes to attach it! So my two cents is, it's not for me but I still give a big fat thumbs up.

 

Ooooh, that's a good-lookin' wing. If I didn't already have the aluminum/CF M7 one, I'd order one. Keep up the great work guys!

 

I love it, but its wayyyyy too expensive.

I could see $300 tops for a spoiler, but 625 is just insane in my book.


I'll get one when an ABS or 'glass one comes out.

 

I think you need a pretty aggresive MINI to pull that off.

 

You might also check out this post for a pic with a different angle.

 

Hi Fireball Tim. I think anything different is good. Well done on all your Mini Tuning projects.

 

Hey Tim - I can't speak for the entire MINI community but it seems that some owners are anti-bling and the rest appreciate understated bling or like it as long it is under the bonnet. IMO, make the wing smaller, simpler and yes, no FTR logo. Just my $0.02

 

As before, everyone's opinion is welcome and appreciated. It's not for everyone. As for comments concerning the sites and the brand as a whole, time will tell as to whether it's accepted and whether you all think the products are of the best quality and not a joke. And since my background and main stable is film, it's about telling a story. Not all will get it or even want to. But it is interesting how we all walk out of a hundred million dollar film and trash it. Even I do it sometimes without realizing the work that went into making it and the many people involved at trying too do thier best.

But what's important is to realize that what's gone into making something is always a lot of work. Months, sometimes years. Not to compare this wing to a huge film, but the item as well as the website elements took many hours and stand for a reason. And not for all necessarily to understand.

I'm eager to see the response too thee real thing on MTTS. Thanks to everyone and keep 'em comin.'