Royal Canadian Motors (RCM)

[thecarlover]

The history of Royal Canadian Motors began in 1942 as the Dominion Vehicle Factory Ottawa, Ontario, that produced the Light Multi Purpose Truck and Multi Purpose Truck for WWII. While both lines continued making these vehicles for military and civilian use in lesser numbers, the Victory and Ensign were Dominion’s first consumer models when the Dominion Vehicle Factory was privatised and renamed the Dominion Motor Company in 1946.

In 1974, Dominion acquires Mosport Motorworks, which already provided performance tunes to Dominion cars. Its one model, the Helix, was kept until the Mosport badge even when the company only existed as an in-house tuner for Dominion.

Royal Canadian Motors was created in 1977 with the merger of Dominion Motors Co., Automobiles Mont Royal, and Cascadia Inc. While Cascadia remained as a sub brand, Dominion and Mont Royal were merged into a single entity. RCM also formed a trade deal with the Soviet manufacturer Leningradskiy Soyuz Avtozavodov to distribute some of their vehicles outside the Eastern Bloc.

In 1980, Mosport was spun off as its own division while still being RCM’s in-house tuner. 1989 saw the creation of Solo, a youth-oriented budget brand for more light-hearted vehicles.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, RCM acquires the now-private LSAZ as a budget brand for less developed markets with the new name of Severnyy Avto Soyuz. Mont Royal returns in 1997, being spun out of RCM when the need for a standalone luxury division can’t be ignored any longer.

Mont Royal

Cascadia

Mosport: (company thread coming Soon™)

Solo

Severnyy Avto Soyuz

Current lineup

Subcompact: Fox
Compact: Mattawa
Mid-size: Atlantic
Full-size: Laurier
Mid-size sport: Mongoose
Full-size sport: Alouette
MPV: Mu-Ex
Minivan: Provincial
Compact cargo van: Provincial
Passenger van: H
Cargo van: H
Compact SUV: Land Runner
Mid-size SUV: Yukonite
Full-size SUV: Summit
Full-size SUV: Labrador
Compact pickup: CPT
Mid-size pickup: Prairie
Full-size pickup: Summit
Full-size pickup: Labrador
Heavy duty pickup: Hudson
Compact crossover: Carabine
Mid-size crossover: Suburbia
Full-size crossover: Traveller

Dominion/RCM models won’t be posted in chronological order as that’s the main thing that held me back with my last company thread. Models are also subject to change depending on the future selection of bodies.

[thecarlover]

2019 RCM Suburbia

As unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, the Suburbia is getting a facelift for the 2019 model year.

2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)

2019 RCM Suburbia The thoroughly revised 2019 Suburbia midsize crossover will be appearing at RCM dealerships early this summer! Mechanical changes will be limited to the 8-speed transmission on the DX trim. Visit the RCM website to stay informed on when the 2019 Suburbia will be available at a dealership near you and for more information on the Suburbia EV to be unveiled later this year. DX trim pictured in Diamond White [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]

Almost mechanically identical to the pre-facelift model, engine choices include a turbocharged inline-4, a hybrid naturally aspirated inline-4, and a 3.5L V6. The V6 is the trusty RCM V6-M S3 3.5, used in a variety of models since its 2015 introduction. With 238 hp and 232 lb-ft, it’s an ideal powerplant for the larger models in RCM’s lineup. Paired with the new 8-speed automatic found in the DX trim (pictured), it achieves a mixed cycle average fuel economy of 24 MPG. The Suburbia seats five or seven with the optional third row available on all trim levels.

https://i.imgur.com/0FbhNYt.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BRfACJD.jpg

[abg7]

What’s this? Another one of your excellent company threads? And this one’s in UE4? I can’t wait to see some of the most memorable cars that RCM ever made!

[thecarlover]

Going back into the pre-RCM days…

1966 Dominion Atlantic Enforcer

With the introduction of Atlantic midsize cars, Dominion unveiled a police package for release at the same time as the civilian model. What the Atlantic Enforcer added was the standard beefed up brakes, wheels, and suspension, as well as the sport tuned version of the then-new 339ci Confederation V8 from the Alouette performance coupe. This meant 246 hp (adjusted to modern measurements) and 314 lb-ft of torque. This Atlantic Enforcer became one of the many vehicles found in North American police fleets in the late 1960s and into the 1970s.

Edit: and here’s a closeup of that light bar

[Private_Miros]

Exquisite!

[On3CherryShake]

I love the Suburbia!! This is my kind of design. Looks kind of Japanese from the back! What did you use to get that rear pillar??

[thecarlover]

Lots and lots of badge/trim pieces.

[thecarlover]

For the Generations challenge I’ve built the first civilian model of RCM’s lore:

1946 Dominion Victory

Available as a sedan and wagon, the Victory uses a 2.3L variant of the Dominion Four-Two I4 found in the Light Multi Purpose Truck. I’ve updated the first post with a link to the Wiki article I’ve begun making about the company.

[thecarlover]

1991 RCM Provincial CE AWD

Here it is, the top of the line model of the new for 1991 Provincial minivan. This fourth generation model (but only the second referred to as a ‘minivan’) was the most car-like one yet. Using the RCM M-V6 3.4-2 engine that produced a respectable 180 hp, the Provincial CE AWD managed 17 MPG and the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.4 seconds. As the premium model of the range, it had a 4 speaker stereo and 7 leather seats, with captain chairs for the middle row. What made it quite unique for the North American market was the 5 sunroofs, much like many Japanese market vans of the era had.
With a price of $23,825 for this top spec model (adjusted for inflation), the Provincial was a popular choice with families in North America. It was also exported to Europe where it did not gain much popularity and was retired from the market before the arrival of the all-new 1997 model.

(The Provincial was also available as a CE FWD model, lower spec FE FWD and AWD models using a smaller version of the V6, and the base spec VE FWD using an I4. All VE and FE models were available with either a bench for two or three in the middle row.)

[On3CherryShake]

I’m loving this.

[thecarlover]

1991 RCM Provincial FE AWD & VE

The main visual differences of the FE compared to the CE were the cheaper alloy wheels and the lack of fog lamps and sunroofs. The VE went further downmarket, with steel wheels and hub caps, unpainted cladding, roof rack as a dealer installed option, and black plastic trim pieces.

This FE AWD features a downbored and downstroked version of the M-V6 with 3.0L of displacement that produced 151 hp and has the 7 seat cloth interior. It retailed for $18,346 and returned 19 MPG.
The VE has the optional three seat centre bench to seat 8 while being one of the last RCM vehicles to use the Alu4 2.5L I4, which produces 131 hp. Along with the different engine, the VE also has a 3 speed automatic (compared to the 4 speed of the other two trims) and steel wheels. In this configuration, the VE retailed for $13,725 and achieved 20 MPG.

[thecarlover]

1951 Dominion Ensign Deluxe

1951 brought in the second generation Dominion Ensign. The major change with this second generation was the V8 from the Labrador truck being available on high-spec models, making this Dominion’s first V8 car. The ensign was also available as a coupe, convertible, and wagon. In 1952, the Elgin luxury sedan was introduced and the high-spec Ensigns lost some equipment in order to not cannibalise sales of the new model.

[Knugcab]

Provincial is quite a good looker for being an early 90s minivan IMO.

[thecarlover]

1957 Dominion Labrador 4x4

In 1957, Dominion introduced the second generation Labrador half-ton trucks. They were available with a couple of I6 engines and a new 261ci (4.3L) V8; a larger variant of the Dominion V8 introduced in 1951. The goal of the second generation Labrador was to take on the American trucks full force.
One of the new features to do that was the 4x4 system with manual locker, adapted from the Summit (formerly MPT). Paired with some chunky tires it turned the Labrador into a go-anywhere truck. The 4x4 model was very much a work-oriented one, so it had a basic interior, no radio, a three on the tree transmission, and the V8 for that extra grunt.

[thecarlover]

1961 Dominion Victory 140

Original ad can be found here: Generations [LORE, UE4] [FINAL RESULTS] - #208 by thecarlover

The third generation Victory hit the market in 1961 as the demand for large cars was steadily increasing. Also increasing at the time was the pressure of small and inexpensive European imports. That’s where the Victory 140 came in.
As the bare-bones base model of the Victory range, the 140 was powered by the same Dominion Four-Two that powered the original model in 1946, though updated for this new generation. An I4 base model allowed for a cruising economy over 20 MPG and a base price skirting into European import territory.
The design was forward thinking for the time, if rather unconvetional, but would become more mainstream with the facelift. A ‘unique’ aspect of it was that the 1961 Victory was the first Dominion to have its filler cap hidden behind a spring loaded licence plate holder.

[thecarlover]

1990 RCM Megabit ELS

In 1990, RCM introduced the Megabit as its latest sport compact. It was meant as a replacement to the Cyber-Style that was discontinued in 1988 and saw moderate success. The ELS model was at the bottom of the range and proved popular with young drivers looking for an affordable sport coupe.
Powering the Megabit was a new 2.0L I4, with the version in the ELS producing 125 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. While the segment was mostly changing to front wheel drive, RCM went with a rear wheel drive layout paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 100 km/h sprint took 8.8 seconds while the top speed was estimated as just over 200 km/h.

1995 RCM Megabit Final Edition

In its last year of production, RCM sent off the Megabit with a ‘Final Edition’ available with a larger version of the I4, now 2.1L, available as naturally aspirated or turbocharged. This new naturally aspirated variant produced 139 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. This was enough to hit 100 km/h in 8 seconds flat and a top speed limited to 210 km/h Other than the larger and more powerful engines, mechanical changes were limited to suspension tuning.
For the interior, the only changes from the regular 1994 MY facelift were seat and trim accents matching the exterior colour. For exterior changes, the Final Edition included a few exclusive colours, new alloys, as well as a vented hood and restyled bumpers.

With its low price, high production numbers, and sporty aspirations, the Megabit became popular with young enthusiast and garnered huge aftermarket support for performance and visual upgrades. By the late 90s it was rare to visit a tuner meet and not see at least a couple of customised Megabits.
As the drifting scene gradually grew outside Japan, the Megabit’s RWD layout kept it popular for a new generation of gearheads looking for cheap thrills.

[thecarlover]

1966 Dominion Atlantic

Having already unveiled the police spec Atlantic, here’s some of the civilian models.

The 1966 Atlantic was available with a 308ci V8 producing 220 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque or a 275ci I6 producing 150 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque. V8 models were available with a four speed manual or three speed automatic while the I6 models were only available with a three speed manual. Available as a sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible (V8 only), the Atlantic had various configurations to please buyers of the time. As such, the Atlantic was one of the many ubiquitous large midsized cars seen on North American roads well into the 1970s.

Convertible in Bronze

V8 Sedan in Desert Yellow

I6 Sedan in Forest Green

[thecarlover]

1964 Dominion Victory V8

In 1964, Dominion thoroughly revised the Victory model range in response to increasing competition. The biggest change was including the 273ci Dominion Sixty V8 as a top range option. Paired with a four on the floor transmission, it was an early pony car and signs of things to come by the end of the decade. With 196 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, the Victory V8 was no slouch while keeping a low purchase price.

Original ad can be found here: Generations [LORE, UE4] [FINAL RESULTS] - #282 by thecarlover

[thecarlover]

1969 Dominion Alouette Super 444

The second generation Alouette was introduced in 1966 and facelifted in 1968, which was also the year the Sport 444 model was introduced, featuring a 444 ci (7.3L) version of the Chinook V8 with 6-pack carb. This engine was then used by Mosport for their Helix supercar, but they found the performance to be lacking a little. With Mosport’s tuning, the Chinook 444’s power output was increased to 384 hp and 471 lb-ft of torque.

Impressed by this level of performance from the company that was already offering performance upgrades to Dominions, management decided to commission Mosport for some of these tuned engines for use in a special model. This was the 1969 Alouette Super 444.

The visual differences between the Super 444 and Sport 444 were the shaker hood, different rear badging, and a rear wing. The interior was also improved with high equipment levels. The Super 444 got a 0-100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds through a 4-speed manual transmission with autolocker. This was also the first Dominion available from the factory with steel-belted radial tires.

Unfortunately for enthusiasts, Mosport was a small company that could only modify so many engines, so the Alouette Super 444 remained a rarity. As such, genuine examples sell for a very high price.

[thecarlover]

1953 Dominion Highliner

Replacing the original Dominion Van introduced in 1947, the Highliner was a move into a broader market with the introduction of a passenger model. Both cargo and passenger models were powered by the trusty Dominion Six with a then-revolutionary longitudinal FWD layout, which Dominion justified as helping give the van a low and flat loading area. The odd layout proved effective for ride comfort as well, with more predictable handling with various loading weight.

1956 Dominion Highliner Terra Nova

When facelifting the Highliner for 1956, Dominion management paid attention to the usage of the van. What they noticed was that both cargo and passenger models gained popularity for aftermarket camper conversions, especially since the FWD layout allowed the body to easily be stretched. Dominion struck a deal with one of the larger conversion companies to produce pop-top camper kits to be installed by Dominion. This was the beginning of the Terra Nova line of campers.