1988
The Sunbolt project got a few years in the spotlight without too many changes, but 1988 brought the engine up to date with VVT, improving power and fuel efficiency.
While plans were still in play for a twin-turbo version, project delays meant that the Sunbolt wouldn’t get a pair of snails for at least another year. This, of course, infuriated Luke, who firmly believed that other companies weren’t blundering about in the dark, wasting time and resources and failing to create results.
Despite the delays, the Sunbolt XR-3000 was now equipped with VVT, and pushed the 3 liter V6 to a staggering 230 horsepower while also getting 19 miles per gallon.
The team was confident, with good reason. The upstarts had taken a bite out of the sports-car market, and were managing to chew it.
At the same time, the Sinistra Swift grew up. In 1987, the Swift was changed from a compact to a midsize, and with VVT being available in 1988, the sporty Sweepback got a little more power, and a bit more fuel efficiency.
With a sleek, aerodynamic design, the Swift was Luke’s new view of the future. “Mark my words, hatchbacks are the way of the future.” Luke said, many times around the factory. Some believed he was just saying it until he believed it, but many of the employees argued that Luke was right. Hatchbacks had practical advantages, after all.
Plus, the Swift managed to live up to its name this time, with 225 horsepower being thrown around by the High Power Output 3.9 liter V6. This gave it a sub-7 second 0-60, and a 140 MPH top speed, something worthy of being called ‘swift’ by everyone.
Sure, it wasn’t always the most comfortable car, nor the sportiest car, but Sinistra’s new Swift was laying down a V6-powered challenge. Plus, Luke’s promise of added power in a couple years meant that the upgrade plan was set.