BWD XR-Mantis Prototype Chassis Kit...All New!

[bigflex]

Very sexy boss!

[billet works]

Well, I made a few minor tweaks and added the new XR-Mantis-Dub...sorry for the delay but I had to get it as close to my vision as possible. The tweaks included more room for the upper links movement over the front of the skid along with...making the torsion part of the chassis tunable! The spreaders installed on the tail of the chassis stiffen up the movement, which is great for those who run rather limited articulation, or those who prefer a heavier setup. If you run light or prefer more articulation (or both) spreaders can be removed thus freeing up movement. It's very simple but works incredibly well.

Please feel free to let me know what you think about this. It's one of those engineering ideas that hit me in the middle of the night and then I end up going all out trying to get the idea from my head to a physical product.

BW

[WAM]

I don't mean for this to sound negative. That's an exciting looking rig. But I'm wondering -- there are so many well executed upgrade chassis out there for the XR. Does this novel design have any functional advantages over what can be done via the conventional approach? Is this the machine that will win Nationals?

Or is it more aesthetics prioritied over function? And there's nothing wrong with that as long as that fits with the buyer's expectations.

Are we going to see it in Las Vegas in a couple months?

[bigflex]

I am loving the whole approach on this design. It looks way more performance based and durable than the old mantis design. The topper looks dead sexy on it as well. I am digging this design. Well played boss well played.

[Omega-Tron]

That is absolutely amazing with the topper on it. This is the only chassis that would make it worth while for me to change from my XR-wedge. I would love to try out a torsion chassis...especially one so...well, beautiful. lol

[billet works]

Originally Posted by WAM

I don't mean for this to sound negative. That's an exciting looking rig. But I'm wondering -- there are so many well executed upgrade chassis out there for the XR. Does this novel design have any functional advantages over what can be done via the conventional approach? Is this the machine that will win Nationals?

Or is it more aesthetics prioritied over function? And there's nothing wrong with that as long as that fits with the buyer's expectations.

Are we going to see it in Las Vegas in a couple months?

Chassis' don't win national level events...drivers do.

I understand what goes into winning chassis designs...I've had multiple designs place consistently well at events everywhere for the past few years now. Different strokes for different folks and this setup is no different. The Mantis concept drives differently than typical full 4 link setups, and like most good chassis' it has it's own unique advantages, including solid vertical climbing characteristics and extreme breakover angles.

My suspension and torsion geometry came first...I designed the look and flow around that.

I do hope to have at least one in Vegas

BW

[Jeepkid]

Originally Posted by WAM

I don't mean for this to sound negative. That's an exciting looking rig. But I'm wondering -- there are so many well executed upgrade chassis out there for the XR. Does this novel design have any functional advantages over what can be done via the conventional approach? Is this the machine that will win Nationals?

Or is it more aesthetics prioritied over function? And there's nothing wrong with that as long as that fits with the buyer's expectations.

Are we going to see it in Las Vegas in a couple months?

Really?

Any machine could win nationals, just needs to be designed, tweeked, reworked, tested, tested, tested, tested, and then produced. Then placed in the hands of a smooth operator.
Very slick and look at the ground clearence

[BurnLatex]

Well damn! I will build another XR for this. I won't give up my Wedge chassis for nothing. I'll just add to the stable.

This thing looks crazy.

[Highlucks]

Again just WOW.

Don if you get a chance can you post some video of you cycling the articulation particularly in the rear. I would really like to see how this thing moves. I know its a completely different chassis but is this likely to unload the same way the SSS-R's did?

[billet works]

Originally Posted by highlucks

Again just WOW.

Don if you get a chance can you post some video of you cycling the articulation particularly in the rear. I would really like to see how this thing moves. I know its a completely different chassis but is this likely to unload the same way the SSS-R's did?

I'l do that as soon as possible. Given the newly designed backbone and link geometry, it actually is more stable out back and has noticeably less of the "unloading" characterstic associated with torsion based rigs.

[calikingcrawler]

Don, awesome once again. That thing is amazing to look at. And I know they are poser shots, but it looks to flex nicely.

What wheel base are we looking at? You my have said already, but I was in awe from the pics.

Also, I don't have them yet, but will this work with the vp upper link mount?

[AdverseCity]

I have to admit, I wasn't sure if you could make a topper for it that didn't destroy the look of it. You came through with flying colors, that looks awesome. Can't wait to see it in person.

[SVEN]

I know it has been said, but man that is NICE! I have never seen or have ever been able to come up with a bodiless chassis design that I cared for as far as aesthetics. But this one, I like. May even have to pick one up when available.

[Postclanker]

Originally Posted by SVEN

I know it has been said, but man that is NICE! I have never seen or have ever been able to come up with a bodiless chassis design that I cared for as far as aesthetics. But this one, I like. May even have to pick one up when available.

With reptilian skins....it just looks like an alien
Freekin sick looking....probably buy one just for the looks alone

[WAM]

It will be a shame to put body panels on it. Looks great nude.

Maybe minimal clear lexan panels, eh?

[run2jeepn]

Looks great, What is it weighing in at RTR?

[crawlski]

Awsome lookin chassis So what is the ground clearence with the set up you have on it now?

[Icer.One]

those things just scream eloquent they have the same concept of the berg tracer but are just way nicer!

[Highlucks]

Kind of... the Berg Tracer came out after the original Mantis chassis

[upsidedownaaron]

astonishing. for sure.