Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 234: Touching Up

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 234: Touching Up

I hadn't updated the AMS Albite of the 1990s in over a year, but since I had entered it in a Discourse challenge previously, I still remember what I did to create it - namely, give it the engineering and styling necessary for it to be a contender. However, after migrating to the Al-Rilma open beta branch of Automation, I had an incentive to give it one more look, in preparation for another Discourse challenge, hosted on that particular game build. This time, I decided to retool it as a high-performance flagship (although lesser trims could follow, considering how sound the original platform was), and reworked it accordingly. Fittingly, the 4.0 SS (as I called it) was the fastest, sportiest, and best-handling trim of the entire model range.

The first step was to revise the engine - an all-alloy unit with high-flow heads (the latter of which were added as an option in Al-Rilma) - for more power, without sacrificing too much torque in the lower and middle rev range. The fundamental layout (a 4.0L 32-valve dual overhead-cam-per-bank 90-degree V8) remained unchanged, but a more aggressive cam profile was fitted, while tubular headers replaced the cast-iron items. Adjustments to the fueling and ignition timing helped preserve WES 9 compatibility, with a decent amount of mid-range torque (ideal for daily driving) to boot - and it could still run on 91 RON/87 AKI regular unleaded fuel as before.

More extensive changes followed; in addition to a heavily revised interior (now incorporating separate fixtures for the gauge cluster, as well as a different set of fixtures on the center console to better reflect the time period, and even Beam export cameras at hood and driver's side eye level), the Albite received a more aggressive exterior treatment, complete with a new grille, and functional front lip/rear spoiler fixtures, in keeping with its performance-oriented market positioning. A 6-speed manual gearbox replaced the 5-speed advanced automatic unit, while the tires were now dedicated high-performance items (245/45R17 front and rear) wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted in front of ABS-assisted large-diameter vented disc brakes. The suspension was retuned for a sportier feel, but retained the comfortable ride/handling balance characteristic of other, lesser variants. Finally, additional exterior colors were added to the personalization options list - I went with a deep purple exterior and color-coded interior accents.

Above, from top: The 1991 AMS Albite in range-topping 4.0 SS guise, now with a revised interior and exterior (complete with hidden Beam Export Cameras) - a far sportier offering than lesser trim levels, but still a comfortable cruiser well-suited for daily use.

Simply put, the revised Albite is better than ever, with the flagship SS trim in particular being capable of delivering an enthralling driving experience for its occupants.