[ARM] Automation RestoMod Chapter 32: From Misfit to Masterpiece (Judging underway)

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!

12 Likes

Might want to throw in a max for the negitive slider.

I did, assuming I’m thinking of the same thing. Should read ±3.

Anyone down for a collab?

The base car requires a mod body (the '00 Incan) - but that one’s readily available from the Steam Workshop. You can more easily find it by setting the Type and Game Engine filters to “Bodies” and “UE4_27”, respectively, or just by typing “Incan” in the workshop search box.

I think nowadays Automation catches that upon import and lets you download it? I forgot this was a mod body but oh well.

2 Likes

I can’t see any rules around family changes. Am I allowed to swap the car to use, say, Carbon Fibre panels and a Glued Aluminium monocoque? Can I tear out the solid rear axle and put in multilink rear suspension? Normally, ARM has rules to prevent the most impractical of these swaps, and add cost penalties to others. Just wanna check whether I’m missing it, it’s not there but should be, or it’s not there and that’s intended.

A chassis materials and type rule has been implemented, good catch! Suspension and panels can indeed be changed front and rear with no charge. Keep in mind realism will still be considered and if you do something tremendously cheesy like downgrade panels to nongalvanized to save a buck, while it won’t result in a bin you will be publicly shamed.

Challenge is now open for entries! A very nontraditional inspirations section has been added to help get you in the vibe.

probably one of the more unique ARM car picks ive seen

Are interiors judged?

Yes interiors will be judged as part of the overall styling package.

Three weeks left!

(no i don’t know why I felt the need to tell you)

3 Likes

Oh god! I haven’t even settled on a colour yet!

:scream:

2 Likes

Two weeks left! Still plenty of time to get something together if you’re just starting.

3 Likes

I just stumbled across this article and thought it was an interesting read:

2 Likes

Anyone here down to colab?

There is now one week left! Time to finish up your entries. Also remember you can ask Jon three questions if necessary!

Countdown timer

3 Likes

AutoWorx Custom Aztek

Power Terrain

We took your 2001 Aztek in and transformed it from a basic fwd commuter to an AWD Driving machine with style to match its new aggression. We reworked the 3.4L with a big bore kit to to 3.6L then strapped two turbos onto. Its now making 500HP through a 6 speed sequential transaxle to all four wheels. we threw away the stock brakes and installed a big carbon brake kit. We retuned the suspension and finished off by up grading to 265/40 R20s with nitto 555 G2s.

Custom work

Enough about the power terrain, lets talk about the visual effects. We re engineered the front of the car with a air damn, reset the headlight housings and replaced with LEDs. We swapped the upper grill out with air intakes for the turbos and changed the corner turn lamps. now from the side you’ll notice the widebody and spoiler, we had to make it four inches wider to fit the tyre upgrade. The rear has the most aggression to it as the rear wide fenders are open and the exhaust dumps into the void. The most noticeable thing is probably the relocated radiator, we fixed the upper gate to allow us to keep it stable and fabricated air inlets on the side to pull air into the radiator. We created a storage box for loading the rear area, and added a glass separator to keep visibility high and the cockpit cool. The interior has been redone with black and tan leather buckets, a infotainment system, and bamboo inserts to keep it light. Then we shot the whole car into Steely Aspen.







Sales pitch

Now for the part where I sale this as a Perfect fit for a punk rocker like yourself.
1st. Yes its shiny and appealing, but its that edge that will draw in new fans as its stylish and not just matte black like an aged out goth cliché.
2nd. The new setup is perfect for when you’re off the gigs and just cruising around with you furry homie and Sig other, it has clearance but a solid stance.
3rd. Just wait till you hear the BOV for the exhaust, while still meeting regulations so you don’t get hassled by the feds.
4th. What’s more punk than not fitting into the status quote of other punk rockers?

4 Likes

Aztek NightCrawler
yes, the lights are pink. Deal with it.

Changes

The Aztek NightCrawler elevates the Aztek’s experience by giving it more horsepower (232hp), converting it to AWD, and giving it a interior makeover. A bit of external modification was done as well with a custom bodykit giving a more agressive look, and a paintjob that brings it all together.

Interior

Some nice front seats with an infotainment system.

A dog bed and a hidden storage chest / cooler.

And of course, some music equipment.

As you can see it has ample room (get it?)

5 Likes