Generations [LORE, UE4] [FINAL RESULTS]

ACA HQ: Lansing, Michigan. | December 4th 1958

Sam walks into Conway’s office…

Sam: Um, sir.

Conway: Well done kid.

Sam: Huh?

Conway: Looks like your gamble paid off. It’s not selling too poorly and seeing as we have the most luxurious car in the class, I think we should be fine.

Sam: But sir, we were hardly the best. Did you not read the report?

Conway: To hell with that report. America wants comfortable cars, not sporty cars. Anyways, the only thing that did worry me about the report was the issues with reliability and practicality. Oh and that violation of the regulations. I need you and your design team to fix that ASAP.

Sam: Alright, sir. I’ll get to it.

7 Likes

Bogliq USA HQ

Detroit, Michigan

CEO Konstantin’s office, January, 1957

“We’ve dropped from first to fourth! We need to win back our heartland!” Fumed Konstantin. “Damn that McCarthy, we expanded too fast, too soon and now we got rats chewing up our marketshare!”

“We had to continue our expansion plans or else we’d be giving away entire markets to our competitors” Jake Mulligan, head of marketing, replied calmly. “The way I see it, the only ones who need to fear anything is our competitors; we’re in EVERYONE’S market, not just one or two”. “We sit astride the marketplace like a colossus, with the competition scrabbling for the crumbs off our plate! We just gotta keep focussed on being the benchmark in every market we are involved with and the sales will fall into our laps. We’ve got this in the bag…”

“Stop right there” interjected Konstantin. “You’ll doom us with that sort of talk; we’re only as good as the last model we built. I’ve already got the engineers making sure the cars are the apex of their segment but don’t discount our competition; Ardent is now second on the ladder, and all because they’re consistent. We let winning get to our heads… Well no more!!! I want everyone focussed on promoting Bogliq core values, am I clear?”

“Yes sir…”

“Good!, now leave me as I need to plan our next move.”

As Jake left, Konstantin sat back in his chair, opened his lower left hand drawer and pulled out the latest Motor World Review… Birmingham had stolen the Zealot’s value for money position and Caliban had embarrassed the sports Zealot. The Mutineer was getting old and couldn’t out sell the, much cheaper, new Epoch 30. The Maverick had been a swing and a miss and the market wasn’t over-excited over the Model 5 or the Model 6.

The expansion hadn’t failed but it hadn’t been the blitzkrieg that Konstantin wanted. But Bogliq still had a massive market share and a healthy history so things weren’t all doom and gloom… Bogliq just had to hold on and survive the next three; four; five years!

7 Likes

Car Can be found here.

12 Likes

Its just a facelift of the '51 model :stuck_out_tongue:

13 Likes


Lore post.

9 Likes

1960

“So, Luke, what’s this “savage project” you’ve been keeping under wraps?” Mark Jasper asked during a design meeting.

“Something the world isn’t quite ready for, and we aren’t ready to build, either. I’m thinking, '65, we build and show the concept to the world, release the car in '66. It’ll fit better then, I’m sure of it.” Luke replied.

“So, what’s the plan for '61?”

“The Senator. We’ll need the 5.2 liter V8 for other things eventually, and the 3.9 liter V6, well, we can derive that from the V8. There’s a dirty trick to doing that, makes for a rough-running V6, but… We’ll need the parts in the 80’s at some point.”

“Wait, you’re talking about cutting V8’s in half, lopping two cylinders off one side, and welding the whole mess back together, aren’t you?” Mark asked, with more than a hint of skepticism.

“Precisely. Believe me, it’ll work. Yes, we could derive the V6 from that V12 you made, but it’d require a crankshaft we’re not quite ready to design. This buys us time.” Luke said.

“So, what’s the plan for the warehouse full of ‘spare’ cylinders?”

“Focus on building the engines for now. Leave my plans for the future to be learned later, when they’re more appropriate. If word got out about my plan for those cut cylinders, believe me, it’d cause all sorts of mayhem. People like to think in twos, threes, and fours. A motorcycle might have two cylinders, and no one minds that. Complete shitbox cars might have a three-cylinder engine. Four cylinder cars are becoming somewhat popular, and everyone knows the inline 6 is just three twos, or two threes. V6, well, it’s two threes. V8 is two fours. V12 is four threes or two sixes. So, believe me when I say the world isn’t ready yet for an engine made of two fives.”


1961


Andrea Wright looked at the ad she’d made for the new car. She’d been with the company for a month now, and had found she could hold her own against the Engine Team’s pranks. However, she felt the new ad was… Maybe it was too angular, or too bold. Maybe there was too much information, or was there just not enough? She stood outside Luke Sinistra’s office, trying to get up the nerve to push the door open, to walk in and set the ad on Luke’s desk and ask for his approval.

She didn’t get the chance. Luke opened the door and nearly walked into Andrea. “My apologies… Andrea, is it? Those damned assholes in the Engine Design team stole my coffee beans again.” Andrea looked to the coffee mug in Luke’s right hand, and the cane in his left, then smiled.

“Was about to ask your approval for this ad.” Andrea said, offering Luke the thin page. She watched as Luke tucked the cane under his right arm, holding her ad in his left hand.

“I think it looks good. Gives enough information about the other engine option, without mentioning the dreadful ‘Low Cost’ versions. Keeps the image up. Consider it approved.”

“Thank you!” Andrea said, smiling.

“Out of curiosity, Andrea, what do you currently drive?”

“A 10-year old Bogliq Mutineer. Why?”

Luke tossed Andrea a set of keys. “Parking lot three, fifth space from the building, third row. Midnight Moonlight, Senator, LX 5200 with all the paperwork filled out. Welcome to the company, Andrea. Consider it a bonus for the quick turn-around on the advertisement. And for putting Mark Jasper’s hat inside the oil pan of his Raider. Yeah, I heard about that. Said he didn’t think you’d actually do it.”

“I got tired of him thinking I couldn’t work on engines. My father ran a farm, I was more interested in the tractors than my brothers. They went off to study law, I stuck around until the harvest was done. Could fix that stupid tractor with my eyes closed, cars ain’t that different.” Andrea said.

Luke smiled. “That’s why you’re part of the team. We do some races now and then, could use a good mechanic, a crew chief, if you will. Might drop some jaws on the other teams to find out a lady can change tires faster than they can.”

“What’s the catch?”

“No catch. Participation in the Sinistra Performance Division is completely voluntary. Just, you get to see new technology being applied and tested at the track. That, and you’ve got to be willing to get your hands dirty, but you’ve had no problems with that so far. But, I’ll let you think on that on your own time. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an Engine Team meeting to crash, and coffee to make.”

8 Likes

Bogliq Secret Test Track, October 1959

Somewhere in Michigan

Konstantin watched the little blue sedan race about the course then pull into the pits, where it was swarmed by mechanics and engineers. He then gestured over to his Chief Engineer to come closer…

“So, our answer to Caliban’s challenge is ready?”

“Yes sir, we have ample power, excellent straight line speed and the handling is razor sharp. We’ve even made the ride more comfortable!”

“So what’s the sting then?”

“The cost. This model runs 98 Octane fuel and costs 50% more than the previous model”

“Hmmmmm, that’s acceptable. We need a halo car or two and you’ve provided me one. Make sure it’s part of the Mk II program.”

“Yes sir, right away sir!”

Konstantin then gathered his briefcase and overcoat and walked back to his Maverick Empower, pleased that the Zealot program was proceeding as planned and on schedule…

(OOC - @Mr.Computah check THIS out! We’re coming for ya!)

10 Likes

Ardent Corporate Headquarters

Tuesday, January 7, 1958

Jack looked up from the papers when he heard a knock at the door. The door swung open, and Stanton Glass hobbled in. Gray now streaked the engineer’s slicked-back hair, and the age lines on his face accentuated his burn scars.

“Stanton, please have a seat,” Jack motioned.

Stanton moved to his customary place when these meetings took place, turned to the side of the desk. Over the years his movement had slowed, though his mind was sharper than ever.

“We did well with the A1,” Jack started. “But competition is shifting again, and we need to look to solidify our position once again. I need you to take on another design, if you can.”

Stanton smiled. “As always, I’m your man. I may need a couple more junior designers, though.”

Jack nodded. “Staffing is a bit thin right now. I’m putting in a requisition with Personnel. We’re going to hire three more for Powertrain and four more for Design. Which brings me to my next point. How would you feel about sitting in on the interviews?”

Stanton’s expression disappeared, and his jaw slacked. “Me, sir?”

“Of course. You might want to know a few things about your potential new hires. That, and it’s your damned job, Stanton.”

“My job is to mold clay from paper, and steel from clay, Jack.”

“That was your only job before you were Chief of Design. Now you have meetings and staffing and all of that other fun stuff that comes with it. And it’s past time you took on the rest of your responsibilities.”

Stanton grimaced. He was saved from having to think of a comeback when Chancellor’s phone rang.

Ardent’s head honcho picked up the receiver. “Chancellor.”

“Jack, my friend,” Alonzo Rodriguez chirped on the other end. “I have some news about your inquiry. It should be arriving in your mailbox within the next couple of days.”

“Can you at least tell me if it’s good or bad news?”

“I would consider it good news, though my mind and yours are not the same,” the Spaniard replied.

“Bad news, then,” Jack grumbled.

“Where there is a will, there is a way. Your will is being tested. Remember, this is not up to me, but to those who hold the keys.”

“Yeah, I know, Alonzo. I guess we’ll see.” Jack hung up.

“What was that about?” Stanton asked.

Jack’s brows arched. “Maybe you’ll know some day. Four new hires, Stanton. That’s your goal.”’

12 Likes

1959 - Epoch USA office.

Sam was shocked. He sat in his office and read the letter again. He really wasn’t sure how to feel; on one hand he was very sad to hear of the passing of the head of the company, but on the other hand he was pleasantly surprised at the offer of promotion to head up the future concepts section over in the UK.

He sighed, wondering who would be chosen to replace him. He would, of course, be asked to give recommendations, but out of the three candidates, he held reservations about each one. One was too conservative and had no passion, but was great at the finance and planning side of things. The second was arrogant and hot headed, but knew how to get things done. And the third was the least experienced and often made rash decisions, but was loyal and hard working.

Sam sighed again. Unfortunately he wouldn’t be able to oversee the strategy for the next Epoch model release for the US market, but at least he could write up notes and observations and suggest that his replacement follow the original plan.

9 Likes

Late 1961 - Mathews Imports Offices, Los Angeles, California


David Mathews sits in his office, overlooking his yard, the unsold Duchess models sitting in the Californian sun. He had just returned from a meeting with his investors, having just sat down as his Brother, Emerton, burst into the room

Emerton: “David, Important piece of mail for you.”
David: “Whose it from?”
E: “Seems to be from… uh, Sakura Automotive.”
D: “Give me the letter and have a seat damn you.”

David read the letter, then re-read the letter, and read it again. His face showed signs of confusion.

D: “If I’m reading this letter right, they’re telling me to stop importing their cars, as we’ve undercut their expansion plan, but…”
E: “But what, David?”
D: “They said they’d be willing to partner with us. Sell their cars via our connections.”
E: “That’s… That’s amazing. I need to go tell Maria about this.”
D: “No, not yet. First go find us some property on the East Coast, we need to expand our lots.”

With that, Emerton walked out of the office, leaving David to wallow in his thoughts. This is a hopeful outlook for us David thought to himself, Maybe things aren’t going to be so bad. He lit a cigarette, as he gazed out of his office window.

9 Likes

Bogliq HQ, Prototype Showcase, September 1959

Detroit, Michigan

“So, what do you think?” The Chief designer indicated towards the nondescript yet shiny Model 7 prototype in the centre of the room.

“Hmmmm, nice, the car has real road presence” mused Konstantin.

“We wanted to take the bulbousness out of the design, get the car to hug the ground, excite the mind…”

“You’ve definitely achieved that! Let’s hope the American public agrees with your assessment.”

“Thank you sir, I’ll get production underway immediately”

Konstantin was pleased, the next generation was here and it would make all the established competitors look as stale as a two week old loaf of bread. This will finally do some real damage to Ardent’s reputation!

(OOC - @VicVictory, I haven’t forgotten you, old bean!)

11 Likes

(OOC - @HighOctaneLove bring it :smirk:)

14 Likes

.>be everybody

Economy: Mild recession

.>“LET’S MAKE A SPORTS CAR!” x3

5 Likes

Hey my company has not much of a choice lore wise :frowning:

1 Like

Mild recession matters not for the rich :stuck_out_tongue:

2 Likes

PMI Usurper Corp. HQ - April 1960

Excerpt from 6 hours meeting regarding 1961-facelift of the '59 PMI Usurper Sedan ‘Cannes’.

  • Bigger fins!

  • Smaller fins!

  • BIGGER FINS!

  • No, SMALLER fins!

7 Likes

MY61 TSR Kansai Luxor


The 2nd generation of the Kansai was lauched in 1960 in Japan and was later available for the world in 1961. It was smaller, but more nimble. The 1st generation is big and too powerful and quite frankly, too expensive. The 2nd generation is cheaper with the most expensive trim, the Luxor at which $44362 with 80% mark-up only. Of course with the lower price, it sold better, but still not for the masses.


Luxor trim shown in TSR Exclusive Mahogany


Lore thread is here!

11 Likes
8 Likes

IP OF AMERICA HEDQUARTERS
June 1958

-So, have you heard about the new model we are going to get now.
-Yes, the Flaire… But why, please tell me why!
-We need a sports car.
-No! What we need is a less confusing car company! Right now we make two sedans, one that is too cheap and one that is too expensive. And on top of that, a sports car?
-Every car company needs a sports car.
-Why don’t we get a little more practical models, like the Rugger, or the Highway Star?
-Rugger? America is used to their F100s and Cameos, minitrucks like the Rugger will never sell here. And the Highway Star? A forward control van? Have you ever seen one on the roads? There is no chance that forward control vans will be a strong seller in this country, E V E R!
-So that’s why we get a bland sports car like 1000s of others?
-We aren’t competing against them.
-Then who are we competing against? Harley Davidson? “Our vehicle has four wheels, their vehicle only has two, so our vehicle is better”?
-Listen, it’s too boost the image of the brand.
-You mean like the flat toad didn’t do in 1952?
-The Superlily was something else, an expensive and rudimentary handbuilt car with a shaking three cylinder engine. Forget that one. If we have a sports car, people will visit our dealerships to look at it, and come home with one of our sedans.
-Maybe if we had a decent sized sedan then, not only the cramped Lily or the expensive Royalist…
-It’s coming in a few years, it’s called the Icarus.
-AND WILL WE GET IT IN THE US?
-Doubtful

silence

To be continued.

10 Likes

10 Likes