To me, the North American malaise scene means “wasted potential” above all else. And there is one car in my lore that proves that more than any other…
The Fleuma MS4. Monocoque body, all-around independent suspension, a very aerodynamic body. Sounds like a nifty cheap sports car, doesn’t it?
Well too bad, because Hugi did not want the Fleuma to garner the attention that could be going to the Rioter. And the MS4 is the most basic, most detuned Fleuma of all. So you also get a 102-horsepower, 2-barrel carburettor 2.2L inline-4; a family car engine going by the nickname of “Steel Severn”.
Even at 920kgs, no miracles could happen in an underpowered MR coupe, one that also offers a predisposition to oversteer…
Prices start at $8804 (with +20 markup), which is slightly pricier than a 1984 Pontiac Fiero Sport Coupe ($8499). But hey, at least it comes with a few extra horses…?
And this also counts as the Fleuma Mk.1’s official debut! Through its weakest possible side, but I didn’t say this was sports driving’s Eldorado (the ad says it, but you know marketing).