Toniq-R News

Last updated 1st October 2002 - This information is to keep you informed of the Toniq-R following the cars launch at the University of Huddersfield’s final year undergraduate design.

The Toniq-R was then displayed at the New Designers exhibition (1st July – 7th July) 2002 down at the Business Design Centre, (Islington, London). This show annually showcases the best of British Design Talent inviting the best design students from Under-graduate University courses throughout the UK. Many fellow students were subsequently amazed and impressed by the amount of passion & time that the Toniq-R team must have put in to get their full size show car done in time for graduation.

During the summer months Will Baxter and Colin Williams decided to develop the car further, adding unique wheel arches, a wind deflector and mirrors to the concept (hereby giving a realistic look at what the production cars might turn out like). The crowning glory of all these extra efforts was the 15th September launch at the National Donington Kit & Performance Car Show where the Toniq-R was first seen by 12,000 of the kit-car buying public. The public’s reaction was tremendous and enthusiasm from the crowds for this revolutionary twist on the original Lotus 7 concept could hardly be contained behind the barriers, as many people walked over them to look at the car from all angles. Jessica and Christina appeared in their ripped Toniq-R t-shirts and attracted more of the crowd’s attention as they gathered feedback from the crowds.

The next step for the Toniq-R will be the International launch at this October’s National Motorshow at the Birmingham NEC (23rd October – 2nd November) . You can come meet the team on the ‘Engineering Your Future’ stand located between Jaguar and Aston Martin cars. Following this show Will Baxter and Colin Williams are to link up with some engineering support to produce the first running prototype.

If you wish to get monthly email updates on the Toniq-R’s progression through to production then please email Will Baxter at toniqr@hotmail.com with the words TONIQ UPDATE. We would also be very interested in hearing your views about the design of the car.

Major publicity & articles to date:

May 2002 – Pistonheads.com online design survey
June 2002 – University of Huddersfield 3D Degree Show
July 2002 – New Designers show, Islington, London
August 2002 – Top Gear Model Students article p.118,119,120
September 2002 – Which Kit? Front page & main story articles p.5,6,7,49
September 2002 – National Kit & Performance Car Show, Donington Park
Autumn 2002 – Independent Educational Publishing p.85
From 23rd October 2002 – National Motorshow, Birmingham NEC ‘Engineering Your Future Stand’