Arion Automotive & Racing Co (Old)

Keirion

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Arion gives me some good inspiration.

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Arion Virgo - 2.5L “245” F6 - Standard TwinTurbo {1996}

Featured in Arion White Shine III

The Arion Virgo was the brand’s first attempt at an entry level premium car. It had many competitors from the Japanese and European market to battle against, but made it’s mark with the very fancy interior, modern technology and the overwhelming average MPGs statistics.

Front longitudinal FWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
1250kg (60% Front/40% Rear)
197.4hp @ 7500RPM - 8000 redline - Full AISi 2,458cc/2.5L - DOHC-24 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.3:1 Compression - 84.4mpg
Normal front & suicide rear doors - Sunroof - Basic styling - Premium 5 seater & Premium Cassette - Commuter P./Premium B./Premium/Fam. Util. P. - £19,933 (0%) & £23,919 (20%)

Arion Canis - 2.5L “245” F6 - Standard TwinTurbo {1996}

Featured in Arion Solde Blue III

Alongside the Virgo, the Canis was made using the exact same base but higher grade materials and an upgrade to CD over a Cassette audio system. It wasn’t too different from the Virgo in looks, in fact the only real difference was the chrome badging in places and fancier wheels.

Front longitudinal FWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
1280kg (60% Front/40% Rear)
197.4hp @ 7500RPM - 8000 redline - Full AISi 2,458cc/2.5L - DOHC-24 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.3:1 Compression - 70.9mpg
Normal front & suicide rear doors - Sunroof - Basic styling with chrome details - Premium 5 seater & Premium CD - Commuter P./Premium/Premium B./Family P. - £23,376 (0%) & £28,052 (20%)

Arion Virgo Estate - 2.5L “245” F6 - Standard TwinTurbo {1996}

Featured in Arion Ivory Pearl II

Both the Canis and Virgo were offered in estate trim levels, with more room and space they were instantly a bigger hit with families. But due to the competition, the estates actually fared better and were sold more than the sedans.

Front longitudinal FWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
1260kg (59% Front/41% Rear)
197.4hp @ 7500RPM - 8000 redline - Full AISi 2,458cc/2.5L - DOHC-24 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.3:1 Compression - 82.5mpg
Normal front & suicide rear doors - Sunroof - Basic styling - Estate - Premium 5 seater & Premium Cassette - Fam. Util. P./Commuter P./Premium B./Fam. Sport - £19,738 (0%) & £23,685 (20%)

Arion Canis Estate - 2.5L “245” F6 - Standard TwinTurbo {1996}

Featured in Arion Sterling Silver IV

Front longitudinal FWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
1280kg (58% Front/42% Rear)
197.4hp @ 7500RPM - 8000 redline - Full AISi 2,458cc/2.5L - DOHC-24 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.3:1 Compression - 69.4mpg
Normal front & suicide rear doors - Sunroof - Basic styling with chrome details - Premium 5 seater & Premium CD - Commuter P./Family Util. P./Family P./Premium - £23,191 (0%) & £27,829 (20%)

Arion Canis Alltrack - 2.5L “245” F6 - Standard TwinTurbo {1996}

Featured in Arion Classic Red II

Front longitudinal AWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
1400kg (56% Front/44% Rear)
197.4hp @ 7500RPM - 8000 redline - Full AISi 2,458cc/2.5L - DOHC-24 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.3:1 Compression - 67.7mpg
Normal front & suicide rear doors - Sunroof - Basic styling with chrome details - Premium 5 seater & Premium CD - Premium/Commuter P./Premium B./Family P. - £25,399 (0%) & £30,479 (20%)

Arion Canis Alltrack Estate - 2.5L “245” F6 - Standard TwinTurbo {1996}

Featured in Arion Deep Gloss Blue

Front longitudinal AWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
1410kg (55% Front/45% Rear)
197.4hp @ 7500RPM - 8000 redline - Full AISi 2,458cc/2.5L - DOHC-24 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.3:1 Compression - 66.7mpg
Normal front & suicide rear doors - Sunroof - Basic styling with chrome details - Premium 5 seater & Premium CD - Commuter P./Family Util. P./Family P./Premium - £25,215 (0%) & £30,259 (20%)

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My God is Arion becoming a normal car company?

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Made me think of GTA with those names. (The Virgo is a car and Canis is a manufacturer)

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The exhausts are a bit glitched but overall a very good car. I still don’t understand Arion’s suicide door obsession, but it doesn’t bother me.

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I know, right? I don’t know if I want my Arions to be sensible.

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Thanks for all the feedback everyone :sparkles:

Sensible, normal Arion for now, but I have a few upcoming projects that might not be quite as sensible come the late 90’s, early 00’s. :smile: But they have definitely shifted to becoming a larger company now more than ever!

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I’m suprised Arion is still in the 90s.

Arion Pylades III Concept - 4.4L “439” V16 - Sport TwinTurbo {1996}

Featured in Arion Cosmos Pearl III

Past all the rather standard premium cars Arion was creating in the 90’s, come 1996 the Pylades III Concept was revealed, produced mainly by Cosmos design house, the high end styling was totally bewilderingly unique, nobody had ever seen a car like it before. From the intriguing six headlights & taillights, to the dual wings following on from the Monoceros, as well as those wild eight exhaust tips, it was certainly a spectacular car to behold.

Mid longitudinal RWD - 6 gear manual - F&R Pushrod
1380kg (43% Front/57% Rear)
398.9hp @ 6900RPM - 8000 redline - Full AISi 4,394cc/4.4L - DOHC-64 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.1:1 Compression - 41.9mpg
Suicide front doors - Panoramic sunroof - Unique flashy chrome styling - Hand Made 2 seater & Luxury CD - Conv. S./Super/Hyper/Muscle P. - £77,185 (0%) & £92,622 (20%)

Arion Pylades III - 4.4L “439” V16 - Sport TwinTurbo {1997}

Featured in Arion White Shine III


Following on from the concept, in 1997 the production model was released, limited to 250 cars per year, the Pylades was a rare sight to spot on UK roads, let alone anywhere else if exported. A few Pylades III’s were sold in Japan as part of IkaMagic & Arion’s business collaboration, so they were more common there.

Featured in Arion Classic Red II

The third generation of the Pylades was equipped with the latest technology such as ABS, TCS, and even ESC. The monstrous powertrain mounted to the rear wheels produced an incredible 400hp, whilst maintaining lightness from Aluminium Silicone parts, and an Aluminium body with Carbon Fibre chassis.

Featured in Arion Deep Gloss Blue

The performance of the Pylades was outstanding. It could reach an estimated 191mph top speed, and hit 0-60 in 3.80s. 1/4 mile was done in 11.94s, and it achieved a mighty lap around the air field track of: 1:17.76.

Featured in Arion GL Black

Mid longitudinal RWD - 6 gear manual - F&R Pushrod
1390kg (43% Front/57% Rear)
398.9hp @ 6900RPM - 8000 redline - Full AISi 4,394cc/4.4L - DOHC-64 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.1:1 Compression - 41.9mpg
Suicide front doors - Panoramic sunroof - Added windscreen wiper, indicators & wing mirrors for production - Hand Made 2 seater & Luxury CD - Conv. S./Super/Hyper/Muscle P. - £77,127 (0%) & £92,552 (20%)

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In all honesty it looks more modern than '96 but a cool supercar none the less.

Looks a bit like a CC8S with different taillights.

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Indeed, I gathered a bit of inspiration from the CC concept, and also a car known as the Mega Montecarlo :sparkles:

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It looks good. Looks exactly like a retro concept supercar, except it made it to production.

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Arion Hercules - 4.0L “400” V16 - Standard {1997}

Featured in Arion Classic Red II

Released as a much bigger brother to the Arion Dune, the appropriately named Hercules was a pure brutish truck, being able to carry heavy weights, luggage around almost anything, and be loved by those of utilitarian nature all around. It was much more common in the USA as well as the rest of the world, opposed to the small amount of sales in the UK.

Featured in Arion Ultramarine Turquoise

The Hercules boasted with it’s utilitarian features, and active electronic technology supported by the outstanding electromagnetic suspension. Truly being ahead of it’s time, it was well received to many. However the technology meant higher premiums to buy one, but it was well worth every pound.

Featured in Arion Ivory Pearl II

Thanks to the trading with Corsica and IkaMagic, many Hercules made their way to the USA and Japan. The Japanese models were more of a collectable item than a usable car there however. In the Outbacks of Australia and vast space in the more north reaches of Canada, the Hercules got credited for it’s great features, being very favourable as a work truck.

Front longitudinal AWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
2110kg (61% Front/39% Rear)
318.7hp @ 7700RPM - 9500 redline - Full AISi 4,004cc/4.0L - DOHC-64 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.0:1 Compression - 20.0mpg
Standard front doors - Roof rack with intergrated light bar - Tow bar - Spare wheel & fuel storage - Dual side panel storage - Bed water vents - Active engine bay ventalation - Rear external roll bar - Below door lighting - Dual fuel tanks - Premium 3 seater & Luxury CD - Utility P./Offroad P./Util. Sport P./Premium - £29,185 (0%) & £35,022 (20%)

Arion Hercules SUV - 4.0L “400” V16 - Standard {1997}

Featured in Arion Deep Gloss Blue

Along with the truck variation, the SUV Hercules was released. The Sports Utility had a cabin on the rear, with the seating layout changed from 3 to 2 seats in the front, 2 in the back, and 3 in the far back for a nice comfortable 7 seater premium ride all the family can enjoy.

Featured in Arion Sterling Silver IV

Yet again the Hercules SUV was more common in USA and rest of the world, but the SUV was a bit less rare in the UK. In the Yorkshire Moors it became very valuable to it’s buyers, being a fantastical machine for their daily and working lives.

Featured in Arion White Shine III

The only real downfall to the Hercules is that it’s a complete gas guzzler. With a 20MPG< average fuel consumption from it’s obese weight, only those with plentiful income could keep them on the road, resulting in quite a lot of them being sold back, scrapped or abandoned.

Front longitudinal AWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
2480kg (54% Front/46% Rear)
318.7hp @ 7700RPM - 9500 redline - Full AISi 4,004cc/4.0L - DOHC-64 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.0:1 Compression - 18.8mpg
Standard front & suicide rear doors - Roof racks with intergrated light bar - Tow bar - Active engine bay ventalation - Below door lighting - Premium 7 seater & Luxury CD - Util. Sport L./Util. Sport P./Offroad P./Family P. - £37,736 (0%) & £45,283 (20%)

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Arion Dune - 3.2L “320V2” V8 - Standard TwinTurbo {1997}

Featured in Arion Sterling Silver IV


Into the late 90’s, the Dune got a complete overhaul: Version II had a full update inside and out with a new front and rear facia with new options and upgraded lightbars, as well as a new bash bar. The engine was completely built ground up with the new AlSi materials, and had a much better power delivery than the previous model. The downgrade from DOHC to SOHC was primarily due to reducing costs over ruining quality.

Featured in Arion Solde Blue III


The fancy GL trim and dual cab lineup as well as Industrial was dropped, but still sold until they were entirely sold out of production come '99. The decision was made to focus the company onto new developments, but allow the very well appreciated Dune to live on.

Featured in Arion Ultramarine Turquoise

Front longitudinal AWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
1410kg (61% Front/39% Rear)
214.3hp @ 7200RPM - 7500 redline - Full AISi 3,206cc/3.2L - SOHC-32 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.3:1 Compression - 39.1mpg
Standard front doors - Roof racks with intergrated light bar - Tow bar - Active engine bay ventalation - Spare wheel & fuel storage - Premium 2 seater & Premium CD - Utility P./City P./Heavy Util./Utility - £21,409 (0%) & £25,691 (20%)

Arion Dune SUV - 3.2L “320V2” V8 - Standard TwinTurbo {1997}

Featured in Arion Deep Gloss Blue

Featured in Arion Ivory Pearl II

Front longitudinal AWD - 5 gear adv. automatic - F Double wishbone & R MultiLink
1750kg (53% Front/47% Rear)
214.3hp @ 7200RPM - 7500 redline - Full AISi 3,206cc/3.2L - SOHC-32 TwinTurbo Multi Point EFI - 9.3:1 Compression - 42.3mpg
Standard front & suicide rear doors - Roof racks with intergrated light bar - Tow bar - Active engine bay ventalation - Premium 7 seater & Premium CD - Fam. Util. P./Util. Sport P./Family P./Util. Sport L. - £27,433 (0%) & £32,919 (20%)

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Arion Wren '98

In 1998, Arion released a very sprightly lightweight sports car, aimed more at a younger market, and Japan’s Kei-car market, sold through IkaMagic with a lighter, detuned 64hp JDM specification 660cc engine compared to the higher capacity 958cc UKDM spec.


It was sold starting at £20,000 to 22,000 for the unique glass targa roofed version, and then more with extras, such as the whaletail spoiler, mudflaps, and luxurious interior trim stitching patterns.


Alongside the new release, Arion created a whole new package of paints for their new lineup, the RST (Racing and Sport Tones). This included:

• Arion Sapphire Pearl
• Arion Emerald Pearl
• Arion Ruby Pearl
• Arion Onyx Pearl
• Arion Masamune Metallic

The extravagant pearl colours added around £1,000-2,500 into the overall price, making Masamune Metallic the base colour, and the pearlescents optional.


The Wren Kei-Sport sold relatively well in the UK and Japan, but was rarely exported elsewhere, as most other countries didn’t find the appeal in smaller compact sports cars.


In addition to the coupe, there was a special targa-top that had two-tone roof line colouring in Masamune Metallic to stand out, as well as look aesthetically pleasing.




Coupe Specifications:
Arion Wren Kei-Sport (UK) - 0.6L “660F6” F6 - Standard TwinTurbo UK
Chassis, Drivetrain & Weight: Mid longitudinal RWD AHS Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels - 794kg (47F/53R)
Gearbox & Suspension: 5 Gear Adv. Automatic & Pushrod Air suspension F&R with Adaptive dampers & Semi Active sway bars
Engine: 102.0hp @ 8400RPM - 9,000RPM redline - Full AISi 660cc/0.6L DOHC TwinTurbo Multipoint EFI Flat 6 - 9.6:1 Compression - 50.2mpg (77.8mpg average)
Wheels: Magnesium 14 inch Sport rims on radial sport compound tyres (P200/40R14 75U F&R)
Brakes: 245mm Vented Disc 3 Piston calipers front & 250mm Vented Disc 2 Piston calipers rear
Misc: Geared LSD - Fully clad undertray - Coolling flaps - Variable Hydraulic Power Steering, TC & ABS + Advanced 90s Safety
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door gullwing coupe - Premium 2 seater & Premium Cassette
Design: Flashy aircraft inspired design - Twin side intercoolers - Snazzy whaletail spoiler - Body colour bumper lip kit
Markets & Value: Sport B./L. Sport/L. Sport B./Sport - For sale at £20,000 before extras

Targa Specifications:
Arion Wren Kei-Sport Targa (UK) - 0.6L “660F6” F6 - Standard TwinTurbo UK
Chassis, Drivetrain & Weight: Mid longitudinal RWD AHS Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels - 879g (47F/53R)
Gearbox & Suspension: 5 Gear Adv. Automatic & Pushrod Air suspension F&R with Adaptive dampers & Semi Active sway bars
Engine: 102.0hp @ 8400RPM - 9,000RPM redline - Full AISi 958cc/1.0L DOHC TwinTurbo Multipoint EFI Flat 6 - 9.6:1 Compression - 47.5mpg (74.8mpg average)
Wheels: Magnesium 14 inch Sport rims on radial sport compound tyres (P200/40R14 75U F&R)
Brakes: 245mm Vented Disc 3 Piston calipers front & 250mm Vented Disc 2 Piston calipers rear
Misc: Geared LSD - Fully clad undertray - Coolling flaps - Variable Hydraulic Power Steering, TC & ABS + Advanced 90s Safety
Exterior layout & Interior: 2 door standard glass targa - Premium 2 seater & Premium Cassette
Design: Flashy aircraft inspired design - Twin side intercoolers - Snazzy whaletail spoiler - Body colour bumper lip kit
Markets & Value: Conv. Sport B./Conv. Sport/Sport B./L. Sport - For sale at £22,000 before extras

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Damn that targa is properly hot

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Arion Buckingham IV '99

Almost nearing the new millennium, the revival of the Buckingham luxury sedan was in order. With hedonistic chrome trimmed lines and a new curvy body, it displayed upmost class, becoming well received with it’s customers.

Arion Glossy Starling Purple




The exterior wasn’t the only factor into the Buckingham IV that made it so loved, the expensive yet first-rate electromagnetic active suspension gave it an incredibly smooth ride, like driving atop the plush clouds of an epic sunny morning. The effortless ride was powered by Arion’s 4.0L V16 Twinturbo, with silky smooth acceleration and enough power to reach speeds of over 150mph, it was quite a meaning engine.

Arion Superb Starling Blue

With the comeback of the Buckingham, Arion designed a whole new package of paints for their new lineup, the DLT (Deep Luxury Tones). This included:

• Arion Glossy Starling Iridescent
• Arion Glossy Starling Purple
• Arion Superb Starling Blue
• Arion Superb Starling Orange
• Arion Amethyst Starling
• Arion White Adder
• Arion Autumn Adder
• Arion Ruby Adder Iridescent
• Arion Emerald Adder Iridescent

These new luxurious colours were optional extras, costing around £2,000-5,500 extra. The newly developed Iridescent paints were more around the £5,500 pricing.

Arion White Adder

The fans of the older Buckingham cars loved this new one, with the dual sunroofs coming back again, as well as the striking yet lustrous lines giving it a breath of fresh air to the design.

Arion Superb Starling Orange

The interior was as plush as it was elegant outside, having prosperous leather seating and extras as standard such as heated seats front and back, and even a pull-down table divider for the rear seats for extra comfort. There was also extras such as small TV screens mounted to the back of the front seat headrests, and rear radar sensors for reversing from £2,000-4,000.

Arion Glossy Starling Iridescent

Arion Buckingham IV Supersport '99

Side by side with the standard Buckingham IV, there was a Supersport trim grade which had tuning from Cosmos to provide an incredibly sporty luxury experience


The Supersport had tuned engine internals and larger turbochargers as well as a ludicrous 10,000rpm redline for an extraordinary sound like no other from the unique V16’s upgraded exhausts with 3.5’ quad tipped dual exhausts.


To go with the upgrades to the engine, the chassis had different sport-tuning to the electromagnetic suspension, giving more of a feel to the driver from a few settings: Sport, Race and Comfort. The front seats were swapped out for a slightly more racing based extra bolstered type. At no extra cost, they could be changed for the standard cosy leather ones however.


The exterior had several upgrades like sporty wheels on wider tyres, a lower bodykit equipped all around, (OOC: Accidentally only one sideskirt oops.) and a smooth flowing aero wing.


Standard Specifications:
Arion Buckingham IV - 4.0L “400” V16 - Standard Smooth
Chassis, Drivetrain & Weight: Front longitudinal RWD AHS Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels - 1740kg (59F/41R)
Gearbox & Suspension: 5 Gear Adv. Automatic & Double Wishbone F & Multilink R Active Comfort (Electromagnetic) suspension F&R with Semi Active dampers & Passive sway bars
Engine: 212.5hp @ 7800RPM - 8,000RPM redline - Full AISi 4004cc/4.0L DOHC64 TwinTurbo Multipoint EFI V16 - 8.9:1 Compression - 22.8mpg (38.6mpg average)
Wheels: Alloy 17 inch Standard rims on radial medium compound tyres (P215/55R17 96Z F&R)
Brakes: 330mm Vented Disc 3 Piston callipers front & 270mm Vented Disc 2 Piston callipers rear
Misc: Viscous LSD - Fully clad undertray - Cooling flaps - Electric Power Steering, TC, ABS, ESC + Advanced 90s Safety
Exterior layout & Interior: 4 door standard & suicide rear doors sedan - Luxury 4 seater & Luxury CD
Design: Extravagant luxury design - Twin front intercoolers - Stylish chrome trim - Dual sunroofs - 3rd window brake light - 8 exhaust tips (1.5’) - Arion bonnet badge
Markets & Value: Premium/Fam. Sport P./Luxury/Commuter P. - For sale at £70,600 before extras

Supersport Specifications:
Arion Buckingham IV Supersport - 4.0L “400” V16 - Supersport
Chassis, Drivetrain & Weight: Front longitudinal RWD AHS Steel Monocoque with Aluminium panels - 1790kg (59F/41R)
Gearbox & Suspension: 5 Gear Adv. Automatic & Double Wishbone F & Multilink R Active Sport (Electromagnetic) suspension F&R with Semi Active dampers & Passive sway bars
Engine: 526.9hp @ 8200RPM - 10,000RPM redline - Full AISi 4004cc/4.0L DOHC64 TwinTurbo Multipoint EFI V16 - 9.1:1 Compression - 21.1mpg (36.9mpg average)
Wheels: Alloy 18 inch Sport rims on radial sport compound tyres (P225/45R18 94(Y) F&R)
Brakes: 350mm Vented Disc 6 Piston callipers front & 330mm Vented Disc 3 Piston callipers rear
Misc: Viscous LSD - Fully clad undertray - Cooling flaps - Electric Power Steering, TC, ABS, ESC + Advanced 90s Safety
Exterior layout & Interior: 4 door standard & suicide rear doors sedan - Sport 4 seater & Luxury CD
Design: Extravagant luxury design - Twin front intercoolers - Stylish chrome trim - Dual sunroofs - 3rd window brake light - 4 exhaust tips (3.5’) - Lower bodykit and increased front intake - Stylish curvy wing - Cosmos & Supersport badging
Markets & Value: GT/Fam. Sport P./Premium/GT P. - For sale at £78,100 before extras

9 Likes

I like the headlights, very similar to a design I have for my mid 00’s Sakuta Shogun. Very cool!

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