Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 137: From City Slicker to Mountain Goat

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 137: From City Slicker to Mountain Goat

Having previously submitted an entry for the latest CEL Challenge on the Discord, everything seemed all fine and dandy until I realized that I hadn't configured the suspension for pure off-road duty, as a Discord post revealed. Upon seeing this, I decided to find out if I could improve on the suggested setup, which on paper seemed ideal due to its raised ride height, reduced spring and damper rates, thinner anti-roll bars, and softer brake pads, as well as a standard interior, safety suite, and stereo. However, it had adaptive dampers, which added price and complexity, so my challenge was to come up with a similar set-up without using them.

Adapted from my original CEL Challenge submission, the SVM Ibex - shown here in off-road Xtreme trim - is now better suited to venturing off the beaten track.

One of the more notable changes is a 20mm reduction in front and rear tire diameter, with the track widened by the same amount to compensate. In addition, the rear spring/damper rates were further reduced compared to the suggested setup, thus yielding more comfort even without adaptive dampers. Moreover, the brake pads were softened even further, providing a small increase in the comfort score.

Above, from top: Softer brake pads, high-riding suspension with reduced spring/damper rates, and narrower tires mounted on a wider track make the Ibex Xtreme a true off-road beast.

The suggested setup had an offroad score of 64.1, but I exceeded that by 0.3. Equally important was that the equipment downgrades boosted the reliability score to 80.3. In addition, I was able to achieve minor improvements in utility without too many sacrifices in drivability or comfort, with the latter two now reduced to 50 and 20 respectively. Most crucially of all, however, the estimated price had decreased from $17,900 AMU to $16,800 AMU - $1,100 AMU less than before.

In short, the Ibex Xtreme may not be as comfortable as its Deluxe sibling, but as a more affordable rough-and-ready 4x4 pickup truck, it definitely cuts the mustard.

Update (February 11, 2023, 7:20 pm): I also created a cheaper version of the Ibex Xtreme, powered by a 4.0L overhead-valve straight-six developing 160 horsepower, and with a slightly higher ride height. Here it is:

The exterior (above) and interior (below) of the Ibex Xtreme 4.0, powered by a smaller straight-six engine.

This trim has an approximate cost of just $15,000 AMU and provides improved reliability and off-road capability compared to the V8 version that was the subject of this post.