Just an update to not have radio silence, I’m swamped with projects and exams so it’s going to take another week or so, apologies.
4 Likes
ARM36 - Reviews
JumpJero
The cool factor here is off the charts, as is the attention to detail. Everything you’d expect a prerunner to have is there, and in seemingly great detail and accuracy. The only issue I have with the visuals is the execution of the fender flares, but it’s understandable and doesn’t take much away from the design.
Obviously the main problem here is that the open alpha was used, so it is disqualified from the competition.
BOVOS Custom Granjero
Jumping to the other end of the spectrum, this modernised show car is low and cool, with its custom windshield and roof delete. The whole conversion is executed with stellar attention to detail, tying in properly with the body and the interior. Changes elsewhere are subtle but work really well to elevate the original design and bring it to the modern era, with a cool custom touch. I would say that overall it’s the best looking of the competing entries.
Inside, changes aren’t plentiful, with some modern touches like the screen and steering wheel. With it being a fully open top, it’s remarkable how consistent the interior and exterior colour schemes are, as they tie in almost seamlessly.
It’s turbocharged V8 is very powerful at 753 horsepower, though that isn’t really reflected in its sportiness score, which is almost tied for the lowest of the three competitors. The powerband isn’t great, with boost not coming on until about 2600 RPM and peak torque all the way at 5100 RPM. The tires are very narrow, which likely contributes to the low sportiness rating - wheelspin is so bad that the 0-100 km/h sprint takes a whole 5 seconds. Likewise, the drivability rating is almost tied for last, likely due to the same factors. It is to be said, however, that both of these stats are better than the original, so it does fit the brief. Comfort is the lowest by quite a large margin, at less than half of the next-best score, even with a luxury interior and premium infotainment, likely due to keeping the solid rear axle and having a severely oversprung suspension calibration. Meanwhile, it scores right in the middle when it comes to safety.
Cost-wise, it comes in right in the middle, with the fewest additions or changes that would warrant a price penalty, though taking two big penalties with a panel material swap and an engine swap. Overall, considering how few penalties it took, and the $20k gap to the most expensive entry, this build could have been highly improved by some less restrained engineering choices and more thoughtful suspension tuning.
Jefferson Granjero by LMJ Design
This old-school custom stays the truest to the original, with changes limited to spiderweb motifs, pentagrams and skulls. It is certainly eye-catching, though the colour-shifting paint looks like a kitchen countertop from some angles. The purple, gold and chrome colour scheme works wonderfully and suits the build’s ethos. The execution is stellar, with all the subtle changes working together for a consistent, creative style, both inside and out.
Mechanically, it modernises the engine with an aluminium DOHC cylinder head, as well as a turbocharger. The sturdy nature of the original engine means it can reach a potent but safe and reliable 415 horsepower. Drivability and sportiness are almost tied with the BOVOS, even with a double wishbone rear suspension and air-ride swapped in, due to a severely undersprung suspension tune. That softness certainly contributes to its comfort score, which is the best among the competition, but is in severe detriment to the rest of the car’s driving characteristics. Narrow medium-compound tires also negatively affect it in terms of drivability and sportiness, though that choice is certainly consistent with the less bombastic approach that this build takes. Safety is the lowest here, as it doesn’t upgrade the equipment further than the most basic that the 90s had to offer.
When it comes to pricing, it takes more penalties than the BOVOS, but still comes in at the lowest price point due to the tier and quality of components chosen. Impressively, it manages to score the same as the BOVOS in the main engineering stats at a much lower price point, though this speaks to the unexplored potential of this entry, both in its poor, boaty suspension tuning and its restraint when it came to upgrading or changing mechanical components.
The Gnatmobile
This is the most out-there, creative and different entry in this competition, with comic-book inspiration, it even has its own universe and superhero to go along. It’s the second open-top conversion, though with an evidently different approach. The execution is almost stellar, with only some abruptly-ending trim pieces that also clip through the underlying body letting it down somewhat. The roofless conversion and interior are great, tying together very nicely, all with an eye-catching, gnat-like colour scheme. The inside is the most complete, with fictional gadgets and computers as well as modernised elements like the seats and steering wheel. Overall, huge props for the creativity of concept, depth of the lore and execution of the idea.
Looks isn’t the only area where this build does the most, as it swaps pretty much all of the essentials, with a partial monocoque chassis, independent rear suspension, a radical new engine and all-wheel drive. The engine is good, if not excellent, with mostly smooth power delivery - save for the poor VVL tuning - and decent peak performance, with a power figure of 487 horsepower. Though only in the middle when it comes to power, it is the quickest, sportiest and most driveable of the bunch, with stiff but balanced active suspension, electric power steering and launch control, this is pretty much a modern car with the shell of a classic. Comfort is right in the middle, with a sporty interior and a luxurious heads-up display to represent the Gnat gadgetry. With its upgraded chassis and the most modern equipment, it scores the highest in the safety category.
With the most radical build also come the biggest prices. It takes the most and highest-costing price penalties, which, added to the base cost of the higher tier and better quality components, make this the most expensive car in the competition, taking to heart the no-holds-barred spirit of the brief. Even so, the engineering stats are so highly above the other entries that the score penalty from the massive price tag is effectively nullified.
Rankings
Binned: JumpJero
3: BOVOS Custom Granjero @Ultimate_Billy
2: Jefferson Granjero by LMJ Design @Knugcab
1: The Gnatmobile @Edsel
Judging spreadsheet:
7 Likes
Expected judging maybe, the approach was a bit “lowrider inspired, but actually make it better instead of worse”, that also meant some compromises. And yes, this paint type looks weird in some angles, I can admit that, but it was fun trying it out at least.
Congratulations to the worthy winner!
4 Likes
Well dang, i think this is my first proper challenge win! Hooray!
I do have another challenge running, but these do tend to be lower in entry count and I’ve got a premise ready to go, so what the heck. I should have the next one up within the week!
4 Likes
Good, I hoped for someone to break my streak since some variety is more fun.