Oops - I will send mine tonight!
Knightwick small car for the next decade
Still in the early prototyping stage this is is the preview of what we are working on for our brand new ground up small city car to be launched in 1980.
Knightwick have always had a solid strategy with reliable premium small cars using well established construction techniques. For the future we see the need for a modern cutting edge approach to small cars, customers don’t need to see small as “cheap”
For this car we have engineered a new modern revision on our longstanding A series small engine, the cast ohv head has been replaced with an aluminium overhead cam head. The engine is available in the current 1275cc and 1098cc sizes. The 1098 offers the power of the 1275 ohv engine with improved fuel economy, lower emissions and lower weight over the front wheels. As with every Knightwick engine it can run on clean E10 fuel widely available in Letara.
The front end has a low cd “aero” design to it, the bonnet is shaped to flow air as easily as possible, with the inset headlights aiding this and also giving the benefit of keeping the glass out of the way of any errant stone on the road. With careful design we have been able to design the front end to be as clean as possible but also allow enough air to flow through onto the radiator to keep the engine cooled adequately.
The rear is a modern and fresh “hatchback” design. We have designed the boot opening as high as is possible while keeping the access still very comfortable meaning the rear section is a solid piece giving more strength to the rear of the car in case of a rearward collision. The tail lights have also been designed as separate housings so in the event of damage only one light needs replacing instead of the whole unit at high cost to the end user.
On the subject of safety we have engineered the car to have impact absorbing bumpers front and rear, these will stop impacts up to 5km/h from impacting the body of the car. Reflective side markers are also fitted, at the rear these are red and light up with the tail lights. The ones towards the front will reflect light as orange and also have the dual benefit of becoming extra indicators offering better visibility to pedestrians and other road users.
The complex indented side design gives higher structural rigidity to the car and also breaks up the side of the car giving and interesting design point.
We have also paid great interest in how the interior is designed. All instruments are housed in a central “pod”, this make left and right hand drive vehicles much easier and quicker to produce. Another benefit is now how open the view is for the driver, with no large instrument binnacle breaking up the forward view out onto the road. A large easy to read speedometer is flanked by temperature and fuel gauges, with controls for lights and heater mounted below.
You may notice there is no central gear control, this is because the gearbox is a four speed automatic 'box to make city driving as easy as possible. The controls are mounted on the right hand side of the column giving a much more open cabin with the only floor device being the parking brake.
6 Likes
Mons 356-Esque Experimental
Letarans are no strangers to the Mons 356-Esque cars. First it ran to several podiums in the early years of the Portunis Cannonball Run. Then, racing in the road-legal class, it managed to snag a second place in the inaugural year of racing at the Lerance Raceway. In the second era of racing at the Raceway, Mons rebuilt the 356-Esque into a true race car and entered the R1 class. Here, the car became victorious three times and ran to several more podium finishes. With such an illustrious racing pedigree, it is only natural that Mons will use the 356-Esque as its flagship race car to showcase all the latest technologies the company has to offer. Here we present the Mons 356-Esque Experimental.
The showcase car features all the latest technology by Mons that delivers exceptional power to this small and nimble car. The powerplant is a 6.5 l V8 with two overhead cams on each bank, and four valves per cylinder. A perfect fuel and air mixture is delivered to the cylinders through a multi-point electronic injection system. With a high compression-ratio, the engine puts out no less than 610 Hp.
The car features new and upgraded aerodynamics that push the car to the ground with tremendous force, allowing the car to pull 1.47 Gs in fast cornering. Traction is maintained with extra-wide semi-slick tires.
Looking at the exterior of the car, the new pearlescent ‘candy-apple’ paint draws the eye. The front fascia remains largely true to the original car, although lighting has been updated to modern standards and the oversized fenders have been removed. The mirrors have been made more aerodynamic, and there is a extra brake cooling ducts with stylish exhaust vents. On the rear of the car the lighting has been completely redesigned, and a third brake light has been added to the top of the rear window. With the bumpers removed, the exhausts have been re-routed through cutouts in the rear of the car, and exit in an aerodynamic middle position.
The interior retains much of its original character, but it also has significant racing-oriented upgrades. The seats have been re-designed from the ground up with new biomechanical research in mind, providing a secure and sturdy seating position. The steering wheel has also been re-designed and is now integrated into a quick-remove system that allows quick egress in an emergency.
Last, but not least, this is a race car at heart. Here are some performance figures:
- Top speed: 300 km/h (electronically limited)
- 0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
- 1/4 mile time: 10.98 seconds
- Slow speed cornering: 1.24 g
- High speed cornering: 1.47 g
- 100-0 km/h braking distance: 31.1 m
- Wet weight: 1065 kg
- Weight distribution: 53.2 F / 46.8 R
- Fuel consumption: 13.5 l/100 km
- Max power: 610.3 hp @6500 RPM
- Max torque: 694.3 Nm @6000 RPM
7 Likes
Nice mashup of the best from the Metro, Panda and Chevette.
2 Likes
Pushing the limits of design
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Only 7L/100km
SAETA SEV
Catalytic converters, gas guzzler tax, speed limits... All of this measures were taken to protect both us and the planet we inhabit. While the intention is good, at SAETA we believe in a different approach for this problem.
Presenting to you the SAETA SEV (Sport Economy Vehicle). While the exterior is already striking enough, the real wonder is behind the bonnet. Our engineers have developed a 3 cylinder version of our twin cam engine, which has been paired with a turbocharger and state-of-the-art fuel injection. Not only it achieves a fuel consumption of 7L per 100km, it also uses renewable ethanol fuel.
While it´s performance won´t turn any heads, it´s amazing blend of style and comfort will probably lead a new way of new automotive design.
9 Likes
1974 Wolfram WLF-6
The WLF-6 (WLF standing for Wolfram Lightweight Future) is our vision for a sports car of the near future. At Wolfram, we believe that it’s not the size or output of the engine that matters most, but what you do with it. To this end, the WLF-6 is built on a galvanized steel chassis with aluminum panels, reducing its weight to just over 1.1 metric tons. Its long hood conceals a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve straight six with multi-point EFI and a 3-way catalytic converter, delivering 280 horsepower to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and a geared LSD. The result is a top speed of 155 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just over 5 seconds - definitely ahead of our time.
Suspension is via double wishbones all around, tuned for a highly responsive handling feel. 16-inch alloy wheels shod in high-performance radial tires surround vented disc brakes at each corner for maximum grip and braking. The interior is trimmed in the finest materials - genuine leather, wood and metal trim abound - and a cassette tape player comes as standard. Advanced safety systems help protect the occupants in the event of an accident.
We expect the advanced technology on the WLF-6 to be offered on our cars, either as standard or as an option, within 5-10 years.
2 Likes
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE TOMMOROW
Submissions are closing TOMMOROW, so get those final touches and submit your car. Last reminder: it closes on Friday, Febuary 10, 2023, @ 23:59 GMT. As of right now, everyone who has posted an ad has submitted their cars to me.
VAUGHN CORPORATION PRESENTS:
VAUGHN FIREBOLT AND WRAITH NEAPOLITAN
Nope, no concept cars this year. Instead, we show two models that are more or less ready for production. In the regular class, the Vaughn Firebolt (left). In the luxury class, the Wraith Neapolitan (right).
VAUGHN FIREBOLT
The highly appreciated subcompact has gotten so many revisions that we think that it is by all means a totally new car. The coupé model (shown) has for example gotten a fastback styling with a rear hatch - sportier, yet more practical. The styling is updated to reflect the latest trends. Even though the tried and true technology of the old Firebolt remains, everything you see is new and improved, wherever you look.
WRAITH NEAPOLITAN
Once upon a time, you had to choose. The luxury of a Wraith, or nimble dimensions. With the all new Neapolitan, Wraith has for the first time ever made a car in this class. Somewhat smaller, yet it has everything to offer that our big Wraiths has. The legendary Wraith V8, automatic transmission, a luxurious leather interior with everything power assisted. The Neapolitan will by no means replace the larger models like the Sunnyvale or Chillingham, but rather complement them.
i
6 Likes
Two very different visions of the future
Unlimited Tech Works
Very Credible
Swanson 955 pi
Future Aspiration Racing Turbo
LetarAuto interview with Mary Swanson and Peder Aas, former and reigning R2 champions, now convention booth operators
First, what’s with the “pi”? Private Investigator?
- It refers both to the recorded top speed of 314 km/h, and the numerical constant.
What’s that all about? - We don’t know, seems like an engineer inside joke.
- It drives fast in circles.
It certainly looks different from the old 200 beside it, what’s under the hood? - It’s actually using the same all-aluminum engine block, and the body is aluminium. That’s where the similarities end. The engineers back in Windsor really went all in with everything else. I would go as far as to call it a warning.
A warning? To your competitors? - You could say that. I’m sure some of them are working on something similar. But I meant in more of a general sense. We have driven it, this thing is so fast, it has no place on public roads.
An interesting statement, given your reputations for-. - It broke our rolling road. According to the engineers, this means the real power level is at least 640hp. Which is more than any other piston engine we have made since the war.
How did you do that? - We put the R2 engine in the front, and an unrestricted engine in the back. Boom.
Oh. Wait, what? - He was joking. It’s a matter of cutting edge technology, and pure ethanol.
As in a turbocharger? - Yes, courtesy of SNAIL technologies. Also, fuel injection by Magneto-Morell’s. Both are industry leaders we have made partnerships with for development of future engines.
Interesting. When will we see all this in showrooms? - When we are sure they offer a reliable real-world advantage at a reasonable cost. Until then, we will stick to tried and tested solutions.
Both these cars on display look ready for production, and apparently even drivable. Will they be available for purchase soon? - They are a sign of things to come, yes.
I have to ask; can I get a test drive? Please? - For the new 100, yes of course. This particular 900, no. Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s too much car for you. Myself, I won’t drive it again either.
That sounds rather ominous. Does it remind you of the prototype your crashed in '64? - Not really related, no. I just like to enjoy driving nowadays, in a normal Swanson. Peder likes it more,eh?
- Yes, it is very good for trackuse. The big wing keeps it settled in high speed. Fastest car I have driven ever.
At last a Swanson sports car that is actually faster than the hatchbacks, unlike the 700? - Sure. Good things come to those who wait. But let’s talk about the 100.
Oh yes, the 50 hp hatchback you trust experienced journalists with. - As an experienced journalist you are surely aware of the worldwide fuel crisis.This cutie is our solution. It runs on ethanol, and drinks less than 4 liters per 100 km.
Whoa, that’s less than I drink. - At the same time it has the same qualities as every Swanson; reliable, easy and engaging to drive, reasonably comfortable.
The final product? It looks vaguely similar to the current model, but more cubist? - It’s a complete overhaul, with a look fit for the future. What you see is very close to production. And performance ain’t too shabby for 50 hp, it’s almost as quick as 112S we use for our sunday school.
Sounds like it might interest our readers after all.
Swanson 112 GE
The other kind of “less than 4 liters” car
110% believable stats
6 Likes
The all new 1974 Primus V6 engine - available in the Astrona and the RT320
Our inline 6 has done good service, powering our midsize Astrona as true sports sedan. The second generation now recieved it’s facelift, featuring the new engine in the top 2400 trim.
Besides a more modern styling, the new engine is lighter and thriftier - and due to it’s more compact shape, easier to service. In times of expensive fuel and emission rules, we now threw out the carburetor in favor of an injection system, exclusive to the 2400.
If you can live without four doors and five seats, the RT320 - an all-new model - uses the 3.2 liter version. The wedgy shape is as modern as it’s features, like the “Check-Mate” (yes, pun intended), an electronic device that allows the driver the surveillance of all parameters, like G-forces, oil temperature and pressure and lap times. No, it’s not a supercar, but among the true sports cars, it offers reasonnable performance for an attractive price.
PRIMUS - The First Choice
3 Likes
NEW ERA OF LIBERTY
Distributed by Liberty Corp.
Liberty Bell Concept
Liberty Corp. 1974
Building 420, 69th Avenue
Philidelphia, PA, USA
+1-215-xxx-xxxx
5 Likes
SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED
NO MORE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPED. Bins will be posted later.
3 Likes
BINS
Before getting into the results, we first have to address some cars that, unfortunatley, violate the rules. While I don’t want to do this, it is neccessary to keep the competition fair. Cue the sad piano music
Camno Sprint Wagon
Reason: Overpriced by 1,110 AMU
The judges walk past a sports car in the parking lot. It catches their eyes, but then remember that this car has an unfair advantage compared to the other cars
Swanson 112
Reason: Resub Late.
A car drives in the parking lot… right when the convention was about to start. The judges told Swanson that they aren’t able to register the car.
Swanson 955
Reason: Wrong Family Year, Very High Aero.
The judges look at the other sports car… well, sport plane it should be said. Maybe flying cars aren’t yet ready for the public. Maybe in the future.
Sorry to those binned, but I wish luck to those who will move on to the next rounds.
2 Likes
Sorry about the price. I triple checked before I sent, but when reopening the price is different. I am fiddling around with it now and the price is not changing until I close and reopen. Is this a bug? Has anyone else noticed this? Really bugs me.
1 Like
Thank God I qualified, but only just - my car cost $30k AMU exactly.
This happens a lot in automation. It’s good practice to close the game and reopen it when checking submissions.
2 Likes
Well, my styling star is out. But at least my slightly homely sedan still has a chance.
This was supposed to act as a preview for the next round of LHC, but with so few eligible entries, I’m expecting a good result - and my submission will hopefully influence my next LHC entry in some way.
At least they didn’t burn in hell 
2 Likes
One day you’ll be famous for making the most competetive bins.
1 Like