Prato Motor Company [New Budget Car 01/04/15}

[np1993]

1982 -1987 Prato Quattro Porte

In 1982 Prato Motor Company launched the Quattro Porte or four door.

Following the moderate success of the 1977-1981 Zoope Sedan PMC decided it would develop a sedan line with with its own identity. With similar design features of the Zoope Sedan the overall dimensions were enlarged allowing for more cargo space and room for passengers. The car seated five comfortably with room for 3 in the trunk. The interior was relatively up scale, harkening back to the days of the Prato Grand Tourer Sedan. The sound insulation was plentiful, the exhaust quiet and the stereo loud. The car featured a JVL stereo system with 8 track player, am/fm radio and a dashboard clock. All seats were wrapped in premium leather, the dashboard had fake mohogany and the steering wheel was comprised of a holy trinity of chrome, leather and mahogany. With cup holders, pop-out ash trays and cigarette lighters the car was as fancy as a passenger sedan came. For a few extra dollars a sunroof was added and for those who lived truly decadent lives a car phone was optional.

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The engine was a deep stroked 5.3L v8, producing 209 hp and nearly 300ft.lbs of torque. Matched with a 4 speed automatic the car was very, very tame, yet capable of 0-100 in 7.4 seconds. The suspension was soft, the tires tall and the brakes smooth. The car handled like a couch on wheels with mcpherson front struts and a solid axle in the rear. At nearly 1200kg, it was one of PMCs heaviest cars to date, in a large part due to the cast iron v8 and posh interior.

The exterior featured chrome, and lots of it. The front and rear quater panels were adorned with chrome strips that wrapped around the car, the hood had chrome vents, the bumpers were chrome and even the trunk lid had chrome accents. The Quattro Porte got people around in style for a reasonable price, being only slighytly more expensive then the average car of the day. The car came in two colour schemes, soft white with a brown leather interior or cream paint and white leather interior.

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The car retailed for 7,090.00 with the base model, for 7'250.00 the car phone and sunroof were added. The car averaged 25 miles per gallon.

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In 1984 a higher compression engine with a louder dual exhaust was available under the XL package, which featured even finer leather then the other models. The XL boasted 220hp a 0-100 time of 6.7 and managed 24.5 miles per gallon. Fully loaded with sunroof and phone it retailed for $7,995.00

[np1993]

1988-1994 Prato Quattro Porte

The body style of the first gen was originated in the 70's and by 1988 had been getting more and more dated. PMC decided that it was time for a face lift. Typically in 'face lift' a car gets a slight redesign, perhaps new head and tail lights, maybe a different bumper. When the engineers went to drawing up the 1988 Prato Quatro Porte they threw away the old design all together and started from the ground up. The Quattro Porte was going to remain a sedan, and needed to keep some of the civility and posh temperament that it had established in the previous generation.

The car was shorter then the previous rendition however was very pleasing to the eye. Sharp and aggressive styling set the tone for this car, differentiating it from previous models. The 5.3l deep stroke v8 used in the previous models was too inefficient and didn't produce much power so PMC decided to outsource the motor. General Motors supplied unfinished blocks, cranks and heads and PMC did the rest. The 5.0l small blocks were over bored 0.0020, assembled and tuned in house. The GM heads were cleaned up and gently ported. The finished produce was a 235hp fuel injected v8 that got acceptable fuel mileage (23 miles per gallon). 0-100 was accomplished in 7.1 seconds. A long geared 4 speed automatic was the transmission of choice for the mode. The suspension was vastly improved from the solid axle coil set up in the previous model, replaced with double wishbones in all 4 corners. The engineers wanted to maintain the comfort, but increase the handling capabilities of the sedan.

The base model retailed for $9,600.00, the Forza package was $215.00 extra

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The interior received just as much leather as the last model and chrome was liberally applied in addition to fake wood inserts. Coupled with premium safety equipment, notably a 'please wear seatbelt' indicator if the vehicle detected a person seated without their belt buckled. A sun roof was a standard option.

Also available was the 'Forza' performance package, which included dual exhaust and higher compression, the car generated 265hp and when paired with a 5 speed manual could muster 0-100 in 6.4 seconds, notably quicker then the base model. As a compasison the 1988 Mustang GT's went 0-100 in 6.4seconds.
Weighting only 1100kg the car was competitive with the 5.0 mustang and IROC camaro on the track.

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The Forza Model Featured a Rear wing in place of the stock rear lip. This increased down force and improved overall handling.

[np1993]

In 1993 a Forza 300 performance package was offered, with a stroked out 5l/302 displacing 317ci. The car boasted 300hp, when coupled with stiffer suspension, bigger tires and a 5 speed transmission the car could complete 0-100 in 6 seconds.

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The interior boasted a slight limited edition revamp, with '300' stitched into the headrests and steering wheel. The car was only available in black for this package. It retailed for 11,500.00 roughly 3000 were produced

[Oskiinus]

On Quattro i see visible references to Audi Quattro
By the way - very good sedan-coupe

[np1993]

On Quattro i see visible references to Audi Quattro
By the way - very good sedan-coupe

Since PMC is in partnership with VW-Audi i don't think they mind :-p

[np1993]

Prato Quattro Porte 3rd Gen: 1995 - 2004

In 1995 It was time for the next step in the evolution of PMC's sedan line. With the contract still in tact for Chevrolet 5.0l engines, they were tuned to 235hp, 5hp more then the variant found in the 1500 series pick up trucks. Paired with a new 5 speed automatic transmission the car could go 0-100km in a brisk 6.5 seconds, had a top speed of over 230kmph and maintained nearly 29.5 miles per gallon (US). Glued aluminum and polymer comprised the frame and body.

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The exterior received a complete overhaul, with little resemblance to the old generation of sedans, being much more sleek and smooth. Chrome accents were used, as tradition for the Quattro Porte line. A fashionable rear spoiler was used to generate downforce and a semi clad undertray was implemented. Wide medium compound tires, coupled with 3 pot brakes were used to bring the car to a stop.

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The interior, as always was rather lavish. Leather was the material of choice and was available in 3 colour options, tan, white and charcoal black. With tinted windows from the factory the car was very stylish. The interior shows flashes of chrome, stainless steel and leather in perfect harmony. No fake wood was used in this generation, however high grade plastics were used, coloured to match the leather choice. No sunroof was available for the first year of production. A CD player, featuring a 9 speaker Sony Xplode sound system kept the driver entertained while a 8.5" drop down TV entertained the backseat passengers, a VHS player was situated under the passenger seat up front. The car came standard with A/C, am/fm radio, heated front seats, pull down visors and automatic windows. The car was truly comfortable to cruise in. The car featured side impact airbags (a first for PMC), seatbelt reminder alarm and won top in class for safety 1995. ABS, power steering and traction control were all available.

The car featured a very quiet exhaust system, many passengers failed to notice if the car was running or not during initial tests.

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The car retailed for $19,995.00 with one year factory warranty.

[np1993]

Prato Quattro Porte 4th Gen: 2005-2014

The Sedan line received another overhaul in 2005. This time the car was bigger, much bigger. Weighting over 1400kg with a wheelbase of 117" this was the largest and heaviest car PMC had produced to date. The car featured an all aluminum GM 5.0l tuned to produce 262hp and 204ft-lbs of torque. When paired with a 5 speed automatic RWD transmission the car managed 27.5mpg (US). 0-100 was done in a brisk 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 250kmph. With wide tires and 17" rims the car handled comfortably, and well.

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The exterior featured chrome accents and even chrome stripes down the hood and trunk. The bodylines were all redone from the ground up, the car was longer and roomier then ever before. A lip above the rear window provided downforce.

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The interior was leather of course, available in several colours. The seats were heated and fully adjustable, all managed on the 6" LED touch screen in the dash. The A/C was front/rear, left/right adjustable with a favorite settings, so that multiple drivers can easily select their preferred settings and enjoy the ride. The front seats had 7" TV's mounted into the headrest, paired with wireless headsets, so that the passengers could watch movies or play games through the DVD player placed in the rear middle console. Every seat had a cup holder, an arm rest and a fully adjustable headrest (yes even the ones with the TV's). The back bench had a heating option, which was not a common option for the time period. A 9 speaker Sony Xplode stereo with a 12" built in compact subwoofer allowed the driver to immerse themselves in whatever album they so chose during their daiy commute, or to show off. Navguide was free for 18 months with purchase of a Quattro Porte.

MSRP $29,000.00

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A 2.7l Turbo I6 was offered as an alternative option, producing 171hp and 200 ft.lbs of torque. 0-100km was completed in 8.1 seconds. Combined fuel economy was 46.3 MPG with the same transmission as offered for the 5.0l.

[np1993]

The 2015 Model year brought some changes to the Quattro Porte Sedan. Double wishbone struts were used in all 4 corners and larger brakes were added to improve handling. A 360hp LS1 engine was used to propel the 1600kg vehicle down the roadway. 0-100 was accomplished in 5.7 seconds with an estimated top speed of 290kmph. 29+ miles per gallon fuel consumption was achieved with a 5 speed automatic RWD transmission.

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The interior saw only slight modifications, with more adjustable features in the larger 7.5" LED HUD display. Even basic engine management was now possible through the computer management system. The exterior saw the addition of reworked tail lights and a more aggressive front grill.

MSRP $38,895.00

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A Track variatn dubbed the Prato Quattro Porte XL featured a tuned up LS1, boasting 410hp due to a more aggressive cam, high comp pistons, dual exhaust and dual intakes. The car has a full undertray, a small rear spoiler and wider sport compound tires to keep it glued to the pavement. A 6 speed manual transmission is the only option for the XL, enabling the car to go 0-100 in 4.9 seconds nad have a top speed of 300kmph. The XL package sets the buyer back and additional $6,000.00

For those looking for that track car look a rear diffuser was an available option for the v8 powered model


The 2.7l I6 Turbo seen in previous model years was available for customers as an alternate engine choice. Producing 180hp, a 0-100km time of 8.2 seconds and getting a combined 46.9 miles per gallon fuel consumption it was no slouch.

[Microwave]

Your puny 360hp engine is no match for our 900+hp 5.2

[np1993]

Prato - Firenza Aquisation:

Firenza Coupe: First Gen 1992-2003

In 1994 Prato Motor Company acquired a small Italian manufacturer Firenza. The company had unsuccessful tried to launch a company based on a single model design with nothing but a hope and a dream. N. Prato feeling compassionate bought out the company, maintaining much of the original staff. The Firenza was a small chassis, light and nimble. With a aluminum frame and polymer body it was cheap to produce. Even when equip with humble suspension components and skinny tires it handled well. The downfall of the design was that it did not have a standard engine, several prototype FIAT motors were used and at one point Japanese manufacturer HONDA was contracted for a limited run, this was not how to run a business. The body's and interior would continue to be made in Italy, after the chassis were complete they would be imported to Canada, where PMC had the drive train assembled.

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PMC having a well established and standing contract with Volkswagen used the same NA EA827 I4 engine as found in many of their other models. The standard iron blocks that PMC and VW had known and loved were used with a slight twist. PMC had been experimenting with vv-t and DOHC and the Firenza was the perfect guinea pig. The engine was tuned to 135hp with a DOHC set up featuring revolutionary variable valve timing. When paired with a 5 speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive the car manages a very capable 41 miles per gallon (US) and a 0-100km time of 6.7 seconds. The car tops out at 180kmph. The total car weighted in at less than 850kg and was very agile. The car was equip with very run of the mill eco tires and 1 pot brakes.

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The interior featured more then adequate sound insulation, comfortable interior fixtures and equipment and state of the art safety gear. Power steering came standard on the car. The exterior had modern fixtures and featured a hard vinyl convertible top, being very stylish for the time. The car retailed for $12,000.00 once import taxes and duty was paid.

Comparatively it was more expensive then a honda civic of the same year, but produced twice the horsepower.

[np1993]

1996 Firenza Convertable Sport

In 1996 PMC decided that the Firenza Convertible needed a little more pep and a sport package was available. The engine was tuned up to 141hp and the gearbox was a upgraded for a more aggressive ratios. The interior saw acute restyling with a momo race wheel and short throw shifter. The rear supsension saw an overhaul for the sport package. Wider tires with more powerful brakes were also implemented as part of the sport package.

The Sport package could be had for an additional $1,250.00

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With the up-tuned engine and aggressive gearing the car still manages 40 miles per gallon (US). The engine, transmission, suspension, tires and brake upgrades allowed for fun sporty option for the Firenza line up.

[np1993]

Your puny 360hp engine is no match for our 900+hp 5.2

For the price of our car, 10 people can own a 360hp cars vs the 1 900hp car you will have on the street :-p

[np1993]

in 1997 Prato Motor Company released a production 2.0 litre tubro engine for publics enhjoyement. It was tested in the Zoope R platform with great success and the engineers saw a cross platform opportunity. PMC took some 1997 Firenza Sports from the assembly line, tuned the transmission and plopped the 171hp 2.0L in them and gave them a go. The result was a fun and affordable entry level sports convertible. With a 0-100 time of 6.2 and a top speed of nearly 200kmph it was a winner (although slower to PMC's alternative offering, the Zoope R). It managed 48 miles per gallon and received a slight facelift.

[np1993]

2001 Firenza Convertable Sport

In 2001 The final Firenza went for a final revision. The 2.0L Turbo I4 was tuned up to 206hp and was paired with a 6 speed manual transmission. The front wheel drive 1000kg car managed 0-100 in 5.7 seconds and was able to manage 39 miles per gallon.

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The front end saw a major overhaul, the front bumper featured new air dams and vent designs and the round headlights were changed to a single enclosure with new HID bulbs. The rear saw a new sporty dual exhaust system and a high profile rear spoiler.

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[np1993]

Prato Familia: First Gen 1994-1999

In the early 90's PMC noticed that they did not have a 'family' vehicle and were missing out on a very important market. PMC offered hot hatches, performance coupes, powerful sedans sporty convertables however did not have a car for the suburbanite.

The front bumper featured exotic aggressive styling

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In 1994 the Familia was launched. Featuring unique body styling the 5 seater sedan fit the nich that PMC was looking to market. A DOHC 1.7 destroked EA827 was used producing 125hp. The car propelled itself 0-100 in a modest 8.3 seconds and with a 4 speed automatic was capable of 44 miles per gallon. The interior was moderately sound insulated and was furnished to industry standard with high quality parts. Featuring standard am/fm and cassette player the driver was adequately entertained while gliding down the motorway in the daily commute. State of the art safety features were implemented to maximize passenger safety. Cargo room was moderate for a small sedan with a high rear hatch allowing for tall and odd shaped luggage to be stored with ease.

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The car was easy to drive, got great fuel economy and fit the average household budget. In 1994 the Familia retailed for $13,000.00

Dual tail lights allowed for maximum visibility

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