TAZ Zignet JDM versions 2.0

LORE
Ibishu, the original producer of the beloved Miramar from the sixties, decided to sell it again (in Japan). This time, instead of making the car locally, headquarters decided to import the Soviet Taz Mir (Zignet in export markets), as it had been improved (better insulation, improved heating, reinforced body, softer suspension…) to endure the tough Siberian winters as well as the Russian roads. This was considered a wise decision as the cold climate in some regions of Japan (like Hokkaido) could be a good market for a known, cheap, reliable and durable car. Sales started in September 1988.
Technical specifications were as follows:



The imported models featured the 1986 restyling and offered two petrol engines (1.3 and 1.5i), reinforced with heavy duty parts to further enhance their durability. As it was usual in the Japanese car market, the Zignet offered several trim levels of equipment to suit every customer.

The only body style offered was the sedan. New trim levels and a five-speed manual gearbox were added in November 1988, and the Sport version (with an upgraded 1.5L engine) topped the range in February 1989.

The Zignet was sold at Ibishu dealers and the main selling points were reliability, toughness and low cost to acquire and maintain, as well as appealing to nostalgic buyers. Despite all, sales were very poor (barely 3,000 units) and imports ended in February 1990. The local competence was fierce and implacable, as the Zignet could not compete with more modern designs and technology.
The following image contains an original Japanese advert for the TAZ, which translates as:
"Tough, Solid, Cheap!!!"
"Sold at Ibishu dealers, property of Ibishu Motor Company. Ibishu Motor Company ®, Heisei 1 (year 1989)."



The majority of units were sold in Hokkaido, and some units saw taxi usage (one was used in Tomakomai until 2009). Original units in running condition are virtually non-existent today, and some others (the Ibishu Miramar Car Club of Japan estimates a number of 150~200) have been retrofitted with Miramar engines and parts. All in all, they are rightful members of said club!

Spoiler: Added versions

ADDED VERSIONS
- The mentioned taxi version is offered in two configurations (in running condition and in semi-abandoned condition).
- Zignet restomod config, known as ‘Mira-Restored’. Features a Miramar drivetrain and some modern amenities like SPFI and power steering.
- Eurus Coupe, a heavily modified Taz Zignet. A devoted mechanic in Japan bought a used unit, replaced the engine with a twin-turbo rotary, reworked the body to imitate the coupe prototype, modified the front end and the suspension with Konela parts, added a rear spoiler, a sunroof, 14” wheels, quick-ratio steering, and reupholstered the interior in dark blue and black. All in all, a little beast with lots of potential in the racetrack.

Spoiler: Update additions

UPDATE ADDITIONS
- Added headlight wipers switch to Super Custom configs.
- Redesigned textures for some elements (the interior chrome/aluminum inserts, the rear window chrome reveal, rear side vents). Now the basic versions feature an all-plastic interior, rear window and side vents with plastic trim instead of chrome), and the Sport variant has a red insert on the door panels. This was done to further enhance the visual differences between basic, intermediate and top trims.
- Rear door panels without armrests, installed on the Standard model.
- Latin characters on instrumentation.
- TAZ logo added to dogdish, Nivera and Zelco hubcaps, and also mudflaps.
- Standard steel 13” wheels now available in silver.
- Trunk badge identification for each level trim (Standard models didn’t have one).
- Possibility to equip Miramar SOHC engines (1.6 and 1.9L), transmissions (manual and automatic) and 3.70 final drive, to make restomod versions. The engines are compatible with most TAZ parts, too.
- Skin for the Tomakomai taxi version, including a taxi signal (inspired by the one of the KLJP mod) and a driver-operated rear left door. For more information read the "added versions" section.
- A very special sports version (read the "added versions" section).

PLEASE, DO NOT REUPLOAD THIS MOD TO OTHER SITES.
This mod is only to be uploaded in the BeamNG official website.

IMPORTANT REMARKS
The modified textures don’t replace the original ones, so this mod won’t interfere with the original. The new parts are identified in the “vehicle config” menu as “JDM”.
For this mod to work properly, you will need the following mods:
https://www.beamng.com/resources/taz-pack.28805/
https://www.beamng.com/resources/taz-pack-small-addon.36415/

RECOMMENDATIONS
To add more realism, please look for Japanese license plates (the ones appearing in the advertisement picture are from the Stars' Japanese License Plates mod -->https://www.beamng.com/resources/stars-japanese-license-plates.29565/)

IDEAS BEHIND THIS MOD
The TAZ pack included some fender mirrors, as well as right-hand drive interiors, so why not? I've always been impressed by the huge number of versions Japanese automakers usually offer for their models, and wanted to replicate that.

KNOWN BUGS
No known bugs for the moment, please do not hesitate to inform me if anything happens.

MAPS APPEARING ON THE PICTURES
(In order of appearance):
- Tokyo's Shuto Expressway (https://www.beamng.com/threads/tokyos-shuto-expressway-metropolitan-expressway.61259/)
- Kamurocho (https://www.beamng.com/threads/kamurocho-tokyo-addc-yakuza-judgment.83067/)
- Automation Test Track
- Showroom
- Irohazaka Pass (https://www.beamng.com/threads/irohazaka-slope-touge-v1-2.90978/)
- Shomaru Pass (https://techeyy.gumroad.com/p/shomaru-pass-full-release)
- Nagao Pass (https://www.beamng.com/threads/nagao-pass-touge-v1-2.92103/)

CREDITS
- @RyanCookie, for the wonderful TAZ pack mod.
- @kristensen2121, for the useful TAZ add-on.
- @modeewy25, for his massive help creating this mod, modified textures, trim badges, restomod engines and taxi skin. Also author of the second picture in the "update additions" section.
- Origami Japan, for the No Smoking sign of the taxi skin.
- BeamNG, for the game assets.