Here’s the '92 AAA Crusader (a UE4 4.3 reimagining of my Kee-era Albury Crusader):
It’s much more detailed than the original, with a few extra touches to give it more presence. I also think it looks far better than before.
The small lip spoiler is meant to reference my CSR47 entry (although other trims had an actual wing instead).
Due to my refusal to download the legacy body set mod pack (which includes the 4th-gen F-body-esque coupe on which the original Crusader was based), and my acknowledgement of the limitations of the '89 Z15A/Z16A GTO/3000GT body set (too wide, with only one body style and two wheelbases), I have chosen the newly introduced '92 Evade body set in 2.53m fastback coupe configuration as the basis for the remake.
This time, I have shown the Crusader with its pop-up headlights deployed - previously, they were always shown in their retracted position due to the lack of a suitable fixture. It still resembles a 456/512 TR from the front, though.
The full-width reflector integrated into the taillight clusters (a nod to the NA1 NSX has also been retained, along with the fastback rear end (which takes the form of a single wraparound rear window).
Whereas we had to use our imaginations for interiors in the Kee era, we can now make them ourselves in the current UE4 release, so here they are.
Mechanically, the UE4 rendition of the Crusader is powered by a 6.0L all-aluminum/silicon OHV V8 delivering 350 bhp and 390 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox and helical LSD, with 18-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires, and large ABS-assisted 4-wheel vented disc brakes, allied to a 4-wheel fully independent suspension (dual wishbones up front, multi-link in the rear) with adaptive dampers to help the car turn and stop on a dime. An advanced safety suite and premium interior/sound system (complete with CD player), along with variable-ratio hydraulic power steering and traction control, ensure a safe and comfortable drive for the two occupants.
Crucially, however, it’s lighter than its inspiration, due to not only being physically smaller, but also having partial aluminum bodywork on an AHS steel chassis. The CSR47 submission was the only major deviation from the basic recipe - it had a luxury interior and sound system, along with a 5-speed automatic transmission, to fit the brief for that challenge. Neither of them are present in the remaster, though, which is for the best considering its more overtly sporting nature - at least in this trim.
(that’s inspired by the Maserati 3200 GT, which had the first LED taillights in 1998). A very significant difference between the old and the new is the engine - Kee Squalo had a 3.6 tcv, which was an eco-tuned turbo V6. I wasn’t sure if I want any similar engine for the modern Squalo IV, but I had some other engine already made, that I was sure will go in it - the top of the (luxury) line V12. It’s a naturally aspirated 48-valve DOHC 5.5 making 420 hp and 575 Nm. It’s coupled with a 6-speed auto and powers the rear wheels, propelling the car to 100 km/h in just 5,2 seconds, and continuing up to the electronically limited 270 km/h. IDK about the old Squalo IV, but the new one is very light, as it’s entirely built of aluminium - this 5-metre luxury sedan weighs just over 1700 kg.