Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 198: Testing the Waters

 Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 198: Testing the Waters

In preparation for a forum challenge that I hosted, I decided to explore the possibilities within its planned rule set by creating some test mules, hoping to find. One of them, based on the 2011 Flyer mod body set (with a 2.3m wheelbase and a coupe body style), turned out to be the most promising of them all. This miniature mid-engined pocket rocket had a mid-mounted 1.6L I4 developing 200 horsepower, driving the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox and a helical limited-slip differential. Staggered 185mm/205mm high-performance tires wrapped around forged 16-inch alloy wheels easily put this power to the ground, while 280mm vented disc brakes with 1-piston calipers (justified due to the lack of mass they have to cope with - 960 kilograms is an absurdly light figure today) help it quickly come to a stop with no fade whatsoever. Finally, with a front lip, rear diffuser, and decklid spoiler to complement its aerodynamic undertray, it feels planted on the road even at the absolute limit.

Above: The emissions compatibility chart and chassis/suspension/body material options for my small mid-engined test mule based on the 2011 Flyer mod body set.

To lower the weight figure still further, I fitted a lightweight sports interior and a mid-grade infotainment system and safety suite, with variable electric power steering and a full set of driving aids (ABS + stability/traction control). With so little mass to keep in check, its suspension was tuned to provide a softer balance between sporty, agile handling and a comfortable ride, even with relatively simple progressive-rate steel springs, mono-tube dampers, and passive sway bars.

Above, from top: An overview of the QFC55 test mule's trim settings, tailored for a sporty driving experience without sacrificing too much comfort and safety.

The engine develops much of its output in the upper rev range - an ideal trait for a performance car - thanks to a high-flow intake and exhaust headers optimized for higher RPM, enhanced further with a more aggressive secondary cam profile (due to variable valve timing and lift, allowing for a lower initial cam profile and hence a lower idle speed), individual throttle bodies, and lightweight forged internals within its closed-deck aluminum/silicon block and heads.

Above, from top: An overview of the engine used in my test mule - a small but light powerhouse with just enough output to have a lot of fun with.

All this adds up to a statistical surprise - in the best way. Its small size and relatively narrow tires give a boost to drivability, but the well-tuned suspension also plays its part; combined with the light weight and well-spaced gearing, this also leads to improved sportiness. However, my choice of body set  for this test mule compromised its comfort and safety scores somewhat, although it still managed to meet contemporary regulations in all markets.

Above, from top: A more detailed breakdown of the test mule's key stats and test track lap time, further explaining its surprising blend of user-friendliness, excitement, efficiency, and reliability.

Obviously, I wasn't expecting any of the actual challenge entries I received to even surpass the test mule in all (or at least most) key criteria, especially reliability, but I knew that it would do well enough statistically to at least be competitive. In the next post, I'll explain how the actual contest went down, and find out which one of the three came out on top, so stay tuned for that one.