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The following year after the M30 refresh, Epoch released a redesign of the M20 series, this time simultaneously world-wide. This model featured a completely new design, with a much more modern and sharp look. The base model, known as the Epoch M20 A2200, however, was released with a updated variant of the old M20 engine in order to try to keep costs down. This decision ultimately backfired on Epoch, as the old straight-six was based upon previous generation technology and returned terrible fuel economy (just shy of 20L/100kms), leaving the M20 range tainted for years to come with the reputation of being cheap to buy but costly to own. Although the engine was marketed as being modern and revamped, the general characteristics were disappointing and it didn’t excel in any particular way. Power was almost identical to the 1954 model, albeit produced with about 100cc less capacity, and the engine had improved in no real measurable way apart from reliability and quietness. All that being said, whilst the engine and fuel economy was definitely not it’s strong suit, the car performed reasonably well on the road. The new suspension layout, combined with the superior weight distribution, allowed the vehicle to surpass the cornering characteristics of the model it replaced in all aspects. The new M20 managed to deliver a more sporting and drivable package overall, that was light-years ahead in comfort and practicality.
Released alongside the A2200 was the car that defined what the M20 series was supposed to be about, the Epoch M20 S2600. This vehicle featured Epoch’s first attempt at designing and building a V8 engine, and was much more of a complete sports package. Whilst the S2600 was nowhere near as comfortable and as refined as the A2200, it was still exponentially improved from the old 1954 Model 20/B. Inheriting all the positives that came along with the newly designed platform and suspension, the S2600’s engine and chassis worked harmoniously to deliver a fun, cheap, and reliable car that could hold its own on the world stage. The heart of the car, the 2598cc (159cui) 60 degree V8 was conservatively rated at 99.5kW (133HP) and 188Nm (139 ft lbs), and could spin out to 6000 rpm. Seeing as it was Epoch’s initial offering of this sort of engine, the reliability suffered somewhat, however it was still within acceptable bounds for the era. Whilst only producing around 10% more power than the A2200, the S2600 managed to drop the 0-100 time from 11.5 seconds down to 9.5 seconds, as well as return an improved economy rating of 17.2L/100kms. This V8 model was only subtly differentiated from the A2200 model in trim through small V8 badging on the C-Pillar, and a similar but more refined front grill arrangement.
