It is the tradicional Meliora Orange racing color. The next car I’m quite excited for the next car, but as usual, I release a couple of cars, then a few months pass by until the next batch is created xD
perfect competition for my Licorne Wapiti…Well done sir.
I don’t know, the Wapiti is way faster than the Perenne, by a lot, maybe this is more a close competitor
Lol the beauty of building for the aussie market…lots and lots of high octane fuel from the pump and 98 leaded well into the late 90’s
1975 Plaudet
By 1975 Meliora presented the mature and big brother of the Accolam, the Plaudet, available only as a coupe.
Designed as a exclusive premium 2 seater, it was spacious and presented a modern look, like nothing from that era. This car also put Meliora as a contender on the premium segment.
Power-wise it used the same power unit as the Perenne, but bored up to 2.7L with extra 5hp and a less agressive power curve.
Gorgeous styling, I especially love those Mercedes W123-esque tail lights. Unusual shape for a coupe though, the roof doesn’t seem to go back far enough, but maybe that’s just me. I mean, this is the 70s after all
Well, it was the only body that looks refined enough for this model
######but it does look weird as a 2 door
1975 Perenne Turbo
By 1975, Meliora presented an evolution on the current 2nd Gen Perenne ready to compete and compel with FIA’s group 4 regulations.
This new version, simply called Perenne Turbo was the first turbo engine used by Meliora. The engine was a bored up version of the 6C28L engine, passing from 2.4L to 2.8L and using 11psi to get a max power of 237hp, paired to a 5 speed manual transmission. The interior of the car was bare because of the weight reduction and only 500 were produced.
The racing version could be tuned up in different versions (diff, engine, downforce). The engine was good for even 400hp, but it was usually used in a 385hp configuration, with the classic meliora racing orange.
ATT: 2:23.24
Airfield: 1:26.45
Laguna Seca: 1:52.25 (flying lap)
Green Hell: 8:51.61
1975 Perenne turbo Racing [Group 4]
ATT: 2:15.23
Airfield: 1:21.76
Laguna Seca: 1:44.07 (flying lap)
Green Hell: 8:12.37
######*Updated stats
Apologies for the bump, I’ve only just seen this. Damn though! Glad to see we have someone else interested in Group 4 cars here
Where would this have competed? Europe or America? And would any have ended up at Le Mans perhaps even?
Oh yeah, I’m very much into regulated racing (i don’t know if that’s the appropriate phrase)
The early perenne (up to the early 80s) is roughly inspired in the 911 (even the bore x stroke matches the 911 engines), being the '75 perenne turbo closest to the RSR (but turbocharged). I made some research and I found that the '75 competitor in Le mans had around 350-380hp and based the perenne group 4 version around that benchmark (but some sources claim it had over 400hp).
I conceived the idea of this car months ago to race on what would have been 1975 AMWEC, so in RL terms, it would had race in Le mans, and I like to think it would have been in a good position (probably not 1st place tho).
Since it’s weird and not that common that a car company races in every type of competition, I set each of my companies to different series, Meliora will be racing in endurance-le mans type of events, while ADM on rally and Sanda on the Super GT series.
Nice stuff! I’m a big fan of Group 4/Group 5 cars so it’s great to see someone with the same enthusiasm. Interesting that you decided to almost recreate the 911 in some aspects rather than just rival it, I’m see tha more though with the big boot spoiler and mini side intakes above the rear wheels.
I do like how you’ve organised your companies though. And we need more Super GT cars on this forum. I’m very tempted to run a competition on it just to get that going!
Delayed Update:
This, ADM, Sanda, Mastin and Calavera threads are on hiatus for several reasons:
-
All of these companies are connected at some point, and can’t go forward with any of them leaving the others behind. That said, I need turbo L3 engines to proceed with Sanda, which are available through the UE4 version of the game, but I need some small Kei car bodies to put those engines in, which are not in the UE4 version of the game. At the same time, if I wanted to proceed with UE4, I need mechanical injection for the period of time my companies are : (
-
Although my laptop is capable of running the UE4 version of the game, it looks butt ugly, so I’m saving to get a good new desktop computer. So I hope when I get this new pc, the UE4 version of the game has more content to keep playing with my companies (I feel it would be a shame just leave this incomplete or start over after all the hours and thought I’ve put into this).
Thanks for reading
Perenne Coupé 1977 - 1979 (facelift)
In 1977, the 2nd Gen Perenne received a facelift to compile with the new regulations that required square headlights, plus the engineers also took the chance and squised 25 more horses from the 6 cylinder engine, increasing the displacement from 2.4L to 2.7L.
Thanks to their experience in racing, they were also able to re-tune the suspension and brakes to improve the handling, shaving some seconds in testing tracks.
Other changes included a first close-ratio transmission to improve 0-100km/h time, vented discs, a functional small rear spoiler (as the rear proved splippery at high speeds), and a new front grille, more in line with the other 2 company models.
Sadly, the car only remained in production until 1979, when it was cancelled due to poor sales and difficult to comply with the new emissions requirements.
ATT: 2:33.82
Airfield: 1:33.04
And with that I conclude with the kee engine, next cars will be made on the U4 version of the game, I’m just waiting for the car designer rebalance to start firing up all those new models for my current 5 companies (and heads up, 2 more companies are on their way).
1978 Accolam [2nd Generation]
Accolam 192T
Following Meliora’s attempt to diversify, in 1978 the next generation of the Accolam was introduced. The new car was designed to fit between several markets, and targeted to be the introduction of the company to new buyers.
It came in 5 trims, ranging from entry level, premium, sport and a mix version between sport and premium.
Background
Designwise, the new generation carried some elements of the previous generation, such as the drivetrain, suspension, the engine and a very similar front end, but adapted to the new regulations.
Meliora’s president (Eugenio Quiroga Jr) was commited to expand the brand, so he personally was involved in this new porject, which began at the end of 1975. As part of increasing sales in European markets, as well as more interest in the United States for the brand, a very simple scheme was developed as a plan to divide the until then random line up of the brand.
2 models were developed as entry level (2 and 4 doors), then the 4 doors version could be upgrated to a more premium edition, with improved comfort. On the other hand, the 2 door could be upgrated to a more sport oriented version. And finally, there was a version that sat between the 2, with the comfort of the premium version and the engine and fun of the sport one.
Accolam’s front facia was a evolution from previous generation, carrying the same basic traits
Features
TECHNICAL | 152E | 154E | 174P | 192S | 192T |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine: | CC48V | ||||
Placement: | Front Longitudinal | ||||
Type: | Inline 4 | ||||
Block/head: | Cast iron/Cast Iron | ||||
Valvetrain: | Single Overhead Cam | ||||
Fuel System: | 2 barrel Carb | 4 barrel carb | |||
Bore/Stroke: | 84mm x 71mm | 84mm x 80mm | 89mm x 80mm | ||
Displacement: | 1,574cc | 1,773cc | 1,991cc | ||
Max Power: | 75hp @ 5,700rpm | 85hp @ 5,700rpm | 100hp @ 5,800rpm | ||
Max Torque: | 77lb-ft @ 4,300rpm | 86lb-ft @ 4,000rpm | 98lb-ft @ 5,000rpm | ||
Transmission: | 4 Speed Manual | 5 speed manual | |||
Drivetrain: | RWD | ||||
Chassis type: | Monocoque | ||||
Chassis/panels: | Corrosion resistant steel | ||||
Front suspension: | MacPherson Strut | ||||
Rear suspension: | Semi trailing arm | ||||
Brakes F/R: | Vented discs/drums | Vented/solid discs | |||
Tire size: | 165/80R13 | ||||
Weight: | 932 kg | 966 kg | 1,059 kg | 924 kg | 978 kg |
Top Speed: | 157km/h | 163 km/h | 174 km/h | ||
0-100km/h: | 13.5s | 14.0s | 12.8s | 10.3s | 10.7s |
400m: | 19.39s | 19.61s | 18.67s | 17.7s | 17.94s |
Fuel economy: | 15.2mpg | 15mpg | 14.6mpg | 13.5mpg | 13.2mpg |
EQUIPMENT | 152E | 154E | 174P | 192S | 192T |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seats: | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2+2 | 4 |
Manual adjustment: | Y | Y | electric | electric | Y |
AM/FM radio: | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Tape player: | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Speakers: | 2 | 2 | 4* | 2 | 4 |
Power steering: | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Leather seats/interior | -- | -- | Y | -- | Y |
Safety rating: | 34.9 | 35.2 | 40.8 | 31.1 | 37 |
*30Watt Celestion speakers
Price and stats
1978 Meliora Accolam 152E $1,724 (10,728 w/20% markup)
1978 Meliora Accolam 154E $1,770 (11,010 w/20% markup)
1978 Meliora Accolam 174P $2,648 (16,476 w/38% markup)
1978 Meliora Accolam 192S $1,737 (10,796 w/18% markup)
Nice one, I really like the front. Out of curiosity, why do you round the displacements down? From the marketing standpoint it’s better to round them up.
Thanks! I didn’t like the front when I was designing it, but at the end it came together nicely. The displacement number in the names of the cars are indeed rounded down, so they don’t interfere with the naming scheme of other of my companies. I haven’t start doing Ads for my cars, 'cause frankly I don’t know how ads in the late 70s looked like, but if I did, I would round up the displacement numbers.
Naming System and other Technical Stuff
From a while now, I’ve been wanting to add a naming scheme to my companies and I think I have got one that I actually like These naming systems, as they are unveiled reveal a bit on the culture and design ideas behind each of my companies, some of these are really long and technical, while other are short and simple.
I’ll also add a new layer of RP and I will try to re-use the same transmission for similar applications, such as how real companies (such as ZF or Geartrack) have specific transmissions that can be re-use within similar applications. I’ll basically try to match the gear ratios, number of gears, type and quality points for similar cars (similar engines, similar torque and similar drivetrain layout).
So, without further ado here’s the naming scheme for Meliora.
Engines naming system
Family name: | AB###GO | |
---|---|---|
Where: | A | Block material. C= cast iron, A=Aluminium, M=magnesium, S=Alsi |
B | Head material. C= cast iron, A=Aluminum, S=Alsi | |
# | Number of cylinders | |
## | Number of valves | |
G | Generation. First Gen have no number | |
O | Extra options. L = VVL, R = revised, C = Racing, T = Transverse, N = narrow (60° v) | |
Example: | CC48 | |
Iron block and head, 4 cylinder, 8 valves. | ||
Variant name: | ##XYZ(T) | |
Where: | ## | Displacement in centiliters. Rounded down. |
XYZ | Fuel delivery system, C=carburetor, B=barrel, I=MFI, E=EFI, D=DI | |
T | turbo | |
Example: | 191C2B | |
1.9-2L, Single 2 barrel carburator | ||
Full engine name: | CA624-26ET | |
2.6L 6 cylinder engine, iron block w/aluminum head, 4 valves per cylinder. EFI, turbocharged. |
Transmission naming system
Transmission name: | #A(B)-## | |
---|---|---|
Where: | # | Number of gears/speeds |
A | Type. M=manual, H=hydraulic, E=electronic, S=secuential, D=double clutch | |
B | Optional. T=Transaxle, X= AWD | |
## | Rated torque in ft-lb, divided by 10. A quality point is added for every 100 ft-lb of torque | |
Example: | 4M-12 | |
4 speed manual transmission. For up to 120 ft-lb. |
Car Naming System
Car name: | XYZ ###A | |
---|---|---|
Where: | XYZ | Name of the model. Usually in latin or spanish |
## | Displacement in deciliters, rounded down | |
# | Number of doors | |
A | Trim version. E=economy, S=sport, P=premium, T=Touring. More to come as needed. | |
Example: | Accolam 192T | |
Accolam 2 door. 1.9 or 2L engine, Touring trim (Between the sport and premium trim). |
1979 Plaudet [2nd Generation]
The Plaudet, the more luxurious mexican car you can buy
By 1979, it was time for the Plaudet to be updated. Carrying pretty much the same stuff under the body, but the body itself was heavily re-design to a more classic and “timeless” shape.
Background
Following the same philosophy design of the Accolam, the Plaudet was conceived as a big brother to it. The chassis configuration was the same as the previous generation, steel monocoque with mcphersons in the front and semi-trailing arms in the rear. The engine was the same L6 used in the previous generation and in Perenne, bored up to 2.8L and 128hp.
This model was available in 3 trims, the 284P, 282C (convertible) and 284L, all of them ranging from premium to luxury.
282C, with the classic Meliora Sport wheels.
Features
TECHNICAL | 284P | 282C | 284L |
---|---|---|---|
Engine: | CC612 | ||
Placement: | Front Longitudinal | ||
Type: | Inline 6 | ||
Block/head: | iron/iron | ||
Valvetrain: | Single Overhead Cam | ||
Fuel System: | Mechanical Fuel Injection | ||
Bore/Stroke: | 92mm x 70.4mm | ||
Displacement: | 2,808cc | ||
Max Power: | 128hp @ 5,400rpm | ||
Max Torque: | 146lb-ft @ 3,200rpm | ||
Transmission: | 4 Speed Manual | ||
Drivetrain: | Rear wheel drive | ||
Chassis type: | Monocoque | ||
Chassis/panels: | Corrosion resistant steel | ||
Front suspension: | McPherson Struts | ||
Rear suspension: | Semi trailing arms | ||
Brakes F/R: | Vented/solid dics | ||
Tire size: | 175/85R14 | ||
Weight: | 1,463 kg | 1,632kg | 1,549 kg |
Top Speed: | 170km/h | 167km/h | 172km/h |
0-100km/h: | 13s | 14.1s | 15.3s |
400m: | 19.5s | 20.1s | 20.16s |
Fuel economy: | 13.7mpg - 5.8 km/l | 12.5 mpg - 5.3km/l | 12.2 mpg - 5.2 km/l |
Specs and price
Plaudet 284P $4,053 (19,230 w/20% markup)
Plaudet 282C $6,400 (30,364.50 w/50% markup)