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MRnewsBot
09-18-2012, 10:10 AM
Miata-based Catfish Speedster Coming to SEMA

New custom sports car to be unveiled in October at SEMA 2012.

The Catfish is a custom sports car based on a MX-5 created by Bauer Limited Production. Using a $800 model for the prototype, the fledgling company removed the majority of the original parts, including the hood, trunk, doors, bumpers, top and convertible frame, shocks, springs, headlights, and most of the interior.The original unibody was then replaced by a brand-new spaceframe designed by Ron Hemphill, renowned for designing chassis that have underpinned Paris Dakar and Baja off-road rally winners.

A highlight of the Catfish is its lack of doors. Like a racing car, ingress and egress are enabled by removing the steering wheel and hoping in, where the driver finds the seat mounts and pedal assembly shifted 3.8 cm back and slightly inwards for better feel and interior space.


http://youtu.be/Tn2Qv3fhhjE

The first shakedown for the Catfish went really well. The baseline settings for the suspension seemed spot-on. Most importantly, nothing broke and there were no surprises. This is the second pass at the Pro Solo track set up at El Toro air base in Irvine, CA. George Doganis is testing the car after we disconnected the rear sway bar and dropped the tire pressure to 24lbs.

As you watch the video, remember that this is a stock 1.6 motor and open differential which will be changed. Also notice how rarely the gas pedal is wide open. In other words, the stock 1.6 engine has more than enough guts to push around this car. In fact, after the video we tried to get some rolling shots while driving behind the CF in a 1.8 NB Rotrex with over 260hp, and the Catfish simply walked away. You could put this down to old tires and the skill of driver George Doganis, but it's clear that the Catfish will be potent track weapon.

http://alt-a.bitg.net/nightmobile/cars/images2/210000/2000/700/212739.jpg

At just 680 kg (317 kg less than the already featherweight MX-5), it was essential to redistribute some weight over the rear wheels for extra traction, so the battery was moved to behind the passenger seat and the exhaust rerouted to the side. For improved aerodynamics, a diffuser, splitter and downforce-generating "whiskers" all help to keep the Catfish pinned to the tarmac.Styling is the work of Greg Tada, a former Suzuki designer, who used a catfish as inspiration, which the company claim is evident in the face and fins of the car. Thankfully, we don't see the resemblance.

"The Catfish carries on the tradition of the original Miata," says Bauer. "It combines light weight with the design cues of a classic British roadster. You might be able to see Aston Martin or Jaguar at the front, or Triumph and AC in back end of the car, but it's all Catfish." We see more of the Veritas RS III, ourselves, and that's no bad thing.Power comes from Mazda's stock 1.6- or 1.8-liter engine, while a GM LS2 V8 could reportedly also be fitted. The Catfish will be unveiled at SEMA 2012 at the end of October, while a full racing version is expected in 2013. In the meantime, check out the car's shakedown at the El Toro air base in California.

http://alt-a.bitg.net/nightmobile/cars/images2/210000/2000/700/212740.jpg

http://alt-a.bitg.net/nightmobile/cars/images2/210000/2000/700/212741.jpg

http://alt-a.bitg.net/nightmobile/cars/images2/210000/2000/700/212742.jpg

http://alt-a.bitg.net/nightmobile/cars/images2/210000/2000/700/212743.jpg

http://alt-a.bitg.net/nightmobile/cars/images2/210000/2000/700/212744.jpg


source: http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2012/9/18/Miata-based-Catfish-Speedster-Coming-to-SEMA-7710768/

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Demon I Am
09-18-2012, 10:26 AM
Not bad at all

wannafbody
09-18-2012, 10:33 AM
Has potential

Phatmiata
09-18-2012, 10:39 AM
Looks like an afforable version of the Mono-Posto Roadster http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?1451-Mono-Posto-MX-5-Roadster&highlight=mono+posto

Wondering what the asking price will be?

WASABI
09-18-2012, 12:23 PM
Jesus, I would love to see the ND have more of theses styling cues. I like it a lot!

iRoadster
09-18-2012, 03:48 PM
I rather like this.:8):

atank
09-18-2012, 06:22 PM
Love it just need a taller windscreen to keep the bugs outta my teeth, you know you will be smiling!!!!!!