Trafikjournalen: Cars that influenced Swedish car culture (The end!)

[Knugcab]

ROUND 5: 1986-95

A short summary of the era:
A very turbulent era, starting with a strong economy that turned around to a major financial crisis. This was probably the era where Sweden after WW2 as we knew it disappeared and never really became itself again, after some turbulent happenings and dramatic changes in society.

What happened during this era? (OOC: Including this as it might reflect society as a whole, important to consider in this challenge)

1986: Volvo and Fermenta announces a fusion that breaks and results in a scandal when the CEO for Fermenta, Reefat El-Sayed, was caught lying about his academic qualifications. The prime minister Olof Palme is shot, a murder that still remains unsolved to this day. He is replaced by Ingvar Carlsson. Sweden is suffering lots of damage from the nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl. Back seat passengers is now required to wear seatbelts. The Nintendo Entertainment System becomes a smash hit in the country. SAAB sets its famous world record at Talladega.
1987: The first prototype of JAS 39 Gripen is shown. Sweden wins the world cup in ice hockey. Patrik Sjöberg sets the world record in high jump at 2.42 metres. The first commercial TV channel, TV3, is started, because a loophole is found in the law that banned commercial TV, since the sendings are done from UK.
1988: ASEA and Brown Boveri is fusioned which forms ABB. Even kids under 15 is now required to wear seatbelts. A virus epidemic kills lots of seals in the Baltic sea. JAS 39 Gripen does its first test flight.
1989: The only example of JAS 39 Gripen crashes during a test flight. Roxette is at top of the Billboard list with “The look”. GM buys a 50% stake in the automobile production at SAAB.
1990: Sweden gets into a huge financial crisis.
1991: SAAB closes its Malmö automobile factory after huge losses. Carola Häggqvist wins the Eurovision song contest. The Volvo 850 is shown, the most expensive industrial project in the country ever. John Ausonius, also known as “the Laser man”, shoots his first victim. The Social democratic party loses the election to the Moderate party. TV4 gets permission to send commercial TV in Sweden.
1992: Sören Gyll becomes the new CEO for Volvo after Pehr G Gyllenhammar. John Ausonius is caught after a bank robbery. 4.6% of the Swedish population are now unemployed.
1993: 54 people is killed when the ferry “Jan Heweliusz” is sinking in the Baltic sea. A JAS 39 Gripen crashes at a flight show during the Stockholm water festival. A fusion between Volvo and Renault is failed. The ban on commercial radio is lifted.
1994: The second lieutenant Mattias Flink shoots 7 people to death at a crime of passion. The Social democrats once again wins the election. 852 people is killed when the ferry “M/S Estonia” sinks into the Baltic sea.
1995: Sweden joins the European Union. The sales of leaded gas are now banned.

CAR RULESET:
Model year - 1995 or older
Trim year - 1986 - 1995
Engine family year - 1995 or older
Engine variant year - no newer than the trim year of the car

Banned parts:
Billet cranks
Racing intakes
Racing tubular headers
Semi slicks
All types of carbon fibre bodies and chassis
Downforce undertray

Restricted parts:
Alu or fiberglass bodies not recommended except for sports cars/high end luxury cars (in the case of aluminium). May result in binning, if you are unsure, ask first. Partial alu is always OK.
Lockers are only allowed on 4x4 vehicles. LSDs are always OK

Fuel type: Unleaded, regular or premium. Applies to all cars.

Emissions/loudness:
1986-88: A maximum of 6000 engine emissions. Catalytic converter not required. At least one muffler required. Maximum engine noise level is 42.
BONUS: If you have a cat fitted and meets the 1989 regulations, your base price will get a $800 AMU reduction. This is to simulate the subsidy cars with cats got before cats were mandatory, to encourage people to buy cars with cats.

1989-95: A maximum of 1500 engine emissions. Catalytic converter required. At least one muffler required. Maximum engine noise level is 42. No subsidies anymore.

EXCEPTION: Before 1992, if the engine is smaller than 800 cc, or if the weight + maximum load capacity of the vehicle exceeds 2500 kg, no emissions regulations apply.

Safety: 60s safety not allowed. 70s safety has to be at least standard. Any 80s or 90s safety allowed.
EXCEPTIONS: Light duty trucks can use basic 70s safety, which means all vans and pickup trucks. A SUV is classed as a light duty truck only if the last row of seats that can be used in the body is either empty or jump seats. So, if it’s a 2 row body, the second row can’t contain full seats. If it’s a 3 row body, the second row can, but not the third row.

Lights:
At least one pair of headlights required - can have any shape since Sweden never had any sealed beam regulations. White or yellow lenses forward. One pair of white or yellow parking lamps required - though they may be integrated in the headlight fixture. If using separate parking lights they has to be white or yellow though - not amber/orange.

Turn signals required front and rear, as well as at least one side mounted turn signal. Lenses and/or lamp should be orange.

At least one pair of taillights and one pair of brakelights. They can be combined in the same fixture. One or two backup lights optional, not mandatory. “Third brake light” is recommended but not mandatory.

Wiper/washers: At least one windshield wiper required. If using only one wiper, it has to be mounted close to the centre so it can sweep most of the windshield. Real life examples: Mercedes 190 or Fiat Panda. Generally, windshield washer nozzles are required, however, since they could be built into the wipers, a separate fixture is not required.

Wipers and/or washer nozzles for the headlights are mandatory on 1993 models and older. If using dual headlights, it is enough to have it only on the low beams. 1994 and newer models does not need any headlamp cleaning equipment (unless the car has HID lights but that’s more a remark for lore purpouses since it’s impossible to tell from the fixture)

Mirrors:
Two outside mirrors required

License plate:
One up front, one in the rear. The wide “euro size” plates has to be used, not necessarily this one but the ones that is close in size to this:

Gas cap: Has to be mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

Tyres: Radials were universal in this era. Size requirements removed but use common sense. A 1986 econobox didn’t have 255/40R18. If you are unsure, check out what similar cars in its class had IRL, it is rarely more than a google search away.

Others: Hard, protruding hood ornaments are banned.
Bumpers are required front and rear, though no requirements regarding size or strength. Exception: Light duty trucks.

Keep in mind that there was an increasing safety debate during this era and a car without at least ABS and a drivers side airbag was not illegal but would have recieved criticism and probably be hard to sell around 94-95 unless being a very cheap econobox. Light trucks and SUVs were a lot slower to recieve safety equipment, though.

Naming:
Model/Trim : SCCR5 - Your name / The name of the car
Family/Variant : SCCR5 - Your name / The name of the engine

DEADLINE:Saturday the 13th of November, 6 PM CET
Before this, I want the car file sent to me via PM, and also a presentation, ad, or similar of the car in this thread.

(Feel free to ask any questions!)

[Maverick74]

I was wondering Knugcab, what is your thoughts on faux-diesels? I know compression ignition engines really started to become a thing in Europe particularly in this era, so would simulating one to the best of the games abilities be OK?

[Knugcab]

I actually played around a little with the idea. After all some cars are way more iconic in their diesel versions, like the Cummins RAMs, the various iterations of the Mercedes E-class, some Peugeots, etc.

In the end I decided not to open for them. I like building faux diesels for lore reasons, and you can get a power curve that is pretty close, but it doesn’t count in a lot of other factors that I still want to use when judging. Also, most vehicles still had a gasoline version available after all.

On the other hand, there is examples of low revving gasoline engines tuned for effiency rather than performance too, and you can of course build one but it will also be treated as such an engine then.

[Maverick74]

OK, sounds reasonable. Figured I’d ask since the vehicle I plan on building for the next round is a bit under powered and could rather benefit from turbocharging. But a turbo’d petrol engine would be highly unusual for the time. I guess I’ll simply go a different route to improve it.

[conan]

First, there was a T5.

Then, there was a T-5R.

And now, the R.

1991 AEKI 550 T5: AEKI and Sten Consolidated.

It's going to be long so I'll spoiler it.

During the 1980’s it became clear that AEKI having 2 operations, one in Malmö and one in Lund is costing the company huge amount of money that is not translating into profit. It was clear that rationalisation was something they sorely needed.

Basically it was decided that there would be no more 2 teams developing vastly different machines. One department was going to be redundant, and that ain’t going to be Malmö operation.

This does not mean Lund AEKI is completely dismantled, the operation still exist, only they have way less autonomy. It was more of a consolidation of management than of workers. The two operations are close enough that it isn’t a problem for either part to visit each other and sharing their idea and working together.

And the rationalisation went smooth as everybody expected. There was no divide other than the machine that they’re making, and the workers from both operation are pretty much the same people, who went to the same college and usually cooperate well anyway.

So, what was the first car to be made after this was finished? Of course it was the next generation car, the 500-series AEKI.

The development started right after AEKI 400 was launched in 1982, and it was decided that AEKI and Sten operation had to be merged. This means the AEKI 500, despite having it’s hundred series name, would become front wheel drive. It was also going to be completely brand new from the ground up. New platform, new engine, new everything. Even the factory that was to produce it going to be new. The factory was not big, but it was state of the art, located in the town of Åkarp just off the E22. Why? It was right in the middle between Malmö and Lund.

This was hugely expensive, of course. But as the AEKI 400 become a huge success while the AEKI S80 “Skeva II” become more of a curiosity, it was clear that the smaller Sten car had to become more AEKI.

So, it took a while, but in June 1991, AEKI 500 was launched to the market. What did it offer?

The engine’s completely new, of course. it was christened Modular-520. Inline 5-cylinder, aluminium block with double overhead camshaft. With option for shortening to 4-cylinder or lengthening to 6-cylinder using the same bore and stroke for smaller or bigger cars. The 500 itself only had 5-cylinder, but 4 and 6 was use in the refreshed 400 and the next generation 600.

The particular car shown is the AEKI 550 T5, the 500-series 5-door station wagon, T5 denotes the sporty Turbocharged trim. Painted in “Aubergine Metallic”.

The T5 utilised the now ubiquitous Turbocharging technology which AEKI is now very familiar with and marketed to within an inch of it’s credential. Every single car in AEKI lineup has a Turbo variant by this point. The M5234T4 engine produces 208 horsepower, and is available with either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. This one is Automatic.

It was also made with reduction in tailpipe emission in mind, in fact, the new Modular 5 is one of the cleanest car on the road during this time.

With the same naming convention people are familiar with. The 500 was initially available as sedan and station wagon. Later in 1997, during a major facelift, coupe and convertible variant was also introduce.

The suspension was MacPherson Strut front and Torsion Beam rear axle. This is more similar to what Sten would have rather than RWD AEKI.

It also had a revolutionary side airbag system call Side IMpact Protection, or SIMP. AEKI was still a company who cares about safety after all.

To conclude? Smaller and sportier, more affordable, yet still very much an AEKI in every way.

In 1995, AEKI launched the new sporty T-5R variant. Developed by ARD (AEKI Racing Development) It was a limited edition car with only 6,000 were to be made and sold worldwide. It had body kits, better wheels, special interior, extra boost so to produce 237hp. This car was made to show the fact that AEKI is now youthful and sporty. It was such a success that AEKI had to produce more of it.

The distinctive yellow colour with bar of soap styling earns the AEKI 500 T-5R the nickname of “Melted Butter”.

So in 1996, they launched the AEKI 500 R. It had improvements further from the T-5R in suspension, differential, bigger turbo and even better interior. This was a normal production, not a limited production and thus is more common than the T-5R.

AEKI 500 was race as well, in various form of motorsport, the most famous of which was in the BTCC during 1994-1997.

As a final note, the AEKI 400 did get a thorough refresh in 1991, with the new Modular engine installed and freshened styling. as shown above.

AEKI 500 was made until 2000 when it was replaced by the 600.

[AndiD]

1995 Mara Kavaler 2.3i Prakty

The early 1990s were a busy time for Mara. The fall of the Closed Curtain and the opening of world markets to Archana and vice-versa required them to play catch up to contemporary car technology very quickly if they wanted to stay in business In the long term, especially beyond the ADM (Archanan Domestic Market).

First, the stalwart Irena got a quick facelift to meet tightened emissions regulations in international markets. Mara also concurrently developed successors (the Zvezda - ‘star’ - as the new mainstream compact entry) and replacements (for the larger Kavaler) for their existing products. The Zvezda debuted in 1993 and its revenue helped Mara complete the more ambitious Kavaler Mk2 project in 1995 which incorporated a number of advanced technologies such as ABS or a computer-controlled automatic gearbox.

The Mk2 Kavaler: plenty of car (and space), but quite a subdued appearance

Due to the popularity of the Irena wagon in Archana, the second generation Kavaler was also available in a wagon variant (‘Prakty’), positioned as a more premium counterpart to the no-frills Zvezda wagon (and at more than twice the price of the also still produced Irena wagon).

The base Kavalers were powered by an enlarged 2.3l variant of the Zvezda’s all-new Progress I4 2.0l engine. Initially, the 2nd gen Kavalers were regarded by many Archanans as an aspirational domestic product, as it was one of the few larger cars on the market that was realistically affordable to them with a bit of a stretch.

A higher-spec variant - often driven by lower ranking Archanan state officials in the 1990s - was also available with the Blyz (‘twin’) Progress V8 4.0 engine. This V8 essentially consisted of two Progress I4 blocks mated together but was tuned more for manners than for outright performance (at least until Mara’s newly formed performance division AMM - not to be confused with the renowned Swedish car manufacturer - got their hands on it). The V8 variants, however, were out of reach for most Archanans in the 1990s and were thus quite rare.

It is said that the 2nd gen Kavaler wagon helped many newly well-off Archanans discover their fondness for caravanning with their ‘mobile dacha’

In export markets, the base Kavalers was often sold at a further discounted price due to a lack of brand image, whereas the V8 Kavalers were essentially limited to the ADM for the same reason.

[Knugcab]

The last part, the one below the picture of the purple 500 and black 400, is something I don’t really like, and I would be happy if you removed it. That part of the history is something participants is not supposed to write since it feels like an attempt to influence the results. I hope you understand, thanks.

[conan]

I’d think it didn’t matter all that much to the result because not only that I’ve already made a reference to this matter in Round 3, it was also something that did not really influence sales but more like rumour or diss people said after the car is unveil so you don’t really have to taken into account, or, just mention it like Round 3. But that’s okay I’ve removed it.

[cake_ape]

Mons Customs

Introducing the

Mons Albatros II

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Mons Customs you say??

Yep, Mons Customs. Following a few decades of success in both the mass-produced consumer market (Mons Automotive) and racing circuit (Mons Racing), Mons was ready to expand in the early 90s. A prospective growth area was in the custom-built luxury market targeted at the ever growing list of multi-millionaires and multi-billionaires of the world. We’re talking the Waltons, the Gates, and of course the Rausing brothers… but everyone who could afford the utmost luxury was welcome. Not that Mons endorses income inequality and wealth hoarding, but are also not above making a profit off of it. Mons Customs follows Cadillac’s modus operandi of the 30s: custom built cars individually tailored to each customer’s needs and wants. As such, no two Mons Customs cars are alike. This kind of unique build does not come cheap of course, but for the elite only the best will do!

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Presented here is just one example of what a Mons Albatros II could look like. Each one was built tailor made to the customer, and no two are alike. If you are seen driving one of these (or rather, you’re probably being driven), then you know that you are the only person on the planet in your unique Mons Albatros II. The specs of the example car are:

It provided blistering road performance (e.g. 5.1s 0-100!), while pampering the occupants in utmost luxury and safety. The interior has all of the latest of luxury amenities, all surfaces covered in the most plush and opulent materials, and everything carefully hand built by the best craftspeople Canada has to offer. In the rear you can even follow your investments in real-time on the built-in centre screen! All of this can be yours for the price of $75,000 - which includes start-to-finish personalized communication regarding the custom design criteria, regular status updates on the build progress, and final delivery to your doorstep.

Lots of eye candy!

[Restomod]

@Knugcab

Two outside mirrors required

awww, my shity econobox needs TWO now?

[interior]

Alright, game on, i’m gonna rival you with it /s

[Edsel]

@Knugcab

Turn signals required front and rear, as well as at least one side mounted turn signal.

If a front or rear signal is visible from the side, does this satisfy the side-mounted requirement? Or is yet a 3rd side-signal required regardless?

[Knugcab]

The extra side mounted signal is required no matter what.

[abg7]

1995 KAI K3 RS-T

Built as a homologation special for Group A rallying, the K3 RS-T was the company’s first transverse-engined AWD car. Utilizing a development of the K180/K200’s turbocharged inline-four, now developing 250 horsepower thanks to variable valve timing, it also received a six-speed manual gearbox, high-performance tires and a mechanical LSD to make optimal use of all that power. Dual-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension gave it the kind of handling and grip normally reserved for more expensive machinery, especially with a kerb weight of just 1280 kg. Speaking of price, at $30,000 AMU it was one of KAI’s more expensive offerings during the 1990s, but considering its 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, a top speed of over 150 mph, and a 62-0 mph braking distance of 34.4 metres, anyone who bought this car got plenty of performance for their money.

As time went on, KAI would develop more powerful and harder-edged versions of the K3 RS-T, based on the sound underpinnings of the original design, but even so, the original 1995 version is still a formidable performer.

[Elizipeazie]

lol the unintentional leftover of the USDM side markers actually preserved the compliance with swedish DOT regulations then xD

[cake_ape]

Whoa, you basically replicated the GT-X mechanically, but 10 years later.

[interior]

MY1995 Schnell L50 Catalyser
Schnell was forced to be independent after their parent company, an oil and gas company “Rosetti’s Oil and Gas LTD” in 1990 after the parent company went bankrupt, Chapter 7. Investors and hedge funds bought shares of Schnell, but the largest shareholder was Hakumai, and that went onto a joint venture in 1995, and a full-on ownership in 2000.
The L50 was introduced, replacing the LX-6 Series in 1995 after years of research and development of their next-generation car. (EUDM Catalyser trim level shown)

Lore about the L50 itself

The L50 was designed as an global vehicle. It took 10 years to bring it to the market, whilst most of that time was spent in designing, prototypes and testing of pre-production examples and various test mules disguised as an LX-6 to think its just an next-generation LX-6. It featured partial aluminum panels and a Galvanised steel chassis, It also had an LSi trim, but the N50 LSi was a better seller. Like its economical competitors it handled well, had the sporty-style look like its competitors but in a base model suit. It had a kerb weight of 1134KG due to how barebones it was and sold for 19,600AMU and a stop distance of 37.1M and a top speed of 127MPH, It was an affordable model for those who just wanted a car with decent performance.

Pictures

[cake_ape]

I thought you’re going to bring a rival for the Albatros II, but I’m left a little confused after you brought a budget coupe with an I4 to the V12 luxury sedan arena?

[interior]

I was joking tbh, I was gonna submit an actual V12 Car but most of the design language at the time for my brand was the same and wouldn’t work for a prestige level car, uh atleast you can bring a heated pad into the budget coupe?

[abg7]

The difference is that whereas the GTX was inspired by Group B (a category that was abolished at the end of 1986), the '95 K3 RS-T was built for Group A homologation instead. The K3 RS-T, however, is front-engined, not mid-engined, and retains the rear seats present in lesser variants, making it a more practical proposition overall. And yes, it comes in multiple colors, including the bright yellow shown in the screenshot above.