start making my cars look more realistic
Yea, but you have the merit to not flip me off and actually catch on it, these new cars look gorgeous!
1 Like
In my mind I thought I submitted them already as I built these cars the same weekend… lol
1 Like
Everything you need, under one brand
From Front to Back:
-Bambi Librator
-Deer And Hunt Goonie
-Deer And Hunt Buck
-Deer And Hunt Fallow
5 Likes
@Elizipeazie and Anhultz have officially withrdrawn, their score will be frozen and will no longer be eligible to participate in further rounds.
@lddrs is now the only one I haven’t received from. I know it’s a few days early, but if he submits soon, I might be able to cough speed up this round. 
6 Likes
note to all competitors
this is purely a player-based descicion as i am cought up in other stuff and really burnt out on the game because of it.
Lore-Wise, Anhultz will remain in the US market with difficulties adapting to the tech-craze of the early 80s because of poor sales of late 70s models, after that, they will resume normal operation
it has been a great challenge and all and thanks to @VicVictory for providing the chance to do this. Same applies to the competitors for fleshing out my lore (up to a point in the mid-late 70s).
I’ll take a break at this point going to a “lurker” state for an undisclosed time period.
See ya and good luck un future rounds!
5 Likes
Less than 48 hours remaining for submissions.
5 Likes
Sorry, just now I was able to send my cars. 
1 Like
Rocha Motor Company
1987 Rocha Spok 413
The entry car of the brand, now with better performance, more comfort and greater fuel economy.
1987 Rocha Toledo 416
Sales success in recent years, Rocha Toledo reaches its second generation bringing a modern look, better performance and great fuel economy.
1987 Rocha Transporter 630
With a capacity for 8 people, the new Rocha Transporter arrives to compete in a market segment that presents great growth.
1987 Rocha Colorado 650
With great performance, plenty of space and comfort, the new Rocha Colorado arrives with all the grandeur of a 4x4 utility.
5 Likes
Best of Economy Class - 1987
Cascadia Stellar 1.5
The True North has decided to come in like a polar storm this year. Its strongest model, edging out a couple other serious contenders in this class, is the Cascadia Stellar 1.5.
Cascadia, a division of RCM, has installed a slick multi-point injected, twin-cam 1.5 liter four-cylinder under the hood, putting out a very respectable 74 horsepower. Our test model returned fuel economy numbers of just over 35 MPG in combined driving, which left it at the head of the class by a fair margin.
Interior design is also quite good for an economy car. Bucket cloth seats, an instrument panel with full gauges, and tilt steering were among the appointments that come standard on the Stellar. Overall comfort was good, including reasonable leg room both front and rear for a small car. We would have liked to see better side bolsters or possibly adjustable lumbar support, but that’s heading over into nitpick territory for a car of this kind.
On the road, the Stellar is precise and feels much more stout than its stature would indicate. Potholes don’t shake or throw it around like they do other competitors.
So what does all this cost? That’s the only real catch with the Stellar. It’s not the most expensive in the class, but for only a thousand or so more dollars, you can move up to a base-model in the midsize category. Would our editors do that? Not unless we absolutely had to. The Cascadia Stellar is worth the extra cost up front, by just about any measure you use.
Earl Vista Value Plus
“…still a good bargain and a wonderful proposition, it should attract buyers whose budgets may not be able to stretch enough for a Cascadia Stellar. Its main downfall is that Vistas are starting to gain a reputation for rotting to death…”
Pros: Low purchase price, great fuel economy, low maintenance cost
Cons: Subpar comfort, worst in class environmental resistance
Ardent Piper DL
“…another budget fighter, even cleaper than the Earl Vista. It is projected to be among the most reliable cars we tested. Overall, it’s well balanced, although fuel economy could be better…”
Pros: Great reliability, low maintenance cost, lowest in class purchase price (tie)
Cons: Poor fuel economy
Rocha Spok 413
“…the best selection if longevity is your main concern. Just expect to pay out a bit for that…”
Pros: Great reliability, great environmental resistance, good comfort
Cons: Somewhat high purchase price, poor drivability
Katsuro A3
“…the alternative to the Ardent Piper if you’re looking for inexpensive. Basic and bulletproof, the A3 is expected to rust out long before the mechanicals wear out…”
Pros: Best in class reliability, lowest in class purchase price (tie)
Cons: Poor drivability, poor environmental resistance, poor comfort
Bogliq Beagle 518B
“…the Bogliq combination of cheap to buy and cheap to run sees it earn a spot as a solid, though not stellar, competitor…”
Pros: Lowest in class maintenance cost, relatively low purchase price, good reliability
Cons: Poor drivability, poor comfort
Hampton Fennec II 1.6 Essence
“…the absolute finest road experience of any car in the class. The cost is a bit steep, though, and with it unable to otherwise stand out from the crowd, the Fennec falls quite far…”
Pros: Best in class drivability, great comfort, better than average environmental resistance
Cons: High purchase price, high maintenance cost, poor reliability
Hakumai Crest SLT
“…great road manners, and easy to park in the city. That doesn’t forgive its atrocious price or spine-breaking seats…”
Pros: Best in class environmental resistance, good drivability, good fuel economy
Cons: Highest in class purchase price, worst in class comfort, highest in class maintenance cost
Courageux Opal 2.0
“…reminds us of an even more luxurious Fennec. But between its inability to pass a gas station and poor projected reliability…”
Pros: Best in class comfort, great drivability
Cons: Literally everything else
Bambi Liberator 2C-T
“…the aim for a pocket rocket just ended up exploding on the launch pad for Bambi…”
Pros: Low maintenance cost, good environmental resistance
Cons: Worst in class reliability, poor fuel economy, poor comfort, worst in class drivability
Best of Midsize Class - 1987
Silverhare Spear ES
The wagon is far from dead. Silverhare has made that explicitly clear with the 1987 Spear ES.
Let’s ignore for the moment that the massive cargo area can hold far more than any sedan on the market (because, it seems, sedan drivers always do so) and focus on its on-road performance.
In this area, it shines well over nearly every competitor. Visibility is exceptional in all directions. Standard power steering is tight and even. Parallel parking is easy despite the Spear’s size. Road imperfections are well dampened by the suspension, without jarring hops or shifts. Cornering is even, with body roll well controlled.
The interior is as expected for a more “entry-level” vehicle of the class, with supportive sueded-cloth seats all around, central power locking, and a tilt steering wheel. Cruise control is another nice feature, making highway travel that much easier and more efficient.
Speaking of efficient, the Spear ES returned combined fuel economy results of just over 23 miles per gallon in our testing. While this is not tops in the class, it is significantly better than average.
Overall, the Silverhare Spear ES combines entry-level pricing with exceptional poise and usability. It is a package we can’t help but recommend to anyone.
Ardent Chancellor GL V8
“…for those with a bigger budget for both a car and fuel, the Chancellor can be thought of as a fast, luxurious competitor to the Spear…”
Pros: Great comfort, good environmental resistance, good drivability, good practicality
Cons: High purchase cost, mediocre fuel economy
RCM Atlantic V6
“…somewhat of a midway point between the Chancellor and Spear, the RCM Atlantic is also worthy of a good, hard look…”
Pros: Best in class drivability, good comfort, great practicality, good fuel economy
Cons: High purchase price, poor reliability
Katsuro Princess
“…reasonably priced, well-appointed, and reliable. Still, the Princess seems to be plagued by the same lack of rustproofing as other Katsuro products…”
Pros: Great reliability, great fuel economy, relatively low purchase price, Engine of the Year
Cons: Worst in class environmental resistance, worst in class practicality
Hampton Ferret 2.8 Prime
“…overall well-balanced machine. If you’re looking for the best at something, this isn’t it, but it is a very worthy car…”
Pros: Good drivability, good fuel economy, good environmental resistance
Cons: Mediocre in all other aspects
Rocha Toledo 416
“…very inexpensive to get into, costing less than some compact cars. Other than a car that will want to run forever, you get nothing else for your money…”
Pros: Low purchase cost, best in class reliability, great environmental resistance, best in class fuel economy
Cons: Worst in class drivability, poor comfort, poor practicality
Courageux Vingt 2.9 V6*
“…exquisite comfort like this comes with a hefty price tag. Add in signs that these will not be long-lived cars, and we feel that the Ardent Chancellor is the far better choice…”
Pros: Best in class comfort, good practicality
Cons: Worst in class reliability, poor environmental resistance, high purchase price
Deer and Hunt Goonie Base
“…least expensive model in the class. It didn’t make much of an impression on us…”
Pros: Lowest in class purchase price, good reliability
Cons: Poor drivability, poor comfort, poor practicality, poor fuel economy
Bogliq Buttress 132C
“…Bogliq just seemed to be lost with what they were aiming for with the Buttress. It seems to be the automotive equivalent of throwing a dart at the wall blindfolded and hoping you just hit the board…”
Pros: None
Cons: Poor reliability, otherwise mediocre
Hakumai Premier LX
“…this car was a little like paying your chiropractor to pull all the muscles in your back, then paying again for him not to fix what he did…”
Pros: Best in class environmental resistance, good practicality
Cons: Worst in round comfort, highest in class purchase cost, poor drivability, worst in class fuel economy
Best of People Mover Class (TIE) - 1987
This year, we cannot definitively choose a single winner in this category, so we present you the best two that money can buy.
Hampton Transliner Prime
Britain’s idea of a mini-van came to our shores in the form of the Transliner Prime. A somewhat large, square-ish body with a 2.2 liter twin-cam motor under the hood and an advanced electronically controlled automatic transmission.
This is somewhat on the “premium” end of vans that we tested this year, with a higher retail price but also more upscale features than its competitors. This premium shines in its handling of the road. The ride is incredibly well balanced, and control and transmission of power is sublime.
Interior and comfort appointments are good, but not overly lavish. Three rows of well padded cloth seats await inside, with lumbar adjustment and good lateral support up front. Our test model was equipped with cruise control, tilt wheel, power windows, power locks, and a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo with cassette.
Exterior styling is crisp, with a definite European flair. Our test model came with attractive alloy wheels, a nice touch for a vehicle designed to simply ferry people around.
Ardent Kestrel SE
Venerable American nameplate Ardent quietly started producing Kestrels last year, and the SE model they sent us to test is their base model. Despite that, it comes well equipped, even if the 1.9 liter single-cam engine doesn’t feel like it’s putting down a lot of power thanks to its venerable hydraulic 3-speed transmission design.
Even as a base model, the Kestrel SE includes full cloth seating surfaces, tilt wheel, power steering and central locking, an AM/FM stereo with digital memory function, and seating for seven. We found the seats supportive and the lumbar feature of the front seats to be very pleasant. We wish that there was a little more lateral support up front.
Exterior styling is decidedly American and blocky. Our test model came with steel wheels, though alloys are standard on top-trim GL models and optional on mid-level DLs.
So what’s the end difference between the two?
We appreciated the level of on-road and interior refinement of the Transliner, with the extra legroom in the slightly larger van being helpful when we were hauling adults in the rear. The cassette deck was a nice feature as well; Ardent requires you to step up to a higher trim in order to add this feature.
The Kestrel beat out the Transliner everywhere cost was involved. The MSRP was significantly lower, cost of maintenance lower, cost of refueling also slightly lower. Projected reliability of the Kestrel is also better than the Transliner. And while rustproofing measures have been applied to both models, our engineers believe there are fewer places on the Kestrel for dirt and salt to accumulate, giving it the edge in body durability.
In the end, your choice may simply boil down to budget. The more costly but nicer Transliner, or the less expensive, reliable, durable but more pedestrian Kestrel. In the end, this is why we couldn’t decide between the two, as it’s your money, not ours, on the line here.
Earl Pilgrim S
“…the Earl Pilgrim places third in our test, missing out on a three-way tie by only the slimmest margins. It is only slightly less comfortable than the Ardent, while still being less expensive. Unfortunately it appears all of the money savings came from skimping out on rustproofing…”
Pros: Low purchase price, great fuel economy, low maintenance cost, good drivability
Cons: Poor comfort, poor environmental resistance
RCM Provincial VE-6
“…a mid-level minivan that fails to take on the Transliner in value. Its lack of road manners left us wanting more…”
Pros: Good reliability, decent fuel mileage
Cons: Poor drivability, somewhat high purchase price, somewhat poor environmental resistance
Bogliq Bastion 132F
“…impressive comfort and ride for the price. Bogliq quality has been rather off as of late…”
Pros: Good comfort, good drivability
Cons: Poor reliability, poor fuel economy, somewhat high maintenance cost
Courageux Famille
“…sumptuous luxury with good road manners. Unfortunately that’s where it all ends…”
Pros: Best in class comfort, good drivability
Cons: Highest in round purchase price, poor reliability, poor fuel economy, high maintenance cost
Katsuro Pro Ace
“…rather feels like an economy car that was stretched both physically and existentially…”
Pros: Lowest in class purchase price, best in class reliability, lowest in class maintenance cost
Cons: Worst in class comfort, worst in class drivability, poor environmental resistance
Rocha Transporter 630
“…somehow managed to make a van more expensive than the Katsuro with all of its failings…”
Pros: Low purchase price, good reliability, low maintenance cost
Cons: Poor comfort, poor drivability, poor fuel economy, worst in round environmental resistance
Deer and Hunt Buck PM Mk.2
“…plagued by a host of engineering flaws and design issues…”
Pros: Great comfort, best in class environmental resistance
Cons: Worst in class reliability, high purchase price, poor drivability, worst in class fuel mileage, highest in class maintenance cost
Best of Utility Class - 1987
Hampton Nevis III 4x4
For the second time this year, we recommend a model from Hampton. The Nevis III 4WD pickup truck goes above and beyond in the Utility category, cementing its already strong reputation.
For a no-frills, inexpensive pickup, it oozes capability.
Locking hubs in its 4WD system guarantee traction in the worst muddy and rocky terrain. Plenty of ground clearance means little chance of high centering and damaging critical components. And for all that capability, it still drives on street and highway almost like a family sedan.
Truly, Hampton engineered a diamond to run in the rough.
Earl E15 Xtra Cab Base
“…dead reliable, with the most usable and flexible pickup bed in its class. It’s a bit more costly than the Nevis, but still a very solid choice…”
Pros: Best in class utility, good offroad, low purchase price, best in class reliability
Cons: None
Ardent Ozette GL 4WD Soft Top
“…can get into spots off the beaten path that the Hampton Nevis couldn’t possibly fit. This amazing little dune-runner-mud-monster is an absolute bargain wonder. Its only real drawback is that it’s not a pickup…”
Pros: Low purchase price, great reliability, great offroad, best in class fuel economy, best in class environmental resistance
Cons: Poor drivability, worst in class utility
Katsuro X3
“…money can buy you a seat at any table. In this case, that table is halfway up the side of a mountain. You just might want to look into a dual tank system, however…”
Pros: Best in class offroad, great utility, good reliability
Cons: Worst in round fuel economy, poor environmental resistance, poor drivability, high purchase price
RCM Provincial 4WD
“…the only choice when you have to get the whole family there, when there is most definitely over the river and through the woods…”
Pros: Great fuel economy, good reliability, good offroad
Cons: Poor utility, poor environmental resistance, high purchase price
Deer and Hunt Fallow Base
“…normally among the best trucks available, Deer and Hunt seems to be outclassed this year. Reliability and economy concerns fuel this in part…”
Pros: Good drivability, great utility
Cons: Poor fuel economy, poor environmental resistance, poor reliability
Bogliq Beagle Highlander
“…though the concept and price point are similar to the Ardent Ozette, Bogliq went with a hard top, and some questionable engineering decisions to boot…”
Pros: Good drivability, great fuel economy
Cons: Poor utility, poor offroad, otherwise mediocre
Rocha Colorado 650
“…a way to travel the road less traveled in relative luxury. Still, we have to wonder if it’s all too much…”
Pros: Engine of the Year, great drivability, good utility, decent offroad
Cons: Poor or worst in class in all other categories
Courageux Utility 2.6
“…cheap for the sake of being cheap. When we look at the overall package, we are not impressed…”
Pros: Low purchase price
Cons: Worst in class reliability, otherwise mediocre or poor
Hakumai Super Hauler 250
“…we can only recommend this as a truck for couriers, or occasional weekend project and dump runs…”
Pros: Good environmental resistance
Cons: Worst in class offroad, poor utility, worst in class drivability, poor fuel economy
Best Engine (TIE) - 1987
*Katsuro I626-EFI and Rocha 650 MPFI
+5 point RR bonus for both manufacturers
Two manufacturers with very different-purposed engines have managed to duke themselves to a standstill in our contest of Best Engine for 1987.
Katsuro comes to us with their I626-EFI, a 2.6 liter inline-6 engine. This motor has 24 valves, actuated from just a single cam. It is found in the Princess sedan, where the 107 horsepower is adequate, if not anywhere close to class-leading. What makes it so spectacular is its willingness to bend to the driver’s exact command, without giving up anything in the realm of noise or harshness. Throttle response is exact and with no perceptible lag, and we felt almost no vibration coming through the pedal at any point during our rev cycle tests. Furthermore, Katsuro is well known for the reliability of its motors, and the I626 is not expected to be an exception to this.
Rocha, on the other hand, has brought to the table their 650 (6-cylinder, 5.0 liter) boxer engine, found in their Colorado large utility vehicle. With 196 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque on tap, it is certainly up to the task of hauling around passengers, cargo, and a good sized trailer should one desire. And while it doesn’t do it with the absolute buttery smoothness of the Katsuro, it is one of the smoothest large-displacement engines on the market. Reliability of the Rocha motor is expected to be a bit better than average, though not at the top of the heap this year. Still, they have made great strides over the years to close the gap from their humble beginnings to now.
GENERAL ENGINE ADVISORY
Bambi 1.6 Liter Turbocharged Engine
We haven’t been keen on the Bambi engine seen in Liberator models for some time. Our previous gripes with it included an utter lack of power and refinement, as well as poor projected reliability.
Our initial studies on the 1 liter model available earlier in the decade panned out, with the engine just not being up to snuff. Now the engineers at parent company Deer and Hunt have provided new motivation for their Liberator models, in the form of a massive (for a 3-cylider) 1.6 liter turbo. This engine, in our opinion, is just as bad, if not worse, than the original. Yes, it’s more powerful, but not significantly enough so to overcome the fact that it’s an absolutely dreadful engine otherwise. It puts out very harsh vibrations at all speeds. Thanks to its reliance on a carburetor, its response when you push the pedal is to pause, hiccup, and then go. And we’re fairly certain that the nearly 10 pounds of boost being fed back into that carburetor by the turbocharger is what caused our test unit to blow out its base gasket after just 300 miles.
Visual Design Honorable Mentions
Deer and Hunt Buck
Deer and Hunt Fallow
Bogliq Bastion 132F
RCM Provincial (both versions)
Earl Vista Value Plus
Silverhare Spear ES
Katsuro Princess
1987 Reliability Rankings
Katsuro - 70.23
Rocha - 69.18
Earl/Silverhare/Hirondelle - 69.03
Ardent - 68.85
Hakumai - 66.93 (LIMITED DATA AVAILABLE)
Bogliq - 66.75
RCM (Dominion) - 66.70
Hampton - 66.35
Deer and Hunt - 64.35
Courageux - 63.93
1987 Relative Ratings
Earl/Silverhare/Hirondelle - 100.00
Ardent - 92.57
Hampton - 90.60
Katsuro - 87.41
Dominion/RCM - 86.88
Rocha - 79.60
Bogliq - 71.80
Courageux - 65.13
Deer and Hunt - 58.38
Hakumai - 54.74
Anhultz - (Voluntarily withdrawn)
8 Likes
Round 8 - 1991
President Ronald Reagan stands at the Berlin Wall and gives his famous “Tear down this wall” speech. The INF arms reduction treaty is ratified by Congress, beginning the reduction of nuclear stockpiles between the USA and Soviet Union. The Winter Games are held in Calgary in 1988, which are dominated by the Soviet Union and East Germany, After 8 years, the Iran-Iraq war ends. Meanwhile, several US officials are indicted for their involvement in the Iran-Contra affair. The Soviet Union withdraws from Afghanistan, after US-backed Mujahideen fighters are able to inflict enough costly losses to sour the Soviets. Closer to home, wildfires in Yellowstone Park destroy almost 1/3 of the park. Pan Am flight 103 is bombed over Lockerbie, Scotland. A little known artist by the name of Matt Groening successfully pitches his animated show to FOX network in 1989 (after debuting it as short skits on another show in '87), which launches what will end up being the longest running non-news show in history, The Simpsons. The Iron Curtain begins to crumble as democratic revolutions sweep through Poland and Czechoslovakia, and the Berlin Wall is torn down. This, in short order, leads to the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the creation of the Russian Federation. At home, the final stretches of the Interstate Highway system are built, marking the end of almost 40 years of expansion of the system. The Exxon Valdez runs aground, creating one of the worst environmental disasters to date. In 1990, tensions rise in the Middle East as Iraq invades Kuwait, and US and British forces respond. The Hubble Space Telescope is launched. Meanwhile a British computer scientist by the name of Tim Berners-Lee publishes the first web page. Though obscure at this time, this new tool will be well known by the end of the decade…
Economy
Unemployment: High
Inflation: High
Economy: Major Recession
Short-term economic forecast: Continued recession
Regulations
Fuel: Regular Unleaded (universal), Premium Unleaded (universal)
Bumpers: 5MPH bumpers required.
Front lights and fixtures: At least one pair of headlights required. At least one pair of turn indicators required. Turn signals may NOT be placed in bumpers. Exactly one pair of parking lights are required. Parking lights MAY be placed in bumpers. Parking lights and turn signals may not be part of the same lens/fixture. There has to be some form of visual separation.
Front light colors: No red may face forward.
Rear lights: At least one pair of brake lights. At least one pair of turn signals. At least one pair of reverse lights. NO lights may be placed bumpers (however, optional red reflectors may be). If turn and brake lights are in the same fixture AND of the same color, there must be a minimum of TWO bulbs in the fixture. ALL vehicles must also have exactly one Center High Mount Stop Lamp (a single brake light fixture at or above the level of the top of the trunk, in the center).
Rear light colors: Brakes must be red. Reverse must be white. Turn signals cannot be white.
Side marker/signal lights: Front side markers required. Rear markers required, may be placed either on the side or the rear.
Side light colors: front side may be amber only, rear side may be red only.
Mirrors: Driver and passenger side mirrors required on ALL vehicles.
Aerials: Long mast or retractable antenna required if car has a radio.
Fuel fillers: Must be placed on the side of the vehicle. ALL vehicles must now have the filler somewhere on the rear quarter, regardless of engine location.
Emissions: Catalytic converter required.
Safety: All passenger vehicles must have a minimum of 33 safety. All trucks, vans, and utes must have a minimum of 28 safety.
File Naming Convention:
Model: G2R8-(category)-(username) Trim: (MFR Model Trim)
Engine: G2R8-(category)-(username) Variant: (Whatever you want)
Export and PM me the .car file, make a post about your car in your lore thread (if not already there), and post an ad in this thread BEFORE the round deadline.
Vehicle categories this round:
Sport Compact (File naming convention: SC) - Subcompact or compact car with good fuel economy and 2- or 3- doors. Typically 4 cylinder, but may also be 3 cylinder or (rarely) a small 6. For the US market, these are typically NOT turbocharged. ABS IS BANNED FOR THIS CATEGORY FOR THIS ROUND.
Luxury or Executive Car (File naming convention: LX) - Can be mid- or full-size, typically 6 or 8 cylinder naturally aspirated. ABS is allowed in this category for this round.
Sport Utility (File naming convention: SU) - Most manufacturers had at least one vehicle that would fit into this category. Typically 2- or 4- door, enclosed with a hard or soft top, available with 4WD and good ground clearance. Can be a range of sizes. ABS IS BANNED FOR THIS CATEGORY FOR THIS ROUND.
Round 8 deadline: Saturday October 31, 4:00 PM PDT (UTC-8)
NO FURTHER COMPANY REGISTRATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED.
With regards to the CHMSL - Please try your best to do something visual. PM an explanation if it doesn’t work.
6 Likes
Hampton Motor Group - Round 7 Aftermath/Round 8 Prologue
The 1980s began with the Hampton Motor Group undergoing a renaissance, and ended with the company in better shape than ever before, thanks to strong sales across the board, especially the Transliner MPV, Ferret family car, and Nevis III pick-up truck. Not all was well behind the scenes, however. The Fennec, in production since 1974 with the same bodyshell and underpinnings, and facelifted for the 1985 model year, was showing its age, but it had never been without merit - and so, in late 1987, a 70-year-old Chairman Toby approved development of an all-new Fennec III, for introduction during the 1991 model year. It was the last thing he approved before stepping down in October 1989, by which time the British public hailed him as a true hero of their motor industry.
An even bigger problem lay ahead for Hampton around this time, with Bob and Dave also retiring at the same time as Toby’s departure. Into this breach stepped Toby’s son Tony, who took the helm of the Hampton Motor Group on New Year’s Day 1990, vowing to find worthy successors to Toby and his cronies, preferably from the company’s own ranks. He swiftly appointed James Stevens as head of the company’s Powertrain Division, and Henry Thompson as Vehicle Dynamics Consultant. Meanwhile, Kevin Lee took control of the Marketing Department, and Ryan Parkes headed the newly established Hampton Design Studio. Together, all five of them would be tasked with coming up with several new models for the 1990s, along with the appropriate engines and gearboxes for them; however, some of their existing cars could not be replaced until later in the decade, and would instead be updated as an interim measure.
In short, the Hampton Group was about to embark on yet another expensive major transformation, one that would last throughout much of the decade. Given that other manufacturers did not stand still during this time either, the board viewed this plan as a necessary evil - but one that would potentially pay massive dividends down the line if they were to get it right.
5 Likes
KATSURO Automotive: Round 7 Aftermath
The 80s were coming to an end, and Katsuro was keeping the momentum strong in providing bulletproof affordable cars for the US Market. Sales were strong, but the company suffered a bit due cars becoming corroded sooner than their customers would have liked. To minimize the damage, the company issued a corrosion recall in 1988 for all 1987 models. Katsumi was also getting old and was preparing for retirement.
Round 8 Prologue:
-KRD engineers prepare to unleash their first project for 1990s, a sport compact based on the princess platform to utilize a straight 6.
-The Katsuro King to make it’s Debut with a full refresh.
-Katsuro to enter SUV segment with undisclosed vehicle. No news released by the company on its specifications, but CEO states “it will be better than Hampton’s”
3 Likes
Ardent Motors Timeline, Seldon’s Golden Age (1987-1990)
December 1986 - Ardent unveils a prototype 4th generation Marathon coupe at the LA Auto Show. Its design marks a sharp departure from the boxy lines of the previous two generations. As well, a concept car believed to be an early version of a 3rd generation Chancellor is displayed.
February 1987 - Despite the previous year’s production troubles and a quiet advertising campaign, first-year sales of the Kestrel minivan finish well above expectations.
July 1987 - Ardent confirms that both the Chancellor and Piper will be redesigned for the 1990 model year.
February 1988 - Sales of the Kestrel minivan continue to rise. First-year sales of the Ozette small off-roader barely misses their target.
June 1988 - Ardent dealers receive their first shipments of the 4th generation Marathon.
December 1988 - The first prototype of the upcoming 4th generation Sentinel is unveiled. The concept model is powered by a turbocharged 1.9 liter Trivalve engine. On display as well are the redesigned Piper, now powered by smaller-displacement Trivalves, and the new Chancellor, which is now available for the first time with an economical four-cylinder.
February 1989 - Ardent reports somewhat disappointing sales figures for the first year of the new Marathon.
April 1989 - Ardent sends shockwaves through the automotive press as, at a test event, they bring a 1990 Chancellor with a 4.0 Liter, 32-valve twin-cam V8 engine. The new unit is more compact, more efficient, and more powerful than the Toledo Eight that the press had been expecting to find under the hood. Ardent further reveals that this is not a publicity stunt, and that the new “Scorpius” series V8 has replaced the venerable Toledo Eight in production Chancellors, though its availability will be restricted to the Limited trim.
May 1989 Hideki Akiyama, long-time senior engineer in Ardent’s powertrain division, retires with the completion of the Scorpius project.
June 1989 - The 4th generation Chancellor officially makes its way to showroom floors. There is a months-long backlog for the Limited model, and base 4-cylinder DLs are constantly in short supply.
August 1989 - The 3rd generation Piper goes on sale.
December 1989 - Ardent shows off their upcoming 4th generation Sentinel in LA. Though the final product will not have the 1.9L Turbo shown in the concept, a performance version is part of the lineup, with an available 3.2 liter twin-cam Eridani V6. Another concept Sport Utility Vehicle is displayed as well, this one just slightly smaller than the Kestrel minivan, and powered by the 4.0L Scorpius V8.
January 1990 - Ardent announces that the pushrod Eridani is being phased out on its last model, the Kestrel, and being replaced with the twin-cam version as of the 1991 model year. In reality, they have already installed the last pushrod motor already, and are in the process of switching over in preparation for an early 1991 model year for the Kestrel.
April 1990 - The 1991 model year Kestrel goes on sale, to be followed up in May by the 4th generation Sentinel.
July 1990 - Ardent announces that it has green-lit a new sport utility vehicle model, based on the previous winter’s concept. It will bear the name “Hood”, and be available with either a 1.9L Toledo Trivalve or 3.2 liter twin-cam Eridani. Furthermore, it will be available in 2WD or 4WD versions, in 5- and 7-passenger configurations.
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Hakumai lost 1,000USD for each last generation crest sold in 1986 due to the literal spine breaking seats that were used. They eventually lost more money than sales for vehicles. This ran them out of money to even build more vehicles as they used to. They lost 18.6 Million dollars in total… so they had no choice but to discontinue the Crest for years, The stocks for them crashed down. eventually making investors put more shares into the company to keep them alive. They nearly hit bankruptcy in 1990
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We would like to present the 250XR. A rather futuristic looking vehicle for the 1991 model year starting at 22500 dollars (Stuff may be updated. Legal stuff applies.) No longer featuring spine-breaking seats and a thumping 189HP V6.
(Sport Utility and LX Entry coming soon when i have the time to due to school along with another Sport Compact which actually is more budget.)
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Regarding bumper regulations for this round, do most bodies with integrated bumpers still qualify, as last stated explicitly in Round 6?
Also, there seems to be an omission in your description of the sport compact category for this round:
Judging by the “sport” in “sport compact”, weren’t cars of this type also supposed to have a modicum of sportiness and performance as well?
And as for the luxury/executive car category:
In real life, some luxury cars offered naturally aspirated V12 engines by 1991, but such engines were reserved mainly for top-spec trims. I’m expecting them to be allowed, though.
Yes
It wasn’t an omission; it was an attempt to steer your focus. Whether or not your company’s product development team steers that direction (AKA figures out what type of car I’m aiming for) or not is (quite literally) up to you.
I’m not disallowing them. They were quite rare in the US market at that time, though. Yes, a handful of models were available. Not many were purchased. Even rich people have their limits during a recession.
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darnit i forgot the bumpers… i was looking for some nicer ones but then i forgot em altogether
The body you submitted is considered to have integrated bumpers.
ah.