My van is very light because it uses the ̶f̶l̶i̶m̶s̶i̶e̶s̶t̶ finest polymer on the market for all of its bodywork. It also saves weight by using the lightweight “look out of the window” entertainment package and by having an interior that does a very good job of existing, but not much else. If I had used a much cheaper steel body and added some entertainment and a nicer interior by using the money saved from the cheaper body, it would weigh about 400-500kg more than it does now[/quote]
[quote=“Zabhawkin”]
I wouldn’t say we love the big boxes, they tend to not fit on the trails. A small box with big wheels that can weasle its way down a trail (think Jeep Wrangler) and similar.
As for out of the box capable 4x4’s the Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Xtera, Toyota 4runner… just to name a few that I know to have good off road capabilities, not including all the pickup versions out there.[/quote]
From watching the various offroading shows and every offroader I’ve seen getting around you need a winch installed which also needs a bullbar installed (usually). I worked at Nissan (in Australia) and none of the Nissan offroaders came installed with a winch from the factory. Most 4WD’s have optional diff-locks but if you missed the option or purchased 2nd hand you have to go aftermarket. Most offroad forums seem to agree that 20mm of lift is also needed to keep the undersides safe… My position that, because mods are required to make ANY 4WD truly useable offroad, from the factory most 4wds aren’t ready for anything more serious than a dirt road or an easy beach run.
So worrying about in-game offroad stats for vans be crazy! Once people buy them they’ll lift 'em, hack the bumpers, install light bars everywhere and knock out all the glass bar the windshield! Just relax and enjoy the ride…[/quote]
My 1999 Nissan pickup 2wd open rear 4cyl has been wandering down way tougher than dirt roads for the last 14+ years. Before the axle upgrades my CJ was basically stock (added roll cage, better seats, and seat belts) and was handling moderate difficulty trails. I have personally seen many stock 4X4’s joining us on trails.
It seems your basing your knowledge of 4X4’s off of the shows you see on TV, the thing with those shows is they have lots of money to throw at a project and they do. They wind up making a high end modified 4X4 that very few will be able to afford who actually take theirs out on their own budget.
Edit: Those shows are also 90% advertisement for the parts they are putting on.
Grats to the winners and thanks to everyone for participating! I hope you had fun (because this is what the challenge is all about)! Please post your thoughts and ideas. Stay tuned for the next challenge (very soon)!
YESSSSSSSSS!!! Top market share in not one, but TWO categories!!! Honestly, that’s far beyond what I was expecting to do this round. Thank you Lambor… I mean, Automobili!
I’m happy that I didn’t go in red with the Blue Marlin, a lot of people will be very happy with their new cheap true sportscar XD
And the Zap! strikes back! I’m very happy about the result of the car (best seller again ), even if I didn’t had a true low cost competitor to fight against.
Thank Martin for the awesome challenge and I hope to see soon the new one!
My sports car was a bit meh, but by god did that van do well. Top in three categories, and in the podium places in two others. I honestly thought that setting up the factory to sell 700,000 was far too ambitious, but somehow it sold out and would have still sold out even if I had priced it 25% more expensive.
at least i made profit with each of my entries. nearly 30% with the supercar Speedo and small 3% with the GT Mantis. i could have been more greedy on the pricing.
My first step into the super car market went very well. My traditional markets need some work to be profitable again. I don’t consider $42 a car in profit profitable but hey its not a loss.
I seem to be consistently average, but profits are profits 18th & 30th places
Some surprising sales though 10.5K off road sales for my Entry level Family saloon and 18 folk thought my 60grand sports coupe would make a good cheap compact - lol, i’d like to be a fly on that wall when they explain it to their “significant other”
[quote=“Zabhawkin”]
My 1999 Nissan pickup 2wd open rear 4cyl has been wandering down way tougher than dirt roads for the last 14+ years. Before the axle upgrades my CJ was basically stock (added roll cage, better seats, and seat belts) and was handling moderate difficulty trails. I have personally seen many stock 4X4’s joining us on trails.
It seems your basing your knowledge of 4X4’s off of the shows you see on TV, the thing with those shows is they have lots of money to throw at a project and they do. They wind up making a high end modified 4X4 that very few will be able to afford who actually take theirs out on their own budget.
Edit: Those shows are also 90% advertisement for the parts they are putting on.[/quote]
I’m aware that the shows are essentially marketing and that my experience is largely based on them. But it isn’t TOTALLY based on TV… I worked at both Nissan and Mitsubishi here in Aus and every 4WD that came in that went offroad had some type of aftermarket part on it! Your CJ isn’t stock; saying it’s “basically” stock just doesn’t cut it. You modded your truck because you perceived that the original design was deficient in some way.
My point was that no-one uses FACTORY stock 4WD’s for anything other than occasional 4WDing and those that do it for fun or work conduct modifications to their vehicle to make this safer/easier/more fun. Therefore worrying about losing out to a 4WD van in an online competition is just silly as all the offroad vehicles produced by manufacturers aren’t actually that great for offroading and need extra parts, even if that’s a winch, big towbar or a diff-locker…
Yes, I was too optimistic there. But first place is still first place
Too bad not enough of their wifes and lovers bought my crappy second car. Comparing the stats I though it would fare better, but even when creating it I knew it was not as strong contender as my cheap entry from previous challenge. There is still hope for humanity, they refused the car with 0-100km/h acceleration in 74s!
First place overall! Well that exceeded my expectations, matter of fact, both my cars did far beyond what I expected, really happy, my night is made.
With the Sprint and Reaper’s offroad things were getting scary
Great job all! This competition is getting tougher by the round.
Just relax and enjoy the ride…[/quote]
), even if I didn’t had a true low cost competitor to fight against.
