Welcome!

[enzo@af]

HEY! This is a new forum, Panoz. I requested it to the AF God. I just felt that these cars are well deserving of praise, so if you wish to praise them, feel free.

Well, these are some specs on the AIV roadster.

AIV stands for Aluminum Intensive Vehicle. The extensive use of Aluminum (70%) considerably cut weight.



It's powered by a Cobra 4.6L V8. With 4 Overhead Cams and 32 valves it puts out 305 hp and gets the car to 60 in 4.4 seconds!

[carman]

sweet car.
Why don't I see it on the streets???
How much does it cost?

Also, who's AF God you're talking about??

[enzo@af]

Well, the car costs about 55K, but they're handbuilt. It takes about 350 man hours per car! So, they're not a mass-produced car. In fact, they've only been around for a few years.

And the "AF god" is igor@af.

[Chris]

I also like the AIV roadster.
And now it has a 320 hp cobra engine.
I think it is pretty sweet, and I would like one.
It is a very speciallized vehicle, though, it is not he most refined, for the price you could get a convertible vette with some aftermarket goodies that would blow it away, so you really have to be a driving enthusiast (or mega-rich) to have one.
Makes for an excelletn toy:smoka:

[enzo@af]

Personally, I would buy one before a vette, and that's no diss on the vette. I love corvettes, it's just that I'd be one of a million vette owners, but only one of a select few AIV owners. Plus, the driving experience in one of these can only be imagined...open top, great handling. Fun.

[Chris]

True...........
But personally, I would take the vette for a daily driver, which it can now do quite well.
The Panoz could do it, bu teventually it might get old.
Still, I think I'm crazy enough to get the Panoz, it is just so cool

[enzo@af]

Yes, this isn't a daily driver at all. The 'vette is a much better daily driver (as it is to most sports cars), but it's impracticality makes it even the more cool.

For a "weekend-fun-car", this is the better choice, IMO.

[vectorclub]

Just beware that this roadster has had issues with water leaking in with the ragtop in place. This car is very unique. It is close to being a true sports car. The orginal meaning of sports car was a car without side windows, little or no luxury features, and small in size. The Panoz is a good modern version of the traditional sports car. The Vette is a great modern style sports car. That new ZO6 is wicked.

[Chris]

My friends think I'm nuts for not wanting a wicked system in my car. I'm talking about removing carpets, the backseat, etc
(some of the windows in plexiglass, even), to make it faster and more visceral. This is why the Panoz appeals to me.

[vectorclub]

It sounds like your're a genuine sports car fan and your friends are just average car guys. Only real sports car fans sacerfice things such as deluxe stereo systems, back seats, and so on. If you take the back seat out you can put in a nice roll cage which should stiffen the car up for better handling. This all takes time and money, but if you are as dedicated as you seem I am sure you can do it.

[Chris]

It sounds like you a genuine sports car fan

Thank you
Plus, I could use the money saved from a system and put it into the roll cage. My uncle has the tools to do it, so I could make it myself and save money (I have a guide how to do it, so it wont snap and not do anything). I would also look into removing the air conditioning in the winter.

[Gunman]

Chris, have you considered a Mosler? Warren's philosopy is function before form, as you can see by the Consulier and Raptor...but the MT900 has looks too. The MT900S streetcar should sport 400+ hp, and come in under 2000lbs (900kg is the goal), bare carbon interior, and minimal luxury items. The MT900 streecar prototype runs 0-60 in 3.5seconds with 345hp at a "bloated" 2650lbs, can you imagine what the "S" will do?

[Chris]

If I know Warren, it will have 650+ hp, or perhaps 900+ in the form of a Lingenfelter TT or 427 or 427 TT. This will also cost 200000+. I have maybe 3 right now. So unless he is really nice, no
But I do love Moslers!!

[Gunman]

The first MT900S is giong to have a 435ish hp LS6, sticker price starts at $149,000.

The 650hp twin turbo will run you about $250,000 :-)

[Mousespudd]

I bought a 1998 Panoz AIV Roadster and absolutely love driving it. It's not the most practical car, but it's sure a rush to drive and it attracts an unbelievable amount of attention. The convertible top is useless cuz you can't get into or out of the car while the top is on. They have only made 235 of the cars (production stopped in 1999), so it's pretty unique.
I also have a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger which is another small car with a V-8 engine.