Arlington Automotive Industries [1924007]

I assume with the death it disintegrated because it was too fast, ba dum tss
It actually does look unique for a muscle car.

That’s the joke VicVictory made. The ‘deadly car’ subplot is entirely a product of my participation in the Cult of Personality challenge.

Arlington Airacruiser and the FWD AC1 platform (1986-1996)

A 1992 Airacruiser Sport


“When you create a car platform to underpin half your models, it better be good” - this was the mantra behind the creation of the AC1 chassis.
During the frantic downsizing craze of the 1970s, Arlington made the Analog, a midsize family car available as a sedan or kammback hatch. Like most cars of the period, the Analog did not substantially differ from its predecessor, with one exception: Arlington’s engineers routed power to the front. The better drivability, extra floor space and somewhat lower weight proved good selling points, and the car was a boon for the Texan manufacturer’s coffers. However, by the turn of the 1980s, it was becoming increasingly clear that a replacement was needed.
The new compact car platform would have a proper semitrailing arm IRS, longitudinal engine placement, and support for both front and rear-drive - the latter being the basis for Arlington’s upcoming muscle car, the Foxhound. The front-drive compact, meanwhile, was dubbed the Airacruiser - and became the biggest unqualified success in Arlington Automotive’s history.
The Airacruiser came in 1985 for the 1986 model year, 3 years behind its RWD brother. This time was spent finalizing the new ergonomic exterior, second only to the midsize Taurus in its convenience, and the powertrain - unlike the Analog, power was routed through the engine sump. Two engine options were available, a 2.3l 4-cylinder and a 2.8l 5-cylinder, both derived from the European (Waldersee) straight-six; The engines had an iron block and an aluminum head, and used a SOHC valvetrain with 2 direct-actuated intake valves and a single large rocker-actuated exhaust valve per cylinder.
The Airacruiser was initially offered as a liftback or a wagon (“Touring”), available with either engine option; starting in 1989, there was also a badge-engineered Somervell version called the Sinclair, which came only as a 4-door sedan and featured a 3.2 SOHC V6 in either a lazy or high-performance flavor.
This was also the first appearance of the ‘Foxbat’ nameplate; this coupe version was only available with the 5-bangers.
The picture above depicts an Airacruiser outfitted with the Sport trim: inline-5, leather seats, standard ABS, rear anti-roll bar, 15-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes.

Specifications Model Year...............................................................................................1986
Make................................................................................................Arlington
Engine..............................................................175 CID i5 SOHC 15v MPFI
Transmission...........................................4-speed automatic console-shifted
Drivetrain................................................................FWD 3:55:1 Final Drive
Chassis................................................................................Unibody 103.94 in
Dimensions (L/W)................................................................183.27in/69.09 in
Weight..................................................................................................2721 lbs
Front Suspension...............................................................MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension...............................................................Semi-Trailing Arm
Wheels.........................................................Alloy 15-inch with R195/65 tires
Brakes..................................................................2-piston front, 1-piston rear
Retail Price............................................................................................$10,830
Performance
0-62 Acceleration........................................................................................9.3 s
Top Speed.............................................................................................130 mph
62-0 braking..............................................................................................131 ft
Skidpad grip.............................................................................................0.85 g
1/4 mile time..............................................................................................17.0 s
Fuel Economy (Combined, EPA)......................................................22.4 mpg

Rear view - 1992 model liftback, Sport trim

Foxbat and Sinclair - both MY1989

1992 Foxbat SR and a V6 Foxhound: It’s often said that the existence of the base-model Foxhound, which was cheaper and prettier than the (albeit slightly faster) SR Foxbat, was the biggest problem with the latter.

Engines (Big tab, open with care) 1986-1991 2.3 "140 12v"
Model Year...............................................................................................1986
Layout.................................................................................................Inline-4
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Alu
Bore/Stroke...................................................................................3.40/3.85 in
Displacement..........................................................................................140 ci
Compression................................................................................................8.5
Valvetrain......................................................................................SOHC 3v/c
Intake....................................................................................Multi-Point EFI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM............................................................................110 hp@5400
Torque@RPM........................................................................127 ft-lb@2800
Weight.....................................................................................................327 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1986-1991 2.8 "175 15v"
Model Year...............................................................................................1986
Layout.................................................................................................Inline-5
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Alu
Bore/Stroke...................................................................................3.40/3.85 in
Displacement..........................................................................................170 ci
Compression................................................................................................8.5
Valvetrain......................................................................................SOHC 3v/c
Intake....................................................................................Multi-Point EFI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM............................................................................144 hp@5400
Torque@RPM........................................................................168 ft-lb@2700
Weight.....................................................................................................378 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1989-1995 3.3 "CamTech High Efficiency"
Model Year...............................................................................................1989
Layout........................................................................................................V-6
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Alu
Bore/Stroke...................................................................................3.54/3.36 in
Displacement..........................................................................................199 ci
Compression................................................................................................8.5
Valvetrain......................................................................................SOHC 2v/c
Intake....................................................................................Multi-Point EFI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM............................................................................152 hp@5400
Torque@RPM........................................................................184 ft-lb@2400
Weight.....................................................................................................439 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1989-1995 3.3 "200 Special"
Model Year...............................................................................................1989
Layout........................................................................................................V-6
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Alu
Bore/Stroke...................................................................................3.54/3.36 in
Displacement..........................................................................................198 ci
Compression................................................................................................9.5
Valvetrain......................................................................................SOHC 2v/c
Intake....................................................................................Multi-Point EFI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM............................................................................201 hp@5400
Torque@RPM........................................................................204 ft-lb@2400
Weight.....................................................................................................442 lb
Fuel Type..........................................................................................Midgrade
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1992-1995 2.5 "2.5 OCT"
Model Year...............................................................................................1992
Layout.................................................................................................Inline-5
Material(B/H).....................................................................................Alu/Alu
Bore/Stroke...................................................................................3.40/3.41 in
Displacement..........................................................................................155 ci
Compression................................................................................................9.0
Valvetrain......................................................................................SOHC 3v/c
Intake....................................................................................Multi-Point EFI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM............................................................................145 hp@5800
Torque@RPM........................................................................155 ft-lb@3500
Weight.....................................................................................................321 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials...............................................................................Cam-Phaser VVT
- - -
1992-1995 2.0 "2.0 OCT"
Model Year...............................................................................................1992
Layout.................................................................................................Inline-4
Material(B/H).....................................................................................Alu/Alu
Bore/Stroke...................................................................................3.40/3.41 in
Displacement..........................................................................................124 ci
Compression................................................................................................9.0
Valvetrain......................................................................................SOHC 3v/c
Intake....................................................................................Multi-Point EFI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM............................................................................115 hp@5800
Torque@RPM........................................................................121 ft-lb@3500
Weight.....................................................................................................264 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials...............................................................................Cam-Phaser VVT
- - -
1992-1995 2.8 "SR175"
Model Year...............................................................................................1992
Layout.................................................................................................Inline-4
Material(B/H).....................................................................................Alu/Alu
Bore/Stroke...................................................................................3.40/3.85 in
Displacement..........................................................................................175 ci
Compression..............................................................................................10.0
Valvetrain......................................................................................SOHC 3v/c
Intake....................................................................................Multi-Point EFI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM............................................................................202 hp@6500
Torque@RPM........................................................................189 ft-lb@3500
Weight.....................................................................................................295 lb
Fuel Type..........................................................................................Midgrade
Specials...........................Cam-Phaser VVT, 5 throttle plates, 5-2-1 header
2 Likes
Somervell Bayonet (3rd Generation) (1974-1982)

A 1979 Turbo Coupe

Some say that all of the good luck Arlington has had with its 70s and 80s models was a result of Somervell, the premium sports brand, being robbed of its own luck. Indeed, the Kentucky-based brand, despite releasing numerous enthusiast favorites, led a precarious and troubled existence from their late-40s acquisition up until the marque’s overdue death in 2009. And is there any better an example of Somervell’s misery and mismanagement than the last Bayonet, understood by many to be the last true, unabridged Somervell model?
The Bayonet nameplate had been running since 1959, when the Glider - the company’s personal luxury vehicle - was first outfitted with a 4-bbl V8 and given a hardtop. A performance car not quite for the masses but certainly friendly to the uninitiated, the Bayonet was able to carve out its own niche, never quite reaching the Corvette but never quite commanding its price tag either.
The all-new 1974 model - the third generation - was given a downsized steel body, completely redesigned for the gloomy decade; with weight savings being the focus of the day. With wide horizontal taillights, four hidden (pop-up) headlights and a laconic, angular profile, the car was a definite looker, and a rack-and-pinion system ensured good turning performance; however, the beancounters at Arlington refused to give the model a V8, insisting that a V6 was better suited to the car’s weight. So in went the odd-fire V6 from Arlington’s cars and entry-level trucks, stroked to 4 liters and given a competent if not spectacular 2-barrel. An entry-level 3-liter version was also available.
While reception towards the car was warm in general, the 120-hp 4.0 V6 was hated by pretty much everybody, with car journals complaining about its unbearable rattling and underwhelming exhaust note. People were actually encouraged to downgrade to the 3-liter mill, sacrificing 20 horsepower to get some peace and smoothness. To correct the situation, Somervell’s engineers were allowed to work with the Germans at Waldersee to bring the 3-liter engine to respectable power levels and replace the 4-liter, primarily relying on fuel injection to get the job done. Starting in 1976 and onward, the 3.0i Bayonet sold better, but as the 1974 crisis’ effects waned, customers once again demanded more power.
The 1978 release of the car was perhaps the most significant one. Apart from the rollout of better catalytic converters that freed up the cars’ breathing somewhat across the range, Somervell also introduced the flagship Bayonet Turbo Coupe, which introduced a turbocharged, non-intercooled 3.0 V6 making a whopping 180 horsepower. In addition, the pop-up headlights were updated to the newly-permitted square sealed beams. The Turbo Coupe was the closest the Bayonet had ever come to humiliating the Corvette (and had arguably even succeeded due to a lower price tag), but sales couldn’t gain traction before the 1979 crisis. Crippled by there interruptions, bad management decisions and the unproven status of the turbo system, the Bayonet finally ended production in 1982 with no replacement in sight, save for the far heavier, Arlington-branded Foxhound.

The specs below are for a 1978 Turbo Coupe.

Specifications Model Year..................................................................................................1978
Make...................................................................................................Somervell
Engine....................................................................185 CID V8 OHV 12v MFI
Transmission..................................................4-speed manual console-shifted
Drivetrain...................................................................RWD 3.50:1 Final Drive
Chassis....................................................................................Unibody 98.82 in
Dimensions (L/W)..................................................................166.55in/67.36 in
Weight......................................................................................................2561 lb
Front Suspension....................................................................Short/Long Arm
Rear Suspension..........................................................Coil-Sprung Solid Axle
Wheels..........................................Alloy 15-inch; R195/60 front and rear tires
Brakes...................................................................2-piston front, 1-piston rear
Retail Price...................................................................................................$idk
Performance
0-62 Acceleration..........................................................................................6.9 s
Top Speed...............................................................................................130 mph
62-0 braking................................................................................................120 ft
Skidpad grip...............................................................................................0.99 g
1/4 mile time................................................................................................15.2 s
Fuel Economy (Combined, EPA)........................................................16.0 mpg


Dreeft.


Rear end with the noisy turbo badging.

Engines (Big tab, open with care) 1974-1975 4.0 "XL"
Model Year................................................................................................1974
Layout.........................................................................................................V-6
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Iron
Bore/Stroke....................................................................................3.79/3.57 in
Displacement...........................................................................................242 ci
Compression.................................................................................................7.5
Valvetrain.........................................................................................OHV 2v/c
Intake...................................................................................2-bbl Carburetor
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM.............................................................................126 hp@4600
Torque@RPM.........................................................................184 ft-lb@2800
Weight.....................................................................................................514 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1974-1977 3.0 "DualJet"
Model Year................................................................................................1974
Layout.........................................................................................................V-6
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Iron
Bore/Stroke....................................................................................3.42/3.36 in
Displacement...........................................................................................185 ci
Compression.................................................................................................7.5
Valvetrain.........................................................................................OHV 2v/c
Intake...................................................................................2-bbl Carburetor
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM.............................................................................102 hp@4700
Torque@RPM.........................................................................141 ft-lb@2700
Weight.....................................................................................................500 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1976-1977 3.0 "3.0i"
Model Year................................................................................................1976
Layout.........................................................................................................V-6
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Iron
Bore/Stroke....................................................................................3.42/3.36 in
Displacement...........................................................................................185 ci
Compression.................................................................................................8.2
Valvetrain.........................................................................................OHV 2v/c
Intake..........................................................................Mechanical/Analog FI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM.............................................................................116 hp@4900
Torque@RPM.........................................................................150 ft-lb@3100
Weight.....................................................................................................529 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1978-1982 3.0 "DualJet"
Model Year................................................................................................1978
Layout.........................................................................................................V-6
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Iron
Bore/Stroke....................................................................................3.42/3.36 in
Displacement...........................................................................................185 ci
Compression.................................................................................................7.5
Valvetrain.........................................................................................OHV 2v/c
Intake...................................................................................2-bbl Carburetor
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM.............................................................................113 hp@4900
Torque@RPM.........................................................................152 ft-lb@2800
Weight.....................................................................................................502 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1978-1982 3.0 "3.0i"
Model Year................................................................................................1978
Layout.........................................................................................................V-6
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Iron
Bore/Stroke....................................................................................3.42/3.36 in
Displacement...........................................................................................185 ci
Compression.................................................................................................8.2
Valvetrain.........................................................................................OHV 2v/c
Intake..........................................................................Mechanical/Analog FI
Aspiration..................................................................................................N/A
Power@RPM.............................................................................128 hp@4900
Torque@RPM.........................................................................162 ft-lb@3200
Weight.....................................................................................................530 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials......................................................................................................N/A
- - -
1978-1982 3.0 "3.0 Turbo EFI"
Model Year................................................................................................1978
Layout.........................................................................................................V-6
Material(B/H)....................................................................................Iron/Iron
Bore/Stroke....................................................................................3.42/3.36 in
Displacement...........................................................................................185 ci
Compression.................................................................................................6.9
Valvetrain.........................................................................................OHV 2v/c
Intake..........................................................................Mechanical/Analog FI
Aspiration................................................Turbocharger (Single, hot charge)
Power@RPM.............................................................................184 hp@5100
Torque@RPM.........................................................................217 ft-lb@3500
Weight.....................................................................................................530 lb
Fuel Type.............................................................................................Regular
Specials...............................................................Forged pistons and conrods
2 Likes
SR Supercruiser: The Airacruiser's Final, Glorious Form

Hood cutout on a sedan, because you’re stupid and positive displacement rules.


The Airacruiser, though a successful model generally, was never a particularly successful subject of SR modifications. Sure, they tried dropping a V8 in one once, but the drivetrain and general vehicle were not that receptive to the change. The other models were just kind of unremarkable, with the tame approach to supercharging at the time preventing the creation of a compelling compact sports car.

This looked to still be the case on the fourth-generation Airacruiser: though the car was modified with a supercharged version of the contemporary 2.7l i5 and the usual performance suite, and though it had the perfect form-factor (RWD liftback with E46 proportions in the 2010s), there was simply not enough power and aggression.

Luckily, when it came time to facelift the 4th-generation Airacruiser as a whole, Arlington rolled out a brand new Staggered-Inline 5 engine. Larger in displacement than the old mill (with a max factory displacement of 3 liters), the engine - sometimes branded a V5 - came in 2 flavors: a naturally-aspirated version with fancy variable valve lift and a supercharged one without, and sporting a much beefier block.

SR latched onto the latter to make the heart of the new performance Airacruiser - now to be its own limited-production submodel called the Supercruiser - beginning development in 2017. A twin-screw, 1.5-liter supercharger producing 16.6 pounds of boost was mated to the engine instead of the standard lower-boost 1.2-liter. With forged internals, the new mill revs to 8000 rpm and produces 445 horsepower, or 465 in the later, scarier SRR trim. To maintain some fuel economy, the engine is still equipped with variable timing and can thus operate on the Miller cycle under low loads.

A bespoke sport interior is present on the Supercruiser, but there are still 5 full seats and a contemporary infotainment system with optional HUD. There is some SR-unique sheet metal and the semi-spaceframe of the car is bolstered considerably; the front suspension is of double-wishbone type, replacing the regular model’s struts. There is an electronic differential, an active suspension with magnetic damping and a crisp six-speed manual. Some safety features had to be omitted, but it’s no death trap.

So there it is: a 4.1-to-62 mile-eating machine (in base form), based on the stubbiest and meanest RWD sedan on the market. Are you brave enough?

Specifications Model Year.................................................................................................2019
Make..................................................................................................Arlington
Engine.............................................................183 CID V5 DOHC 20v DI-SC
Transmission................................................6-speed manual console-shifted
Drivetrain................................................................RWD 4.30:1 Final Drive
Chassis......................................................................Semi-Unibody 103.94 in
Dimensions (L/W)................................................................174.87in/71.89 in
Weight..................................................................................................3660 lbs
Front Suspension................................................................Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension............................................................................Multi-Link
Wheels.........................................................Alloy 19-inch with R255/65 tires
Brakes..........................................Vented Steel: 4-piston front, 2-piston rear
Retail Price......................................................................................$like 49000
Performance
0-62 Acceleration.........................................................................................4.1 s
Top Speed.............................................................................................168 mph
62-0 braking..............................................................................................106 ft
Skidpad grip.............................................................................................1.16 g
1/4 mile time..............................................................................................12.5 s
Fuel Economy (Combined, EPA)........................................................21.1 mpg
Engine (lore, only output figures and dimensions accurate at the moment) 2019- 3.0 "Supercruiser"
Model Year...................................................................................................2019
Layout....................................................................................Staggered (VR)-5
Material(B/H).................................................................................Alusil/Alusil
Bore/Stroke.......................................................................................3.60/3.60 in
Displacement..............................................................................................183 ci
Compression....................................................................................................9.6
Valvetrain..........................................................................................DOHC 4v/c
Intake.........................................................................................Direct Injection
Aspiration............................................................Twin-Screw S/C, Intercooler
Power@RPM...............................................................................429 hp@7300
Torque@RPM............................................................................400 ft-lb@4300
Weight.........................................................................................................354 lb
Fuel Type....................................................................................................Super
Specials..........................5-2-1 Header; 5 throttle bodies; all-forged internals
3 Likes
2016- Callahan CR4

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA


During the Arlington Automotive group’s successfull 2010s rebound, Callahan - the volume brand - was due for a range-wide refresh. Most the cars would be built using various sizes of a lightweight, transverse-engined, semi-unibody platform, including the new generation of the Callahan Cascade hatchback. Then some jackass in the design department pulled an MR2 and moved the engine out back, and the thus the CR5 concept car was born.

The CR5 was a 2014 running prototype that used the exact underpinnings of the pre-production Cascade (floorpan, strut front, multi-link rear) but styled as a coupe with a 5-cylinder supercharged engine from an SR Airacruiser of the time stuck in the middle instead of the front. It produced a sinful 305 horsepower and drew huge crowds at its debut car show.

The CR5 was not a very feasible proposition, not least because it would undermine Arlington’s own mainline performance offerings and because it would be too expensive to be a Callahan. But seeing a potential market of young enthusiasts - the typical little-roadster crowd - the management at Arlington approved the production of a lightweight, low-power derivative. This new “CR4” was to be released during the 2018 refresh of the Cascade, sporting an aggressively-tuned NA 1.8 V4 pumping out 200 to 210 horsepower depending on trim.

The final car still shared its suspension and other components with the Cascade, but due to its small and all-aluminum body it managed to weigh in at under 2400 lbs despite its relatively long 103-inch wheelbase. The base 190-hp, open-diff, 6MT, shit-interior car cost $30,000 - an extra $3,000 got you a performance header, exhaust, intake and tune (with limiter delete) and even a Torsen diff to push power to 213 and 0-60 potentially under 5 seconds. 7-speed DCT was a pricey but sales-enhancing option.

Specifications Model Year..................................................................................................2018
Make....................................................................................................Callahan
Engine....................................................................111 CID V4 DOHC 16v DI
Transmission.................................................6-speed manual console-shifted
Drivetrain..................................................................RWD 5.54:1 Final Drive
Chassis........................................................................Semi-Unibody 103.94 in
Dimensions (L/W).................................................................163.43in/70.65 in
Weight..................................................................................................2333. lbs
Front Suspension................................................................MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension.............................................................................Multi-Link
Wheels..................Alloy 18-inch with R215/50 front and R235/50 rear tires
Brakes...................................................Vented Steel: 1-piston front and rear
Retail Price............................................................................................$33,200
Performance
0-62 Acceleration........................................................................................4.9 s
Top Speed.............................................................................................162 mph
62-0 braking.............................................................................................105 ft
Skidpad grip............................................................................................1.14 g
1/4 mile time.............................................................................................13.4 s
Fuel Economy (Combined, EPA)......................................................30.2 mpg
2 Likes