After years lost in the digital world, we return for another Automotive Showdown: THE FIGHT OF 1989!!! A bit of a mixed competition, two slick coupes with hidden headlights up against upscale convertible cruiser, all with turbocharged engines, so let's meet our contestants! Ibishu 240BXT Type-L Soliad Talladega LT ETK R2400tic Can this German roadster outshine a pair of coupes a whole new car cheaper? Can the Japanese engineered Soliad edge out it's purebread counterpart? Can the humble BX make a splash? Stay Tuned!
The Contenders! Ibishu 240BXT Type-L Japanese auto industry leader Ibishu has earned itself a reputation for fun but affordable little coupes. The newest member of this lineage, soon to replace the Saga and 300BX, is a whole range of models; the BX-series. It’s already on sale in Japan, in the form of the pop-up headlight bearing 200BX liftback, and the Diana, a more conventional coupe with conventional headlights. The upcoming US model, the 240BX, takes on the front end of the former, but will be available in either body style. The car we received is something of a pre production model, but only because it’s still right hand drive. This trim level, the Type-L, has a few more bells and whistles than the base model, and the optional turbocharger on its 2.4 liter I4. As evidenced by the name, the USDM BX will not be available here with the 2 liter engine. The modest forced induction pumps its little 4 banger up to 198 horsepower and 218 torque, run through a 5 speed manual. The listed curb weight is 2884 pounds. Soliad Talladega LT Bruckell, in previous years, losing sales to more economic imports in the combined recession and oil shortage, revamped its lineup with several redesigned or engineered models from the short lived Firefly (a retooled Doyler Defender from the UK) to selling the Hirochi Rush light truck in its own lineup as the Champion. Their well received outsourced sporty coupe, having progressed through its own brand, into the Bruckell Stallion, into the Soliad Division, has received a refresh in its 5th year on the market. Now sporting flip down headlights, this one has the optional Gold Package, hence the two-tone paint and flashy hubcaps. Its revamped 2.5L I4, also fitted with a small turbo and mated to a 5 speed manual, is rated for 205 hp and 225 ft/lbs torque, with a listed weight of 2810 lbs. ETK R2400tic Right between the previous two in terms of launch was the premier I-series sedan from German front runner ETK, which now has a cousin in the somewhat downsized, sportier, and more aggressively styled R-series, with a similar range of models available as hardtop coupe or convertible. More a luxury grand tourer than a street machine or track day project car if you ask us. Once again mated to a 5 speed manual is a I6 powerplant, but only 2.4L, with a rated 205 horsepower, in a relatively light car at just 2800 lbs. Can those 2 cylinders give it an edge?
