[ARM] Automation RestoMod Challenge Chapter 28: Cybervette (closed, finalists posted)

Maverick74 · 11 November 2023 03:56

BACKGROUND
Skye Champion is a synth-wave musician currently living in Phoenix, Arizona. After making it big on Youtube, a major record company has approached her and made a deal for another album. For her next music project Skye is looking to build an 80’s car for use in the album art and promotional material. The vision she’s dreaming of is something along the lines of a retro futurism or cyberpunk aesthetic. After an extensive search on various online classified sites Skye finally settled on a base car.

THE CAR

The car being modded will be a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. America’s evergreen sports car, this example has the four speed automatic, aftermarket wheels, and badly faded gelcoat. Skye is reaching out to car modding companies to help bring her vision to reality.

PRIORITIES

AESTHETICS: Skye is looking for something that will look rad and futuristic to put on merch and what have you. An eye catching design is top priority for this one. Something a little out there like a cyberpunk design would be ideal. Alternatively, an over the top 80’s aesthetic would be welcome if done well.

SPORTINESS AND PERFORMANCE: If the cash is getting put into this ride anyway, it may as well be more than pure looks. Having something that’s fast and impressive to drive will be nice to have as well.

DRIVEABILITY: But at the same time, having something too gnarly that she’s afraid to drive it won’t do. So something that’s approachable would be a good thing.

PRESTIGE: Something impressive could certainly help with Skye’s music career.
COMFORT: A car that requires a trip to the chiropractor after every drive need not apply.

RELIABILITY: Being stuck on the side of the road in a cloud of steam is publicity that Skye could do without.

SAFETY: Skye would prefer not to become the next member of the Forever 27 club.

PURCHASE PRICE: Not that important, the record company has the funds already set aside for this. But none the less, a cheaper car with the same stats is of course no drawback, cheapening out just to save money is probably not worth it.

SERVICE COSTS: Skye would prefer not to have to take out a mortgage for every oil change.

FUEL ECONOMY: Same goes at the pumps. But then again it is a V8 sports car.

INTERIOR STYLING: While I do recommend doing an interior design for your entry, you will not lose any points for not including one. But adding an interior to your car will give you bonus points that may help elevate it above the competition.

RULES (PRELIMINARY):

Clone both the imported model and engine family before you start modding. Nowadays this can all be done with one button of the Car Designer tab in Automation - the one circled red in the photo below.

Set all dates (model year, trim year, engine family/variant year) to 2020. It is highly recommended to exit the game and reopen it after cloning it and before updating the dates.
Maximum price (as shown in the Testing tab, Detail Stats section): $45,000
No V16s or race parts (race intake, race tubular exhaust, semi-slicks).
This car was made with default +5 Tech Pool, and that is where it should remain.
You must post an ad with at least 1 picture of your car on this thread.
Quality sliders should not be set above +5 or below -2.
This challenge is held in the open beta version of the game.
You’re of course allowed to ask an unlimited number of questions regarding the challenge in itself and its rules etc. - but also, you’re allowed to ask (privately, via DM) the client three personal questions about preferences that might affect how you want to build your car.

CAR REQUIREMENTS

The general rule of ARM is to not make a car worse. Now, a very marginal drop in one single stat if it really bumps up the others will not instabin the car, so this is a very soft rule indeed, but still, try to avoid it at all costs.
Unleaded Premium 95 RON/91 AKI fuel
Emissions: Car must pass at least WES 9
Entries should remain street legal, in that it should retain headlights, tail lights, indicators, side mirrors, wipers, license plates, etc.

ADVANCED TRIM SETTINGS

Chassis tunnel size and firewall position can be changed freely.
Where an effect can be accomplished via engineering (i.e. without the use of ATS), you may not use this advanced trim settings to do so. This includes: Wheel width, wheel diameter, camber, tire diameter, tread width, chassis track width, and ride height which the sum doesn’t add up to zero (+5 five on one side and -5 on the other is OK, but +10 on one side with 0 on the other is not)
Engine position is allowed in moderation.
Wheelbase offset is allowed in moderation.

RULES AND PENALTIES

Chassis type can not be changed
Chassis material can be changed for a $5000 penalty
Panel material swap will give a $2000 penalty
Changing engine orientation will give a $5000 penalty
Suspension type swap will give a $1000 penalty per axle
A complete engine swap will give a $2500 penalty. (Engine size may be increased within the limits of the possible capacity of the original block.)
Only a cylinder head change will give a $1000 penalty.
Changing from RWD to FWD/AWD/4x4 will give a $4000 penalty.

If you are uncertain with any of these rules, feel free to ask me for clarification!

SUBMISSIONS:

SUBMISSIONS START: 15th of November 2023, 8 PM CST (Rules delib until that)
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE: 6th of December 2023, 8 PM CST (2am GMT the 7th)

Due to the sometimes questionable stability of open beta, RESUBS ARE ALLOWED.

CAR FILE:
ARM28_-YOURNAMEHERE-PLEASE_CLONE-_Chevrolet_Corvette.car|attachment (49.8 KB)

Change Log

Changed deadline time to from CEST to CST
lowered emissions to WES9

Sealboi · 11 November 2023 20:04

this looks like it may result in some builds that go unbelievably hard

Texaslav · 12 November 2023 00:32

To clarify: Should the chassis and engine family stay at the same quality level, or can we punch them out however we please up to +5 (in the engine family’s case, without triggering engine swap rules)?

Maverick74 · 12 November 2023 01:04

Yes, I will allow that. As long as it doesn’t exceed +5 and meets all the other required rulings.

abg7 · 12 November 2023 11:47

I know that name - it’s that of a character from Interstate '82, and she’s the sister of Groove Champion (the protagonist of this game and its predecessor, Interstate '76), whose other sister Jade was killed prior to the events of the previous game.

Maverick74 · 16 November 2023 01:46

Well, since there are no objections to the rulings, I declare ARM28 open for submissions. Please note that I have made a couple of small changes (reduced emission requirements to WES9 and changed the deadline by a couple of hours).

Have fun!

the-chowi · 20 November 2023 18:04

i couldn’t really find it in the OP, but if i were to do a widebody can i change the fender morphs in order to get wider tyres, or at least change wheel offset in ATS if not?

Maverick74 · 21 November 2023 02:21

Yes, you are allowed to change morphs if you wish, and at no cost penalty. You are also allowed to use ATS to change the wheel offset but only if you have maxed out the offset on the engineering side and wish to go beyond that.

Knugcab · 26 November 2023 21:51

Sounds rather legit TBH, reshaping a body with fiberglass is a lot less work than doing it with sheetmetal.

Mausil · 29 November 2023 09:36

here]s my entry, Corvette Mspec, thanks

Knugcab · 30 November 2023 04:50

LMJ DESIGN PRESENTS: THE CHEVROLET CORVETTE “PHANTASM”

To start with, on the outside we have updated the Vette with LED DRLs and turn signals, a cowl induction hood scoop, monowiper, camera mirrors and a suitable, yet eye-catching bodykit.

19- and 20 inch aero wheels both looks cool and ensures that the car stays planted to the road. Door handles? That’s a thing for the past, to give off an high tech vibe, the doors are now opened using a code lock.

For an even more high tech vibe, the car has LED taillights originally intended for a C5. A rear ducktail and diffusor even more ensures stability via aerodynamics at high speed. The choice of paint might sound a little bit unusual - a solid dark grey from the late 60s Volvo 140, with satin clearcoat. But combined with accents in pink and carbon fiber we thought that it gave off the right vibes - a sinister, yet high tech vehicle.

The leather and carbon fibre dashboard is inspired by the original, but has all the modern creature comforts. A racing pedal box, leather wrapped sports steering wheel and a gated shifter with a carbon fibre knob keeps you in control.

A half cage, racing harnesses, fire extinguisher and FIA approved seats? Sure, such safety measures might be good, but why? Well…

They are needed when you unleash the beast under the hood, a 700 hp 454" big block Chevy, charged with twin turbos. Mated to a six speed gearbox. Huge 4 wheel vented discs ensures that you can stop all that power, too. ESC, limited slip and launch control that you won’t transform all that power into smoking rubber, well, unless you want to of course. 1.13 G of cornering that you will stay on the road while using all of the horses. So, the Phantasm is really not only about looks - it can give modern day supercars a run for their money too!

Maverick74 · 2 December 2023 01:31

Five days remain until the deadline for ARM28 closes. If you are planning on entering it is best to get your entries sent in.

Maverick74 · 6 December 2023 00:26

24 hour notice. So far I have received entries from @Mausil and @Knugcab . Anyone else looking to enter should do so ASAP. Thank you.

machalel · 6 December 2023 02:47

Vidar CYBERVETTE

Take one Corvette, add two superchargers* and one cyberpunk bodykit, supplement with crazy wheels and exhaust system, and you now have a CYBERVETTE

*actually turbochargers in-game for obvious reasons.

Maverick74 · 7 December 2023 02:02

So submissions are now closed. An additional entry has been received by @machalel .
Expect reviews up soon.

Maverick74 · 9 December 2023 21:13

A few weeks later, Skye opens her email and find three replies waiting for her in her inbox. The first one she checks is the Vidar Cybervette by @machalel

“Oh, this is a very striking design!” she exclaims, “Perhaps not quite what I had been envisioning, yet very futuristic, like Blade Runner meets Mad Max!” The massive 20 inch incandescent wheels have presence and work well with the black chrome paint job. There’s fantastic detailing throughout the design, from the roof mounted rear view cameras, the side vent that doubles as an indicator, and an unique tail panel. “Shame there’s no interior renders provided as well, would have really been nice to see what’s they could have done there.”
There seems to be a fair bit good going on with the mechanical stuff as well. A sequential 5 speed transmission, carbon ceramic discs, luxury interior with heads up display, and some of the best modern steering, suspension, and safety one could select.
“Er, but wait,” Skye asks herself, “What’s going on with these performance figures? Did…did they use the old Corvette’s stock engine?” It certainly appears so, there must have been some sort of mix up. “Well, that’s a shame,” Skye exclaims as she closes the file and moves onto the next one.
(OOC, it seems like you failed to clone the car and engine properly, since your entry keeps defaulting to the original engine. Even after allowing you to resubmit to fix this, it didn’t seem to work sadly. Shame, since even as it is it has some of the best stats. But it simply doesn’t meet the rules)

Next up in the queue is the Mspec Vette by @Mausil

“Hmm, is this it?” Skye asks. “It doesn’t seem all that different.” But looking closer, there is a bit more going on with the design. The metallic silver does seem rather futuristic in an 80’s sort of way, and works well with the blue smoked glass. There’s pop out door handles, a subtle body kit, and all new lighting and mirrors. The bumper mounted fog lights are a nice touch, as is the rear spoiler. Though the tail lights seem more retro than futuristic. “Well, this doesn’t seem to fit the theme I’m looking for. Perhaps is has good stats?”
The mechanical side of things seem to mirror the outer design. What’s there seems to be good. Dual overhead cams, high compression pistons, and a three way cat help the engine crank out more power why running clean. And a newer 6 speed computer controlled automatic, electric variable assisted steering, stability control, infotainment, and updated safety is all well and good. There just seems that there could have been more, especially when it’s $15k under budget. “If a cheaper car was what I was looking for, this would be a stronger contender. But it isn’t. Let’s look at what else we got.”
(OOC, This entry suffers from just not being enough. Apart from perhaps the tail lights and the wheel choice, what you have done to the car works quite well. I just wish you had done a bit more to it. It’s a tad plain on the design side, and the there’s plenty of room engineering wise to have thrown a bit more power and better equipment. But for someone new to challenges, I’d say it’s a solid job)

Lastly, Skye opens the proposal labeled “Phantasm” by LMJ Design @Knugcab

“Oh yeah, this is more like it!” Skye squeals. “It’s like a rad bat-mobile!” The body kit fits well with the Corevette’s original lines. While they are perhaps a little small and get lost in the wheel wells, the wheels fit well with the cyberpunk theme. The small details like the touch pad door entry, rear view cameras, and digital rear badge really make the design stand out. Not completely sold on the tail lights though, despite their modern look. And pink is under-rated as an accent color. A very well rendering of the interior to boot!
Skye glances at the technical data and her jaw drops. “Wha…a 7.5L V8?! With twin turbos on top of it! Wow!” The direct injected 454 really packs a punch, with 700hp and nearly 1000 ft-lbs of torque. And it passes emissions! A bit less seems to have been added to the rest of the car, but it’s been done effectively. Sports interior with premium infotainment, manual six speed transmission, old school variable power steering, and adaptive dampers. Though oddly LMJ only updated to 90’s safety, if an advanced setup. All in all, the car makes good use of the budget, leaving only $200 left over.
(OOC, I don’t have much more to say about this. While there are a few small things I would maybe change, it’s an overall solid build.)

Skye closes her laptop, pulls out her phone, and spends a few minutes discussing the proposals with the record company. The car she picks for the album cover is…

Synth beat rolls

The “Phantasm” by LMJ Design

Final ranking
3) machalel (disqualified)
2) Mausil

knugcab

Thanks all for entering!

machalel · 9 December 2023 21:54

Yeah I have no idea what is going on there

I definitely cloned it properly, and even deleted and re-imported and it shows up fine for me. Very odd!

Anyway, the “Phantasm” is a far more realistic entry, so congrats!

Mausil · 9 December 2023 22:38

Thank you for your review I enjoy reading it. So bad for Machalel, and congratulation to knugcab

Knugcab · 9 December 2023 23:15

Thing is, that the update made it cheaper, so I could maybe have compromised a little less if I had bothered to re-engineer it, I had to leave out some stuff to make it fit into the budget, but I was totally exhausted and stressed out, so I felt satisfied with it as it was since nothing major broke. But thanks anyway!

I CAN probably host chapter 29, both car and idea exists, but that is if you are OK with waiting for a while (I am not talking months or multiple weeks now) for me putting up a new thread and also maybe a bit slower judging (depending on the numbers of entries)? The 24h of clunkers thread for 2024 will maybe be put up already tomorrow (better late than never) and due to the very different nature of the callenges, I can probably run them at the same time, but I want to at least have the rules delib for 24h finished before I put up an ARM thread too. What’s your opinion there?

Maverick74 · 10 December 2023 01:04

Well, Christmas in in two weeks with New Years the weekend after that, so I imagine many people will be busy. And it kind of sounds like the devs want to get the OB merged with stable before the years over, so it may be a little hectic with all that. So a small hiatus may not be all that bad of an idea.