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)
https://i.imgur.com/7UIYWms.jpg
1980 Accolam 192R
As part of Meliora’s tradition, 1980 was the year choosen to go back into racing, with its mandatory homologation model. After all, 5 years had passed since the last racing model, the Perenne Turbo.
Background
Since 1979 was the last year the Perenne was in production, by the early 80s Meliora had no car used for racing homologation, as the company had been heavily driven to sales of their more family inclined cars than the sportier ones. That said, allegedly one new sports model was in design, but it was in so early stage that to participate in 1980, an existing platform was chosen, the Accolam.
https://i.imgur.com/l4FEGXL.jpg
Added rear lip, with 192R badge
Following FIA’s Group 2 regulations, a special model had to be made, with at least 1,000 models produces in a year, which should share several components with the actual race car.
The new trim added to the Accolam line-up was simple called the 192R, sharing somewhere between 50 to 70% of the components with the race car, in fact, only body work and some interior was carried from the original Accolam.
Due to the small engine bay, instead of the CC612 inline 6 engine, the enginers took the CC48 engine stock from the original model and mildy turbocharged to around 8psi of boost, resulting in 164hp and 159ft-lb of torque from the 2L SOHC engine. As per regulations, the road car shared the same gearbox as the racing version, and as a result, the 192R suffered of noticeable turbolag due to the long gearing.
Some specs include:
- 200km/h top speed (electronically limited)
- 0-100 kmh/ in 7.86s (Around the same ballpark as the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4)
- 1/4 mile: 15.9s
- 969.4 kg
- ATT in 2:30.31s
https://i.imgur.com/Hw44jM6.png
Discrete turbo badge
Specs & Price
(price in 1980 US dlls)
1980 Accolam 192R - $8555.57
https://i.imgur.com/GZmnfvC.png
https://i.imgur.com/274a5xu.png?1
1980 Accolam Group 2 Race Car
https://i.imgur.com/LBtN1g9.png
The actual race car was a different beast (or around 50-30% different). The engine was boosted up to 18psi, as well as a new lip was added to avoid front lift, and some mud guards. The car came in Meliora’s Orange with it’s lower body colored in black, same as the bonet. It also had the classic design but with magnesium rims.
Although it only had barely above 300hp, and a massive turbo lag, racing pilots praised it’s handling as well as its almost infinite grip during corners.
- 250km/h top speed
- 0-100 kmh/ in 7.99s (MASSIVE TURBO LAG)
- 1/4 mile: 15.66s
- 919.4 kg
- ATT in 2:20.45s
https://i.imgur.com/EguzOEt.png
Being a especial edition, here it is, the exported car file. Give it a go and tell me what you think. Accolam - Group 2 Racing.car (29.4 KB)
Small update. Added download links to my cars in the op, where the line up is.
1982 Minerva Road Car
With the new FIA regulations and rules, Meliora saw a great opportunity to try and homologate its more recent Race car, that was in the making for around 4-5 years, just in time to replace the 1980 Accolam Group 2.
This new car was called Minerva in honour to the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare, making it a she. The history of the Minerva started with the development of new technology and a new powerplant. Meliora engineers had been testing different turbo configurations sinces the mid 70s and finally got a good grip at it by the early 80s. They also developed a new 4 valve per cylinder system, based in the previous SOHC system used in previous models. And finally, they developed a rudimentary (but highly tunable and cheap) electronic injection system, aimed to replace the current mechanical system used in their L6 engines.
The new powerplant was a 1.8L inline 4 turbocharged, capable of deliver around 400hp when pushed hard.
https://i.imgur.com/7HOiIqL.png
As per Group B regulations, 200 models of the Minerva should have to be produced. Given the lower production numbers, the chassis was a space frame chassis especially built by Calavera, and a fiberglass body was originaly planed, but at the end, engineers thought it was too unsafe for road use and rallying, so a aluminum body was outsourced by another company. The rest was developed in-house.
Once all the components were ready, the Minerva was assambled in Meliora main factory in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the engine CA416C was tuned to 232hp. It came with a 5 speed manual transmission, 15" allow wheels and a 4 speaker radio.
https://i.imgur.com/0iAbkDT.png
The car was sold only to enthusiasts or tuning companies, as its driving was too dangerious for normal people (unless, they could pay for it). It came with no painting and the buyers were told about possible issues with the engine, as it wasn’t built to last long, even at low power, it was prone to have gasket problems due to the iron block and aluminum heads.
Specs
Price is undisclosed
https://i.imgur.com/PI8jOgj.png
https://i.imgur.com/iObdXZa.png?1
https://i.imgur.com/y5I59XO.png?1
Minerva Group B car
Out of the 200 Minervas, 2 were transformed into Group B rally cars.
Majour diffrences included a more agressive aero kid, inlcuding a front lip, side finns, and a exclusive 2 wing system in the back, plus braking cooling and mudflaps.
https://i.imgur.com/ZGDgAzE.jpg
The engine was slightly de-stroked to fit withing the 2500cc class ( 1784cc x 1.4 = 2,497.6 ) and power was raised to 380hp, paired to a close gear ratio 5 manual transmission. 0-100 took 3.9s and top speed was toped at 224km/h due to downforce.
Overall, the car didn’t do well being only RWD, making its driving quite difficult, even for experienced drivers, and it was behind most of the time of AWD competitors. Although it did reasonable well in evens with mixed gravel/dirt and tarmac.
https://i.imgur.com/BBvKJRu.png
Minerva Race Car
Besides the group B 2 cars, one extra car was taken by the engineers and developed into a full race car, that didn’t really comply with B regulations (nor any regulations) and was built only as an exercise. It was never raced against competitors and today it is keep in Meliora’s Technical campus, in display next to a '69 Race Andron.
https://i.imgur.com/zeKhORL.png
https://i.imgur.com/HppxUKc.png?1
ATT: 2:08.42
Airfield: 1:16.52
You can find the links to download the Road version and the Race version in the OP. This is the link for the Group B Rally spec version. EDIT: new version, tuned to better drive in dirt. I tried in the automation rally test track and in a Pikes Peak mod in beamng and drive better than the previous version. Minerva - GroupB Rally.car (35.8 KB)