![\"labala-post-1\"](\"http:\/\/www.desert-motors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/labala-post-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nSteve had built several replicas in the past, of which one received a number of accolades, including First in Class at Knott\u2019s Berry Farm AHA Concourse and a cover feature in the April \u201999 Kit Car Builder magazine.\u00a0 However, he was acutely aware that such cars were riddled with compromises; compromises that weren’t his.\u00a0 So, he set out to find a car that had everything he wanted: high performance, low weight and good looks, all at a reasonable price.\u00a0 That was easier said than done. Steve is a fairly tall guy and many of the cars he tried were simply too small for him to fit comfortably. Instead of giving up and making more compromises, he decided to do what many have dreamt of but few have done; he built a car of his own design from the ground up.\u00a0 Fast forward six years later and witness the result.<\/p>\n
The La Bala prototype seen here has undergone a number of significant revisions and improvements over the 10,000 miles since it first saw the road in 2007, but the core has remained the same.\u00a0 The shapely lightweight fiberglass body rests over a triangulated tubular steel space frame that also supports its transverse mounted mid-engine Toyota inline four power plant. Steve\u2019s prototype uses a high output 20 valve JDM engine, however the chassis is designed to accept virtually any FWD drivetrain, so if Toyota isn’t your flavor of choice, that isn’t an issue. A majority of the mechanical components are sourced from various production donor cars, ranging from the Toyota MR2 to AMC Eagle, but the bodywork, the chassis, suspension, body interior and other special components were all built from scratch by Steve in his home garage with little more than the tools you’d find in any garage on your block. All of those original parts Steve built by hand for the prototype are now being manufactured right here in the Valley of the Sun by experts in fiberglass, machining and steel fabrication. Steve and his team do the final assembly of the turnkey version.<\/p>\n
Climbing into the cockpit — <\/b>and I do mean “climbing” —<\/b> it’s immediately apparent what this car was built to do.\u00a0 Everything has a purpose and anything that isn’t necessary simply isn’t there. gaminator free coins<\/a> \u00a0 Entering the car involves a process of sitting on the windowsill, swinging your legs into the foot well and then lowering yourself into the deep Sparco buckets.\u00a0 Doors and a removable 3-piece targa top are currently in the works;<\/b> something the less limber are sure to appreciate.\u00a0 Once positioned snuggly into the seats, the view across the dash and onto the road is yet another reminder of this machine’s intent.\u00a0 The tiny, contoured MOMO steering wheel nicely frames the AIM digital race dash with datalogging and track timing features. The front fenders jut up into view at the front corners, as if the car is ready to pounce and devour whatever you throw in front of it.<\/p>\n With a flip of the ignition switch and a push of the starter button, the motor springs to life mere inches behind your head.\u00a0 With little to no sound deadening, a short wheelbase (just 98″) and a free breathing, high strung engine, the sound is more than you’d expect from only 1. sportfogad\u00e1s com<\/a> 6 liters of displacement.\u00a0 Everything, from the steering to the shifting is firm and direct.\u00a0 There are no electronic assists, hydraulic steering or even power-assisted brakes, and that\u2019s a good thing.\u00a0 With many of today’s cars, even high-end sports cars, there’s a constant feeling of disconnect.\u00a0 These cars may perform beautifully and react to your every move with great precision, but there’s still a feeling that you’re telling the car what to do, then after a moment it does something close to what you asked of it.\u00a0 With the La Bala, there’s no middleman. The steering is direct and it feels like your brain is connected directly to the road. A press of the brake pedal isn’t a whole lot different than sticking your foot out like Fred Flintstone.\u00a0 The results, on the other hand, are significantly different.\u00a0 With its sticky Azenis RT-615s and 1,500lb curb weight, it sheds speed in a hurry, going from 60-0 in just 110ft.<\/p>\n The same elements are key factors to it doing just the opposite just as well.\u00a0 The car reaches 60 in around 4.2 seconds and then goes on to a top speed of nearly 155 mph.\u00a0 But the La Bala certainly isn’t just about the numbers.\u00a0 The entire driving experience is visceral.<\/p>\n With most lightweight sports cars, handling is one of the primary areas of focus and the La Bala is no exception.\u00a0 With computer designed unequal length A<\/b>-arms with pull-rod actuated coil-over dampers in the front and a deDion axle, pushrod actuated setup in the rear, the design is meant to strike an important balance between precise tire articulation and straight line grip.\u00a0 And it works.\u00a0 It may not have the scalpel like precision of a modern Ferrari, but with its manual rack and low curb weight, the line between you and the car starts to fade, and putting the car exactly where you want it comes naturally.\u00a0 The suspension is also fully adjustable, including camber, caster, toe, ride height, bump and rebound, and even the more esoteric KPI, allowing the driver an even more tailored feel.<\/p>\n As of the writing of this article, there are more than six La Balas currently at various stages of construction. tippmix kalkul\u00e1tor sportfogad\u00e1s tippmix<\/a> \u00a0 Steve has begun construction on a second track-prepped car, which will feature the aforementioned doors and targa top and a race-only 220Hp naturally aspirated Honda B16 engine.\u00a0 Other La Balas in the works include a 1.6L Toyota 4AGZE Supercharged and a 2.0L Ecotec Supercharged (245HP stock with 300HP easily attainable) powered car, one of several La Balas near completion. In addition to doors and a targa top, full roll bar protection for track use and an EV option are just some of the options and improvements in the works.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n