Steve Lawing announces new features added during 2010

Other 356 replica companies continue to build their VW based cars in the same manner with the same 45 year old technology and methods for the last 30+ years ….

Since driving conditions, fuel prices, safety requirements, and ecology concerns have changed since 1965  Specialty Auto-sports, Inc. welcomes you to the 21st century

We continue our tradition of never ceasing development of our 356A replicas which has produced even more improvements to driver safety, performance, ergonomics, convenience, and value.

This year we came up with a few more improvements that we feel are very significant and  greatly improves the handling, enjoyment,  and safety of our cars.

1.       ERGONOMICS  - why not be comfortable driving your 356 replica

 

•  FOOT ROOM - We complemented our 1-1/2" lengthened foot well from last year with a very significant widening of the foot well in the pedal area.  Over 3-1/2" per side at the pedals.  Automatics have room for a dead pedal.

 

• Notice the width difference between the cardboard template (previous shape) with the new shape.  When combined with the previous length improvement the area is now very spacious.

• EASIER ENTRY - We also reconfigured the "A" hinge pillar to make entering and exiting the car easier.

• GREATER LEAN BACK - Additionally we altered the rear engine cover and bulkhead  to allow for even more reclining of the seat back as well as some more rear slide.

• LEG ROOM - Driver and passenger comfort is at an all time high - Lisa can't lean back at the rear seat position and reach the Steering wheel or pedals - slide forward Lisa

• HEADROOM -

  • you don't have to worry about driving and looking over the top of or have your vision blocked by the windshield frame as in other 356 replicas .

  • Your head won't hit the roof in our Coupe

  •   Our correct 356 steel floor pan is  2-1/2" lower than the VW pan cars and even lower than some others.  Being "down" in the car improves visibility and virtually eliminates wind buffeting and noise.

2.      CONVENIENCE -  

•  DOOR OPENING - We now offer power remote door opening.  This feature enhances opening either or both doors as well as a higher level of occupant security

 3.      SAFETY  - 

• POWER BRAKES - Last year we added vacuum power assist to our 4 wheel disc brakes

• FUEL CELL - We also added structurally protected 16 gallon fuel cell far removed from the occupant zone not over your lap as in the VW versions

• ANTI LOCK BRAKES -This year we have added Subaru ABS (antilock brake system) to our power assist 4 wheel disc brakes.  These cars stop on a dime and give you back change.   (vehicle dynamic control -traction control is under investigation)

• HIGH INTENSITY LIGHTS - We now offer optional Xenon HID (high intensity discharge) headlights for maximum road visibility.  You will not be able to "overdrive" these lights even with our 275hp Turbo versions.

4.      PERFORMANCE - just adding power to your 356 replica is only part of the challenge

•  YET ANOTHER ENGINE -  we have now added the Subaru H6 (3.0L and 3.6L six cylinder) rated at 212hp and 256hp respectively.

  •   You can now have the power, torque, and smoothness of Subaru's famous H6 4 cam Boxster engines

• "SPORT SHIFT" - Automatic overdrive cars can now have the Subaru "sport shift" feature.

•  This is a true shift on demand performance system.

• LARGER BRAKES - The addition of the ABS power assisted brakes system created even larger brakes on the front of the car.

•   Adding horsepower to a VW Speedster is expensive and easy, but remember VW brakes and suspension are designed for a 60HP car.  Subaru brake system is designed for 250+ HP.

• LARGER TIRES - A redesign of the rear chassis structure now allows for significantly larger tires and wheels on our flare fender cars.

This year's crop of changes was a good one for sure.

•  You can rest assured that the Specialty Auto-sports, Inc. lineup of Speedsters, Cabriolets, and Coupes remains unsurpassed in quality, performance, appearance, and enjoyment.

•  We are not stuck with 1950's technology and 45 year old products, inaccurate appearance, and woefully devoid of creature comforts, but rather incorporate a modern approach to this venerable icon.

•  Yes you can have your cake and eat it too !

5.     So what are "some" of the significant features of the  SAS 356A replicas?  How do they compare with a typical VW version ?  Would you really want to do without any of these ?

Here is a short list - (there are many many more) 

            comfort -

• greater foot room and leg room

• Roadster seats - recline, lean, slide (ever wonder why VW speedsters don't offer these seats? the VW pan is too narrow)

• quieter engines (no VW clacking rocker arms, cooling fan, sheet metal vibrations, resonating  cooling fins)

• increased sound deadening throughout

• power windows -coupe and cabriolet

• noise level very low - allowing conversations at 70+ mph

• extra interior room - correct 4" wider (than VW) floor pans dropped 2-1/2" for more headroom

• powerful hot water heat and defrost- bi level controls (optional AC)

            correct appearance -

• Correct interior upholstery design -standard

• Original square weave carpet -standard

• high quality top/boot/tonneau  fabrics -standard

• body panels molded from original cars - no drooping rear body on our cars

             unsurpassed handling                                                                   

• very low center of gravity/ very low polar moment of inertia

• mid-engine performance and assurance  - no rear engine tail heavy attributes

• power assisted 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS

• rack and pinion steering

                         modern overhead cam fuel injected engines (2005-2011 model year)

• 170hp SOHC fuel injected standard

• up to 275 hp Turbocharged DOHC optional

• H6 3.0/3.6L six cylinder  (212/256hp) optional

            modern transmissions (5 speed or automatic)

• Subaru Automatic overdrive with "sport shift" option

• manual 5 Speed optional

             structural occupant protection

• welded diagonally braced space frame

• doors with welded inner steel structure

• crush structure front and rear

            weather protection

• tight fitting weather stripped tops (no flaps to funnel air and water into the car)

            convenience

• a rear useful trunk space - weather proof and locked

• 35-40 mpg - emissions correct and functioning

• a maintenance minimum reliable driveline

• remote power door opening - coupe/cabriolet

            ecology responsibility

• all of our cars come equipped with the legal, factory correct emissions devices which not only assure peak operating efficiency at all times and conditions,  but also make the world a healthier place

Call or Email

 Steve Lawing 

865-925-2500  

steve@specialtyauto.com

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