Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 130: Another Christmas Gift

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 130: Another Christmas Gift

Happy Holidays! 'Tis the season for giving, so I would like to share with you a gift in the form of a recent Automation build: the 2003 SVP Bearclaw. This is a retro-styled car with aesthetics reminiscent of the original, but reimagined for the 21st century, and with a fully functional aerodynamic package to keep it planted on the road, even at high speeds. Unlike lesser trims, it has a more aggressive appearance overall, thanks to its functional hood scoop.

Above, from top: The exterior of the 2003 SVP Bearclaw. Aesthetically, it evokes memories of the original, but underneath its retro skin are genuinely modern underpinnings.

This generation of the Bearclaw is built on an AHS steel monocoque chassis clad in treated steel panels, with double wishbone front suspension and a multilink rear end, aided by adjustable dampers. Power comes from a 6.0L overhead-valve V8 that develops 350 bhp and 375 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and a geared limited-slip differential. The GT trim shown here adds a premium interior and sound system with satnav - fairly high-tech for 2003.

Above, from top: The interior of the Bearclaw has all the mod cons its customers would need, and provides a great driving environment. The example shown is right-hand drive for the purposes of a forum challenge, as shown below.

The GT trim has 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires, as much for style as for function. Braking is via large 4-wheel vented disc brakes with a sophisticated anti-lock system, while stability and traction control are standard (although both can be toggled off if you feel brave enough). A full suite of airbags (for the front and side), along with other advanced safety systems, keeps the occupants safe in the event of a crash.

In terms of performance, the '03 Bearclaw GT would have been quite formidable for its time, with a top speed of 175 mph and a 0-60 mph time of exactly 5 seconds. And it would have been very good at turning and stopping, too - this is a 21st century machine, after all. If you're wondering why I made this build, by the way, it's because it was meant to be entered in an Automation forum challenge set in a right-hand-drive market, with a retro theme throughout - hence the retro-futuristic styling. So here's to a merry Christmas 2022 for my fellow Automationeers - and a Happy New Year 2023!