FMC -- FST -- THETA -- IKIGAI

FMC - Floyd Motor Company
This is the original company, formed immediately after WWII, with the first factory built in the maintenance building of a an aerospace factory. When the war came to a close, the workers formed FMC to make cars for the masses. They are the quintessential American spirit brand, devoid of Globalist agenda ties. A rebel with a cause, and a friend to all patriots that desire a true American brand in their driveway.
(2010 Gannet Turbo shown)

FST - Floyd Supercar Team
This offshoot of FMC started off modifying vehicles from white-body FMC cars, for local grassroots racing, initially. Over time, the FST (or “fast” team) morphed into the in-house tuner for FMC, and eventually started creating supercars under their own name. If FST has their hands on it, expect it to be specifically tuned for an enthusiast driver.
(2020 FST Caracara S shown)

THETA - This is the luxury line of FMC, with many special properties bestowed to their vehicles. Cars produced under this name are built specifically to enhance the occupant’s state of being and consciousness vibration. Specifically, all sounds produced by a THETA have been tuned to be pleasing and harmonious Solfeggio frequencies, and where possible, odd-order distortions and harmonics are damped and tuned out. Each THETA goes through extensive development, from the type of carpet used, to the placement of the concert-quality sound system speakers, to the zero-gravity seating, and far beyond. The white-papers and patents that make up THETA’s DNA often surprise people new to the brand. THETA cars are typically very restrained stylistically, and seek a timeless look that transcends fads and trends of the era. The trade-in rate of a THETA is among the lowest of any brands it competes against. One important characteristic of this brand is that the vehicles are built to answer the question “What is luxury when Ego is not the primary driver?” The answer for most owners is bliss and peace. These vehicles can also be fast, but comfort is never compromised, even on the Nur-Spec variants which have been tuned by FST. A deeper dive into the ground-breaking science behind these vehicles will be a subject for another time.
(2007 THETA A300 shown):

IKIGAI
The Japanese phrase “Ikigai” means, roughly, “a reason for being”, or “joy in life’s purpose”. It may mean something different to all seekers of balance and meaning, and many answers are correct. The IKIGAI brand is FMC’s well-balanced line of vehicles, typically with astoundingly-good fuel mileage. Moderate performance is a must, and some IKIGAI vehicles are sport-tuned by FST for enthusiast drivers. These vehicles are value-driven, spacious, economical to own and run, and designed to last.
(2015 model 130T shown)

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Today we will be taking a closer look at the 2008 IKIGAI E140i
IKIGAI_-_E140i.car (73.0 KB)

The E140i’s stats are tracked here in the “Stat Tracker” on Row 14.

The engine is a DOHC 1.4L I4 with Variable Valve Timing and Lift technology. It was around this time that Direct-Injection engines were just starting to gain favor, but the E140i makes do with Multi-port Fuel Injection, which at the time was a bit more reliable. Note the flat torque output from just off idle, all the way to redline. This abundant availability of torque means the car feels significantly more quick than than the raw numbers suggest.

Built on a low-wheelbase platform, the E140i has minimal overhangs, and maximum passenger and cargo space. It seats 5, though space in the back is a little shoulder-to-shoulder with all seats filled. With 4 passengers, the passenger area is far more comfortable.


The interior comes in a variety of colors, but most are two-tone for a striking look. It feels similar to a mid-range European design typical of BMW, and the standard amenities are sufficient for a mid-budget town runabout.

Rear detail


All IKIGAI models have a sport-tuned nature about them. The E140i runs 195/50-17’s medium-compound tires, sports vented disc brakes all around, and sports a viscous limited-slip differential up front A 6-speed manual is standard, but a dual-clutch auto is optional.

The IKIGAI E140i holds true to the balanced nature the brand strives for. Good sporting performance, great economy, good passenger comfort, and priced reasonably for most to enjoy.

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A competitive little city car you’ve got there.

Kind words, thank you. The E140 was eliminated from the CSR146 because of a “peaky engine” amongst other comments, but that doesn’t seem to be correct. Perhaps my car was confused with another. Alas, it was also called out for having vented discs all around, and those ARE staying.

Today, let’s take a closer look at the 2003 FMC Gannet 470C
FMC_Gannet_-_470C.car (73.1 KB)


This model well-represents FMC’s more “boxy” designs over the years. Gannets are all large wagons, and typically are powered with bigger engines and are all RWD or AWD. Because of this combination, most Gannets are capable of towing or hauling relatively substantial loads (for a car.)

The 470C sports a powerful 4.7L SOHC 90deg V8, with 288HP and a whopping 319 lb-ft of torque, which explains why the 470 is beloved for its performance for the era.


Though dated by modern standards, in 2003 carried the angular shapes into the interior, boasting massive space and comfort.


The Gannet 470C weighs in at a hefty 4200lbs, but still retains impressive handling abilities. It can do the skidpad at just under 1g on medium 245/45-17 tires, and that big engine blasts it to 60 in 7 1/4 seconds, turns the 1/4 in 15.19sec, up to a top speed of 168mph. Serious numbers for a big wagon.

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A major flaw of the E140 is that the entire car (both body and chassis) is made from regular steel. At this price point, you’d expect a galvanized chassis and treated bodywork at the very least.

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I agree, the version posted here is properly set. Consider the version posted and binned in the competition to merely be a mistake.

Today, we’re going to do a deep dive on the FST Caracara P1 Turbo.

FST_Caracara_-_AWD_P1_Turbo.car (51.8 KB)

First thing I’ll say is, if you load this car in Beam, you should find that it drives quite well, including being able to pull massive 4 wheel power drifts with ease. Be sure to flip off the ESC to get slideways. Depending on your goals and driving style, it may be necessary to adjust the suspension a bit, so don’t be afraid to download and mess with it. If you find a combination that improves on my setup, don’t be shy in sharing it back!

Now, on with the show:


The Caracara is a street-legal track car - a rolling testbed of the best technologies and ideas - and like most FST cars the bean counter was on vacation when it was approved for production…on purpose.

The engine is a twin-turbo 4.5L flat 6, with forged internals. Maximum driveability is the primary motivating factor for this engine’s tune, which produces a healthy mound of torque from 3000 RPM and up.

In prototyping, the engine started in the rear and mid-rear, but was eventually moved to the front as many hours of testing various combinations started to bear fruit. So, this a front-engined, AWD powertrain.

The weight is just under 3000 lbs, and the car has 50/50 distribution. This, combined with a 30 F/70 R torque biased AWD tends to tighten its cornering angle when throttle is applied. Seriously, its a cool sensation.


The interior is spartan but functional for a street-legal race car:


Finally, here’s the raw specs (and this car is on the stat-tracker if interested:

217MPH Top speed, aerodynamically-limited
2.4 sec 0-62mph (0-100km/h)
10.02 sec 1/4 mile
pulls 1.36g low speed, and 1.41g high-speed
AI laps the Automation Test Track in 1:56.11.
Costs $179000

Could it go faster and be better if the quality sliders were maxed out? Sure! Not very realistic though. So, give the car a romp and keep in mind its still built around a “realistic” mindset. Thanks for looking!

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