if you thought it was perfect before, you should try it now
Grehet Supremacy Rx
the effort level just goes lower and lower AND lower
Low effort ad but too busy recently to come up with decent stuff.
Also, fitting for the car’s back story.
Rado Employee: "“WHY WOULD YOU SEND THE TRUCKS 200?! WE HAD MANY PERFECTLY GOOD ADVENTURES, SUPERIORS, AND OTHERS TO SEND IN, BUT NO, YOU HAD TO JOIN THE SUV TREND WITH A 13 YEAR OLD MODEL!”
The year was 1994 just one year away from the arrival of the all-new NRZ-996 and NR/Exestis coupes. But the lineup was strong with a recently Celento leading the charge. The previous NRZ-986 finally arriving in the US proved to be a modest success but still struggled in an overcrowded sports car market.
Success for Maesima still rested on its humble Celento, the sedan and wagon continued to impress critics with its outstanding value proposition and safety package. Its low maintain prices and competitive warranties secured it a safe niche in the market. However, the old carburettored 2v SOHC MCO-engines was showing its age (dating back to a 60s inline six MCP-engines) failing to keep up with rising fuel economy standards. Thankfully for David R. Clark and his US division the new 4v SOHC MCG-engine was introduced in 1990 released with the refreshed UF10 series II Celento in 1991. Addressing many of the criticisms of the old model regarding its poor fuel economy and changes to its suspension setup regarding comfort.
Following the controversy in the ASCAR, Maesima would fail to achieve similar motoring success following the departure of UK firm Armada from their US racing operations. Instead, the company had pushed further resources into its Worldsports Car championship from 1985-1993. Along with its Rally efforts, while its Group-B Maesima Sport team with the NRZ-976R failed to achieve much success in its short four years. The effort was productive to the development of a four-wheel drive system and all new rally vehicle based on the NRZ-986. Due to the cancelling of Group-B, the efforts were refocused into the Group-A with the Maesima Sport team proving more successful nearly winning the brutal Safari Rally in 1987. However, the company struggled to promote its motorsports efforts which weren’t as widely known in the US market. They did help the companies image in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Celento Tz 2.2L 4AT: $6,507*
(*+20% in 1994 value equal to 9,575.00 (+20%) in 2010 Autiomation units)
Original Lore Post
The first gen Scarlet had been a stonking success for Erin, putting them back where they most comfortable; in the sports car market. As a wave of other sports coupes arrived on the market in the latter half of the decade, a follow up to Erin’s halo began to be designed.
Launched in 1991, the Mk II Scarlet was more of a revolution rather than an evolution. Much of the chassis remained the same, but the styling was updated to be cleaner, as well as featuring a distinctive strip tail light. Under the bonnet, Erin’s NewSeries V8 was enlargened from 3.6 to 3.8l, which, combined with a complete overhaul of intake and injectors, meant it could produce 303 hp.
The top of the range XTune trim on which this new larger engine was made far more distinct from the softer entry-level S trim. This included much sharper suspension and less weight thanks to the removal of the +2 configuration. The results: 0-60 in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 159 mph, making the Mk II a proper supercar killer.
This sharper feel, however, also made this the least “drivers car-esque” variant of the Scarlet, something which did receive criticism from the press at the time. That said, it’s now regarded as its most distinct feature for buyers today, who will be looking to pay at least £40k for a model in condition.
1993 was the peak of Japan’s bubble economy, and the Auriga was proof of such economic growth.
The Auriga was re-born in 1993 as a pseudo-luxury sedan with high-quality interior parts and a focus on comfort. It performed well in testing, and was popular in the US as many other Japanese automakers had moved upmarket, with Korean and Antikatian brands slotting into the budget sector below Japan.
Here is an ad for the 1993 Kimura Auriga LXi.
Hyperion RT, Takemi’s addition to the likes of the Supra, RX-7 FD, NSX, 3000GT and Skyline GT-R. Sold in the US from 1992-1996, and until 2001 in Japan.
I apologize, it’s been a challenging day today between computer troubles and my domestic duties needing more attention than normal. I should have the results for Round 11 posted tomorrow. In the mean time, anyone who wants the design rules for Round 12, here you go:
Round 12 - 1999
Terror strikes home in the United States, as the Alfred R Murrah in Oklahoma City is bombed by two American extremists. The Bosnian conflict in the Yugoslav Wars come to an end, reducing the US’s involvement in the region for a time. However, the States are called on again to support NATO peacekeepers during the Kosovo War. 1995 sees a massive heat wave in the Midwest which kills over 3,000 people in 5 days. The next year, the Midwest is paralyzed by a massive snowstorm. The 55 MPH speed limit on highways, imposed during the Arab Oil Crisis 2 decades prior, comes to an end. 60 MPH is common for freeways in urban areas, with rural areas often seeing a 70 MPH limit. Major League Soccer forms in the US, bringing new interest in a sport well-loved in the rest of the world. A bomb goes off in a public space at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, killing 2 and injuring more than 100, later found to be the work of a Christian terrorist organization. TWA Flight 800 explodes and crashes shortly after takeoff, heightening anxiety amongst travelers that the US is becoming a target. An investigation later finds that the disaster was an accident, but the damage was done to TWA and their days were numbered. The Heaven’s Gate cult commits mass suicide in California. Woolworth’s, a major US retailer for over 100 years, closes its doors. Mike Tyson bites Evander Holyfield’s ear during a boxing match. Tobacco companies reach a settlement with many US states over the health effects of tobacco use, in the largest civil settlement to date. Tiger Woods becomes the youngest in Masters history to win an event. Steve Jobs returns to Apple. Google is founded, though it won’t really be well known for years. The Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky affair comes to a head (pun intended?) and in 1998, the US reports its first budget surplus in over 30 years. Exxon and Mobile merge to become the world’s largest oil company. And through it all, the stock market keeps shattering records year after year.
Economy
Unemployment: Very Low
Inflation: Low
Economy: Growing
Short-term economic forecast: Strong growth
Regulations
Fuel: Regular Unleaded (universal), Premium Unleaded (universal), Super Unleaded (common but expensive)
Bumpers: 2.5MPH 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 be part of the same lens/fixture as long as there are at least 3 bulbs of the appropriate colors. Otherwise 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 THREE bulbs in the fixture.
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.
Aerials: Long mast or retractable antenna required if car has a radio.
Fuel fillers: Must be placed on the side of the vehicle. Front-engine cars must have the filler somewhere in the rear quarter, mid- and rear-engine cars must have the filler somewhere in the front quarter.
Emissions: Catalytic converter required. Emissions must be below 1000.
Safety: All passenger vehicles must have a minimum of 33 safety. All trucks, vans, and utes must have a minimum of 30 safety. Truck safety requirements will soon need to match passenger vehices.
File Naming Convention:
Model: Gen12-(username) Trim: (MFR Model Trim)
Engine: Gen12-(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.
Round 12 deadline: Thursday August 2, 9:00 AM PDT (UTC-8)
NO FURTHER COMPANY REGISTRATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED.
Double check regulations. Headlight/turn signal regulations have had some significant changes.
FYI - I forgot emissions standards changed. Please re-read them, as there is now a maximum limits to emissions.
Won’t be a problem for me, and I’ll work on getting something ready for this. Just have to decide which trim specifically I want to send in…
Well, crap. I accidentally overwrote a pretty critical value for one of the competitors when I was entering everything last night, and I can’t get back into the game to retrieve the proper value since the update this morning.
Round 11 results are postponed until I get into Automation again. Round 12 deadline is now being pushed back to August 2nd.
I’m only happy for that, it gives me some time to catch up with my lore.
OK, the game FINALLY executed on my computer (took forever and a half though) so hopefully should have results up soon. Since I already extended the deadline, we’ll just leave it at that extended point. So, 2 weeks for this round instead of 1.
Motor World Review, August 1994
Model Year-In-Review Edition
(Znopresk has missed 3 rounds in a row and will be given an additional 1 point penalty to their overall competition RR.)
Best Entry-level Car – 1994
Bogliq Mutineer Entrance
Relative Rating: 100.00
It’s been a long time since an entry-level car has packaged this much value into its low price, but the Bogliq Mutineer has pulled it off.
This unassuming 4-door sedan comes with a 1.6 liter turbocharged motor under the hood, good for 110 horsepower. While this may not sound like much, especially as other competitors offer more power, its beauty comes from fuel economy. Even with the electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic in our test model, we were able to exceed 40 miles per gallon in our highway testing, and never dropped below 31 overall.
The interior is simple, but well thought out. Cloth-faced vinyl seats are standard, as are manual windows, manual locks, and an AM/FM/Cassette deck with 2 speakers. Power steering does, however, come standard, making the Mutineer a breeze to park and motor around the city.
Our biggest gripe about the Mutineer is that it lacks any air bags at all, instead relying on now-passe automatic seatbelts in order to meet federal passive restraint standards. Bogliq is the only manufacturer left using these types of belts, and one of only two that do not use airbags, with Rado being the other.
Still, the Bogliq Mutineer Entrance has an undeniably attractive starting price and a good track record of reliability. Combined with its fantastic fuel economy and reasonable comfort, what more could one ask for?
Best Upscale Car – 1994
Olympus Virgo LX
Relative Rating: 100.00
Big, beautiful, and chromed. Olympus’s Virgo LX wouldn’t look or feel out of place in the 1960’s. Well, if it weren’t for its aerodynamic body and thoroughly modern 4.0 liter V8 engine.
For those with the money to splurge on a high-end personal conveyance, we believe the Virgo is the way to go this year. Its list of standard equipment is impressive on paper, but you have to get in and feel it for yourself to understand how the engineering translates to a driving experience.
Let’s start under the hood, with the 226 horsepower 4.0 liter V8 engine. Small, but effective in moving around the Virgo. That power is put to the rear wheels through an electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic, and despite the car’s heft, is able to get up to 60 in under 9 seconds. Control of the vehicle is enhanced through 4-wheel antilock brakes and a passive traction control system that cuts power when the computer detects the is starting to go out of control.
Inside is where the feature list really gets long. Leather seating with power front seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Power steering, locks, and windows. Automatic digital climate control. Four airbags. Digital telematics display. Cruise control. Tilt-and-telescoping wheel. AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, 6 speakers, and a subwoofer. There’s even a chilled compartment under the glove box that can hold 4 12-ounce cans, keeping them cold and at the ready.
Got that promotion? Want to celebrate by getting rid of your old clunker? Check out the Olympus Virgo LX. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Best Sport Car – 1994
Grehet Supremacy
Relative Rating: 97.00
What can we say? The Supremacy from Grehet is, indeed, a supreme choice. Though competition in high-end sports cars is always fierce, they are perennially at the top of the list.
This year’s model uses a turbocharged 4.2 liter straight-6 that puts out a mind-boggling 500 horses, of two sports cars to shatter the 100 horsepower-per-liter plateau. This lets the Supremacy sprint to 60 in just 3.8 seconds, narrowly edging out the LMC Nessus. On the flip side, the Nessus has about 5mph more top speed once the Supremacy runs out of steam.
It was an absolute dogfight this year between the Supremacy and Nessus, but the Supremacy edged out (if only slightly) the LMC in most categories. We found it a little easier to handle the Supremacy in everyday driving, and the interior was just a hair more ergonomically friendly.
Either would make a fantastic ride, but we have to pick a winner, and Grehet is it.
Best Utility – 1994
RCM Labrador V8 4x4
Relative Rating: 100.00
Royal Canadian Motors, formerly Dominion Motors, has been producing the Labrador pickup for almost 50 years now. Though much has changed in the automotive world in the intervening time, one thing hasn’t. The Labrador is tough as nails.
Equipped with a 4.6 liter V8 pushing 227 horsepower to all four wheels, the Labrador time and time again proves that it can do anything, go anywhere, and come back from it all like it was a trip to the park.
Our test model was equipped with full cloth seating, cruise control, tilt wheel, and air conditioning. While we prefer the creature comforts of other models like the Hood or Stampede, that was soon forgotten as we towed a 5,000 pound trailer over a deeply rutted service road, something that Ardent and Sinistra couldn’t do.
If you’re looking to do heavy work or tow, the choice is absolutely clear. The Labrador is the only way to go.
Best Engine – 1994
Maesima GF2145N-FL
(+5 Relative Rating bonus)
Maesima has come up with what could be considered a crown jewel, as far as engines go. Their 2.2 liter SOHC engine, which puts out 116 horsepower, looks to be on track to breaking yet more reliability records, as manufacturers constantly improve their processes and materials. In addition, it powers the Celento to a second-place finish in fuel economy in its class. For that, we give the Engine of the Year award to Maesima.
Entry Class Reviews
Vermillion SpaceStar V6
Relative Rating: 97.14
“…versatility and room for a large family. We wished the seats were more supportive, particularly in the rear row, but the overall package is great…”
Pros: Good fuel economy, excellent practicality, best-in class safety, great drivability
Cons: High purchase price, low comfort, low reliability, high maintenance cost
Birmingham Brickham V6 LX
Relative Rating: 97.14
“…150 horsepower from the V6 in this deceptively sporty sedan. This could well be a sleeper on the streets, yet suitable for the everyday…”
Pros: Great performance, great handling, good comfort
Cons: Worst in class fuel economy, somewhat high purchase price, low drivability
Maesima Celento Tz 2.2
Relative Rating: 96.43 (Including bonus)
“…well rounded for an bargain-basement car. The interior feels somewhat cheap and cramped, and handling is a bit lazy, but the Celento is designed to keep chugging along…”
Pros: Best in class reliability, low purchase price, low maintenance cost
Cons: Poor comfort, sluggish handling, mediocre fuel economy
Upscale Class Reviews
Epoch M30 2.4 Executive
Relative Rating: 92.68
“…a good entry-level premium car, targeted at those on the fence between a budget car and something flashier. Look past Epoch’s brand image, and you will see its actually a comfortable choice…”
Pros: Low purchase price, best in class reliability, high comfort
Cons: Poor image, mediocre fuel economy, worst in class drivability
Fenton GT 560
Relative Rating: 97.56
“…bringing a thrilling pulse to an otherwise sedate class. If not for the atrocious reliability reports, this would easily be the top contender…”
Pros: Great drivability, prestigious model, excellent performance, good safety
Cons: High purchase price, worst in round reliability, poor fuel economy
Kimura Auriga Lxi 2.3
Relative Rating: 95.12
“…competent premium car that doesn’t demand a lot in the way of fuel or mamintenance. This would make a good alternative to some better-known luxury brands…”
Pros: Low purchase price, low maintenance cost, good fuel economy
Cons: Poor image, worst in class safety, mediocre drivability
Sport Class Reviews
LMC Nessus
Relative Rating: 95.72
“…our runner up this year was only barely edged out by the Grehet Supremacy. We expect this battle to rage on for years…”
Pros: Excellent performance, good reliability, prestigious model, good comfort
Cons: High purchase price, very high maintenance cost, poor drivability
Keika Katana 2000
Relative Rating: 85.51
“…its low purchase price and great reliability make it a good choice for someone looking for fun on the cheap, though we would like to note that this car should not be driven by young adults or teens due to handling and safety concerns…”
Pros: Good reliability, low purchase price, good fuel economy
Cons: Worst in class comfort, poor drivability, worst in class safety (nearly banned by NHTSA)
Erin Scarlet Mk2 3.8
Relative Rating: 90.62
“…could be considered a poor man’s Supremacy. Poor men should beware, however, of the Scarlet’s propensity to drink gas, as well as its poor reliability marks…”
Pros: Very good performance, high comfort, relatively low maintenance cost
Cons: Poor reliability, poor fuel economy, worst in class drivability
PMI Usurper Coupe V8L
Relative Rating: 91.89
“…the direct competitor to the Erin Scarlet. While similar in performance, the Usurper claims victory with its significantly better reliability and road manners…”
Pros: Very good performance, good comfort, high reliability, good safety
Cons: Worst in class fuel economy, poor drivability, high maintenance cost
Deer and Hunt Bambi Base
Relative Rating: 91.89
“…could easily be considered a small family car, as long as the family is OK with having only two doors. The Bambi is our least expensive sporty car this year. Driving it is fun enough, but it can’t stack up against other competition for pure speed…”
Pros: Lowest in class purchase price, very low maintenance cost, high reliability, good drivability, great fuel economy
Cons: Poor performance, poor image, poor sportiness
Caliban Type SC TO
Relative Rating: 88.07
“…good performance in a relatively inexpensive package. We found the seats to be cramped and uncomfortable, and there are question marks as to this model’s safety…”
Pros: Good performance, best in class reliability, low purchase price
Cons: Poor safety, poor comfort, expensive maintenance, poor fuel economy
Takemi Hyperion RT
Relative Rating: 82.96
“…while fast off the line and nimble, the Hyperion runs out of breath too early. It also compromises too much for everyday use…”
Pros: Good lateral handling, good sportiness, reasonable drivability
Cons: Poor comfort, high maintenance cost, top speed too low vs. Competitors, poor reliability
Sakura Duchess MP
Relative Rating: 89.34
“…easily the editor’s pick for everyday driving in the class. Its performance isn’t up to the task of taking on the Erin, LMC, or Grehet, but it’s a much better street car than the others…”
Pros: Best in class drivability, best in class fuel economy, prestigious model
Cons: High maintenance cost, relatively poor performance, poor safety
Utility Class Reviews
Ardent Hood LX (7-Passenger)
Relative Rating: 95.56
“…with fold-down rear seats and the ability to haul a 2000 pound trailer, the Hood excels in its versatility. Creature features throughout are a nice added touch, and don’t seem to bother fuel economy either. Some problems have been reported with early Hood models, however…”
Pros: High practicality, best in class fuel economy, good drivability
Cons: Poor reliability, mediocre offroad and utility
IP T-Rex
Relative Rating: 91.11
“…very bright green test model was quite shocking visually. More shocking were the problem reports that came in from the field regarding this model…”
Pros: Best in class comfort, good fuel economy
Cons: Worst in class reliability, relatively low safety, poor drivability
Sinistra Stampede V10
Relative Rating: 97.78
“…gloriously sublime on-road ride from this luxury ute. While the Stampede can be taken off the highway, we recommend sticking to forest service roads…”
Pros: Best in class drivability, best in class practicality, great comfort, prestigious model
Cons: Poor offroad, poor fuel economy, very high purchase price, poor reliability
Rado Trucks 200 Wagon
Relative Rating:; 86.67
“…seems a hint of the old SOFA-based Rados has come back to life. On the bright side, the 200 Wagon gains great marks for reliability and capability…”
Pros: Great offroad, best in round reliability, low purchase price
Cons: Worst in class drivability, worst in round safety, worst in round fuel economy, poor comfort
just want to say to the other sports car manufacturers.
you freakin lost to a 12yo model car. kek
Seems like I can never get any reliability with autos…
Eh, my trim was 7 years old at this point. Not surprised I sucked.