Edition #EIGHT
Build Imminent
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In the last newsletter we shared our first machined components. For the eighth installment, I am happy to present some of the larger parts that have been custom-made for the Laguna by our suppliers. And finally, we’re launching our online store!
One of the defining aspects of the Laguna (and Shoreline Bespoke in general) is our commitment to engineering excellence. In practice, that means every component must be 100% optimized technically and aesthetically. It can be challenging to ensure the parts we outsource align with our philosophy, but I’m proud to say the suppliers we have found share our values. Take the Öhlins dampers for example, which are hand-assembled in northern California and then tested on a damper dyno to ensure they match our specification exactly. Everything is done by hand and to the highest caliber of execution; if there is even a minor deviation in one of the dampers’ test results the entire unit is rebuilt and retested. Suspension is one of the biggest contributors to a car’s handling and ride quality, and the Laguna’s tailored setup will help us achieve the ultimate analogue experience from behind the wheel.
The Laguna rides on unique 5-spoke center-lock wheels that will be offered in a variety of colors and even materials. I had originally designed these wheels to be made as a single piece of material, but the prototype uses a three-piece design so that we can easily make changes if needed. Our UK supplier impressed us with their ability to machine the wheels so they appear as a single form. They measure 15x7” wide at the front and 15x9.5” wide at the the rear. They were also designed around our AP Racing brake package so everything should fit perfectly… we will find out soon.
The exposed carbon fiber bucket seats are another thing of beauty, and they will be partially upholstered in the production vehicle to provide the perfect mix of luxury and performance. Not only is the fixed 55 degree angle incredibly comfortable, it also serves as a reminder of what a special car the Laguna is by offering a seating position typically reserved for purpose-built racing machines. It’s an incredibly unique seating position: your senses are heightened and yet you feel relaxed, ready for the racetrack or the French Riviera. The carbon fiber bucket seats in a modern Porsche or Ferrari typically weigh around 40 pounds - the bare carbon Laguna seats weigh less than five!
Lastly, we have launched our web store! The three designs initially offered celebrate the engineering excellence of the Laguna and its timeless silhouette, plus a way for you to feel like part of the team :)
Every garment is made on-demand in the US to reduce waste and uses ultra-high quality direct-to-garment printing. Kyle, myself, and some friends have been rocking the test shirts for several months with many washes during that time, and we’re really pleased with their durability. I hope you like them as much as we do!
The chassis for Laguna Prototype 1 is currently in build and should be completed in the coming weeks. In fact, Kyle is checking in on the chassis progress as I type this! He’s also been busy building a robust data system that will allow us to validate production-ready components, and developing test procedures around those parts to verify the Laguna’s safety and durability well before the first customer cars are delivered. In the meantime, you can visit our website to learn more about our vision for Shoreline Bespoke, reach out, and shop for apparel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter by entering your email on our home page; you’ll be the first to know about vehicle updates, upcoming reveals, apparel releases and more… Stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Spencer Beckman
Founder & CEO, Shoreline Bespoke Vehicles