billions to develop a new mid engine platform? BULL

I said it once and I'll say it again, I should get a job at FIAT and show them how it should be done. Or maybe, getting some investors to develop an new mid-engine platform, design it independently and sell the plans to FIAT. Then why would I do that? I would sell the plans to the highest bidder. I guesstimate that it would cost $10 000 to $15 000 and about $20 000 to $25 000 buy the time the consumer gets the vehicle. It could be done cheaply with a tube chassis and fiber glass/composite shell... stronger and better that what the major mass producers are offering for more money. Just look at some of the kits cars that are out there that can be had for a song compared to what the major manufacturers are pushing at a much higher price. Mac, I see where you are coming from, but Ferrari already builds and sells these cars you speak of. I do not see making a cheap Ferrari as a good alternative to the X1/9, and I don't think I'd want to see a cheap Ferrari. What we all want, we currently can not have... and that is to have FIAT bring back the X1/9. Billions for FIAT to re-develop a vehicle they already produced? That is a crock. The space shuttle took billions to develop not the X1/9. Its not rocket science, and it can be done, but I do not think the there is one person currently employed by FIAT that is interested in the idea of mid-engined sportscars. This is not a negative rant, but reality, and I have nothing against FIAT and their current direction, it is their perrogative. If we as X1/9 enthusiasts, really really wanted to have a modern version of the X1/9, we could put our best collective creative effort together, design it by way of popular opinion of X1/9 enthusiasts all over the world, and commission one of the many kit manufacturers to make our design a reality, and available to who ever wants it. Maybe then FIAT will sing another tune? Just a thought, but it can be done if this is what we as enthusiasts truly wanted. I mean hey... if I really want something I sure ain't gonna wait for God to make it happen... I go for it,and we as a HUGE worldwide group certainly have it within our power to make it happen... all we need is to be organized. If people can organize MASSIVE GARGANTUAN illeagal international drug cartels, why would it be so far fetched and difficult to get what we want? I'll tell you why... organization, leadership, and a common VISION. Hehehe... the more I go on the more I'm actually giving these ideas serious thought in my mind's eye, but hey... what is the definition of a company? A group of people who share a vision and organized themselves to make it happen... we have half of the equation... it think its time to smell the coffee.

BladeLawless -frontman of the Muthurlode http://unsignedbandweb.com/music/Muthurlode or
http://garageband.com/artist/Muthurlode
79 X1/9 never ending resto-mod
and proud owner of red, white and blue paneled 79 parts car.