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We codified the business case for the Wraith in early 1999. Conceived as a counterpoint to the golden era of the 1930's, which inspired beginning design work on the Hellcat, we chose the pre-16 era of motoring and the courageous free spirited nature of the board track racer as our inspirational starting point. Holistic evolution of efforts made to evolve the radial aircraft architecture of our V twin powerplant through the Wraith's chassis platform architecture was mandated. Perfected balance of proportion and evolutionary brand gestalt were referenced. Greater manufacturing efficiency, fewer parts and fewer vendors were specified. The
project lay dormant until April 2003. The business case was rewritten.
As Brough Superior, Vincent and Crocker most connected emotionally to
the Hellcat, the Pierce would illuminate what the Wraith could be;
Quite simply, the world's most luxurious, sporting two-wheeled device. |
The Hellcat Combat is presented as a limited edition variant of the second and final generation of the Hellcat series. The Combat features a design specific hand ported and polished head design, special camshaft grind, returned intake system, which harmoniously result in a 12% gain in rear wheel horsepower and a 4% increase in rear wheel torque. Front and rear camshaft compression and rebound suspension rates are recalculated for superior handling, more detailed feedback and increased ride control. A new sport seat and Combat specific finish completes the machine. The result is an exotic balance of power and beauty. A discreet "Combat" insignia is engraved on the outer primary machined aircraft-grade aluminun plate. |
In many ways it is the machine we wanted in the beginning. At its heart beats 90 degree water cooler GM based engine architecture. The machine is an entirely fresh modern direction consistent with past brand experience and the structure of our enterprise as extrapolated from our vision and value system. Conceived by the leader of our conceptual design team, Ed Jacobs, the motorcycle is at once primitive, bohemian, and yet highly technical. She is skeletal, i.e. she showcases human crafts work. The machine is minimal ; using the fewest pieces, moving parts and systems to accomplish her dynamic mission. She is uncompromised, light weight, possesses enormous torque, is capable of extreme performance, yet has maximum real world streetable active safety. The Driving concept was the creation of a conceptually flexible foundation to allow a place for growth and further iteration. A utilitarian modular flexible foundation. This Confederate team interpretation of American industrial and mechanical design rebirth is first and foremost supremely confident and, therefore, demure, sophisticated, eclectic and open.
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