The 1990 B5 (J1-Chassis) - The Baby B
The 1990 B5 was a slight change of pace, primarily due to the fact this car was built to a price point, not a design specification. This did lead to a more affordable and accessible car to all, with the previous engine selection from the B7 also being available here (with the exception of the 43i which was later released with the facelift model). Additionally, this car was the first B-series car to come with a staggered dashboard - a feature that was to become synonymous with the brand into the later 90s.
Naturally, due to the badge and the fact it was built like and felt like a proper B-series car, it was another sales success, with the 20i/20d being available from £19,750 and the range-topping 32i being available from £23,950. The B5-40Si was this time confined to a limited run (priced at £29,995), later being replaced with the B5-50Si in 1992.
All models offered upon initial release were 4, 5 or 6-cylinder options and all were equipped with the all-new ML5-Tronic Machine Learning automatic gearbox. Of course, this technology was primitive and got very confused when someone other than the owner drove the car, but it was the beginning of one of Inframotive’s other dominant businesses - the gearbox business.
The interior was comparatively basic, with the bare essentials being present and nothing more. Leather was used sparingly, with ABS plastic instead being the new favourite material in use here. This provided the same soft-touch quality as their previous texturised plastic and leather while also keeping costs to a minimum. The Lux-UI system and 7-disc CD changer were also ditched due to reliability reasons, instead being replaced by much simpler radio and CD changer units respectively. This all led to a car which was still supremely comfortable and refined but at a much more attainable price point.
These photos are slightly out-of-date, I got very sick of trying to make this and have made changes since which I will update this with soon.
Key Rivals (Real-World): Mercedes-Benz W201, Audi 80, BMW E30/E36, Volvo 240/850.
Key Rivals (Automation): Primus Imperator