Replica: The Blues Brothers' Bluesmobile

Intro: As I described in my replica of "Copperhead Road" one of the first super-cars of my imagination is the Bluesmobile (from my favorite movie, The Blues Brothers). It's described by that Wiki page as

"a 1974 Dodge Monaco sedan ... a used Mount Prospect, Illinois police car ... equipped with the Magnum 440 squad car package that was offered by Dodge for the Monaco." And to quote Elwood: "It's got a cop motor, a 440-cubic-inch plant. It's got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas."

Online, some dude named "Le Zerp" thought the same way I did, and made his version, listed below.  Alas, its different from how I pictured the car, but also it seems not to fit the Car Wars rules.

Le Zerp (www.krikkit.dk) Bluesmobile MK II 6-6-2001 - Sedan, Hvy Ch., Hvy Sus., 400 cid IC (no mods), 5 gal duel tank, 1 driver, 3 passengers, 4 PR radial tires, ramplate, rollcage, searchlight, ABS, "defekt cigaretlighter" tinted goggles, 80 pts composite armor 30 Metal, 50 plastic, F 10/12 B 8/6 RL 6/8 T 0/6 U 0/6; Acc 15, top 120, cruise 72.5, HC 4, Max Weight 7650 lbs?? current weight: 6209, $19,815

• Design Notes - I can defend his decisions even though I'm not going to use them.  He's right on the engine size, metal armor, searchlight, cigarette lighter, and sunglasses.  While I would love to think the Bluesmobile has a ramplate & rollcage, I don't know if the original did and I will make 2 versions, with and without.  But why make the car a 'sedan'?  If that ain't a luxury, nothing is.  

Styx Bluesmobile (Optimal)
Type: Luxury, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: 400 cid IC engine (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr) (22dp), 15 gal. dueling tank (8dp), Tires: 4 Radial-Steelbelted-Solid Tires (14dp), Crew: Driver & 3 passengers; Weaponry: ramplate; Weighted Accessories: Active Suspension, rollcage, IFE, HD shocks, searchlight, external Sound System, Unweighted Accessories: HD-antilock brakes, Overdrive, broken cigarette lighter, LDR, magic jump jets, Dischargers: none, Defenses: none Wheel Armor: none Component Armor:  none Cargo: 1 space, 40 lbs; 24 pts Metal Armor: F 6 (ram) B 5 R 5 L 5 T 1 U 2; HC: 5, Acc. 25 (Overdrive 12.5),  Top Speed 150 (170), Cruising: 90 Weight: 6560 lbs. Max 6600, Cost: $50,470.00 (new)

Design Notes

• As stated above, this optimal version has the best engine in the 400 range. I retained the idea of a roll-cage - which police cars could have for all I know - and ramplate (which could be similar to the "nudge bars" and/or "Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) bumper."  
• I added an IFE because I was optimizing and I had space...
• Elwood's description was fulfilled thusly: "cop tires" = steelbelted radials (I used solids for the optimized although the 'real world' would be HD); "cop suspension" = Heavy Sus. plus Active Suspension (I wish there was a "cop suspension" but that could actually be the same as Heavy-Active); "cop shocks" = best I could think of were the HD shocks plus the best brakes.

The other accessories - as proven by the film - were:
The Searchlight (in a deleted scene):

The Sound System (external)

The top speed acquired (150) sounds right:

The magic jump jets (I could add real ones but [a] they were magic in the film, and [b] for the life of me, I have no idea how to make those in CW):

Exhibit B:

Exhibit C:

Styx Bluesmobile (Real to Movie)

Type: Luxury, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: 450 cid IC engine (Blue/VP/Spr) (24dp), 17 gal. dueling tank (8dp), Tires: 4 Radial-Steelbelted-HD Tires (8dp), Crew: Driver & 3 passengers; Weaponry: none; Weighted Accessories: Active Suspension, HD shocks, searchlight, external Sound System, Unweighted Accessories: HD-antilock brakes, Overdrive, broken cigarette lighter, magic jump jets, Dischargers: none, Defenses: none Wheel Armor: none Component Armor:  none Cargo: 1 space, 220 lbs; 36 pts Metal Armor: F 8 B 8 R 8 L 8 T 2 U 2; HC: 5, Acc. 25 (Overdrive 12.5),  Top Speed 162.5 (182.5), Cruising: 97.5 Weight: 6380 lbs. Max 6600, Cost: $44,025.00 (new)

• Design Notes - I made the engine 450 to be closer to the 440 in the description.  I felt that a cop engine would at least be blueprinted, no? No tubular headers because those are visible.  I decided to accept a turbocharger and the supercharger because they plausibly could be in cop engines (my ignorance is my strength).  I reduced the tires to HD and removed the ramplate and rollcage, expecting the metal frame to basically duplicate those functions.  Everything else is basically the same.

Proof for no rollcage:

The Steelers - Div75 Pickup (NFL)

Type: Pickup 1 spc ext. cab, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: 200 cid IC engine (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr) (14dp, 4500 pwf), 6 gal. dueling tank (8dp), Tires: 6 FP-Radial-Steelbelted-Solid Tires (14dp), Crew: Driver (no equip) Weaponry:  RR (10/HEAT & 10/HESH, mag switch) in UM turret (2D+2 area/2D extra-blast), ramplate, Weighted Accessories: Active Suspension, roll-cage, safety seat, HD shocks, Unweighted Accessories: HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, Overdrive, no-paint tinted windshield, [5 total links], Dischargers: 10 dischargers: 4 flaming oil (FBRL) 6 hot smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L), Defenses: Smoke Dischargers linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well); 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); Wheel Armor: 2x10 pt WG rear, 19pts total WH front, Component Armor:  Engine & Gas Tank = 9 pts LRFP over 6 spaces, Driver = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces, Cargo: 10 spaces, 1.1 lbs, 65 pts Composite Armor (35 LR Metal/30 FP Plastic): F 8/5 (ram) B 8/4 R 8/4 L 8/4 T 1/8 U 2/5; HC: 4 Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10),  Top Speed 85 (105), MPG: 34, Range: 204, Weight: 7798.9 lbs. Max 7800, Cost: $72,878.50

• VMG IFE Option - Type: Pickup 1 spc ext. cab, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: 200 cid IC engine (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr) (14dp, 4500 pwf), 6 gal. dueling tank (8dp), Tires: 6 FP-Radial-Steelbelted-Solid Tires (14dp), Crew: Driver (no equip) Weaponry:  VMG (20/incen) in UM turret (2D area; 2/1 fire mod), ramplate, Weighted Accessories: Active Suspension, roll-cage, safety seat, HD shocks, Unweighted Accessories: HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, Overdrive, no-paint tinted windshield, [5 total links], Dischargers: 10 dischargers: 4 flaming oil (FBRL) 6 hot smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L), Defenses: Smoke Dischargers linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well); 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); Wheel Armor: 2x10 pt WG rear, 2x4 pt WH front, Component Armor:  Engine & Gas Tank = 9 pts LRFP over 6 spaces, Driver = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces, Cargo: 10 spaces, 2.6 lbs, 46 pts Composite Armor (36 LR Metal/10 FP Plastic): F 8/0 (ram) B 8/0 R 8/0 L 8/0 T 2/5 U 2/5; HC: 4 Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10),  Top Speed 85 (105), MPG: 34, Range: 204, Weight: 7797.4 lbs. Max 7800, Cost: $72,878.50


• RL Option -  Type: Pickup 1 spc ext. cab, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: 200 cid IC engine (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr) (14dp, 4500 pwf), 6 gal. dueling tank (8dp), Tires: 6 FP-Radial-Steelbelted-Solid Tires (14dp), Crew: Driver (no equip) Weaponry:  RL (10/AP & 10/reg, mag switch) in UM turret (2D+2 area/2D burst), ITL in turret, LGL to 20 rounds, Ramplate, Weighted Accessories: Active Suspension, roll-cage, safety seat, HD shocks, Unweighted Accessories: HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, Overdrive, no-paint tinted windshield, [5 total links], Dischargers: 10 dischargers: 4 flaming oil (FBRL) 6 hot smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L), Defenses: Smoke Dischargers linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well); 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); Wheel Armor: 2x10 pt WG rear, 2x9 pt WH front, Component Armor:  Engine & Gas Tank = 9 pts LRFP over 6 spaces, Driver = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces, Cargo: 10 spaces, 0.1 lbs, 70 pts Composite Armor (35 LR Metal/35 FP Plastic): F 8/5 (ram) B 8/5 R 8/5 L 8/5 T 1/10 U 2/5; HC: 4 Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10),  Top Speed 85 (105), MPG: 34, Range: 204, Weight: 7799.9 lbs. Max 7800, Cost: $78,953.50


• No Ram Option - Type: Pickup 1 spc ext. cab, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: 200 cid IC engine (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr) (14dp, 4500 pwf), 6 gal. dueling tank (8dp), Tires: 6 FP-Radial-Steelbelted-Solid Tires (14dp), Crew: Driver (no equip) Weaponry:  VMG (20/incendiary) in UM turret (2D area; 2/1 fire mod), Weighted Accessories: IFE, Active Suspension, roll-cage, safety seat, HD shocks, Unweighted Accessories: HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, Overdrive, no-paint tinted windshield, [5 total links], Dischargers: 10 dischargers: 4 flaming oil (FBRL) 6 hot smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L), Defenses: Smoke Dischargers linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well); 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); Wheel Armor: 2x10 pt WG rear, 19pts total WH front, Component Armor:  Engine & Gas Tank = 9 pts LRFP over 6 spaces, Driver = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces,  Cargo: 10 spaces, 2.6 lbs, 66 pts Composite Armor (35 LR Metal/31 FP Plastic): F 8/5 B 8/4 R 8/4 L 8/4 T 1/9 U 2/5; HC: 4 Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10),  Top Speed 85 (105), MPG: 34, Range: 204, Weight: 7797.4 lbs. Max 7800, Cost: $72,566.50

Name & Design Notes - I'm starting a line to name cars - most of them pickups - after NFL teams.  My first is for my birth-team, The Steelers.  We're all friends here so please save rivalry aggression for the field of play and not the comment section... Anyway. The reputation of the Steelers is of great defense and a power running game.  To me, that meant metal armor, roll-cage, gas engine, and if possible a ramplate.  More metal the better, for the "steel" in Steeler.

Naturally, after piling up all the requirements, I was left with not so much weight and 2-3 spaces for weaponry. I went with the RR at first since it seemed to fit the theme (a small "blast cannon" as it were, to fit the blast furnace of the steel mill).  The RL option was for the weight (not much, BTW, once you add the TL) and the VMG to get the space for an IFE.

Pix of Steeler truck from here, modified by me.

Blowout 2067 - Div70 Van (Updated)

Van, Xtra-Heavy Chassis, Heavy Suspension, 150 cid IC Engine (Tubes/Blue/VP) (9dp), 5 gal dueling tank (8dp), 6 PR Radial Tires (8dp), Driver & Gunner; VFRP (30/AP) in turret, 2 linked RL (10/reg) front, 2 linked RL (10/reg) back, ITL in turret, ITL back, ITL front, LGL to 70 rockets, 2 HRTC, 2 smartlinks (front & back ITLs to turret ITL), HD-antilock brakes, Overdrive, no-paint windshield, 7 smoke dischargers (F B 2R 2L 1T) linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well) and 4 bumper triggers (linked to that side's weapons); 7 total links, 20 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (you choose where), 9 pts LRFP Component Armor each around (a) PP/gas tank [3 spaces] (b) driver [2 sp.], (c) front RLs & ITL [4 sp.], (d) rear RLs & ITLs [4 sp.], 6 cargo spaces, 131 pts sloped Plastic Armor: F 30 B 30 R 30 L 30 T 6 U 5; HC: 3, Acc. 10 (Overdrive 5), Top Speed 62.5 (82.5), MPG 45, 7196.4 lbs. (max 7200), $69,010.50

• More armor Option (Div65) - remove the front & back TL, but keep the LGL links to the turret TL, keep smartlinks, add 1 oil/smoke discharger, add 7 pts armor: 7199.4 lbs, $64,291.50


• Cheaper Option (Div45) -  Van, Xtra-Heavy Chassis, Heavy Suspension, 150 cid IC Engine (Tubes/VP) (9dp), 5 gal dueling tank (8dp), 6 PR Radial Tires (8dp), Driver & Gunner; VFRP (30/AP) in turret, 2 linked RL (10/reg) front, 2 linked RL (10/reg) back, DSP under, PS (25/reg) part of the Styx Laser Paint Array, 2 HRTC, HD-Antilock brakes, Overdrive, no-paint windshield, 10 dischargers: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L): smoke linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well) and 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); 6 total links, 38 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (you choose where), 9 pts LRFP Component Armor each around (a) PP [3 spaces] and (b) driver [2 sp.], 6 cargo spaces, 138 pts sloped Plastic Armor: F 30 B 30 R 30 L 30 T 13 U 5; HC: 3, Acc. 10 (Overdrive 5), Top Speed 60 (80), MPG 45, Range 225, 7198 lbs. (max 7200), $44,771.50


• RL Option (Div75) -  Van, Xtra-Heavy Chassis, Heavy Suspension, 150 cid IC Engine (Tubes/Blue/VP) (9dp), 5 gal dueling tank (8dp), 4 FP PR Radial Tires (8dp) back, 2 FP Solid Radials (11dp) front, Driver & Gunner; RL (20/AP) in turret, 2 linked RL (10/AP) front, 2 linked RL (10/AP) back, ITL in turret, LGL for all 60 rockets, DSP under, 4 smartlinks (to allow both LGL or regular RL firing), 2 HRTC, HD-Antilock brakes, Overdrive, no-paint windshield, 10 dischargers: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L): smoke linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well) and 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); 6 total links, 39 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (you choose where), 9 pts LRFP Component Armor each around (a) PP [3 spaces] and (b) driver [2 sp.], 6 cargo spaces, 151 pts sloped FP Plastic Armor: F 30 B 30 R 35 L 35 T 15 U 6; HC: 3, Acc. 10 (Overdrive 5), Top Speed 62.5 (82.5), MPG 45, Range 225, 7197 lbs. (max 7200), $73,848.50

Design Notes - This is an update of this iffy 2037 Van:

Van, Xhvy Ch., Hvy Sus., Super PP, 6 SD tires, driver & gunner, 7 RL: 2 linked front, 2 back, 1 R & L, 1 in turret, 1 targ. comp, 1 SWC, 100 pts. Armor: F25 R20 L20 B20 T5 U10; Acc. 5, HC 2; 7200 lbs., $25,000

The original was almost a design experiment "how many rocket launchers can I fit in a van?" type deal.  The modified version uses a VFRP since that seems more fitting for a van.  Along with the turret, I felt side RL were overkill, especially when I could use those 500 lbs, and space, for sloping and CA.

Omega 60 - Div60 Pickup (Retool)

As stated here, I wanted to update the cars from the AADA Car Guide vol. 3 (see first attempt here).  Even with my untrained eye, I knew the designs were problematic.  But that was just about the *ideas* behind the car.  Since then, I've read that every design is actually against the rules.  Here's another example:

Original (as Claimed in the Book):  Camper, X-Hvy. Ch., Heavy Sus., 450 cid IC (VP), 15-gal. Duelling tank, 6 Plasticore Tires, driver, MFR (B) 2 AP MRs (F) 4 FCD (2U.1R, 1L) 2TLs (1F, 1B), ramplate, Spoiler (no airdam), Safety seat, 3 Links (FCD R-FCD L. MFR-MRs. 2 U FCDs), HRTC. LGL (8 rockets), HD brakes, ABS. Overdrive, No-paint windshield, 5 Blow-through concealments (MRs. TLs. and MFR), 4 fake WG/WH, 169 pts FP plastic armor: F65 (Ram) R30 L30 B30 T6 U8; HC: 2 (3), Acc 20, Top 132.5, 7,797 lbs, $59,449 

Problems:  From a design perspective: A ramcar with HC 2?  Medium Rockets, in a pickup?  No wheelguards?? Why not put 1 TL in a zero space turret?  Who needs the BTC?  Top and U armor is laughable for div60.

But from a factual perspective, according to my calculations,  the car is 255 lbs overweight, does not have enough gas (it needs a 16 gal tank, which adds 16 lbs and 1 space).  It's total weight is 8055 lbs, $58,943.  It also has 1 space left (maybe for the tank?  I added it).  To make it legal without changing the whole essence, you'd need to take away 20 pts armor. That's leave: 7791 lbs, $57,808.  Put another way:

Camper, X-Hvy. Ch., Heavy Sus., 450 cid IC (VP), 16-gal. Duelling tank, 6 Plasticore Tires, driver, MFR (B) 2 AP MRs (F) 4 FCD (2U.1R, 1L) 2TLs (1F, 1B), ramplate, Spoiler (no airdam), Safety seat, 3 Links (FCD R-FCD L. MFR-MRs. 2 U FCDs), HRTC. LGL (8 rockets), HD brakes, ABS. Overdrive, No-paint windshield, 5 Blow-through concealments (MRs. TLs. and MFR), 4 fake WG/WH, 149 pts FP plastic armor: F65 (Ram) R25 L25 B20 T6 U8; HC: 2, Acc 20, Top 132.5, 7791 lbs, $57,808

And this is without redesigning this turkey.  Here's a set of attempted updates:

First Attempt:  Camper, X-Hvy. Ch., Heavy Sus., 300 cid IC (Blue/VP/Spr), 10-gal. Duelling tank, 6 Plasticore Tires, driver, MFR (B) 2 AP MRs (F) 4 FCD (2U.1R, 1L) 2TLs (1F, 1B), ramplate, Spoiler & Airdam, Safety seat, 3 Links (FCD R-FCD L. MFR-MRs. 2 U FCDs), HRTC. LGL (8 rockets), HD brakes, ABS. Overdrive, No-paint windshield, 5 Blow-through concealments (MRs. TLs. and MFR), 4 fake WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP Component Armor each around (a) driver, (b) engine (c) gas tank; 157 pts FP plastic armor: F45 (Ram) R30, L30. B30, T7, U15 HC: 2 (3), Acc 20, Top 112.5 (overdrive 132.5), 7,800 lbs, $61,623

• First Attempt Notes: Originally, I changed the 2 TLs to 1 in a zero-space turret. Except that the original needed to have idiotic blow-thru-concealment! So what would be better: (1) a zero-space pop-up turret for 1 TL (my first fix) but this is 1 more space, 100 more pounds than just 2 TL!  (2) a zero-space turret with a fake turret on top.  But that is also an unnecssary 50 lbs! so (3) I just kept the 2 stupid lasers, and used the space I saved by shrinking the engine on a spliff-load of component armor.

Second Attempt: Pickup , Heavy. Ch., Heavy Sus., 300 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP), 10-gal. Duelling tank, 4 Plasticore Tires, driver, MFR (B) 2 AP MRs (F) 4 FCD (2U.1R, 1L) 2TLs (1F, 1B), ramplate, active suspension, Spoiler & Airdam, Safety seat, 3 Links (FCD R-FCD L. MFR-MRs. 2 U FCDs), HRTC. LGL (8 rockets), HD brakes, ABS. Overdrive, No-paint windshield, 5 Blow-through concealments (MRs. TLs. and MFR), 39 points FP WG/WH; 195 pts FP plastic armor: F65 (Ram) R35, L35, B35, T10, U15; HC: 3 (4), Acc 15, Top 105 (overdrive 125), 7,148.5 lbs, $59,530

• Second Attempt Notes: After making the first version, I realized that after shrinking the engine to a manageable size, I had a lot of room left over.  While I love Component Armor, I thought if I reduced this to a regular pickup, there's be more regular armor.  When I did that, I needed to toss the supercharger, and then I had a HUGE amount of weight left over.  Even after raising the ramplate back to 65, and adding active suspension and full wheelguards, I  had so much weight left over that I didn't think I could make the div60 cutoff.  So I made the chassis Heavy - which not only changed the cost, but allowed me to drop 2 tires.

Third Attempt: Pickup , Extra Heavy Chassis, Heavy Sus., 300 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP), 10-gal. Duelling tank, 6 Steelbelted-Radial-FP Solid Tires, driver, MFR (B) 2 AP MRs (F) 4 FCD (2U.1R, 1L) 2TLs (1F, 1B), ramplate, active suspension, Spoiler & Airdam, Safety seat, 3 Links (FCD R-FCD L. MFR-MRs. 2 U FCDs), HRTC. LGL (8 rockets), HD brakes, ABS. Overdrive, No-paint windshield, 5 Blow-through concealments (MRs. TLs. and MFR), 38 points FP WG/WH; 111 pts composite Armor (36 LR Metal/75 reg Plastic armor): F13/10 (Ram) R8/13, L8/13, B7/13, T0/10, U0/16; HC: 4 (5), Acc. 15, Top 100 (overdrive 120), 7,799.5 lbs, $59,997.75

• Third Attempt Notes:  Since I had so much weight left over in the second attempt, I decided to see what metal armor would allow with an extra-heavy chassis, especially if it allowed me to change tires to the best available. I dropped the plastic FP armor to save some money, especially as the tires were FP.

That's all I'm willing to polish this turkey.

Benedict 2063 - Div60 or Div35 Luxury (Amber, Updated)

Type: Luxury, Chassis: Xhvy., Suspension: Hvy., Engine: 200 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr) (12dp), Tank: 6 gal. Dueling (8dp), Tires: 4 FP-Radial-Solids (11dp); Crew: Driver (FP Suit); Weaponry: 2 HMG (20/HD) in turret, FOJ (25/reg) back, Weighted Accessories: active suspension, IFE, HD shocks, safety seat, Unweighted Accessories: HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, no-paint windshield, overdrive, [5 total links], Dischargers: 10 total: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L): Defenses: Styx Defensive System*; Wheel Armor: 38 pts total: 2x10 WG rear, 2x9 WH front, Component Armor 9 pts LRFP for (a) Engine (5 sp), (b) gas tank (1 sp), (c) Driver (2 sp), (d) FOJ (2 sp), Cargo: 0 sp, 0 lbs.; Vehicle Armor: 65 pts sloped Composite Armor (26 LR Metal/39 FP Plastic): F(6/3) B(6/3) R(7/2) L(7/2) T(0/15) U(0/14); HC: 5, Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10),  Top Speed 95 (115), MPG 34, Range: 204, DM: 1, Hit Mod: -1, Weight: 6600 lbs. Max 6600, Cost: $57,864.00

Armor option 1, 169 pts FP Plastic: $62,011.00
Armor option 2, 154 pts LRFP Plastic, 34 pts WG/WH, no FP suit: 6598.6 lbs, $62,635.00

• Big Engine Option - Luxury, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 250 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr) (14dp), 8 gal. Dueling gas tank (8dp), 4 FP-Radial-Solid Tires (11dp), Driver (no equip); 2 HMG (10/HD) in turret, FOJ (25/reg) back, HRSWC, active suspension, HD-antilock brakes, IFE, HD shocks, safety seat, no-paint windshield, overdrive, 4 oil dischargers (FBRL) 6 smoke dischargers (2T, 2U, 1R 1L): smoke linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); 5 total links, 36 pts total for WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around (a) PP + gas tank, (b) driver, (c) FOJ; 57 pts sloped Composite Armor (25 LR Metal/32 FP Plastic): F 6/0 B 5/0 R 7/0 L 7/0 T 0/18 U 0/14; HC 5, Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10), Top 110 (130), MPG 27 Range 216, 6598.8 lbs., $57,333.00
  
  
• Small Engine Option - Luxury, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 150 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr) (9dp), 5 gal. Dueling gas tank (8dp), 4 FP-Radial-Solid Tires (11dp), Driver (no equip); 2 HMG (20/HD) in turret, FOJ (25/reg) back, MD (10/reg), PS (25/reg) under [part of the Styx Laser Paint Array], HRSWC, active suspension, HD-antilock brakes, IFE, HD shocks, safety seat, no-paint windshield, overdrive, 10 dischargers: 4 oil dischargers (FBRL) 6 smoke dischargers (2T, 2U, 1R 1L): smoke linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); 5 total links, 35 pts total for WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around (a) PP + gas tank, (b) driver, (c) FOJ; 159 pts sloped FP Plastic Armor: F 30 B 30 R 33 L 33 T 18 U 15; HC 5, Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10), Top 80 (100), MPG 44 Range 220, 6598.2 lbs., $59,543.50 


• Div35 (Economy) Option - Luxury, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 200 cid IC (VP Turbo) (12dp), 6 gal. Dueling gas tank (8dp), 4 Solid Tires (12dp), Driver (no equip); 2 HMG (20/HD) in turret, FOJ (25/reg) back, MD with rotary magazine (6 reg mines, 2 beacon, 2 flame cloud), PS (25/reg) under [part of the Styx Laser Paint Array], SWC, IFE, safety seat, no-paint windshield, overdrive, 10 dischargers: 4 oil dischargers (FBRL) 6 smoke dischargers (2T, 2U, 1R 1L): smoke linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); 5 total links, 38 pts total for WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around (a) PP + gas tank, (b) driver; 174 pts sloped Plastic Armor: F 33 B 32 R 38 L 38 T 18 U 15; HC 3, Acc. 10 (Overdrive 5), Top 75 (95), MPG 35 Range 210, 6596.6 lbs., $34,975.50 
  

Design Notes - I was looking at this 2009 design and felt it needed updating, specifically to get rid of the C/A frame, to do that effectively, I needed to go gas:

Luxury (C/A frame), XHvy Chassis, Hvy-Active Suspension, Sport PP (PC/SC), 4 Solid (FP-Radial-StB) tires, driver, 2 linked HMG (20/HD ammo) in turret, FOJ (25/reg) back, 8 dischargers (2 R,L,T,U & 1 F,B - 4 oil, 4 ice, 2 hot-smoke), cyberlink to HMG, IFE, HDHTM & overdrive (each linked to HMG & as well as HMG-FOJ link), Anti-Lock Heavy Duty Brakes, Heavy Duty Shocks, spoiler & airdam, Fake Ramplate, no paint tinted windshield; 4 bumper triggers linked to side's dischargers, 9 pts LRFP CA each around driver, PP and FOJ; driver has blended BA, 2 8 pt WH front & 2 7 pt WH front(all LRFP), 170 pts sloped plastic FPLR armor (F32 B32 R35 L35 U16 T20); Acc 10 (20), Top 122.5 (142.5 overdrive, 80 HDHTM), HC 5 (6), 6600 lbs, $86,705

I see no real reason to use the big engine option now that I've done the calculations.  And the Div35 version may not be half bad.

Name Notes - This is part of the Amber series.  Benedict is the strongest one of the brothers, so I wanted a very strong car.

Another pic

Atlas - Div60 Van (Galaxy)

Type: Van, (Streamlined), Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: Sport PP (PC & SC) (Pwr 3795), Tires: 6 FP-Radial-PR Tires, Crew: Driver (no equip) & Gunner (no equip), Weaponry: VFRP (30/AP) in 3sp turret, ITL + LGL to 30 rockets in turret, HDID (10/reg) back, PS (25/reg) under as part of the Styx Laser Paint Array, DSP under, Weighted Accessories: n/a, Unweighted Accessories: 2 HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, HTM & Overdrive (linked), no-paint windshield, [6 total links], Dischargers: 10 dischargers: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L), Defenses: Smoke Dischargers linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well); 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); Wheel Armor: 2x10 pt WG rear, 2x10 pt WH front, Component Armor:  Power Plant = 9 pts LRFP over 5 spaces, Driver = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces, Gunner = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces Cargo: 6 spaces, 2 lbs. 145 pts sloped FP Plastic Armor: F(30) B(30) R(30) L(30) T(18) U(7); HC: 3, Acc. 5 (HTM 10/Overdrive 2.5),  Top Speed 127.5 (95/147.5), Weight: 7198 lbs. Max 7200, Cost: $59,670.00

• Gas Option -   [replace electric with gas engine; no streamlining, change tires to solids, add IFE, change CA system, dock some WG armor]:  Van, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 200 cid IC engine (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr), 6 gal. dueling gas tank, 6 FP-Radial-Solid Tires, Driver (no equip) & Gunner (no equip); VFRP (30/AP) in 3sp turret, ITL + LGL to 30 rockets in turret, HDID (10/reg) back, PS (25/reg) as part of the Styx Laser Paint Array, DSP under, IFE, 2 HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, no-paint windshield, overdrive, 4 oil dischargers (FBRL) 6 smoke dischargers (2T, 2U, 1R 1L): smoke linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); 37 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around (a) PP (b) gas tank and (c) driver, 145 pts sloped FP Plastic Armor: F30 B30 R30 L30 T18 U7; HC 3, Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10), Top 90 (110), MPG 34, Range 204, 7198.4 lbs., $73,950.00

Design Notes - This was in my draft pile entitled "decent van," and that ain't wrong.  This has my Styx Laser Paint Array (see here), which works well for vans.  Rockets are made for vans as well.  I just noticed that with HTM I have 10 acceleration with a top speed of 95.  Just keep that mysterious gamebreaking tech on from the start, baby!

Name Notes - Atlas is one of the moons of Saturn, and a strong dude from Greek mythology.

Calypso - Div70 Luxury (Galaxy)

Type: Luxury, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: 150 cid IC engine (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr), 5 gal. dueling tank (8dp), Tires: 4 FP-Radial-Solid Tires (11dp), Crew: Driver (blended BA, 3 paint grenades) & Gunner (no equip),

Weaponry: 

• Pulsed Laser in turret (3D+3 area),
• OG (10/Flaming Oil) back,
• PS (25/reg) under as part of the Styx Laser Paint Array,

Weighted Accessories: IFE, active suspension, laser battery, spoiler & airdam, HD shocks, Unweighted Accessories: HRTC (gunner), HRSWC (driver to Laser) , HD-antilock brakes, Overdrive, no-paint windshield, [5 total links], Dischargers: 10 dischargers: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L), Defenses: Smoke Dischargers linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well); 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); Wheel Armor: 37 total LRFP = 2x9 pt WG rear, 2x9 pt WH front, 1 pt WH back, Component Armor:  Power Plant/Gas Tank = 9 pts LRFP, Driver = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces, Cargo: No space, 2.4 lbs, 

158 pts sloped LRFP Plastic Armor: F(30) B(30) R(32) L(32) T(19) U(15)

HC: 5 (4 over 60), Acc. 20 (Overdrive 10),  Top Speed 80 (100), MPG 44, DM: 1 Dam Mod: -1 Weight: 6597.6 lbs. Max 6600, Cost: $69,510.00

Design Notes - In my draft pile dated Sept 12, 2010.  This isn't the worst high priced car. I do like the OG.


Name Notes - Calypso is a moon of Saturn, named after a nymph found in the Odyssey.

Pandora - Div30 Pickup (Galaxy)

Pickup (steamlined), Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 200 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr), 6 gal HD gas tank,  6 PR Tires, Driver;  ramplate, SAM (AP) front, 5 oil/smoke dischargers, linked 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 10 pts CA each around PP and driver 110 pts sloped Composite Armor (60 Metal/50 Plastic): F 15/5 (ram) BRL 15/5 TU 0/15  HC 2 Acc. 20 Top 95 MPG 37.4 Range 204 7799 lbs. $29.577.75

• 2063 Update 1 - Pickup, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 200 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr), 6 gal dueling gas tank,  6 Solid Radial Tires, Driver (with impact armor); ramplate, SAM with mag (2/AP) front, active suspension, roll-cage, safety seat, spoiler & airdam, HD-Antilock brakes, HD shocks, overdrive, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons), 38 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around PP and driver 93 pts Composite Armor (44 Metal/49 Plastic): F 12/14 (ram) BRL 9/4 T 2/7 U 0/15  HC 4 (5) Acc. 20 (overdrive 10) Top 85 (105) MPG 34 Range 204 7797.4 lbs. $48.282.50


• 2063 EWP Option  - Pickup, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 200 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr), 6 gal dueling gas tank,  6 Solid Radial Tires, Driver (with impact armor); ramplate, 2 linked SAMs with mag (2/AP) in 2sp Rocket EWPs facing forward, EWP ejection system, SWC, active suspension, roll-cage, safety seat, spoiler & airdam, HD-Antilock brakes, HD shocks, overdrive, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons), 39 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around PP and driver 86 pts sloped Composite Armor (34 Metal/52 Plastic): F 10/10 (ram) BLR 8/6 T 0/9 U 0/15  HC 4 (5) Acc. 20 (overdrive 10) Top 75 with EWP, 85 without (overdrive 95/105) MPG 34 Range 204 7798.4 lbs. $50,687.35

Design Notes - This was in my draft pile dated Oct 15, 2007 and temporarily named "Metal Test."  As a ram car, there's some glimmerings of possibility, but I didn't really play as a rammer, so I don't know what the best designs would be.  But there are obvious problems: HC at 2, ahem.  PR tires in general. 

The "big idea" I had was the SAM for ramming.  Basically, the 11 to hit would be offset by the point blank range.  Except it's still a 7!  And 1 shot (in a pickup, where space is premium) Ah well, I should playtest.

I also think that pickups in general can use EWPs effectively.  It may not make sense for ramcars given the problems with speed.

Name Notes - Pandora is a moon of Saturn.  And, she had a bad box...

Knucklehead - Div90 Cam-Am

Can-Am, Xhvy Ch., Racing Sus., 500 cid IC (Tubes/Blue/VP/Spr), 19 gal Racing tank, 4 FP Solid Slick Tires, Driver; GG (10/reg) in turret, IFE, spoiler & airdam, HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, overdrive, no-paint windshield, driver has body armor & FP suit, 1 oil/smoke discharger, 105 pts FP Plastic Armor: F20 B20 R20 L20 T15 U10 HC 7, Acc. 25 (12.5), Top 180 (200), MPG 11, Range 209, 5397 lbs., $88,065

Design Notes - This is from 2007, and possibly my first attempt at a racecar.  I guess it's because the MADHAT Duel Designer had race bodies (and no trucks or choppers). I guess I wanted the biggest possible engine.  I have no idea if this will work.

Bleys - Div75 Pickup (Amber)

Pickup, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 200 IC Engine (Tube/Blue/VP), 6 gal. Duelling Gas Tank, 4 Solid (FP/Radial) Tires rear, 2 Steel/Radial/FP Solid tires front, Driver (blended Body Armor); RL (10/AP) + ITL + LGL (10) in turret, 2 linked RL (10/AP) in 2 2-space EWP,  ITL front + 20 LGL to EWPs, all RL smartlinked, 4 Hot Smoke Dischargers (Top, Bottom, right, left), 4 Ice Dischargers (R, L, F, B), HD-Antilock Brakes, HD Shocks, Hi-Res TC, 4 bumper triggers, no-paint windshield, 9 pts LRFP EWP armor each, 20 pts total for FP WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver & gas tank-engine, 172 pts Sloped Composite armor, 12 Metal, 160 FP Plastic: F 2/40 B 2/30 R 2/35 L 2/35 T 2/10 U 2/10. HC 3, Acc. 10, Top 72.5, Pwr 3500, Range 210, 7798.8 lbs., $73,580.10

Fireball Option - Pickup, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 200 IC Engine (Tube/Blue/VP), 6 gal. Duelling Gas Tank, 6 Solid (FP/Radial) Tires, Driver; RL (10/Incen) + ITL + LGL (10) in turret, 2 linked RL (10/Incen) in 2 2-space EWP, ITL front + 20 LGL to EWPs, all RL smartlinked, 4 Hot Smoke Dischargers (Top, Bottom, right, left), 4 Ice Dischargers (R, L, F, B), Active Suspension, HD-ABS, HD Shocks, HRTC, 4 bumper triggers, no-paint windshield, 9 pts LRFP EWP armor each, 20 pts FP WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver & gas tank-engine, 155 pts Sloped Composite armor, 12 Metal, 143 FP Plastic: F 2/30 B 2/30 R 2/32 L 2/32 T 2/10 U 2/9. HC 4, Acc. 10, Top 72.5, Pwr 3500, Range 210, 7796.8 lbs., $73,732.30

Design Notes - EWPs seem best for pickups with their great weight capacity yet no space available. The first version is from last year but the options are from now, to see if I can make it better.

Name Notes - From Zelazny's Amber series, another of the Princes of Amber.  (Dec 8, 2013 Update, added picture below from this site.)

Astatine - Div70 Luxury

Luxury, Xhvy Ch., Active-Hvy Sus., 150 cu in engine, Tubes-Blueprinting-VP-Spr, 5 Gal. Duelling tank (8 DP); 4 Solid FP-Radial tires; driver & gunner (driver has blended BA & 3 Paint grenades, both crew have PFE), Pulse Laser in turret, OG (10/Flaming Oil) right, DSP under, ABS-HD Brakes, HD Shocks; 10 dischargers (8 oil/smoke, 2 ice); spoiler & airdam, 1 Hi-Res Computer (gunner) 1 HRSWC (driver-Laser), Laser Battery, 4 bumper triggers (4 to dischargers - 1 double with OG), weapon links (OG & Laser each to DSP, 1 panic link to all weapons); 9 pts LRFP CA each around engine/gastank & driver; 40 pts LRFP WH/WG (usu. 9 pt Guards rear, 9 pt Hubs front, + 2 pt Hubs rear); 167 pts. LRFP armor F 33 B 32 R 36 L 36 T 15 U 15; HC 5 (6), Acc 20, Top 80, 44 MPG, 220 Range, 6599.8 lbs, $69,880.00.

• IFE Option - Remove DSP & PFEs, add IFE, remove 10 pts armor; $69,180.

Design Notes - This wasn't supposed to be a Div70, but after adding on things that I thought every decent car needed, the numbers just started adding up. It's still not a perfect design (the IFE option is safer but less armored), but seems well-rounded and mean.

Name Notes - The names for the newest cars will come from the Periodic Table, and will be called the Elemental Series; this element according to the Wiki: "is a radioactive chemical element with the symbol At and atomic number 85. It is the second-heaviest of the discovered halogens. Although astatine is produced by radioactive decay in nature, due to its short half life it is found only in minute amounts."