(from EDAG Press Release)  The Roadster study EDAG Show Car No. 8 is a world first and a perfect example of the holistic philosophy of global engineering partner EDAG Engineering + Design AG, Fulda. EDAG Show Car No. 8 represents an independent vehicle design that can be manufactured mainly using existing production facilities. Networked engineering becomes a reality as the result of combining product and production right from the concept phase.

“We designed the EDAG Show Car No. 8 for a target group that wants to express their individuality and positive attitude to life,” is how Johannes Barckmann, head of the EDAG design team, explains his concept, “so we decided to create it as the ultimate driving machine.” The forward angled belt line and the low-slung body nestling close to the road surface both accentuate the forward momentum of the sports car design. The key features on the exterior are striking recesses and air vents that deliberately follow the aerodynamic lines. With the sharply inclined bonnet, two severe-looking headlights and the centrally mounted twin exhausts, there's no doubt that this machine has been built for pure driver enjoyment – no matter what angle you view the car from. The absence of a roof keeps faith with the uncompromisingly purist look of the EDAG Show Car No. 8 and will even leave die-hard biker fans feeling a tad envious.

The EDAG Show Car No. 8 cleverly exploits the trend towards the increasing demand for niche market vehicles. With an individual and independent design aimed at the end consumer, it also offers the practical advantage that it can be integrated into existing plant for its production. To implement this bold concept, the decision was taken to revert to the SMART Roadster, using its platform and the self-supporting body from the plant in Hambach, France. This means that the production facility can remain in operation beyond its normal life cycle – a feature that sets a benchmark for production efficiency.

The plan for the EDAG Show Car No. 8 further illustrates how, simply by altering exterior components, a unique and innovative product can be created, one offering additional sales opportunities to other target groups and for new market segments. EDAG will use IAA 2005 in Frankfurt as a platform to test the level of acceptance of the EDAG Show Car No. 8 among industry specialists and end customers, and also to listen to requests and suggestions from test drivers on the subject of engineering equipment. Following these results, EDAG Engineering + Design AG plans to present the model as an on-road prototype at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show:
a world premiere.

Sponsors:
We would like to thank the following companies:
Fulda Reifen, Fulda (Germany)
AP Racing, Coventry (England)
for their friendly support of our show car project.