Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 53: A Budget Build Example
In my first few months as an Automationeer, I used the game mostly for building high-end, high-performance cars, but after seeing several examples of low-end, mass-market cars on the forums (usually from the CSR thread), I decided that I had to try my hand at building budget cars, with a low base price and, more importantly, reduced PU/ET values compared to more upmarket machinery. Working with a limited budget (in terms of price, production units and engineering time) was a challenge for sure, and involved some trial and error, but eventually I was able to get the hang of it, especially since I realized that building budget cars is an important part of an Automationeer's skillset. Now that I have improved my entry-level car-building skills, I will share an example of a low-cost car which I recently made. Specifically, it's a trim originally intended for CSR86, but one which I ultimately rejected for being too slow.
Looking at the model tab, this budget car seems like an ordinary vehicle for an ordinary market.
We'll start off with the model tab, where the construction methods, materials and suspension for a whole range of trims are determined. I went with a galvanized steel monocoque with partial aluminum panels - a cost-effective method for most mass-market cars, and one which still provides decent environmental resistance. This being an affordable economy car, I used a transversely mounted engine, strut suspension up front, and a torsion beam at the rear.
As for the engine, it's an all-iron, single-overhead-cam, in-line three with four valves per cylinder - a dual-overhead-cam, alloy-block equivalent was too expensive. Moreover, variable valve lift (which allows one to set two separate cam profiles, one for low RPM and another for high RPM) was not fitted due to the extra cost it would require. For economy's sake, I used a mild cam profile, but one which would still provide just enough power to keep the car from being too slow. In addition, I fitted multi-point fuel injection with a single throttle body and a standard intake, along with short cast headers and dual reverse-flow mufflers to keep costs and loudness down. However, I was forced to install a high-flow catalytic converter to bring the power output up to the desired level - and even then, only just. Finally, I used the leanest possible air/fuel ratio and highly advanced ignition timing to maximize economy.
Next is a quick look at the trim tabs. With a four-speed automatic transmission geared for economy and an open differential, it wasn't the sportiest car on the market, but it was easy to drive in all conditions - a trait further reinforced by my decision to fit narrow, small-diameter steel wheels and hard compound tires. The brakes - solid discs up front and drums at the rear - were standard fare for a car of this size. No undertray was fitted, and only a small amount of cooling was provided for the brakes, while engine cooling was limited to just above what was required to avoid a reliability penalty.
The interior was suitably sparse, with a basic two-speaker stereo and tape deck for in-car entertainment, while standard safety systems of the era were fitted. No driving aids were used in this build, however, due to cost reasons and also because the car was too slow to benefit from (or require) them. Finally the suspension, incorporating progressive springs, mono-tube dampers, was set up to be soft and comfortable, without being too wallowy, although sportiness was not on the agenda, in complete contrast to the older high-performance trim I also made for this particular car.
When all was said and done, the car retailed for just $7300 in-game (not counting markups), and thanks to running on regular (91 RON/87 AKI) unleaded gasoline, was eligible for sale in Archana, the poorest region of the five currently present (and so far the only one in which higher fuel grades are not available). Its rock-bottom base price made it extremely competitive in various low-cost market demographics across all regions. The only real problem with the car was its decidedly underwhelming straight-line and cornering performance - but then, people seldom buy this kind of car to go fast or take tight turns like a madman. In fact, its easygoing nature encourages calm, careful driving, especially around town where its small size is a boon on narrow streets.
This concludes my overview of one of my recent budget builds. I also made a slightly older, yet far sportier, hot hatch trim of this model - but this one may well be obsoleted when the Lite Campaign V3 build transitions from an open beta to a public release.
Above, from top: Family, bottom end, top end, fuel system, and exhaust tabs for the 1.2L triple used in the budget build.
As for the engine, it's an all-iron, single-overhead-cam, in-line three with four valves per cylinder - a dual-overhead-cam, alloy-block equivalent was too expensive. Moreover, variable valve lift (which allows one to set two separate cam profiles, one for low RPM and another for high RPM) was not fitted due to the extra cost it would require. For economy's sake, I used a mild cam profile, but one which would still provide just enough power to keep the car from being too slow. In addition, I fitted multi-point fuel injection with a single throttle body and a standard intake, along with short cast headers and dual reverse-flow mufflers to keep costs and loudness down. However, I was forced to install a high-flow catalytic converter to bring the power output up to the desired level - and even then, only just. Finally, I used the leanest possible air/fuel ratio and highly advanced ignition timing to maximize economy.
Above, from top: Gearbox, wheel/tire, brake, aerodynamics, interior, safety and suspension tab overviews for the little econobrick.
Next is a quick look at the trim tabs. With a four-speed automatic transmission geared for economy and an open differential, it wasn't the sportiest car on the market, but it was easy to drive in all conditions - a trait further reinforced by my decision to fit narrow, small-diameter steel wheels and hard compound tires. The brakes - solid discs up front and drums at the rear - were standard fare for a car of this size. No undertray was fitted, and only a small amount of cooling was provided for the brakes, while engine cooling was limited to just above what was required to avoid a reliability penalty.
The interior was suitably sparse, with a basic two-speaker stereo and tape deck for in-car entertainment, while standard safety systems of the era were fitted. No driving aids were used in this build, however, due to cost reasons and also because the car was too slow to benefit from (or require) them. Finally the suspension, incorporating progressive springs, mono-tube dampers, was set up to be soft and comfortable, without being too wallowy, although sportiness was not on the agenda, in complete contrast to the older high-performance trim I also made for this particular car.
Above, from top: Competitiveness charts for all demographics in Gasmea, Fruinia and Archana respectively.
When all was said and done, the car retailed for just $7300 in-game (not counting markups), and thanks to running on regular (91 RON/87 AKI) unleaded gasoline, was eligible for sale in Archana, the poorest region of the five currently present (and so far the only one in which higher fuel grades are not available). Its rock-bottom base price made it extremely competitive in various low-cost market demographics across all regions. The only real problem with the car was its decidedly underwhelming straight-line and cornering performance - but then, people seldom buy this kind of car to go fast or take tight turns like a madman. In fact, its easygoing nature encourages calm, careful driving, especially around town where its small size is a boon on narrow streets.
This concludes my overview of one of my recent budget builds. I also made a slightly older, yet far sportier, hot hatch trim of this model - but this one may well be obsoleted when the Lite Campaign V3 build transitions from an open beta to a public release.
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