Automation RestoMod Chapter 32:
From Misfit to Masterpiece
Hi there, and welcome to Chapter 32 of Automation RestoMod! Automation RestoMod (ARM) is a challenge series focused on customizing iconic cars and bringing them into the modern era. The criteria for modding are provided by each host, and vary Chapter to Chapter. For a more in-depth description of the ARM vision and to get a feeling for the flavour of the series so far, please read through the previous Chapters.
| First ARM | Previous ARM | WTF is ARM |
What the Hell?
For this chapter, you will be given a 2001 Pontiac Aztek.
More Vehicle Information
A unique concept that was then twisted to fit onto GM’s U-Body minivan platform, the Aztek was incredibly controversial upon its’ release, featuring acres of black plastic cladding, awful proportions and a weird stacked fascia. To quote Dan Neill: “With its multiple eyes and supernumerary nostrils, the Aztek looks deformed and scary, something that dogs bark at and cathedrals employ to ring bells. The shame is, under all that ugliness, there was a useful, competent crossover.” Though it couldn’t be appreciated at the time of its’ launch, the Aztek proved to be ahead of its’ time. With unique and innovative features like a center console that doubled as a cooler and a tent that fit onto the rear tailgate, the Pontiac Aztek personified the idea of the active lifestyle vehicle trend that has really taken off in modern years. You can see traces of the Pontiac Aztek’s styling legacy in the coupe SUV craze, as well as even in the shape of the Tesla Cybertruck. Even the stacked headlight and grille combination shown on its’ fascia has begun to proliferate on modern SUVs.
The Client
Backstory
Hi, I’m Jon. I’m a punk rocker and general mischief maker, from Seattle, WA. I love shocking, outlandish rides, so I was stoked when I picked up this 2000 Pontiac Aztek for a steal. Unfortunately after driving it for a while, this ol’ car doesn’t back up those shocking looks with the drive to match. I’ve been watching a lot of West Coast Customs and some of the crazy features they come up with made me think…. this car has crazy potential to become even more exciting, unique and polarizing than it already is. Recently, I came into some money and I’d love to see what a proper restomod could do! I do like to hike with my scraggly dog and need to fit a guitar and amp, but I enjoy driving and there are so many different flavors of that here. Feel free to take this in any direction you want, keep in mind I plan to keep using this as my primary car.”
Other Crucial Information
For this challenge, you will be allowed to have a short interview with Jon to gain a little more information about him or preferences he might have on the build. You are allowed to ask him 3 questions. To interview him, please DM me with your question and he will respond.
Judging Criteria:
Two categories, both ranked from high to low importance:
Aesthetics and Overall Package (judged by Jon):
Uniqueness
Cohesiveness/Detail- both styling, engineering, story- how well does it accomplish what it intends?
Engineering (stats):
Drivability
Sportiness/Offroad- how well does it accomplish what it intends?
Comfort
Reliability
Purchase Price/Running Costs
Fuel Economy
Requirements:
Cost ($32k AMU or less)
Octane (95 RON unleaded or below)
Safety (40 or above)
A catalytic converter and at least one muffler of some variety
The Quality slider is limited to ±3.
The Techpool must remain set to +5.
The chassis material and construction type cannot be changed.
Otherwise go wild!
Advanced Trim Settings:
Suspension height sliders can only be used to further raise or lower if the suspension height is at minimum or maximum already. Otherwise everything is allowed.
The naming scheme for this challenge is Model/Engine Family- ARM32- (your username). If this naming scheme is not followed, you will unfortunately be instabinned.
The year on the family and trim of both engine and body must be set to 2020.
You MUST clone your car completely using the Clone Everything button (shown below) before beginning work on it.
Here is the car file:
ARM32_-YourName-_Pontiac_Aztek_REMEMBER_TO_CLONE_EVERYTHING.car|attachment (43.9 KB)
The deadline is midnight on Sunday, December 22nd, Pacific Standard Time.
Countdown timer
Rules will be open for discussion until submissions open on November 29th. Good luck to all!
