SBA (South Bangkok Autoworks) Plc. Lore + Models

z2bbgr · 27 September 2018 11:13

'82 Kesa Mk.II 2.0 Coupe Ti Turbo (Group 4 Tranferred Rally Competition Car)

The popular Kesa had become the popular choice for competition, both circuit and rally, thanks to its rugged chassis and good highspeed handling.
The newly established factory racing team in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, part of SBA Special Vehicle Devision a.k.a. “Mouse Works” decided to transform the most powerful line up, Kesa Mk.II 2.0 Ti Turbo, into the weapon grade for the competition.

Its power plant comes from the same turbocharged unit, but with racing components now producing 260 horsepowers with 280+ Nm of torque.
The first appearance of this turbocharged monster was '80 1000 Lakes rally with spectacular results despite slowly being dominated by AWD competitors.

Official specs:

0-100 (km/h)	80-120 (km/h)	Top Speed
6.78 s	3.24 s	230 km/h

'83 Kesa 2.0 Turbo RS (Group B competition trim, K22-T-4B)

“The swansong of Kesa Mk.II”

This Kesa 2.0 Turbo RS was built as final evolution of the mighty platform, and also as interim project before the official approval for the development from SBA’s headquater in Thailand, to combat the rising AWD oppositions in world rally championship.

Its engine have been heavily modified to match the extreme speed of its competitor, producing 320 horsepowers with 375 Nm of torque.
With increased power, a special gearbox was developed to withstand its massive torque of the engine. Also heavily modified to the body panels, with better cooling capacity for increasing reliability.

While this old and outdated Kesa 2.0 Turbo RS was slowly outrun by many AWD competitors. Azure Giovanni, SBA factory team’s female driver had managed to won many tarmac events from her spectacular driving.
But sadly, despite her spectacular driving wasn’t enough for the world title, after closely beatened by FAAL’s Teltra Tour De Corse in the very last stages of rally championship.

Now the 2.0 Turbo RS became as collector’s item, with high asking price and its rally pedigree, the auction price had risen up more than ever.

Official Specs:

0-100 km/h	80-120 km/h	Top Speed
6.18 s	2.76 s	238 km/h

Marcus_gt500 · 27 September 2018 11:51

Nice designs, specially on the race cars. Good job.

z2bbgr · 27 September 2018 20:02

'82 SBA Gracelet (Mk.II) 1.6 Swift Ti “Twincam”

Another brainchild from Kanlayakorn Phusakul for updated styling with her signature of using sharp bodyline. This popular Gracelet has been upgraded from 1.4 to 1.6 liter engine with double overhead camshaft from the notorious “Typhoon 8 valve”, founded in Kesa Mk.II 2.0 Coupe Ti.

The new 1.6 liter was another version of “Typhoon 8V” engine with smaller capacity configuration, pushing more than 120 horsepowers.

'82 SBA Gracelet (Mk.II) 1.6 Swift Ti “Police Interceptor”

As the special request from Royal Thai Police, Metropolitan Division and Special Branch Bureau. SBA provided the special “Interceptor” version as highspeed response car, along with specialized Cdx. 3.5.

The powerplant was upgraded for more power and torque in midrange powerband. Producing 128 horsepowers and 149 Nm of torque. Resulting the unmatched acceleration to many performance cars.

The police version of this car was the product from SBA’s special vehicle division.

Official Specs:

0-100 (km/h)	80-120 (km/h)	Top speed
7.99 s	5.76 s	186 km/h (with unlocked limiter)

z2bbgr · 28 September 2018 12:57

'86 SBA Gracelet Mk.III

'86 SBA Gracelet 1.6 Silkmatic and 1.6 Swift

As reaching to the 2nd half of 80s. SBA decided to develop a new body platform for the aging Mk.II, which reaching 10th anniversary in 1987. All new Gracelet Mk.III was designed by the legenday Kanlayakorn Phusakul with her distinct sharp bodyline.

Powering the new Gracelet was changed from old 1.4 liter with 8 valves to 1.6 liter with 16 valves. All using Electronic Fuel Injection as standard.
The new transmission was upgraded as “Silkmatic 3” for smoother power delivery in all ranges.

The body styling was maintained to its core, 5 doors hatch back with larger cargo space and 3 door hatchback with stylish popup headlights. The newly designed interior was packed with premium cloth seats as standard.

'86 SBA Gracelet 1.6 Swift Ti Twincam Turbo

The hottest of all Gracelet, the replacement to notorious Gracelet Ti Twincam. Now, this little Gracelet comes with special designed frontend with popup headlights for better aerodynamic efficiency.
Styling wise was done by the legendary Kanlayakron Phusakul.

Powering this Gracelet comes from TR-U-16-GE-T-Alpha, turbocharged 1.6 liter with 16 valves. Producing 175 horsepowers. All developed from the legendary XU17 engine founded in Gracelet Integral 4 - S, the homologation of group B rally monster machine.

With newly developed engine, now pushing the performance like no other. Accleration from 0-100 km/h was less than 7 seconds with maximum top speed 200 km/h. Unmatched to any other competitior in the market.

Official Thai release advertisment.

Marcus_gt500 · 28 September 2018 23:34

Post your ad on my ad topic! Looking good!

ACoolCrab · 28 September 2018 23:40

Oof your ad is so cool even if I don’t understand a word haha

z2bbgr · 29 September 2018 08:48

'62 Kesa (Mk.I) 2.5 Coupe Deluxe and '63 2.0 Berlina Deluxe

(Rebooted from Kee engine)

The first car from newly founded company in 1962 between Bangkok Aeronautical Factory (Automotive Division) and Siam Steel Company Limited. As the first aim for premium buyers with more stylish looks. After BAF’s struggle from fuel crisis in 50s, the company was finally gained supports from private investors which resulted to merging between Siam Steel Company Limited.

SBA’s headquarter was located on the Charoenkrung Road, far south of the Bangkok. Hence the name of “South Bangkok Autoworks”.
The very first model from SBA was Kesa series. Came in both stylish coupe and sedan. The brainchild from former BAF’s head of engineer during the last struggle in late 50s.

The 2.5 Coupe Deluxe was powered by 2.5 liters inline 6 with its famous agility handling like seen in BAF’s car. Producing 63 horsepowers with very smooth engine vibration and effortless power. The stopping power was using highly advance disc all rounds, inherited from Bangkok Aeronautical Factory’s aeronautical engineering know how. Interior wise was packed with premium leather seats and premium FM/AM radio.
Also, this was the first production car that can do in excess of “The Magic Number” 160 km/h (100 mph). Later it became as status of symbol to many successful businessmen.

'63 Kesa 2.0 Berlina Deluxe

But, as for growing up family. SBA also had the solution of this Kesa, the 4 door 2.0 Berlina Deluxe released in 1963 with 2.0 liters inline 4 for better fuel efficiency. Despite of having 4 doors, the interior was still using the premium leather for better comfort.

Both models were sale success in domestic market, with some success in overseas exports due to more affordable price in premium market and its styling.

Now the Mk.I Kesa became highly sought after, as the genesis of SBA’s future lineup.

z2bbgr · 3 October 2018 18:44

The Genesis of Gracelet’s competition.

As the road rallying has changed from open road to special stages, since the accident in 1968, many auto manufacturers interested more in this kind of motorsport. As to proven the reliability and for marketing purpose. SBA already had an experiences in beforehand, both from the Corso di Fruinia in the name of Bangkok Aeronautical Factory and many international road rallies, decided to participate as factory supporting role in late 60s.
Until now…

'73 SBA Gracelet Swift Gr2 (Homologation special)

The ordinary Gracelet were equipped with efficient 1.4 liter engine, the same powerplant in Jungler for better drivability and torque, derived from old 2.0 “SBA-PL4” founded in Kesa and the only roadster “Riparia”. However, being 1.4 liter wasn’t enough for the rising competition, especially in terms of power to weight ratio like European’s contenders. SBA engineers decided to create a special variant, with enlarged displacement up to 1.6 liter for more power and more torque, as for special racing package or racing homologation rather than mainstream marketing. (later become as “Special Vehicle Department” to SBA in 1974, then “Special Vehicle Division” in 1979)

The changes to “Gr2” was not just only the enlarged displacement to 1.6 liter, with special “PL4/S92L” came with heavy duty conrods, forged pistons, high angle camshaft, special 4 barrel carburettors and bespoke tubular exhaust, producing 95 horsepowers from small 1.6 liters.
Transmitting all power via close ratio 5 speed gearbox with dog leg engagement for quicker acceleration than ever.

With increasing power comes with better control, the Gr2 came with powerful front disc brake with performance brake pads, for responsive and powerful stopping power that can out brake any competitors. The suspension was purely tuned for handling, with sports compound tire as standard, this Gr2 can out turn in any corners.

As for the homologation, all Gr2 came with 14" Alloy rims with 185 mm. tires and premium seats. With optional competition packages directly from SBA for private teams.

'73 SBA Gracelet Swift Gr2 (Factory Team Car)

As the new Gr2 had been approved from FIA for group 2 competition, SBA had announce for their racing car to compete with global events as part of marketing strategy. It all grew up from small private rally team in Wilhemshaven, Germany in hands of Armin Siegler, who won many titles with SBA Gracelet Swift. Later, become a new branch of SBA’s oversea operation, under management by Walther Grundheim with factory engineers.

All Gracelet Gr2 factory team car were painted in striking color named “Chilli Red” and came with specialized racing engine, euipped with DCOE carburettors and more aggressive suspension tuning, as can be noticed from flared wheel arches with special magnesium rims.

The main driver for SBA factory team was Armin Siegler with his co-driver Christopher Weiss, the fearsome duo nicknamed “the giant killers”.

z2bbgr · 5 October 2018 18:41

'73 SBA Gracelet Swift Gr2 (FTC) for Rally di Fruinia

As previously announced the official participation in world rally championship, SBA decided to send the official race car directly from Thailand to newly founded SBA Motorsport in Wilhemlshaven, Germany along with factory engineers.

And this number 49 will be SBA’s spearhead in 5º Rallye di Fruinia in 1973 season.
Armin Siegler will be the main driver with Christopher Weiss as his co-driver.

Changes were made for weight reduction as much as possible, wheel arches were decreased to standard spec, additional spotlights for greater illumination during the night stages, specialized suspension tuning for maximum handling in high speed and close ratio gearbox for rapid acceleration.

Tires were sponsored by Yomama Tires, with RS073 sport compound for using both in tarmac and gravel surfaces. Special magnesium rim from RS Watanobu, the popular choice from lightness with durability. And Mobirb 1 lublicants, with semi synthetic engine oil for maximum lubrication in all powerbands.

Currently this number 49 car is under grueling test in Germany with hands of Armin Seigler.

z2bbgr · 12 October 2018 19:06

'85 Cdx. “Phase 2” Cd 2.0

An update styling for popular premium executive car, the Cdx. Gone away with chrome bumpers, all were molded ABS plastic bumpers with integrated auxilary lights for more modern looks.
Now all inline 4 version comes with newly developed SOHC 16 valves unit with electronic fuel injection for better fuel efficiency than ever.
Changes were not just only the exterior and the engine, but also the interior with updated interior styling and better quality.

Our reports show that Cdx 2.0 were popular choice not just being premium executive car, but also popular choice for premium passenger fleet, thanks to the dazzling hydropneumatic suspension that gives superb comfort ride like no others, only seen in French’s finest.
Safety features were upgraded to the highest standard, with state of the art supplement restrain system for the driver as standard.

'86 Cdx. 2.0 Sx Turbo

For the first time, the Cdx comes with turbocharged unit as increasing demand for premium segment since the '83 2.0 Sx “Twincam”. The new turbocharged engine was the main family of “Tornado” (TR-U-xx series) along with TR-U-16 “Alpha” founded in Graclet Swift 1.6 Ti Twincam Turbo.

With the turbocharged unit, Cd 2.0 Sx was truely “shock and awe” to many performance executive cars in the market, as pushing the top speed over 220 km/h with breathtaking acceleration from 0-100 km/h within 7 seconds.

Also for the first time, Cd 2.0 Sx equipped with highly advance Antilock Brake System (ABS) along with ventilated disc brakes as standard for greater control and safety.
The comfortability, Cd 2.0 Sx now equips with sunroof for more pleasure when enjoying the scenery.

However, many auto journalist speculated that Cd 2.0 Sx Turbo was the experimental unit before using in rumored all wheel drive version of the Gracelet Mk.III which soon to be release in late 1987 as part of “25th anniversary packages”.

'86 Cdx. 3.5 Prestige

The sole flagship of all SBA products with pride of being official state car and royal passenger fleet, Cdx. 3.5 Prestige also received a major updates in styling and technology.
The engine now using the last variant of Glory Eight (GE8-XX) named “Zenith”, a swansong for the old trusty V8 since the beginning of Cdx, before using new generation of V8 unit, as rumored having all aluminum with DOHC configuration.

Major updates was not only the last variant of the engine itself, but also the interior as well. All interior were handmade with optional package for silk insert, same as appeared in first class compartment of Thai Airways.

z2bbgr · 14 October 2018 11:13

The birth of the rally legend “Gracelet 2.0 Ti Integral”

'87 Gracelet 2.0 Ti Integral

As part of “25th Anniversary” project, and the continuation of Integral system development since the first introduction in homologation special, Gracelet Integral 4 - S, now the Mk.III Gracelet received with the ultimate version to keep up with the competitors.

The premier launch was on September 1987 at Suan Ambhorn Palace in 25th anniversary of the company since 1962, with many interest from around the world of this little racing machine.

The Gracelet 2.0 Ti Integral was completely different from usual Gracelet, even Gracelet 1.6 Swift Ti Twincam Turbo from having different frontend design with twin sealed headlights and using longitudinal mounted engine rather than uasual transversly mounted in regular Gracelets.

While having the new engine same in turbocharged Cdx, the power delivery system was the same as appeared in Gracelet Integral 4 - S but better torque distribution, thanks to the new center differential with more distribution at the rear for shape handling like driving RWD cars without compromising the traction and safety on slippery surfaces.

Not only the performance was enhanced, but also the safety features and the interior were enhanced as well.
The Gracelet 2.0 Ti Integral were equipped Anti-lock Brake System as standard for better control and safety.

After the premier launch, SBA decided to launch very special edition of the Gracelet 2.0 Ti Integral named “25th Anniversary Edition” with total production of 250 cars worldwide. Only sold in Exclusive Black with Special Gold wheel rims.

The export version of Gracelet 2.0 Ti Integral was debuted at 1987 Tokyo Motor show, only two months away from the premier launch in Thailand as part of 25th year anniversary and was produced from 1987 to 1992.
It was homologation special with only one goal, to compete in motorsports. SBA’s aim was still the same, Group A rallying, meaning that SBA has to manufactured 2500 units out from the entire range Gracelet Mk.III model.

However, due to its drastic nature of using longitudinal mounted engine, a far contrast from transversly mounted in usual Mk.III Gracelet which led to controversy of the eligibility as homologation special, resulted to late homologation approval from FIA in early '88 and increased production from the original number of 2500 units to 25000 units wordwide.

Later the Gracelet 2.0 Ti Integral was serious challenger with other manufacturer in world rally championship with more success from Azure Giovanni, Mikka Kolianen and Steward Wilson who drove for the private team but finished in top 10 overall place in 1988 Olympus Rally.

'88 Gracelet 2.0 Ti Integral (US Specs)

As part of US market expansion, SBA decided to export the “Integral” as well, but a bit later than the rest of the world due to the further development for the engine and other safety regulation to be eligible to sell in the States.

Changes from global exports version were, catalytic converter due to emission standard which decreased the maximum power from over 220 horsepower to 216 horserpower, side markers and driver side airbag as standard, as automatic seatbelt system deemed not crashworthy enough for such performance machine.

The total number of US Spec were only 500 cars and it was sold out completly after the stellar result in 1988 Olympus Rally in hands of local driver, Steward Wilson for finishing within top 10 over place, only minutes away from John Buffum’s Audi Quattro.

The original advertisement for US Market.

z2bbgr · 21 October 2018 19:22

'82 Rosales K550 and R100

'82 Rosales K550 (JDM - Kei-car export only)

As SBA reached toward 20th year anniversary, there is another market segment that is still very new to SBA, the sub compact market and Japanese Kei-car market.
Rosales was the brainchild from lead engineers, after seeing the legendary Mini and many Japanese Kei-car (Kei Jidousha) on the streets of Japan, while SBA having only 1.4 as the smallest in the lineup appeared in Mk.II Gracelet.

Styling wise was penned by Puthibhong Keawmanee, a protege of legendary Kanlayakron Phusakul as side project with lead engineers.
All Rosales were developed in balance between cost efficiency and technology by using Torsion Beam at the rear for more cabin space and cost effective, while having advance electronically fuel injected 550 c.c. inline 3 with 4 valves per cylinder as power unit, producing 29 horsepowers with extremely good fuel consumption of 16.8 km/liter. (for K550 model only)

'82 Rosales R100

To cope with rising new generations and new demand for having small city car with sensible fuel consumption, the domestic and the global exports Rosales will receive highly advance 1000 c.c. inline 4 with DOHC-16 tuned for maximum fuel efficiency as standard.

z2bbgr · 26 November 2018 18:22

The new line up has revealed in 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show

We are proudly present the latest line up in 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show along with our luxury subsidiary Trisula.

The new line models are,

2019 Cdx. (Mk.VI), Cdx. 2.0 iH Plugin Hybrid, X45 Integral* and 5.0 Prestige*
2019 Gracelet (Mk.VII) 2.0 iH and 2.0 Ti Integral*
2018 Rosales (Mk.IV) R180 TCT*
2019 Trisula Ceratina XC*
2019 Trisula Apodina* CS and SP

[*any car reviewer wishes for testing and reviewing these models, please notify me in PM for my consent and the file for exporting]

z2bbgr · 27 February 2019 17:06

'89 Gracelet 1.6 (Mk.IV)

As 80’s is coming to the closing stage, SBA decided to launch a revised engineering for the famous Gracelet for upcoming 90’s. After years of R&D and market research with help from the racing experiences, the new Gracelet has born as the first car of the new era.

Styling wise was penned by Kanlayakorn Phusakul for more elegant design que, but still maintain her signature sharp body line.
Engineering aspect was emphazied more on suspension. As for the first time, Gracelet now equipped with race derrived double wishbone all round which resulted for better road holding, comfort and agility.
However, current '89 model is still equipped SOHC-16 engine, while having rumors of developing advance version of this E-XU16 engine.
Also the “Swift” version will be only for performance specification (better driving dynamic) as the majority of the buyers tend toward for 5 doors hatchback.

Also this Mk.IV generation is the basis for the notorious group A rally car… “Gracelet Integral Evolution”

Additional Pictures.

desperatedonut5 · 27 February 2019 18:12

Looks like an Alfa Romeo from the back and kinda like a Saab in the front.

Knightophonix · 4 March 2019 09:07

Aw shit that looks nice.

Bookmarks this

z2bbgr · 8 February 2020 17:48

SBA’s Riparia Saga

Riparia was the SBA’s solely mass-produced convertible vehicle (apart from special model ME-X1 “Stratossa”) expanding from 1965, 1989, and the latest generation in 2019.

Riparia Mk.I 1965 - 1971

The original Riparia, released in May '65 as a supplement to the original Kesa’s market share while under the needs of the convertible car. Riparia was sought after by the celebrities, movie stars, and high profile buyers for very stylish yet reliable convertible rather than importing from overseas. Also, being the first model to be exported and gained some marketing success which set the footprint of SBA’s product.

The saga continues on 1989’s Mk.II…

BannedByAndroid · 13 February 2020 01:10

Nice work, bud.

z2bbgr · 15 November 2020 09:52

“Plaz” the new EV centric spinoff company of SBA

Since 2017, SBA decided to invest in the new propulsion technology with the newly found “Plaz” as EV centric brand aimed for “Sustainability, Driving, and Cutting edge technology”.
The first project of “Plaz” is the new “Modular Electric Construction Platform” (MECP) in 2019, with a test prototype in the Gracelet and CDX.

In 2019, the SBA group revealed the “Plaz-ma3 concept car” and develop into the pre-production stage in late September 2020.
Plaz is the subsidiary of SBA which not just for the new electrified vehicle product but also aims for the implementation of new technology such as synthetic yarn derived from recycled PET bottle for the fabric portion of the interior design.

Plaz-ma3 ITR Long-range, and Plaz-ma3 ITR S pack

(Plaz-m3 Long-range shown in White, S-pack showed in Satin Silver)

Plaz-ma3 is the new production-ready Electric Vehicle aims for the “C Segment BEV”.
The Long-range version and S-Pack are using a 75 kWh Battery pack system with 400V architecture while having a stable energy flow yet also efficient, thanks to the development in Battery Management System (BMS) capable of a range in WLTP cycle in 500 Kilometers (300 Miles), and 420 Kilometers (260 Miles) for the S-Pack version.

The propulsion system is dual motors, both front, and rear axles. Each motor capable of producing the 180KW, total combined power of 360KW, while launching from 0-100 km/h within 4.6 seconds (3.8 for S-pack) and having limited top speed at 220 km/h (270 for S-Pack).

The Plaz-ma3, both Long-range, and S-Pack are ready for general distribution within the 2nd quarter of 2021, while the premier edition will be launch in March 2021, starting price of $43000 for the Long-range, and $49000 for S-Pack.

Marcus_gt500 · 15 November 2020 20:40

Why so serious?