PRIMUS GLOBUS on the 1980 Letarian Transportation Show
As the company has almost 20 models with two brands, Primus decided to exhibit only '79 and the all-new 1980 models - bringing everything into the hall would cost a fortune - and leave few space for the competition we’d like to see and scrutinize.
The '79 models are all found in the small car category.
The Publica is still around, and many Letarans will still remember the impact it made in '69! Although it’s one of the oldest cars on the market, the demand is still there, and since the assembly line and development expenses have paid off, it’s sold with no markup for a really cheap price. While the GTS still plays a certain role on the consumer market, the regular CL and GL are mostly demanded by fleets, trusting in the excellent reliability. The production in Frunia ended, and every Publica sold worldwide is now from Letara. 1982 will be it’s very last year, as we expect shrinking sales of this classic in or lineup and it won’t be profitable anymore, as well new regulations might exceed the platform’s capabilities.
The CL and GL models feature a revised 1.3 four-cylinder engine with 58 horsepower - even the GL is more of a budget car, offering good comfort and drivability.
In 1969, the ST was one of the very first hot hatches defining - and successfully defending - a new market segment. The grandmaster of hot hatches is still among us, and it features an 1.8 mated to a five-speed manual - with almost 90 horsepower it’s capable of going over 190 kph - if you are brave enough. As it will be tough to find more power for less money with a two-year warranty, we are not astonished that this car is still going strong after 11 years.
The Urbano is a new Frunian developement, intended to replace the Publica, but with a radically new concept. The car is minimalistic - 55 horsepower from a three-cylinder, no unneccessary features, reduced to the essential. On the other hand, it accomodates five adults - one more than the Publica - for even less money, and the new all-aluminium engine with three valves per cylinder is actually as modern as those machines in today’s sports cars. A big plus is the low consumption of only 6,5 liter regular, and the car had an excellent start in Frunia, however, we consider the car as too spartan and non-conformistic for Gasmea, so it isn’t available there. As most Letarans won’t have seen one until today, it’s good to have it displayed here once again. Reliability expectations should match the Publica, as things that aren’t installed won’t break.
The Urbano is a game changer in the city car segment - if you don’t believe that sentence, convince yourself and ask for a test drive - you are happily invited!
Finally, the all-new 1980 cars, starting with the next facelift of the Globus Atlas.
For utility cars, it’s not important to follow the latest trends or to be fancy. It’s platform is even older than the Publica, as the second-generation Atlas, now a Globus instead of a Primus, was introduced in 1963. Frequent updates, improving major aspects of the vehicle, prevent it from being put to the old iron.
It’s advantages are similar to the Publica: Proven reliability at a very cheap price. The engine is unchanged, as the 123-horsepower V8 with catalytic converter gets every job done. And the Atlas costs less than it’s rivals with only six cylinders.
And finally, you have the opportunity to take a look at the new Primus flagship!
When the Imperator was unveiled in 1967, the showgoers couldn’t believe their eyes, the Imperator was so ahead of it’s time that it became a true figurehead, known worldwide and fighting for the lead in the luxury class.
Now, 13 years later, our respected competitors have reacted and sawed on the comfortable chair of success. As the first Imperator was a once-in-a-lifetime sensation, the expectations were high.
As mentioned in the beginning, PRIMUS GLOBUS has a lot of models. To be more competitive, the Astrona and Comet were merged in 1978, and now the Globus Grand Cruiser and the Imperator were unified in the Imperator II.
Since the Gasmean market is now a primary target for the Imperator, the bold front design adapts to the local taste, but without being too ornate or old-fashioned. The side profile features almost invisible B-pillars, resulting in an almost coupé-like feeling. The rear end is not as Gasmean as the front, adding a hint of sportiness and lightness to the car.
As Diesel is still not provided for consumer cars, the 270D won’t be sold in Letara. Until the top-of-the-line Imperator arrives next year, the 320i is the only engine available for the moment. But don’t be disappointed, the 3.2 V6 has been tuned to 185 horsepower, and it’s a lot more responsive than before. It is so willingly on the gas that you forget you’re moving a full size luxury car - the use of partial aluminium panels decreased the weight of the Imperator correspondingly. A brand new and innovative electronic transmission shifts so fast, smooth and efficient through the four gears that we don’t need to offer you a manual anymore. The 320i is almost as fast as the 520i predecessor, so yes, buying the six-cylinder is no renoucing.
The old Imperator was class-leading in interior design and quality, and is still competetive these days. Nevertheless, our competition did push us further. The dashboard of the new Imperator is heavily inspired by the bridge of a cruise ship. Spacious and inviting, with all elements within easy reach of the driver. To underline that a new Imperator introduces a new age of car building, it comes with revolutionary electronic equipment. Digital gauges are not the only game-changer: The POIC (Primus Onboard Information Center) is an advanced trip computer not only providing tons of information - but you can also configure car functions like coming-home-lights, delay on interior light dimming, change color of the gauges, shift mode of the gearbox (yes, it can be set to a sportier behaivour) and much more.
Dedicated to build the best car of the world, we finally managed to build the Imperator with so many unmatched features that it’s hard to miss our stand in hall 2B.
