Module UR-82 (1982-1992)
THE ENGINE
Module Automotive approached Vega in 1977 in order to stablish an engine-supplying relationship between the two companies. The deal was closed with Module getting a modified version of the ongoing Austin-8 powerplant, displacing five liters, but with a more aggressive cam that would eventually allow the engine to reach higher power levels.
Despite emissions regulations of the era, the Module UR-82 managed to make more than 300 horsepower from its powerplant, which was reasonably impressive for the year 1982; the engine was also quite reliable for the era due to its low redline, at only 6300rpm, motivated mainly by the use of an OHV valvetrain.
Development of this special engine began in late 1977, and it was finished in 1981, just in time for the UR’s presentation at the Chicago Auto Show. For the era, such a powerful engine was a fresh breeze of air for car enthusiasts and a punch to the skeptical that claimed this was not possible.
The later, revised engines the Ultimatum version mounted starting in 1989 were beefed up to 370 horsepower at 6200rpm, pumping out 490 newtons-meter of torque at 4800rpm. This was possible due to the use of less restrictive three way catalytic converters which greatly improved exhaust flow; these late Ultimatum engines were about as solid and reliable as the earlier, lower powered ones.
THE BODY
The UR-82 was designed by Gerrit Bakker, known for being Anhultz’s main designer, and the body itself is entirely made out of aluminium with some steel reinforcements. (Thanks @Elizipeazie!)
Gerrit wanted to blend the trends of the early 80s with futurist ideas as well as sci-fi and cyberpunk inspiration; this can be seen especially at the front, where the two sets of sealed beams are joined together with a third long light (albeit less powerful and insufficient for illumination itself, with a purely aesthetic function).
The use of sharp edges and wedgy styling is everywhere to be seen in the car, with the use of lines and faux vents as well as the grilles and actual vents to enhance the design via use of volume.
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
The Module UR-82 was constructed from a monocoque chassis made in steel, with a wheelbase of 2.6 meters. The engine was placed longitudinally at the front, and the interior was composed of two semi bucket seats and two rear jump seats as usual in coupés. This was even simpler in the Ultimatum version, were only two seats were present and the rear seats were removed for lightness.
Suspension was simple: double wishbones at the front, solid axle with coils at the rear. The front had a much stiffer anti roll bar than the rear, to offset the oversteer tendency the UR-82 would have had otherwise. Alloy wheels dressed in 225/255s made the contact patch. The UR-82 is a middleweight, weighing in at 1350kg (T/H) and 1320kg (Ultimatum).
In general, the chassis kept body roll in check fairly well, coming in at just 4 degrees; it was also fairly stiff, allowing the UR-82 to corner at or higher than 1G in both circle tests (1.06G @ 20m and 1.03G @ 250m).
PERFORMANCE
The Module UR-82 was a serious performer in the otherwise underwhelming 80s. Its cornering was pretty decent for a solid rear axle equipped car in a sea of sports cars that were otherwise already using independent rear suspension; this was achieved thanks to a fairly firm suspension, as well as reasonable weight. The 0-100 km/h run is completed in 5.2 seconds, quick for the era as well.
The extra downforce the Ultimatum trim added made the UR-82 corner even harder, as well as the wider tires and extra camber. The extra power managed to reduce the 0-100 km/h time for the Ultimatum version to 4.7 seconds.
THE UR-82 IN POP CULTURE
The UR-82 made an appearance in many racing videogames, but most remarkably, in the Forza and Forza Horizon series, as well as the early Need for Speed games and other games such as Fatal Racing. More recently, it was one of the cars chosen for the game Power Drive 2000.
Outside of videogames, the Module UR-82 appeared in 1984 movie Cannonball Run II, as well as 1986 movie The Wraith, in the first as one of the racers’ car and in the second, as a secondary car.
The UR-82 also got several mentions in certain roleplaying tabletop games such as Shadowrun.
PRODUCTION AND NUMBERS
The UR-82 ceased production in 1991, when the more efficient UR-92 came out and the ongoing model was phased out.
The T/H was originally sold for $12,390, while the Ultimatum was sold for $17,025 (adjusted for inflation in 1989).