The Government of Letara received a good number of lobbyists during the consultation period. Although turnout wasn’t as good as during the last decade, there is still a significant turnout among car companies. Here is a run-down of the results:
Spending
The Government once again received a good amount of funds for new road construction, and some funds for road maintenance. With the uptick in the economy, the government will contribute significant funds toward these initiatives.
The aluminium industry also received a large amount of funds. Other industries that received more modest sums were the petrochemical industry, iron/steel industry chain, agriculture. Ethanol production and coal mining received minimal funding, just enough to keep them going at the current level. The government is happy to let these commercial enterprises grow on their own; however, the traditional aluminium industry will receive further incentives from the government.
Air infrastructure received its largest influx of funds yet since the 40s, indicating the changing times. Rail received moderate funding and shipping received a modest amount; both will need additional funding from the government to keep them going or expanding. With large-scale global economic changes and the increase of movement of good and people, the government recognizes that all forms of transport need more investment to grow. Significant funds will be made available to this effect.
Education received overall a good amount of funding, but it was spread wide across various fields. Petrochemical engineering received the most funding, followed by aerodynamics. Electrical engineering and general research/education received modest amounts. Mechanical engineering, materials science, and electrical robotics and computing received minimal funding. With the growing economy, the government also puts forward significant investment into research in the hopes to make Letara a research powerhouse on the global stage.
Investment into car racing dropped since the last decade. All of the funding went toward upgrades or changes at the Lerance Raceway. A modest amount was invested into building the short inner course, a smaller amount was dedicated for a rally-cross type track, and minimal funding was received for layout changes to the long outer track. The government sees the Raceway as the premier showcase for Letata, and recognizes the return on investment here is enormous, so they will put significant funds toward changes at the track to keep it modern and exciting - with that comes some of their own vision of course (more on that later).
Under the “miscellaneous” category here were other funded initiatives. Minor and modest funding toward the maintenance of historical sites and national parks. Some funds for a small anti-alcohol campaign. Minor support for the tourism industry and the Modred Casino. Modest support for delivery/courier services. An ad campaign to support the image of small cars. And some funds toward the brave firefighters of Letara.
Lobbying
This decade lobbying cooled somewhat and was less contentious. In terms of car regulations that affect the aesthetics and safety of a car, more companies voted against dual front beams than for, but neither side was overly enthusiastic. The government will drop this issue for now. The third centre headlight issue received almost no attention, only one company voicing their desire to keep allowing them. These are indeed deemed dangerous as they can lead to blinding of oncoming traffic, or to dangerous situations due to mistaken identity. They will be banned by the government. The indicator issue received more attention: several companies voiced a collectively strong opinion to mandate amber coloured lights, with one adding that clear/white glass should still be allowed as long as the bulb is amber. Fewer than half votes were received to keep the current allowance for red rear indicators. The government agrees with the majority: amber coloured indicators set them apart from other lights and are unambiguous. White cover glass will be allowed, as long as the bulb shines amber. An overwhelming number of votes was received for the implementation of side markers/indicators, with only one company against voicing a small opinion against them. The government will follow the majority vote and mandate side markers/indicators. The third brake light issue received one vote for and one against, indicating that in general companies do not care about this issue one was or another. For now no third brake light will be mandated; there will however be an awareness campaign by the government which might sway consumer desire due to the safety benefit. There was one vote to allow tail and brake lights in the same housing, and on vote to mandate duel reversing lights. With new lighting technology we agree, brake and tail lights can be in the same housing, but two separate bulbs are still necessary. There was a weak vote to mandate double reversing lights. The government agrees, this is indeed both an aesthetically pleasing and safe choice. One company put forward a weak lobby against a mandate to mount rearview mirrors on the door. For now the government will sit tight and gather more data on the safety for fender-mounted mirrors.
In terms of other car regulations that affect the engineering side, one company indicated that they’d like to see catalytic converters mandated on all cars. The government thinks that this technology is very much in its infancy; a full mandate seems premature. Two companies put forward a motion to ban cross-ply tires, but it didn’t seem to be a major priority area. The government still sees a viable and valid use for cross-ply tires; this is an issue that will likely sort itself out due to natural competition pressures. No mandate is necessary. One company pushed strongly to reduce the crash safety standard by 50%, but another company voiced their concerns about safety and wants to raise the standard by 5 points. For now, the crash safety rules seem adequate and no changes are needed. Three companies want to prevent the lowering of noise regulations. The government agrees that the current noise regulations are sufficient to keep the peace on Letaran roads. There was a strong push for introducing emissions standards/limits, and an equally strong push against. At this time the government agrees that a strong push for emissions standards would stifle the car industry; there will be other initiatives taken in an effort to reduce emissions by the worst polluters. The strongest lobby item by far was regarding aerodynamic devices on consumer cars: this item received an overwhelming number of votes in favour of allowing them. The government closely followed the research on these devices and saw them in action on the Raceway in the last decade. They see no reason to outright ban these devices, although reasonable limits do need to be set. Two companies lobbied to extend the tax rebate for the 160km/h limited cars to cars that are naturally slower than this speed. The government agrees, this will be implemented.
Taxes: everyone’s favourite topic. First, there was a large push by one company to introduce a graduated tax based on emissions, and two companies in favour of a tax break for cars with low emissions, and one company for a tax break for cars with high fuel economy. In a similar vein, there was a push for tax incentives for cars with catalytic converters. While the proposals as stated will not be implemented, this is an interesting way to curb emissions and will be considered. One company wants to exempt off-road cars from both future fuel economy and displacement taxes. None of these taxes are on the books currently; utility vehicles might be considered for this kind of exemption, but the government sees no reason to exempt offroad vehicles. Several companies voiced a strong opinion to give tax breaks for cars using E fuels; one company was in favour of adding tax to cars using E fuels. The government sees no reason currently to add taxes or rebates to such cars; the natural fuel price difference and availability is already enough to modulate the market. One company lobbied against both a fuel economy and displacement tax. The government agrees, this is not (anymore/yet?) the time for such measures. One company lobbied very hard for a ‘toy car tax’ - a tax on any non-utility car with only one row of seats - in an attempt to raise prices on sports cars used typically as a second or third car in the household. Despite the strong push, the government sees no reason to implement such a tax; some of the smallest and most affordable city cars only have two seats. In terms of taxes on luxury cars, there was some push to raise the limit to $45k or even $50k, and a minor push to raise the tax % but leave the limit where it is, and a small voice to remove the luxury tax altogether. The government will keep the luxury tax at its current %, and raise the trigger limit slightly to align with today’s realities.
The last major lobby item is about racing. In terms of race location, there was a small push for hillclimb type racing. Without proper (or any) investment by companies, this is currently not feasible. The overwhelming majority voted to keep racing at the Lerance Raceway in one format or another. One company lobbied for ‘more investment’ into the Raceway. The government agrees as they already see the economic benefits of having a flagship race venue and prestigious races in Letara. There was some push for a 24-hour race, a small push for truly crazy supercar racing, but the overwhelming majority of companies voted for some sort of rallycross/mixed surface racing. The government agrees, this is a new global fad and would keep the raceway exciting and relevant for many years to come. There was one company pushing for a minimum weight for the R2 class. The government notes that there is no more R2 class. One company suggests to place a proportional displacement limit and boost limit on cars with turbos. The government will evaluate this proposal and consult their engineers.
Longer RP description of Letara in 1975 and pictures.
First and foremost, the entire country of Letara rejoices as the diplomatic efforts of the past few decades have finally paid off - with dividends! Montelin’s resistance finally crumbled under economic and diplomatic pressures, and they released their hold on the occupied territory that rightfully belonged to Letara. Thus after years of diplomacy, Montelin vacated their last military units and relinquished control to Letara. Part of the deal is that all existing infrastructure, including the airport, sea port, and military base would be untarnished. This is not only a large diplomatic victory for Letara, but also a large economic boon, considerably increasing Letara’s import and export capacity.
View of the newly liberated rocky shores with the former Montelin military airport, seaport, and town in the distance. Letara will make the most of the new shipping capacity, and the town is prime location for a new tourist utopia.
Domestically the government, with the aid of large corporations, has been busy upgrading Letara’s main infrastructure lines. The interstate that before only connected Lerance to the Somunds border now also connects to Fiegheni and Somunds. Major interchanges have been upgraded from level crossings to flying interchanges, allowing cars unobstructed and safe movement to their destinations.
The “butterfly” crossing from the trunk interstate to the divided highway toward Fiegheni.
Lerance Airport has also been expanded with a longer second runway, a second terminal that can receive larger airplanes, and a zeppelin port. This will significantly increase Letara’s passenger and cargo air capacity. These changes were necessary as more and more diplomats and tourists arrive in Letara on larger and more comfortable airplanes.
The expanded Lerance Airport. In the background: Lerance Raceway, new flying intersection and divided highway toward Somunds, and the new high-rises of Lerance. The twisty road up to Mount Modred is also paved now.
With the growing economy business is brisk and office space at a premium, especially in Lerance. With the capital built on a peninsula, there is not much space to expand the city outward, so up it goes! The new buildings tower over the city, their glass facades reflecting the ever-present sunshine. These buildings are truly awe-inspiring and give confidence for the next generation, showing that the way up in the world is… up.
The Lerance skyline with the new office and residential towers dwarfing the rest of the old city.
Looking at Lerance from the opposite side shows the new highway interchange, the interstate toward Somunds and the electric double rail line.
The countryside is also in a boom cycle. As the population grows, farms are making big bucks and expanding into new areas. Brospyne Fields now nearly encroaches on Jawole and Pistano, making these rolling hills a very picturesque scene as the crops slowly wave in the breeze.
The new fields that provide much needed crops for both food and ethanol production in Letara.
TL:DR - With the economic uptick, much has changed. First and foremost, Montelin has ceded the occupied territory to Letara; this gives Letara its second airport and another major shipping port in the far west of the country. Montelin Town is perfectly situated on the seaside to present Letara with a new vacation destination. The aluminium industry is expanding and exports are rising. The rail network has seen further improvements: the line is fully dual track to Portunis now, and electrified all through the country. A new line is under construction toward Fiegheni too. The road network saw major upgrades with an interstate system now connecting Fiegheni, Lerance, and Storia. Many rural roads are in the process of being upgraded from gravel to asphalt, or from dirt to packed gravel. Small villages are becoming more and more connected. In the big cities some high-rises are starting to pop up as office space become more of a premium.
PEOPLE’S TASTE IN CARS
See the Preface of Rd. 4 for a summary how people’s attitudes have changed in the past decade or so. Overall, though, the economy of Letara is in an upswing. Small city cars are becoming equated with ‘cheap’ as there really weren’t any more prestigious offers in the last decade. The family segment is overall a little over-saturated, except for the void in the middle of the premium class. Sports cars are starting to push the boundaries of speed and agility; it is expected that they will not do so at the cost of too much comfort. The utility segment was quite barren last decade; Letarans hunger for true workhorses as well as utility vehicles that could function as family cars if needed. Wagons are seen as pure family workhorses as there were no premium or sporty variants to speak of.
TIMELINE
In game, the second round will span from 1975 to 1984 inclusive; models from any of these years are accepted for consumer vehicles.
IRL, this round’s timetable is:
Rules deliberation will be until Feb 14, on which date the round officially opens for submissions. The round closes Feb. 27 @ 21:59 PM EST.
TAXES FOR CONSUMER VEHICLES
All cars imported into Letara will incur a 20% import tax. All cars assembled in Letara will incur a 10% import tax. Cars fully manufactured in Letara do not pay an import tax. To support the aluminium industry, cars with aluminium parts will receive the following non-cumulative tax breaks: 5% for alu panels, 3% for partial alu panels, 3% for alu engine block, and 2% for alu engine head material. Cars with “advanced '70s safety” or better will receive a tax break of 3%. Cars with a speed limiter set to (or natural speed) 160.0 km/h or less will receive a 2% tax break. To aid the Letaran environment and health: there will be a 5% tax reduction for cars that utilize a catalytic converter. To recoup some costs of these incentives, the Government will keep its tax on frivolous toys that the rich buy: there will be a 5% tax on more luxurious and expensive vehicles (set at $30k pre-adjustment price - i.e., the price you see in the trim tab). Clarification to these: the ‘tax breaks’ are incentives, so apply even if that brings your net tax below 0%.
No other taxes in this era.
TECH POOL
For all three categories you will have the following tech pool points:
You are allowed to have less tech pool points, but not more. If you have more, the car will be rejected by the government as a too futuristic and experimental prototype.
CONSUMER VEHICLE REGULATIONS
The government stipulates that:
- Drive on the right side of the road, so LHD cars only please (if you model interiors).
- All cars shall have minimum standard '70s safety.
- All cars with a wheelbase less than 2.5 m shall have a safety rating of at least 20.
- All cars with a wheelbase 2.5 m or greater shall have a safety rating of at least 25.
- Headlights: one pair required situated on the front corner area of the vehicle; two pair are allowed. Centre light(s) are banned. Cover glass shall be white or light yellow.
- Tail lights: one pair required situated on the rear corner area of the vehicle. Cover glass shall be red.
- Brake light: one pair situated on the rear corner area of the vehicle. A third centre brake light on the rear is allowed, but not mandatory. Cover glass shall be red. Tail and brake lights may be housed in the same fitting, but must be separate bulbs (the government reserves the right to check appropriate functionality).
- Turn signals: both left and right signals must be visible when looking directly at the front and rear of the car. Pairs of signals shall be mounted on the front and rear corner area of the car. Cover glass shall be amber or white; regardless of glass colour, indicators must illuminate with amber light.
- One pair of amber or orange side markers must be situated on the front quarter panel or bumper of the vehicle, ahead of the front axle; reflector may be integrated in a ‘wrap-around’ design of the headlight assembly.
- One pair of red side markers must be situated on the rear quarter panel or bumper of the vehicle, rearward of the rear axle; reflector may be integrated in the ‘wrap-around’ design of the tail light assembly.
- A pair of white-illuminating reverse lights are mandatory on the rear of the car.
- Outside mirrors required on both the driver and passenger side.
- External gas cap not required - could be hidden in lights or other fixtures.
- One or multiple windshield wipers are required; the wiper area must cover the windshield both on the driver and passenger side.
- One (unscaled) US-size license plate required and must be visible when looking directly at the rear of the car. A front license plate is allowed.
- No emissions or efficiency regulations (note catalytic converter tax rebate above and fuel cost modifiers below).
- Fuels available in Letara include:
-Unleaded Regular (91 RON) - everywhere.
- Unleaded Premium (95 RON) - everywhere, premium price (add 3% to long term running costs).
- Unleaded Super (98 RON) - everywhere, super price (add 5% to long term running costs).
-Ethanol Blend E10 (92 RON) - everywhere, minor markup price (add 2% to long term running costs, but better environmental perception).
- Ethanol Blend E70 (106 RON) - everywhere, large markup price (add 10% to long term running costs, similar environmental perception bonus).
- All aspect cross-ply and radial tires are available.
- Engine noise is to be under 55.
- No race components.
- Functional aerodynamic fixtures must be attached to or integrated into the car (i.e., no floating fixtures away from the car body). Maximum downforce allowed: 0.0 kg (as seen in the Performance tab (i.e., measured at 200 km/h)).
You may submit up to three trims of the same model (meaning all settings in the model tab need to be the same for all trims). Participation in other categories is not required. Participation with at least one car in this category this round will allow you to lobby/spend for the next round. Please name the Model of your submissions “LHC - 4C1 - <forum name>'” for the first trim, “LHC - 4C2 - <forum name>” for the second trim, and “LHC - 4C3 - <forum name>” for the third trim. (Please note the spaces between the text and dashes in the naming, it helps me tremendously if you do this diligently. The best way to export your cars is to make all three trims within the same model, and just rename the model between exporting the trims. That way you know that the model settings are all the same, and they all import correctly on my end.)
GOVERNMENT ASSIGNMENT: HIGHWAY INTERCEPTOR
Letara has significantly expanded its highway system and improved many other roads with better surfacing. The government also forecasts a large jump in car performance in the coming years, surely some breaking speed records. Although there are some stretches on Letaran highways still without speed limits, dangerous driving is outlawed. And there are of course many stretches that do have speed limits. The government will need to enforce these laws, but to do that, they have to catch the criminals first. Therefore, the Government of Letara is putting out its Request for Proposals for a new fleet of highway interceptor vehicles. The proposals must have the following criteria:
- The government needs these vehicles by 1980, so Model, Trim, Family, and Variant years must all be set to 1980 or earlier.
- The vehicle must be road legal (see consumer rules and regulations above).
- Coupes or sedans preferred.
- Must have at least two full-size seats.
- The vehicle must be able to keep up and catch the fastest cars on Letaran roads (in other words, this car must be fast and agile).
- The vehicle must provide adequate safety and protection to its occupants.
- A highly drivable car is desirable.
- The car must have blue and red flashing lights on the roof that must be visible from all angles.
- The usual colour scheme of Letaran police is a white background and green (#008018, 50% flake) accent colour. A creative, original, and appropriate livery in these colours would be appreciated.
- Given that this is a government vehicle, costs are always paramount: low purchase price, low service costs, low fuel consumption, and high reliability are highly prized.
You may submit one vehicle in this category. Participation in other categories is not required. Please name the Model of your submission “LHC - 4G - <forum name>”.
RACING IN LETARA: LERANCE RACEWAY RALLYCROSS
After another successful decade of racing at the Lerance Raceway, it is time to switch gears. The Raceway will remain the hear of Letara’s automotive racing spectacle. But, racing will shift to the inner track. And that’s not all: the inner track is dirt! The outer track has also received modifications and upgrades. The middle of sector one is completely redesigned: the cars enter this area though a double-apex 180, slow at the chicane in front of the grand stand, race to a tight hairpin corner, and exit though some flowing bends to the old part of the track. A portion of sector three after the cars come off the middle (dirt) sector is also redesigned with some technical esses before emerging back on the old track and the big sweeping banked corner. The new dirt-covered middle sector has some elevation changes down to the lake and back up to track level, and some technical, twisty corners to contend with. For safety the track has been upgraded with sand traps in strategic locations and Armco barriers where appropriate. A new campground was built around the central lake, allowing all-weekend camping opportunities for fans. Of course all these changes took a few years to complete; after a short hiatus, racing will resume at the Lerance Raceway in 1977!
Race regulations:
- All cars must be Model/Trim/Family/Variant year 1977 or older.
- There will only be one class of cars.
- Cars may have race components, engine swaps, suspension swaps etc., and don’t need to be road legal.
- Must be a coupe, hatchback, or sedan body style.
- Are allowed to run on Ethanol Blend E100 (129 RON) or any other fuel available to road cars in Letara.
- Sportiness brake fade must be 5% or less (on each axle, front and rear).
- May have one aerodynamic fixture on the front and one on the rear of the car. Fixtures must be physically attached to or integrated into the car. (OOC: this is slightly cheezeable. I will apply a loose “stick with the spirit of the challenge and realism” rule, so don’t go overboard with the cheeze. If in doubt, you may send me a screenshot of your car and I’ll tell you if your 5-m-long overhang is too much or not.)
- No outside help allowed for drivers and cars. If the car breaks down, the driver can try to get back to the pits for a repair, or they are disqualified (this will be RNG simulated - but reliability helps).
- Neither the front or rear downforce may exceed 20 kg as seen in the Performance tab (i.e., measured at 200 km/h).
- Have to have at least standard '60s safety and a safety rating of 25.
- Locking differentials are banned.
- To encourage tighter racing and to showcase the fastest cars, entry is restricted to cars that can lap the updated Lerance Raceway '77 under 4:30.00 minutes as shown by the game.
- A minimum of two seats are required.
- Comfort must be at least 5.0. It’s low, but just enough for the hardiest of drivers to manage without actual lasting spinal damage.
- Total approximate car cost may not exceed $55,000 AMU.
- Total approximate service cost may not exceed $4,000 AMU.
- A race will be 100 laps long (one lap is 10.263 km long).
- A driver will be RNG simulated for each race; drivability and comfort stats help your driver achieve a better time.
- The time loss on the dirt portion of the track will be simulated through the offroad and drivability stats of the car, and a small RNG multiplier. Overall, the better both offroad and drivability, the less time is lost here.
- It is a long race, so drivers will have to swap during fuel stops; at least two drivers required per team (not necessary to submit to me, you can just RP with it).
- Pit stops return. The number of fuel stops your car needs for the race will be determined by its fuel consumption (± small RNG to simulate some variation), tank size (tank size will be determined by the footprint of the car - tank size (l) = 10 * footprint (m2)), and the length of the race (100 laps = 1026.3 km). At each fuel stop drivers will swap; each stop will be about two minutes in length (again ± some RNG).
- There will be RNG controlled weather (yes, weather) for each race, which could result in more or less slick surfaces. Both the on- and off-track portions will be affected. Drivability will be able to mitigate the slippery conditions.
A leaderboard for each year of racing will be simulated. Track times are simulated with RNGs, but reliability, comfort, drivability, and offroad stats do help.
Last but not least, I will be participating in this event as well, so you get to “race” yours truly. I will post a proper car showcase in the thread.
You may submit one vehicle in this category. Participation in other categories is not required. Please name the Model of your submission “LHC - 4R - <forum name>”.
The updated track:
OOC: I’m not sure why the red car drifts away from the track during the lap. I tried to correct it, but it still does that. In TrackEdit the lay-out is fine, so just ignore the wandering car if you like to watch it go around…
Lerance Raceway 77.zip (660.8 KB)
Reminder that if you’re submitting your first car, please also register your corporation. At the least tell me where the company is from, but a short lore blurb would be much appreciated - or a link to a lore thread. You will participate in all subsequent rounds with this registered company, so make sure it is the company you want to use for the rest of the playthrough!
Remember, overarching rules are in the OP, so please read that too.
For returning companies, please re-use your LHC DM threads to submit your cars.
