The 1988 B7 (K1-Chassis)
The B7 - at least the first iteration of the first generation - seemed to confuse reviewers. In some ways, it even outclassed its bigger brother (primarily in technology), in some ways it met expectations but nothing more, and in others it crashed and burned. This did work out to be a net gain for the company as the car overall was fairly competent in the majority of areas.
The exterior was an incredible piece, arguably a more aesthetic package than even its larger sibling, the B9. With a purposeful, muscular front end to an elegant yet brutal rear, it seemed to be a significant refinement of existing body language.
The interior - less so. This was the main area reviewers were confused by, with controls being unintuitive, window switches being scattered all over the place and a very basic digital screen that seemed to cause more problems than it solved - oh and then there was the matter of the ABS button being next to the CD changer eject (a new feature for the B7). Sadly, this first-generation CD changer proved too complex with its whopping 7-disc capacity proving just a little too much for the available technology. This resulted in a recall in 1990 which replaced it with the more basic but more reliable 5-disc unit soon to be found in the G9.
Another area this car confused reviewers was the engine options - which will be detailed in the options list to be released shortly. There was a 4 cylinder diesel and a 4 cylinder petrol - fair enough, but for some reason Inframotive decided to release two 5 cylinder diesels (the 25d & 27d) on top of two 6 cylinder petrols (28i & 32i) and a singular V8 model (the 43i). Of course, an S-Werks 50Si did follow, but not until 1989.
Prices started at £24,950 for a 22i, with the range-topping 43i starting at £32,650.
The conclusion on this car from Inframotive? Weird. Successful, but very weird.
Key Rivals (Real World): Mercedes-Benz W124, BMW E34, Audi 100, Volvo 940, Lexus LS400
Key Rivals (Automation): Primus Imperator (Late Run)