Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 212: Pocket Dimensions

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 212: Pocket Dimensions

I've extolled the virtues of small, light cars multiple times in this series, and I recently decided to create another: the 1992 EMR EX8L. A reimagining of an earlier design, this small roadster is built on the '92 Evade body set (2.27m wheelbase) in 2-door soft-top convertible configuration. However, unlike its predecessor, it utilizes a glued aluminum chassis with aluminum alloy bodywork (made possible with +8 tech pool in chassis options), and the entire engine has a lightweight aluminum-silicon block/head combo. In addition, with long-tube headers, individual throttle bodies, and lightweight forged internals, it develops a solid 350 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels via a close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox and helical limited-slip differential.

Above, from top: The EMR EX8L is what its predecessor would've been without the requirement to conform to challenge regulations, being built on a new, smaller body set and with lighter materials to exploit its extra power.

Still with a premium interior and CD/cassette stereo sound system as standard, the EX8L can reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds, but its all-alloy platform reduces its weight to just 1,015 kilograms, hence the rapid acceleration and agile handling. Having square-fitment 16-inch forged wheels and 225/50R16 high-performance tires also helps, as does omitting power steering. In a car less than 4 meters long, such simplicity results in a highly visceral experience, even for its time.

Above, from top: Don't be fooled by its relatively plush interior - the EMR EX8L is a raw, unhinged animal with the heart of a beast squeezed into its small, light frame.

In parallel with developing the EX8L, I revised the HPG H2L I'd described earlier in this series. By reducing wheel diameter by 1 inch on each axle, among other changes, it resulted in a handy 5kg weight reduction, and I also increased the ride height by 15mm to avoid bottoming out with the front and rear downforce levels at their maximum settings. It is indeed an even more cohesive build than before, especially with the instrument panel now being comprised of several separate displays.

Above, from top: In revising the HPG H2L I'd made earlier, I managed to make it look and feel even more period-accurate without sacrificing any of its analog, lightweight ethos.

In short, although there will always be a place for larger, heavier Automation builds on my disk drive, I will never forget that sometimes, the most satisfying cars to build turn out to be the lightest ones.