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At the end of the 20th century, Maesima had grown quickly, perhaps too quickly. This rapid rise was driven by a relaxation of socialist grip on the economy of Anikatia and flood of foreign investment. It was this that allowed Maesima to pursue its export efforts and the creation of Maesima’s US operations. By the mid-1990s the companies lineup had grown to four car lineup in the US consisting of the mainstay Celento sedan and wagons, Exestis affordable coupe along with the NRZ sports car. Joined by the new NL-992/Senatos premium sedan. Maesima’s first effort to enter the premium market.
The Exestis was based on the Celento’s UF chassis but used the rear suspension from the NRZ. This design would take over from the NRZ line in the companies rally efforts in Group-A. The Exestis proving to be one of the companies most successful rally vehicles achieving impressive performances in the 1995 and 1996 seasons. The Senatos derived from the NRZ chassis and engine initially struggled but after some price cutting found a niche. Although the damage was done to the luxury image. But things were about to get much worse. By 1997 Asian Financial crisis hit and while the Democratic Socialist People’s Republic was able to keep itself above the fray it was forced to devalue its currency to protect its competitiveness with the other nations.
The DSRA had made its currency fully convertible only a few years prior to the crisis. The Anikuro currency devalued swiftly and lost more than half its value. As the crisis intensified in the following months when the effects of the devaluation showed up on corporate balance sheets for Maesima. Which had to borrow in foreign currency had to face the higher costs imposed upon them by the Anikuro’s decline and many other firms reacted by buying foreign currency through selling Anikuros, undermining the value of the matter further. The effects began to hurt Maesima and it was forced to cut costs where it could. The company suspended most of its Motorsport operations and focused on its rally efforts albeit in a greatly reduced capacity, as a result, it never able to achieve the same level of success.
The UF-platform Celento had been in production since 1993 and efforts to replace it were already well underway when the crisis hit but it still caused issues. While the successor was planned during the lavish era. Bringing back the liftback, wagon and sedan variants. The lineup was simplified and engine choices reduced. Earlier plans to move the successor to UR-platform of the Exestis with independent rear suspension were scrapped and a revision of the of UF-platforms torsion beam was kept. The Exestis and NRZ were given minimal upgrades and the Senatos was also left to languish in the new economic climate.
The Celento remained a key product for Maesima both in the US and abroad, but on the auspicious year of the crisis the Celento was replaced and its name discontinued (in most markets) and replaced by the Avellca. It was thought amongst the higher ups within the US and European operations that the Celento name was too closely associated with the companies early budget roots and as part of larger plan to move the brand upscale, starting with the NL-992/Senatos and NRZ. These plans proved completely unfounded disastrous ill-timed and placed the company under even greater financial strain during an economic crisis as it threw away its heritage it had worked so hard to build up with the Celento.
Despite all this, the Avellca continued the reputation of the Celento in all but name, continuing to provide class-leading reliability, outstanding value and service costs matched to impressive warranties. Thankfully for Maesima the Avellca proved just as successful as its predecessor and help kept the company afloat in the growing crisis of the noughts. The Avellca kept the companies award-winning and critically acclaimed MCG-engine. One big first for Maesima was the MCG-engine was improved with its first DOHC head now standard on all models along with drivers airbag and remote central locking. Efforts were made to improve fuel economy compared to its predecessor along with changes to suspension setup to improve comfort and handling response.
Avellca 2.2L Liftback Xz 5MT: $6,844*
(*+10% in 1999 value equal to 8,958.00 (+10%) in 2010 Autiomation units)
Original Lore Post
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oh wait… i forgot to post the ad yesterday… fug
i’m late. i don’t care. i’m bit too tired to care at the time of creation/posting
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Motor World Review, August 1999
Model Year-In-Review Edition
Best Entry-level Car – 1999
Vermillion SpaceStar V6
Relative Rating: 100.00
It seems at every turn we’re talking about a Vermillion car at the top of our lists. Well, they’ve done it again this year with the SpaceStar minivan.
The 3.0 liter “DFH” V6 under the hood puts out a decent 170 HP, enough to move this suburban mover with decent vigor. While the engine is an older design, it is still relevant today. Its proven track record continues to make it a viable option to this day.
Exterior design is clean and modern. There are dual sliding side doors, allowing easy access from both sides.
The interior includes standard full cloth seating, power windows, mirrors, and locks, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/Cassette deck. Air conditioning, power steering, and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes also come on every SpaceStar.
Our test model was passed around the entire staff, and pulled duty on everything from road trips for the younger writers, to soccer shuttle duty for the more senior editors. Everyone remarked on how comfortable and smooth the ride was, how easy access was, and how much cargo the SpaceStar could carry, both with the rear seats upright and folded down.
We must caution that this is one of the most expensive cars in the class to buy and keep up. But if you have the need for lots of seats, cargo room, or a smooth ride, this is the best choice this year.
Best Upscale Car – 1999
Erin Tauga Lex 2.8
Relative Rating: 100.00
With the trend of luxury sport sedans taking over corporate parking lots like disco fever in the 70’s, it was inevitable that one would land at the top of our list sooner or later.
The Tauga Lex 2.8 from Erin is now ready to make its mark on our pages.
226 horsepower from a smooth 2.8 liter straight-6? Yes, please. A 5-speed manual transmission with viscous rear LSD? Ohh yeah. Getting up to 60 in a class-best 7 seconds? Check. What else is there?
Erin is glad you asked. Because they’ve added taut, precise cornering to the package as well. Is it as comfortable as an Ardent Chancellor? No, but it’s a lot more fun to drive. Just have a little awareness when you are blasting it around town, or you’re sure to get a ticket. Just ask our senior editor.
In any case, the Erin Tauga Lex also includes most of the luxury goodies you’d expect from an upscale sport sedan. Power windows, locks, mirrors, and steering are all there, as is a remote locking system. The leatherette seats have a good range of adjustment, and the driver’s seat even has 8-way electric adjustment. A CD player is also standard, but its 100 watt rating and 4 speaker system is easily outclassed by other competitors. Not so easily outclassed in other areas, the Tauga Lex includes 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, and driver and passenger airbags with side impact bags as well.
The Erin Tauga is the clear-cut winner for being an overall great premium sport sedan. So if you’re looking to make a statement as you pull in to work, make sure your boss sees you in one of these.
Best Sport Car – 1999
LMC Maladus M200
Relative Rating: 100.00
Get out your checkbooks, ladies and gentlemen. The new Maladus M200 is here, and it’s hot.
A 4.6 liter, all-aluminum V8 lurks under the hood, waiting to unleash 343 horses to the rear, via a 5-speed manual and limited slip diff. How does 5.5 seconds to 60 sound? Sounds like fun to us. And if you’re lucky enough to have a track to be able to bomb down, you should expect a good 165 or so miles per hour. Though our favorite was the slalom test, which was just an absolute gas.
And unlike some sports cars, the LMC will not break your back. Though it does come with standard 4-point harnesses in low-slung bucket seats, they are well-supportive and surprisingly adjustable. Plus having creature comfort features like power steering, air conditioning, and a sunroof are also bonuses.
As long as you have the budget to get a no-compromises sports car, you should be heading to a LMC dealership.
Best Utility – 1999
Takemi Theta W-spec
Relative Rating: 100.00
Light duty trucks have been seeing some changes in recent years. Many have been eschewing their straight utilitarian images in an attempt to cater to a wider market. One such example has caught our attention this year.
The Theta W-spec from Takemi wraps a little bit of comfort into a sturdy four-wheel drive workhorse. Standard cloth seating and full-carpet flooring greet the occupants when they hop in, but those fancier floors are protected by a set of all-weather floor mats. Air conditioning, a host of power bits, and a pair of air bags also round out the interior.
What set the Theta apart from competitors is that they don’t just slap an engine and transmission in and call it good. There is a definite focus on making sure you can get to your job as well as complete it, regardless of the conditions.
Four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, and even electronic stability control are standard on this model. The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission changes from rear to four wheel drive at the flick of a switch.
With 214 horses, the Takemi Theta has the grunt to get it done. It has certainly earned our seal of approval.
Best Engine – 1999
Deer and Hunt 4 Liter V6
(+5 Relative Rating bonus)
Sometimes newer isn’t better. Deer and Hunt is proving that this year with an engine that was first released when Reagan was still in office. What makes their 4 liter V6 so special is that it’s simply reliable. And though it may not be the most efficient motor available these days, there’s something to be said for being able to get in your car and have faith that it’s going to be running today. And tomorrow. And for the next 20 years. For that, Deer and Hunt wins our Engine of the Year award.
Entry Class Reviews
Maesima Avellca Xz Liftback
Relative Rating: 93.53
“…decent, competent car for a low price. It’s reliable and cheap to maintain, though other competitors are cheaper to fuel and feel better to drive…”
Pros: Low purchase price, low maintenance cost, high reliability
Cons: Low comfort, poor drivability, poor economy vs. Competitors
Bogliq Mutineer Entrance
Relative Rating: 97.88
“…fantastic package in this low-cost model. It’s easy to drive, comfortable, and sips gas…”
Pros: Low purchase price, great fuel economy, good drivability
Cons: Mediocre reliability, relatively high maintenance cost
Everette Vancouver GLR8
Relative Rating: 95:70
“…near-premium driving experience without the up front price. On the back end, it may get you in maintenance and fuel costs…”
Pros: Premium level comfort and safety without the cost, good drivability
Cons: Low reliability, worst in class fuel economy, haigh maintenance cost
Grehet Reviva
Relative Rating: 93.53
“…pint-sized fuel sipper. This makes for a great commuter car or possibly a starter car for a teenager…”
Pros: Best in round fuel economy, lowest in round purchase price, good reliability
Cons: Poor drivability, poor safety, poor comfort
Upscale Class Reviews
Ardent Chancellor LS
Relative Rating: 93.63
“…next-best thing to the sporting performance of the Erin Tauga. It’s far better behaved on the roads, and receives top marks for safety, but also comes at a premium price…”
Pros: High comfort, high drivability, best in round safety, prestigious model
Cons: High purchase price, highest in class maintenance cost, poor reliability
IP Icarus Mk IV 3600
Relative Rating: 76.60
“…poor driving dynamics, and uninspired engine definitely don’t help. The Icarus seems to miss nearly every benchmark expected…”
Pros: Low maintenance cost, good comfort
Cons: Poor reliabilty, poor drivability, worst in class economy, poor value for the price
Mont Royal MV EP
Relative Rating: 95.75
“…sublime ride and superior cabin comfort are among the perk of this model, and a thoroughly modern 3.4 liter V6 helps as well…”
Pros: Best in round drivability, prestigious model, great safety, superb comfort
Cons: High purchase price, high maintenance cost, poor fuel economy
Birmingham Altaya
Relative Rating: 85.12
“…premium sports sedan that does well, but not well enough. It carves corners like a dream, but beyond that and its low cost, there’s just not enough to distinguish it…”
Pros: Great handling, good drivability, lowest in class purchase price
Cons: Poor reliability, high maintenance cost, low comfort, lackluster performance
Sport Class Reviews
Keika Katana 2400
Relative Rating: 90.48
“…a little long in the tooth, but we still love it for its low cost thrills…”
Pros: Lowest in class purchase price, good performance, great fuel economy
Cons: Barely met crash standards, very poor comfort, poor drivability
Epoch M10 Ansom RSA
Relative Rating: 92.86
“…a decently sporty car that’s reasonable to drive every day. It shouldn’t hit the wallet too hard…”
Pros: Good comfort, reasonable purchase price, low maintenance cost, good safety, high practicality
Cons: Poor drivability, relatively low reliability, poor lateral handling
Sinistra Serenade GT 2.0
Relative Rating: 92.86
“…performance that’s well below average for this category. Even for a cheap thrill, we prefer others like the Keika. But it still would make a decent daily car for those looking for a little adrenaline…”
Pros: Low purchase price, good fuel economy, practical, good drivability
Cons: Tepid performance, poor comfort
Sakura Deva EX
Banned by EPA – Failed to get Emissions Certification
Relative Rating: 0.00
“…unfortunately were not able to get our hands on one to test before they were sent back to Japan due to an emissions debacle…”
Pros: N/A
Cons: Emissions exceeded maximum allowed
Caliban Type SC TO
Relative Rating: 95.24
“…blistering performance on a budget. That should allow you to buy a used Ardent or Bogliq to commute in to save your spine…”
Pros: Fantastic performance, modest price, great reliability
Cons: Questionable safety, insane maintenance cost, poor economy, bad comfort
Utility Class Reviews
Deer and Hunt Hawg
Relative Rating: 95.91 (including bonus)
“…modest rear-wheel drive ute with surprising off-road capability. We’re sure the four-wheel drive version is even better…”
Pros: Fantastic offroad, good comfort, modest purchase price, good safety
Cons: Poor handling, poor drivability, poor reliability, poor fuel economy
Rado Adventure 2.4 Base
Relative Rating: 96.97
“…for those who like to find adventure afield, but don’t like the traditional SUV concept. We found this to be exceptionally capable and durable…”
Pros: High reliability, low purchase price, low maintenance cost, great fuel economy, good off-road
Cons: Poor drivability, poor comfort, poor image
So, I’m severely struggling with my schedule shift. I could put this on hiatus for a while, but I also heard feedback from several people that they were out of lore and/or burned out, so I think we’ll just call this the end of the competition. I’d like to thank all of you who participated, brought the lore, and had fun playing off of each other. It was a big experiment, and I think you all made it successful. So here are the final standings:
Overall Relative Ratings (FINAL After 12 Rounds)
kmBlaine - 95.71
Kubboz - 94.88
Private_Miros - 93.85
DeusExMackia - 93.78
undercoverhardwarema - 93.41
Chickenbiscuit - 93.04
HighOctaneLove - 92.39
koolkei - 92.31
VicVictory - 92.20
Rk38 - 91.86
Madrias - 91.84
TheCarLover - 91.81
titleguy1 - 91.38
DukeOFhazards - 91.04
Mikonp7 - 90.87
BoostandEthanol - 90.50
NormanVauxhall - 90.49
machalel - 89.30
Mr.Computah - 88.88
Nicholander - 88.26
Knugcab - 86.30
Dorifto_Dorito - 85.98
Aaron.W - 78.96
Vri404 - 76.25
nerd – 75.50
CONGRATULATIONS to our podium winners:
@kmBlaine
@Kubboz
@Private_Miros
And a personal special thank you to @HighOctaneLove for giving me a run for my money as usual, as well as the usual ahem… friendly… rivalry between Bogliq and Ardent. You literally pulled it out over me in that last round there.
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Yeah, I actually think it might be best this way, it feels like a natural break when the final year was 1999, like if the competition was “best automobile manufacturer of the century”.
By the way, I start to wonder if the problem with the Icarus rather might have been that all the people interested in a car like that probably died off before the car did?
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We call that “Buick Syndrome”. 
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Hehe, to be honest, that was a bit of the point with this model. The sedan killed of in 1993 when the whole platform probably should have been buried, as the upscale models will be moved over to the Royalist brand. Some stubborn consumers still wanting big and old fashioned wagons, getting fewer and fewer in the days of the SUV and MPV though, manufacturer as stubbornly refusing to upgrade the platform and just chunking out cars until it died off by itself, trying to make an excuse for the few buyers still complaining in the ad for the runout model To be honest, the review you wrote could as well be one for a Volvo 940 in the late 90s, except that the 940 was dead reliable… A bit sad that I had no other car from 1999 in the lore yet though… 
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It would have been nice to continue this challenge all the way to the present day, but ending it in 1999 made more sense given the host’s tight schedule.
Wow, it was only a lead of 0.19!!! 
Thanks @VicVictory for a unique challenge that, I for one, entered into without fully realising the scope of such an endeavour…
By the end I was having to refresh my line-up of three sedans, two sportscars, one offroader and a van/MPV twin every few days! I had to try and re-design at least 24 individual cars by the mid 70’s and I also had to design and tune believable engines/variants for each car…
I had a hard time keeping up, let alone competing with anyone! A word to the wise, don’t use a weekly competition to build a wide spectrum car company lore within, you’ll run out of creativity and energy really quickly. 
Thanks to everyone who kicked my butt for revealing major flaws in the way I’ve imagined my company and thanks to Vic again for keeping me interested via our newfound Bogliq v Ardent rivalry… It was an honour to compete with all of you and I will endeavour to use my experiences to be a better competitor in the future.
On a final note, I need to apologise to @Leonardo9613. I was wrong. Your cessation of contributions to the competition was indeed missed and I would like to wholeheartedly apologise for my part in your withdrawal from Generations.
Thanks again Vic, I always find your competitions fun to compete in, so don’t burn yourself out on night shift, I need you here making cool challenges and keeping Bogliq honest!!! 
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I’ll admit, I had fun, and while my lore-thread is still quite barren, that’s more from trying to keep up than from anything else. There are plenty of cars that never got seen after their debut, and some that never got seen despite there being clear intent otherwise. (After all, there is a 1973 Traville with the 3.9L V6, and the 5.2L V8 a few years later, and I never did put up the Savage 662 after I missed that round.)
I suppose what this means for me is that I’ll end up going over the lore thread and expanding on the years a little. Not editing the old posts, but using the cars already put up as ‘cornerstones’ to showcase the mindset of each generational leap for the cars, while going back into the 60’s through the 90’s to fill out the cars that went missing.
I had fun in the challenge, and while I wasn’t quite a competitor toward anyone, my FWD company didn’t end up dead last, so I’m quite pleased with that. Yes, there were a few times I broke from FWD, but I did so with lore behind it. The Sunbolt is just a FWD transaxle in the back of a sporty car, and the Stampede has a highly-front-biased AWD system.
So, thank you, @VicVictory, for the awesomely fun lore-challenge.
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Thank you @VicVictory for getting me off my duff to flesh out my lore, even if it was only until 1994.
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Excellent challenge all round, it’s easily been one of the best I’ve ever taken part in on these forums.
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Great challenge @VicVictory even if we had tense moments ooc, but the challenge went smoothly in the end and ended really nicely. I was too ballsy entering a track car company though 
I will say I am salty though, for a different reason. I video edited an ad for the hypothetical 2016 round, will post later 
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To escalate the salty level… I’m gonna go back and knock down your score if you DON’T post that video! 
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I had something all sorts of evil planned for 2003, so… I’m saying you all got lucky that you won’t have to face it. Still, I had fun up to 1999.
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Definitely one of the most ambitious and creative challenges in recent memory and despite joining this a bit later than most I really enjoyed my time. Thanks for hosting @VicVictory!
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Now you’ve done it, I’m so posting it 
As soon as my Andalusian trip is over in 5 or so hours…
EDIT: actually I can post it from the bus, here it is 
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That’s fantastic!
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