also uhh
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I have received additional entries from:
The following entrants still have a chance to resubmit:
- @WangMaster_420
- kalan
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- @Odyssey_Fan
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Hey there, I’m the FNG here so I’m trying to catch up. I think I’m limited in what I can send to folks via direct.
Is it a waste of time to submit a ride that lacks an interior? I’m going to hold off on spending hours on end to do an interior until we have a more stable Automation, IMO.
Here’s what I’ve been working on though
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The interior is an advantage, if not an obligation.
In any case, the contest ends on March 13.
Hah cool, you did the front exactly like I wanted to do it, but then I dismissed that option.
Also, don’t forget to include on adv auto and increase the comfort points you don’t have enough of.
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Welcome! You can send DMs to people once you reach the “Basic” trust level, which you can do by spending some time reading in the forums.
Cars with interiors will definitely have a higher chance of winning, but I will still evaluate and give you feedback on whatever you submit to me, though do remember that submissions will close in 14 hours.
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10/4, because direct-messaging is not an option, here’s my file in my drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/151z2LzeoVvtsoIyQQms_0cR_fS83vA9D/view?usp=sharing
Introducing Floyd Motor Co’s 1996 SportFam 2.5 Premium J-Spec!
Built from the ground-up by their singular designer and engineer, FMC has come to claim the family sport title for the mid-90’s with the SportFam - in sedan or wagon bodystyle! Yes, a wagon! This sleek, yet roomy ride is available in multiple trims, but today I’ve got the keys to the special edition 2.5 Premium J-Spec trim. As the name hints at, this spec is for the Japanese market, but we hear it may come state-side soon. The J-Spec comes in wagon only, and only with an advanced automatic 5-speed transmission. Don’t fold the page just yet on the auto, because the J-Spec’s version has been carefully tuned to match the engine’s capabilities and in sport mode will snap off brisk shifts and keeps up with the engine perfectly. We look forward to FMC producing a manual version some day, and we’ll be sure to road test it against the results we got with the J-Spec today.
Back to that engine - as some readers are aware, engine size determines the taxation level in Japan, so smaller caliber engines are preferred in order to keep the government’s heavy hand off the citizen’s cash. Still, you can’t go anywhere with zero cc’s, so the J-Spec compromises with a 2500cc mill. Checking the box for “J-Spec” on the order sheet lands the relatively low-displacement Flat 6 in the engine bay. The J-Spec is the first to get this engine, but we hope it ends up in many more FMC cars to come! Made of all-aluminum construction, the powerplant is silky-smooth, high-revving, and powerful with 248HP at 7900RPM, and 187ft-lbs TQ at 5700 RPM. To reach these lofty RPM’s, the engine boasts partially forged internals – those horses won’t exit the corral (editor note: he means blow the engine…) when the pedal hits the floor, even when driven much harder than a wagon ought to be. We found the engine to have an exotic sound, but we had to double-check our dB meter when it showed only a score of 33.9 - which is territory of some of the most tame passenger cars made. We expected 248HP to make a bit more noise in the stable. FMC told us that a careful selection of intake, tubular engine manifold, and well-sized 3-way cat and muffler combination makes it possible.
Top speed of the J-Spec is an aerodynamically-limited 161 MPH, no governor on this version. Acceleration is just over 7.1 seconds to 60MPH from a standstill. We suspect a 6-speed manual transmission would cut that significantly, but the performance as-tested will certainly be sufficient for most. The J-Spec gets an absolutely amazing 23.6 MPG when not flogging it, but it does require the premium stuff due to the high compression and advanced ignition. Feed it right and you’ll be rewarded!
Like almost every sporty FMC vehicle, the suspension is firm and capable. The J-Spec turns up the comfort significantly with adaptive suspension, tuned to work in concert with the medium compound tires to soak up the bumps. Despite this softer configuration, the car rounded our skidpad at an astonishing 1.01g Like most FMC sport models, handling is never in question. We hope they keep it that way. FMC told us that special attention to weight savings brings the J-Spec in at 3120lbs by using a partial-aluminum panel construction, and the steel monocoque chassis is galvanized against rust. Japan is surrounded by salty ocean, so corrosion resistance will prove useful over the car’s life. FMC assured us state-side models will get the same treatment.
Despite not being a track car, we put the J-spec on our Automation circuit and got a 2:27.22 with AI Stig behind the wheel. He said the brakes held up even from the 160mph straightaway run, but did comment that sportier pads would be on order if he were to order one. He puts track pads on his shoes, so don’t pay any attention to him.
The interior is a carryover from other classy FMC rides, with the J-Spec receiving the standard Premium treatment, including an absolutely fantastic CD player. We enjoyed the well-tuned engine over the audio unit, but we did have to roll the windows down (and open up the standard sunroof) to enjoy the engine’s sonorous note all the way up to its absurd 8400RPM redline. We’d love to see this engine in future FMC rides, perhaps in a drop top and with a more aggressive intake and exhaust. We’ll see what their 1-man design and engineer team can come up with next!
Overall we were highly impressed with the SportFam J-Spec. It fit all our camera crew and gear with ease, and was easy on the wallet at the pump. The gorgeous smokey blue-gray metallic pearl (they call it “Rivuline”) paired nicely with the standard 17" aluminum alloy wheels. The wife came down to the garage and stared at it a while as we said goodbye to our tester, and asked when can we drive one in red with a manual. FMC, when? The J-Spec runs 37,400 as-tested. In typical FMC fashion, we say “Come take my money!”
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1996 Halvson Harrier sPORT 2.0 Wagon
Australian boldness, Japanese tech.
The new for 1996 Halvson Harrier sPORT wagon combines the Australian sensibilities of a rear-wheel-drive family car with impressive performance, with the Japanese sensibilities of an advanced experience in smart packaging.
Moderately sized for Japanese roads, the 2L inline 5 engine fits in a lower tax category than most of its peers, while still making a more than respectable 162kW thanks to our innovative sPORT VVT technology. Paired with an advanced 5 speed automatic transmission and high quality premium interior as standard, the sPORT proves that sophistication and speed are not exclusive.
Externally, the sPORT is understated, but obvious to those who know, with black sports trims, sPORT badging, a sunroof, and performance 7 spoke wheels as standard. Paired with the all-new Harrier’s styling, it will surely prove to be a timeless design.
Reserve yours today for only $35,400 AMU.
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Last minute question - are advanced trim settings allowed?
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Yes, as long as you don’t try to make your wheels look bigger/smaller than it really is or anything like that
-ride height
-chassis track width
-body z offset
-tunnel size
-rear wheelbase offset
okay?
Yes they’re fine as long as they do not deviate too much from what the car actually has
Wish I knew that, would have made the transmission tunnel smaller. At least I can lore my way out of it by having an AWD option. 
Just hide the chassis on pretty much every car, the firewall or tunnel is all over the place on most bodies
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I wasn’t aware that was allowed. :o Thanks for the tip!
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THIS POST IS BEST IN LANDSCAPE ON MOBILE DEVICES
CREATED IN COLLABORATION WITH @debonair0806
1996 KOZOKUMI RYUTA VI- ENGINEERED BY VALLIORE
Lore
The Kozokumi Ryuta VI, now in its 4th generation, is a dependable, well-designed estate for the modern family, however, there was one thing it lacked; a true performance variant. Valliore, a European tuning company and subsidiary of Voltari, was employed for their engineering prowess. Providing a state-of-the-art 3.3L, all-aluminum 24-valve inline-6 producing 270 horsepower, which was mated to an electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic, routed to the rear wheels. This powertrain allowed the Ryuta VI Valliore Edition to reach 60 in a quick 6.7 seconds, and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. It was also painted in an exclusive blue paintjob, a color not shared with any other Ryuta VIs, as well as a special “Tuned By Valliore” badge.
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The last of these features seems out of place to me, and if I were brave enough to enter this competition I would not even consider fitting it to my entry. Longitudinal FWD was more common in real life in 1996 than you think, though - even the contemporary Chrysler LHS/New Yorker and Acura Legend had it.
As for the Capriolo Turismo-S, it reminds me of the Alfa 156… except that in real life, the 156 would not launch until late 1997. Regardless, it’s one of the best cars I’ve seen with the estate/wagon body style.
2 Likes
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
I have received additional entries from:
If your name is not on this (or any) list, please be sure to inform me.
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Instabins and Phase 1 Bins
May 1996
“Kanpai!” a crowd of salarymen cheered as they toasted.
“Good work on this month’s GT-R special!”, the director said, “Let’s work hard for next month’s episode! But for now, enjoy yourselves!”
The group cheered again and downed their pints of cold beer. There was laughter, there was flirting, and there was business talk. Just about the typical night out with colleagues after a long day at work.
Amidst the chaos, one of the salarymen, Takeshi, sits at the corner of the table, reads that month’s issue of Variation magazine quietly.
“Hey, Takeshi!” the director called, “C’mon, come have some fun! Your glass is still full! You can do all that that serious reading later, yeah? Just forget about work for now!”
“Haha, yes sir!” Takeshi replied, “I’ve gotten some tidbits that can be useful for our next episode, though!”
Suisei Fuji Alca S-R
“Anything from Suisei?” the director asked, “That GT-R was darn wild!”
“I wish I could drive one too.” Takeshi replied, “Now as for their sports wagon, the Fuji Alca S-R… I don’t think we’ll be able to review it.”
“Why not?” the director inquired, “I drove Ms Hoshimachi’s last year and it was amazing!”
“Well, they’re not making any this year.” Takeshi said, “A shame, but I guess even Suisei isn’t immune to our slowing economy. Sus amongus, hahaHA!”
“What?”
(Binned for 1995 trim year. Would’ve been a finalist given its superb combination of stats, styling, and performance. Sus amongus.)
Schnell N50 II 3.5 Tourer AWD
(@interior )
“Real men use three pedals.” the director said.
“Why don’t you go pedal some bitches?”
“171.63.99.177 
”
(Binned for manual gearbox, as discussed earlier in this thread. That aside, the engine isn’t very powerful for its size despite running a rich AFR, it doesn’t use all the octane available, the brakes suffer from fade, and there is a lot of camber.)
Saidenki Prez STR
(@EnCR )
“Next up is the Prez STR. This one’s really good, with a relatively low price and comfortable ride which does not compromise its sporting characteristics. It’s plenty quick and smooth for a large straight-4 engine! We should get this on the show!”
“But isn’t it a little too small?”
“That’s why your wife left. GET REAL.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh, it’s nothing, sir.”
(Binned due to having 2.47m wheelbase. Otherwise, the car offered very good value for money though it was tuned for 95 RON, which limited performance and fuel economy.)
Sakura SilverVale (SV32) ATX Wagon GTN-4
“Anyway, I’ve got some news on the Sakura SilverVale.”
“Is it a death trap?”
“Yes it is. It’s got really big wheels, 18 inches I tell you! It’s pretty wide, and as a result the car oversteers a lot. Look at this, Director-san. Peak power at redline!”
“Gachi?”
(Binned because of unrealistically big and wide tyres which caused oversteer (along with suspension tuning that encouraged said behaviour), along with the very rich AFR (though the car still managed to get good fuel economy) and the fact that peak power is at redline even though the engine could rev further. Styling also leaves much to be desired.)
'96 RAU Vostok Sport Wagon
“This next one is from a new company from Russia. Quite a leap forward, I must say.”
"Russia? What’s it gonna have? A solid rear axle and an engine that runs on “oolong tea”?
“Nope, quite the contrary. It’s quite a decent automobile with the same technology found in most cars today including multilink suspension, although it’s quite rough around the edges. It’s got its fair share of issues, but it is quite reliable. I don’t think that it’s good enough for the show, though.”
(The stats are quite decent, but again ITBs are unrealistic for this type of car, and cars of this era mostly have vented disc brakes instead of solid discs. The brakes also suffer from severe fade. Still, it’s not bad for your first-ever forum challenge entry. Good job!)
Rowan Fidelis TT2100
“Kei plates? Who are they trying to fool here?”
“Us, apparently. They say that the engine was designed for our market, yet it has 2.1 litres of displacement. Might was well go for 2.5 at that point.”
“That aside, everything about the car just ain’t right… The engine is a burnt pancake that spools after a millennia, and once it does spool the torque drops drastically. The TRX tyres are hard to find, and you’ll have to find them fast because this thing eats rubber like Kakuei Tanaka taking payments from Lockheed. Not to mention that it’s got wheels for a dollar menu millionaire.”
(Binned due to the reasons stated above. The engine also revs way beyond what its components are capable of, which is never a good thing. Peak power at redline, too.)
Universal Galaxy Betelgeize Dub 55
(@kalan)
“This one’s kinda like the Fidelis, in the sense that the engine frustrates me. This thing is exactly 2500cc, which gave the folks over at customs a headache so they just chucked it into the 2.5-3.0l tax bracket. It’s not a good engine either, with the turbo spooling at 3300rpm, and its excessively rich fuel mixture. The car itself looks funny too, with no cohesion between the circular lights, square indicators, and vents. Did I mention that it’s a body-on-frame, too? And a 4x4 with locking differential?”
“Calm down, Takeshi. Have a drink.”
(This car seems to have an identity crisis on whether it should be an off-roading SUV or a sports wagon. I almost got a heart attack reading the forum post which said that the car developed 253 hp at 3300RPM though fortunately that is not the case. It is also the least reliable car in the roster. Regardless, this car goes to the bin)
Wells i6 GT (J)
“Anyway, next up is, well, the Wells i6 GT.”
“This one’s got an interesting paint scheme… Do I see silver on the roof panel?”
“Yes you did. In any case, the car is decent in most aspects although the turbocharged engine is not very powerful given its large displacement. The only thing bad thing about it really is its excessive camber. And also its engine displacement which sits RIGHT on the fence at 3000cc”
“I see…”
(Binned for the reasons stated above)
EcaMobile Ace 3L5D TubaTech JDM
(@Mikonp7 )
“That bulge on the bonnet seems… interesting.”
“I’m not a big fan of it, but well they had to do what they had to do. Regardless, they say that this car is not very driver-friendly but it’s not all that powerful either, with 218hp coming from a turbocharged 2.8 6-cylinder. The suspension is about as synchronized as a middle school talent show. It’s one of the cheapest cars in the market though so that’s a plus, I suppose.”
(Binned for the aforementioned reasons)
Megocom Sepack GT Turbo v20
(@LennoxV10 )
(There is a lot wrong with this car. 232hp is a healthy power figure but it comes from a very laggy 1847cc inline 5 engine with DAOHC, which would have been obselete by 1996. The combination of a billet crank and cast rods and pistons also make no sense. The car also suffers from brake fade thanks to solid discs and overly soft pads, and will wear tyres down quickly due to its excessively high camber. For those reasons, it’s binned.)
NobuKojo Radar TS
“Next is the Radar TS, yet another newcomer. It’s quick, but I have not heard many other good things about it. The cars are shoddily built, especially at the engine. A very rich AFR also makes this car very thirsty, and the ride is quite harsh for this price point.”
(Binned due to excessive negative quality, which reduces the reliability of the car and makes it worse all around. The tyres are also very wide for a car in this segment, and the brakes suffer from fade despite having racing brake pads. Despite the engineering, the design actually looks quite nice. A good effort overall!)
Manda Prospect VS6
(@RAZR)
“Last one for now is the Prospect VS6, and man is there a lot to unpack.”
“It doesn’t look too bad, Takeshi.”
“Outside, yes. But inside, it has all sorts of issues. The engine is a spectacle. It still uses K-Jetronic fuel injection, and has two turbos that never seem to spool at all. Power? 184.6hp at redline. Did I mention that it’s poorly made? And that it can run on spirytus, too?”
“I-I see”
“But there’s more. Power is sent to all four wheels via a purely mechanical automatic transmission, has solid disc brakes fore and aft, and yet they somehow managed to fit an active suspension system. Not that it does any good, since the entire thing is poorly built.”
(Yeah this car is full of issues left and right, and it’s one of the least reliable cars here. Needless to say it’s binned.)
SportFam 2.5 Premium J-Spec
(@Lanson)
“Next is the SportFam. It’s not bad of a car, actually but it’s nothing to write home about either. Anyway…”
(The engineering of the car isn’t bad, apart from the excessive rear camber and long gears. The engine isn’t bad either apart from the ITBs but overall, not much is appealing about the car. Still, not bad for your first challenge entry.)
Turosi TRS3000
“Last one for now is the TRS3000. While it is very powerful, power is sent to the front wheels through an open differential, so you can imagine how much wheelspin this has. It’s got a luxurious interior, but the manufacturer cut corners in other parts like the body. This one gets a pass.”
(Binned for the aforementioned reasons. 321hp is simply overkill for this segment, too.)
“I think that’s enough car reviews for now, Takeshi.” the director said, closing Takeshi’s magazine, “Come and have some fun with the others. We’ll discuss work later, on Monday.”
“Yes, sir.” Takeshi replied, holding his mug up, “Kanpai!”
Takeshi and the director toasted and downed their beers, as the party raged into the night. Takeshi eventually missed the last train home and went for even more drinks in Kamurocho. Such is the life of the Japanese salaryman.
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I’ll graciously accept the bin, and thank you for your kind words! 
I thought I might be pushing it with the headers: tried to lean into a parts bin special feel from their new parent company and I think I took it too far.
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