Meliora Automotive - 1989 Alba update

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61

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


Simple rear end

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)

1978 Meliora Accolam 192T $2,418 (15,409 w/38% markup)

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62

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.

63

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.

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Meliora’s New Official Badge/Logo

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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 :slight_smile: 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:ABlock material. C= cast iron, A=Aluminium, M=magnesium, S=Alsi
BHead material. C= cast iron, A=Aluminum, S=Alsi
#Number of cylinders
##Number of valves
GGeneration. First Gen have no number
OExtra 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.
XYZFuel delivery system, C=carburetor, B=barrel, I=MFI, E=EFI, D=DI
Tturbo
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
AType. M=manual, H=hydraulic, E=electronic, S=secuential, D=double clutch
BOptional. 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:XYZName of the model. Usually in latin or spanish
##Displacement in deciliters, rounded down
#Number of doors
ATrim 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).
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66

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


no, it’s not a mercedes

Specs and price
Plaudet 284P $4,053 (19,230 w/20% markup)

Plaudet 282C $6,400 (30,364.50 w/50% markup)

Plaudet 284L $7,036 (33,380 w/45% markup)

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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)

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Small update. Added download links to my cars in the op, where the line up is.

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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)

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1983 Accolam facelift


Accolam 192s simple rear design

After 5 years, the 2nd generation Accolam received a facelift. Most of the design was similar, it only had minor changes in the front, a new trim scheme and new fuel injection system.

Story

For the past 5 years, the Accolam was the major source of income for Meliora and despise still being a favourite amongst the buyers, it started to show its age. In 1983 the facelift finally came, new models came with a redesign front facia (new bumpers, new grill and newheadlights) but the design was still very familiar.


172E, the cheapest trim

Also, all new engines were delivered with a brand new electronic multipoint fuel injection system, based in the one used in the 1982 Minerva, but vastly improved. Only 1 engine was available, the trustworthy CC48V, now available in 1.8 and 2.0 displacement, producing 91, 116 and 125 horsepower depending on the variant.


174E. Early models came with an “F” instead of the “E”.

The trims available were different now, the “T” (touring) trim wasn’t offered this time.
The base models were the 172E (2 door) and 174E (4 door) with the 1.8L and 91hp engine, mated to a 4 speed manual gearbox.
Next model was the 194P, with an upgrated premium interior, and a 2L engine producing 116hp, mated to the first meliora’s automatic transmision.
Finally, the other model was the 192S, the sportier version. It was basically a 172E upgrated to better brakes, better suspension, and a 2L engine with 125hp and a 5 speed gearbox.


194P, with Meliora premium Rims

Specs and price
All prices are in 1983 US dlls

172E - $ 7,660.73

174E - $7,731.43

194P - $11,290.60

192S - $8,439.72

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1984 Plaudet Facelift

https://i.imgur.com/b6UFBWM.jpg
1984 Meliora Plaudet 284T, in meliora Orange

1984 Saw the facelift to the Plaudet. This new model came with a new grilled and headlights, re worked suspension and brakes, as well as Meliora’s new electronic fuel injection system. Still resembled the original model, and looked pretty much as the Accolam’s big brother.

Summary
After 5 years, the Plaudet second generation received a minor facelift. Most of the changes came in the different trims offered, and some minor tweaks in the aesthetics, as well as a re-worked powertrain. One of the most common complains for last model was the lack of power to move such heavy car, that and the tall first gear made it almost undrivable under certain circumstances (and very slow).

The new versions came with the same all-iron L6 used in previous models, 2.8L SOHC, this time equiped with Multi point electronic fuel injection instead of Mechanical. The result was 146hp and 169 ft-lb of torque. Fearing it wasn’t enough to move the ton and half car, a second variant was available, a midly turbocharged 180hp and 207 ft-lb machine.

https://i.imgur.com/vDncitt.png
Similar as previous Meliora’s model, a simple rear end

For Europe and Mexico, a special low-priced version was available, the 194E, equipped with a variant of the 4 cylinder 2L engine used in the Accolam, with 127hp, mated to a 4 speed manual gearbox. For the rest of the world, the trims were the 284P, 282C, 284L and 284T.

The 284P and the 282C came with the 146hp L6 and a automatic transmission (3 speeds + OD) with a premium interior and premium track player. The top of the line was the 284L, powered by the 180hp, making it the first turbocharged Meliora that wasn’t an homologation.

The 284L came with almost all the luxury possible for a car of the time (even a cassette player) with a comfortable ride, with the intention to make Meliora able to compete against european luxury brands. Since there was no point in adding a 284S (“S” for sport), the Touring trim was the closest thing. It was the only trim that came with a manual gearbox (and not for budget reasons). Surprisingly, it was rather fast, with a 0-60 time under 10 seconds and a top speed of close to 200 km/h, with a reasonably stable and somewhat sporty handling. Fun fact, many people thought the T meant Turbocharged, not Touring.

https://i.imgur.com/Oy4T8nk.png
284L in all its glory

Specs and price
All prices are in 1984 US dlls

Plaudet 194E (only Europe and Mexico) - $7,976.82
https://i.imgur.com/iatmge6.png
https://i.imgur.com/9Ac0jxk.png
https://i.imgur.com/QS4uAf7.png

Plaudet 284P - $11,392.68
https://i.imgur.com/x3Hf9RO.png
https://i.imgur.com/FmTbUtf.png
https://i.imgur.com/ruWeUcR.png

Plaudet 282C - $10,013.85
https://i.imgur.com/mJPioo6.png
https://i.imgur.com/rMi8jo6.png
https://i.imgur.com/p8lL2xt.png

Plaudet 284L - $18,307.81
https://i.imgur.com/xVcdXEo.png
https://i.imgur.com/0VpeRT8.png
https://i.imgur.com/dcEtqvm.png

Plaudet 284T - $20,486.30
https://i.imgur.com/xhYsCiu.png
https://i.imgur.com/k8jL5OB.png
https://i.imgur.com/smfGeVQ.png

Sorry for bumping it, I was just fixing some typos.

10 Likes
72

1984 Accolam Group B

Due to the failure of the Minerva on rallying (mainly because of the lack of AWD system) Meliora engineers ditched the whole concept and instead took an Accolam and modified to rallying. This time, the engineers managed to design and built an longitudinal AWD system, but they didn’t test it on time. Fortunate, the system wasn’t half bad and helped the car to win some races.

The engine was the same 1.8L L4 multivalve engine used in the Minerva, this time putting over 450hp, with a 0-100km/h time of 3.5s the Accolam was the quickest Meliora car has built so far. It raced from 1984 until the Group B cars were banned.

As per group B regulations, there 200 especial homologated cars were built. (basically, some simpler and inexpensive 172E Accolams were upgrated).

Automation test track: 2:08.27
Airfield: 1:17.27



1984 Accolam 172R

The homologated cars were some of the cheapest accolam trims, with significant upgrades on the suspension tuning, gearbox, weight reduction, AWD system and the CA416C engine tuned to 160hp. Due to the lack of amenities and mundane name plate, the 200 cars were hard to sell.

Automation test track: 2:29.90
Airfield: 1:30.53

Specs & price
Price undisclosed



9 Likes
73

1987 - Perenne Prototype

After almost 10 years after being cancelled, Meliora finally revealed how the next generation Perenne will look like. The car was presented in some autoshows in late 1986 early 1987, giving a general look of what the Perenne would look like.

Meliora didn’t share specs, other than it came with a 2.7L L6 (same as last gen.) but with a brand new engine, based on the C416C used in previous rally cars. It is turbocharged and expected to generate around 250hp and RWD with a manual gearbox.

The car is expected to be launch sometime during 1988.

https://i.imgur.com/5NUklPf.png

https://i.imgur.com/m2VBi7s.png

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I don’t think there are that many people following my companies, but for the few of them, here is an update. I’m currently back to university while having a full time job, which means I have almost no spare time, and when I do I’m too tired to design something. I might go back to put out cars on a regular basis probably during the summer.

5 Likes
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1986 Meliora V12 Concept Car

https://i.imgur.com/RUNcfTe.jpg

Sometime during 1986, Meliora presented in some shows its "Meliora V12 Concept Car, a premium/sport sedan supposedly said to replace the Plaudet sometime in the future. It was designed around the same time as the Perenne Prototype but it was presented a bit earlier.

The concept was equipped with a 5.6L SOHC V12, Meliora’s Fuel Injection system and 300hp and 350ft-lb of torque, mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox pushing the power to the rear wheels. It also included a first iteration of anti-lock braking and variable power steering systems.

https://i.imgur.com/csQvNXv.png

Yes, I said I will post cars 'till summer, but I ended up with some days off this and next week…
7 Likes
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1988 Perenne III

https://i.imgur.com/FXyCjYH.jpg
Perenne 3rd Generation turbo

9 years after its discontinuation in 1979, Meliora decided to bring back the Perenne, this time in its third generation, offered initially as 2 models, the Coupé and the Turbo, named after the Iconic 1974 Perenne Group 4 car.

Summary

Originally presented in some car shows in 1986/1987, the final version was launched in 1988 with only slight cosmetic and mechanical changes. It was this year that the company decided to change all its line-up and present a new one with brand new esthetics. Starting with the Perenne, the design was more round and less boxy in comparison to the previous cars, same with the engines that were based on a new design, retaining the iron block but this time using a re-design aluminum head with 4 valves per cylinder.

https://i.imgur.com/YDVdmhU.png
New design language

The perenne was also first Meliora’s car to use independent suspension all around, as well as ABS as standard.
At its launch it was available in 2 trims, the coupé and the Turbo. Both very similar, with the main difference being the Turbo had 100hp more, it was faster and it was tune to be used as a sport car with true track capabilities, while the Coupé was more suited to be used in the streets or as a daily drive.

TECHNICALCoupéTurbo
Engine:CA624-26ECA624-26ET
Placement:Front Longitudinal
Type:Inline 6
Block/head:Cast iron/Aluminium
Valvetrain:Single Overhead Cam
Fuel System:Multi Point EFIMultipoint EFI w/Turbocharger
Bore/Stroke:86.4mm x 76.4mm
Displacement:2,687cc
Max Power:180hp @ 6,100rpm280hp @ 5,900rpm
Max Torque:168lb-ft @ 5,000rpm265lb-ft @ 3,900rpm
CHASSIS
Transmission:5 Speed Manual
Drivetrain:RWD
Chassis type:Monocoque
Chassis/panels:Galvanised steel/ Partial Aluminium
Front suspension:Double Wishbone
Rear suspension:Double Wishbone
Brakes Front:2 piston 280mm Vented discs2 piston 295mm Vented discs
Brakes Rear:Single piston 260mm Vented discsSingle piston 295mm Vented discs
Tire size:225/50R16225/50R17
Weight:1162 kg1217 kg
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed:220km/h257km/h
0-100km/h:7.26s5.59s
400m:15.55s13.74s
Fuel economy:15.3mpg17.9mpg
____
EQUIPMENTCoupéTurbo
Seats:2+22+2
Leather seats:Std.Optional
Adjustment:ElectricManual
AM/FM radio:YesYes
Media:CassetteCassette
Speakers:44
Power steering:HydraulicHydraulic
ABSStd.Std.
Safety rating:36.337.5

https://i.imgur.com/rOarDha.png
Perenne Turbo available on Meliora Orange

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77

The '88 Perenne looks the part, and goes the part, too, with or without a turbo. Its design aesthetic is just what I was expecting for a late-80s/early-90s coupe, and would definitely have drawn in plenty of customers. However, why is the base car less economical than the much faster Turbo, especially when it’s meant to cost less to buy? At any rate, the Perenne would not be out of place on a grid for a period Group A touring car race.

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1988, presenting the Alba

https://i.imgur.com/2wXZ5nM.jpg
Alba 264P

The all new Meliora was called “Alba” and it was presented along the Perenne in 1988, both in America and Europe, as a replacement of both the Accolam and the Plaudet (offered from the early 70s). According to Meliora, more models will come soon, and at launch, only 2 models were offered, the 194E (more in the lines of the high end Accolam) and the 264P (more in the lines of the Plaudet).

The exterior design was almost identical to the Meliora V12 concept car, but tuned down for a more friendly daily use (and no V12).

Same as the Perenne, both came with independant suspension all around, and 2 engines were offered, a new 2L L4 with 124hp and manual gearbox and the same L6 from the Perenne Coupé but with a 4 speed automatic transmission. Both offered an outstanding driving, for those looking for a more premium experience, suited for either commute or just drive around town.

https://i.imgur.com/Ftzi1Hr.png
Alba 194E

TECHNICAL194E264P
Engine:CA416-19ECA624-26E
Placement:Front Longitudinal
Type:Inline 4Inline 6
Block/head:Cast Iron/AluminiumCast Iron/Aluminium
Valvetrain:SOHC 16vSOHC 24v
Fuel System:Multipoint EFIMultipoint EFI
Bore/Stroke:90.2mm x 78mm86.4mm x 76.4mm
Displacement:1,995cc2,687cc
Max Power:124hp @ 6,000rpm180hp @ 6,100rpm
Max Torque:125lb-ft @ 3,900rpm168hp @ 5,000rpm
CHASSIS
Transmission:5 Speed Manual4 speed auto
Drivetrain:RWD
Chassis type:Monocoque
Chassis/panels:Steel / Steel
Front suspension:Double Wishbone
Rear suspension:Double Wishbone
Brakes Front:2 piston 240mm Vented discs3 Piston 240mm Vented discs
Brakes Rear:2 Piston 220mm solid discs2 piston 220mm solid discs
Tire size:185/65R15205/60R15
Weight:1,332 kg1,410 kg
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed:191 km/h191km/h
0-100km/h:10.6s9.9s
400m:17.70s17.47s
Fuel economy:17.1mpg13.1mpg
EQUIPMENT194E264P
Sitting:55
Leather Seats:Std.Std.
Electric Windows:Std.Std.
Electric Seats:Only driverOnly driver
AM/FM radio:Std.Std.
Media:Cassette HD audioCassette HD audio
Speakers:44
Power steering:HydraulicHydraulic
ABSN/AStd.
Alloy rimsOptionalStd.
Safety rating:4647

https://i.imgur.com/FL7BQGq.png

5 Likes
79

1988 Meliora Motorsport - 12 (MM12)

With the intention of getting better and better at racing, Meliora created a branch within called Meliora Motorsports or MM for short, which will take on the racing programs of the company. The first car designed and produced was the 1988 Meliora Motorsports 12, or MM12.

https://i.imgur.com/iGIxl6Y.jpg

Built under Group C regulations, the chassis was made out of carbon fiber, a first for the company, and for the powerplant, Meliora engineers took the V12 engine from the Meliora V12 Concept Car and added two turbochargers. In reality, the engine was two CC612 engines put together (made out of iron for strength), a more than proven engine in the last 2 decades. Despise the old design, the engine could easily go over 1000 hp, but for racing it was usually tuned for around 730 hp.Unfortunately, the heavy engine made the weight distribution unbalanced, which in turn made the car hard to handle, although it was “solved” with enough downforce, making the car easier to drive at high speeds.

Two cars entered the 1988 le mans race, where one of them had to left the race due to a small crash after 6 hours, while the chassis 002 finished the race in first place, making it a first in whole Meliora racing (and ensuring founds for the MM division). The company returned in 1989 but this time with no luck, as both cars left the race due to technical reasons 4 hours before the race ended, while being in the leading position, and losing to the Sanda RPC-88

https://i.imgur.com/twwWNcX.jpg

SPECS1988 MM12
Engine:CC1224
Placement:Mid Transverse
Type:SOHC V12, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:5,616 cc
Fuel feed:Electronic Fuel Injection
AspirationTwin turbo
Power:729 bhp @ 7,300 rpm
Torque:581 ft-lb @ 5,500 rpm
BHP/Liter:130.18 bhp/liter
Drivetrain
Chassis:Carbon Fibre monocoque
Suspension:Double wishbones, anti roll bar
Gearbox:5 speed manual
Drive:Rear wheel drive
Assists:N/A
Weight:1,113 kg
Tires:Fujisaki 305/680R16 -- 355/680R16
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed:341 km/h
0-100km/h:2.9s
400m:10.02s

https://i.imgur.com/qu69iXh.png
MM12 in Meliora’s museum

7 Likes
80

1989 Alba update, 262C & 262T trims revealed!

A year after the presentation of the Alba, Meliora introduced 2 new 2-door trims, called the 262C (convertible) and the 262T (T stands for touring, not turbo) both build upon the 264P but with 2 doors. Both trims were equipped with the the same 2.7L 6 cylinder engine and 180hp from the 264P, the convertible only available with a 4 speed auto w/overdrive and the Touring only came with a 5 speed manual. Other difference included a revised a sporty suspension for the touring, and bigger brakes. The 262T also included a new 4.1 audio system and a new Automatic climate control system, as well as a new variable power steering technology that made the car easy to control at high speeds.

https://i.imgur.com/kEo20jz.png
Alba Touring trim

TECHNICAL (short)262C262T
Engine:CA624-26E
Max Power:180hp @ 6,100rpm
Max Torque:168ft-lb @ 5,000rpm
Transmission:4 speed auto5 speed manual
Brakes Front:3 piston 240mm Vented discs3 Piston 260mm Vented discs
Brakes Rear:2 Piston 230mm solid discs2 piston 235mm solid discs
Tire size:205/60R15210/55R16
Weight:1,583 kg1,403 kg
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed:194 km/h225 km/h
0-100km/h:11s10.4s
400m:18.18s17.94s
Fuel economy:5.27 km/l5.87 km/l

https://i.imgur.com/x76l3vF.png
Alba convertible in cherry red

.
EQUIPMENT262C262T
Alloy RimsStd.Std.
Leather Seats:Std.Std.
Electric Windows:Std.Std.
Electric Seats:Only driverOnly driver
AC:Std.Automatic Climate control
AM/FM radio:Std.Std.
Cassette Player:Std.Std.
Speakers:4 HD4 HD + subwoofer
Power steering:Std.Hydraulic variable
ABSStd.Std.
Safety rating:4346

N/A = not available for current trim, Std. = Standard equipment, -- = not available for any trim

3 Likes