Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 204: Motor Symphony

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 204: Motor Symphony

Having discussed an entry-level offering from the late '80s in the previous post, I'll explore something at the opposite end of the price lists that came out at the dawn of the '90s: the WM Amadeus.

Above, from top: The 1990 WM Amadeus was built to be the pinnacle of hypercar opulence, with a hand-built interior and top-end stereo sound system among its extensive standard equipment list, and a 600-horsepower naturally aspirated V12 to propel it to earth-shattering speeds, while manually adjustable suspension allows for a wide range of setups covering many scenarios for road and track driving - all wrapped up in a menacing shape that urges anyone in front of it to move over. 

Powered by a 600-bhp 7.2L naturally aspirated V12 driving the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and helical limited-slip differential, the Amadeus is best known for its dramatic styling and bespoke tailoring for its high-quality interior and exterior, to complement its immense straight-line pace. Thus, in theory, no two examples made during its production run could be exactly alike. With unequal-length A-arms at each corner suspending forged alloy wheels concealing large vented disc brakes and wrapped in high-performance tires, it has the agility to match its power.

However, being built on an advanced steel spaceframe clad in aluminum alloy bodywork meant it was quite heavy, at 1.5 metric tons. Nevertheless, its success forced rivals to counter it with lighter, more focused and even more exclusive offerings later in the decade - the AMS Archangel and LVC LS60, which I have shown previously in this series at least once each, were among them. In short, the Amadeus raised the bar for craftsmanship in the emerging hypercar market, and remains sought after today.