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21 January 1999 FBS Census Coventry University MA Automotive Design student Giovanni Doglioli has won a competition to design a new sports car for FBS Engineering Ltd. The company approached the School of Industrial Design for advice on vehicle styling. The school did much more than that, quickly adopting the project for the first term module "3D Communication". Three months later, the client is most impressed "The project has been very productive for us, resulting in an innovative and practical design which we intend to put into production. Staff and students have been very positive towards us and enthusiastic about the project. Their informality was a bit disconcerting at first but never a problem." The car’s mechanical underpinnings already exist, having been designed, built and track tested as a spare time project by company founders Andrew Barber and Robin Hall. Their aim was to produce a vehicle with outstanding driving dynamics. They also decided to ensure that the vehicle would be suitable for sale. "Sports cars are bought for their looks and for driving pleasure. It is essential for an unknown manufacturer to be class leading in both. Careful application of sound engineering principles has produced a chassis with a driving experience comparable with the best. Now, the creativity and enthusiasm of the staff and students has produced a unique and exciting design to clothe the chassis." FBS Engineering will continue to work with Giovanni and his tutors to translate the concept to full size. The company must also raise finance to put the car into production. Robin Hall (32) was born and raised in Hampshire. He worked in the motor and property trades before gaining a BEng in Mechanical Engineering at Southampton Institute. He now works as a suspension system concept engineer at Rover. Married, he lives in Leamington Spa. Chartered Engineer Andrew Barber (33) was born and raised in Yorkshire. Since gaining an Aeronautical Engineering degree at Southampton University, he has worked for several top engineering companies including Rolls-Royce, Lotus, Ricardo, Prodrive and Rover. He lives in Buckinghamshire with his partner and baby son, also called Robin.
or contact: Andrew Barber, telephone: 07767 225 286 or 01280 841 918 email: andrewbarber@fbs-eng.co.uk Robin Hall, telephone: 0280 841 900 |
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