From the outdoors, it may appear like any other customized Volkswagen Beetle, however as you will see, there’s far more to 3L Engineering & & Style’s all-custom production than very first satisfies the eye.
3L is the creation of Jean Fourie, a mechanical engineer who’s been creating and developing vehicles here in South Africa for nearly twenty years. Over the last 6, his ‘V8 Stealth Beetle’ has actually come to life.
Jean was kept hectic for several years structure, creating and offering over 100 Ford GT40 entertainments to consumers all over the world. However with many other business now developing GT40s, he chose it was time for a brand-new obstacle.
Having actually cut his teeth dealing with modest Beetles numerous moons earlier, a Volkswagen-based develop appeared like the best instructions to take. What Jean pictured however, was far more than simply easy adjustments or engine swaps; he required to go full-blown.
How full-blown? Well, what Jean has actually wound up with is a mid-engined V8-powered Beetle built on a customized aluminium chassis. The ‘Stealth’ part of the V8 Stealth Beetle name originates from the truth that he’s made it look quite like a routine Type 1 Volkswagen. It includes the very same wheelbase and track measurements as the Beetle, however loads supercar-like efficiency under its skin.
If you’re questioning where everything began, question no more. The extremely first automobile was R&D ‘d utilizing a flat plywood jig table where Jean had a tidy canvas for precise information points. This jig enabled him to work back from the positions of the wheels, drivetrain, engine and suspension, among other things.
The donor Beetle was was a 1965 design, which was totally taken apart. The only thing kept was its bodywork; whatever else was sent out to ditch.
At first the strategy was to utilize a ladder-type chassis and a little block Ford V8, however that strategy quickly altered in favour of an Audi B8 twin-turbo V8 powerplant and a custom-made aluminium chassis. Using 5mm and 6mm aluminium for its building and construction, the whole chassis is available in at an incredibly light-weight 80kg (176lb).
For suspension, MacPherson struts are utilized in the front with a 4-link design called ‘Z-link’ in the back. Coilovers are utilized for simple modification of flight height and tightness.
As vehicles are being offered in various markets all over the world, Jean and his group established a customized hanging assembly, so that both left- and right-hand designs might quickly be developed.
With the Audi engine being substantially bigger than the initial Volkswagen system, there were numerous engineering obstacles to overcome in order to fit the V8 within the boundaries of the Beetle’s physical measurements. It was all found out prior to any work began, making sure there would not be numerous hold-ups throughout the very first develop.
The transmission is a 6-speed handbook transaxle system, with a efficiency clutch to deal with the torque.
240-odd guy hours are invested into totally bring back the initial steel body of each automobile developed, while the rear fenders are made in carbon fiber.
All stated, a completed automobile weighs under under a metric lot with 450hp on tap. To date, 3L Engineering & & Style have actually finished a little number of vehicles, and Jean informs me that production will be restricted 100 systems.
My check out to the store was an extremely brief one, however I’ll make sure to come back and choose a drive in Jean’s V8 Stealth Beetle. Clearly it’s something that requirements to be experience out on the roadway (or track).
From its little properties in a commercial estate, 3L Engineering & & Style are likewise carrying out a couple of other jobs. One is a three-wheeler with a Moto Guzzi engine, of which they have actually currently gotten 20 orders.
Like the Beetle, beneath everything is custom-made chassis, while the body panels are made from fiberglass.
I like stumbling upon little stores like this, where it’s more about the enthusiasm and revealing what they can do than anything else.
It actually reveals what you can accomplish with a little resourcefulness, and a lot of skill and effort. Not everyone are technically inclined like Jean, however every petrolhead can value what he’s putting out on the planet.
Stefan Kotzé
Instagram: stefankotzephoto
info@stefankotze.com
www.stefankotze.com
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