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

[np1993]

With the coming of the new millennium Prato did it again. He released a rally variant for the current body style of Zoope. Featuring an all aluminum 2.0L as seen on the R series, however this engine sings to the tune of 270hp at 8100 rpm. The engine was over bored to 2.1l, the boost pressure increased, a large front mount inter cooler was installed and compression was increased. Prato's new 6 speed close ratio transmission was naturally the only choice for the rally edition, matched with the tried and true all wheel drive train. The interior was all but completely gutted save for some carpet, the dash and the two Recaro racing seats placed in the front. The back bench seat was deleted, sound insulation was stripped, the stereo was deleted along with A/C. The heater was downsized, but other then that, left in tact. Power windows were replaced with manual rollers. Massive 4 piston Brembos were installed in addition to Pirelli tries, allowing the car to stop and a dime. The suspension received full treatment from Bilstein and was reinforced heavily. The under body received skids plates and a rear diffuser. The body panels are a combination of plastic and fiberglass to save on weight. The 2000 Zoope Rally Edition weighing hardly 975kg, got 42 miles to the gallon and could do 0-100 in 3.8 seconds flat with a top speed of over 250kmph. The car could run a 12.06 second 1/4 mile. It is rumored that a select few were hand tuned under the supervision of Prato himself, producing 350hp, however none of these cars have records of sale...

It was the rally car the people had been waiting for, and boy were they happy. All 5000 of the limited run rally package cars were assembled within the now Iconic Sudbury performance plant, with the first one off the line being given to Ivan Smith, as a retirement gift for 54 years of employment at Prato Motor Company, the glove box was signed by the other 9 original PWC employees and N. Prato himself. Ivan passed away in 2007 and the car was sold in an international auction for $340,000.00 to a rally enthusiast and museum owner in Holland.

With a sticker price of 35,000.00$ International demand was through the roof, although almost all models were sold domestically. Notably one batch of 15 Zoope's were pre-purchased at a premium by a Saudi oil baron, reports are only 3 remain in running condition. The cars were made famous due to the superstar Youtube channel SaudiRacingX233, which exploded overnight. It features cars drifting in the desert and performing extreme jumps and stunts. A driver racing a 2000 Zoope Rally edition took 2nd place in the 2001 Canadian Rally Championship. Several Zoope's were featured in the European Rally Championship, however none of them placed. Motor trend magazine did a 3 page feature on the car and gave it two thumbs up, saying "Porsche performance on and off the road for a fraction of the cost? Do you have any left for sale?" Jeremy Clarkson from TopGear had one word as he zipped throught the TopGear test track 'wow".

The 2000 Prato Zoope Rally cars still see some use today both domestically abroad in both Rally and Circuit racing. A heavily modified Zoope set a lap time of 7:45:12 on the Nürburgring track being one of the 100 fastest lap times in 2004.

In the words of the now, very senior N. Prato "I finally made the car I set out to make when I got into the business". N. Prato retired from his position as CEO that July, after running the company for 54 years. The reigns were passed on to his grandson, Nathan.

Fun Fact: The front bumper had to be cut and modified in order to make the inter cooler and piping fit. Despite their best efforts they decided to leave the piping exposed.

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[np1993]

Of the 5000 Rally Zoopes 10 were taken back into the factory and fitted with even more powerful Honeywell/Garret Turbos and tuned under the direct supervision of Prato himself. This was done in total secrecy, only the small team of engineers and Prato himself knew of the secret until it was leaked to the public. The custom tuned 355hp versions of the 2000 Zoope Rally were not for sale and that just made people want to buy them more, or take them. On July 23rd 2001, 2 burglars were caught breaking into the storage facility where the cars were being held, security caught the thieves red handed before they could get the car started. One of the cars suffered some scratches to the door and a broken ignition due to the break in, however no real damage was done. The cars have made movie debuts, been portrayed in video games and fantasized about by the public for years, with the public only catching glimpses of them when they were being loaded into the back of a transport to a more secure location after the break in. Mr. Prato even turned down the offer of 1 million dollars for one of the cars by a rally car collector. Every once in a while there are reports from local townsfolk who see N. Prato driving one around at his leisure.

The cars were rumored to go 0-100 in 3.5 and have a top speed of 287kmph, however Mr. Prato refuses to comment on their existence, even after blueprints of the engine were leaked in 2003.

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14 years after the release of the now iconic Zoope Rally edition and the 'never actually released' secret rally production cars GG performance decided a commemoration of the car was in order. Imitation is the best form of flattery isn't it? The maniacs over at G&G really went to town on this one. The modern recreating features a far more aggressive styling, with a slightly redesigned front array, that captures the spirit of the original, and enhances it with all kinds of meanness. The hood scoops are integrated into matte black GT stripes over a crimson finish. The car looks like a race car, smells like a race, feels like a race car and can and does 0-60 like a race car. It weights hardly 2200lbs and has 1129hp, far exceeding 1000hp per tonne. The car somehow manages nearly 18 miles per gallon on 98 RON, not great but considering you can get from your home to the supermarket and home again in less then a minute we think that's quite alright. As a side bonus and inside joke his car has rear rails to give the option to install two further seats in the rear for 2 additional Recaro racing seats with harnesses, in case you want to take an elderly relative for a spin around the Nordschleife.

G&G reports "The tailgate sports the massive Mephisto doublewing, generating well over half a tonne of downforce at top speed. With integrated downforce undertray and splitter, the car is glued to the road at speed, and can blast around most tracks at a pace to match that of the Mephisto." With the power and grip this car is capable of you can generate enough G forces to stop your heart and restart it, twice! The car has been able to in multiple instances claim a sub 7 minute lap around Nordschleife. N. Prato and his grand son test drove the car when it shipped to Canada and the two of them had one thing to say among blurry eyes and clearing throats. The car was the ultimate homage and tribute to the Zoope that put Prato Motor Company on the map for good, and G&G did a damn fine job with their modern hyprecar recreation.

The car was truly a spectacle as to what can be done with a vision, a little bit of madness and what a bunch of performance parts can do when cobbled together. The car is not for sale via mass production, and GG design has exclusive rights to produce the cars with PMC permission and consent. The car is rumored to retail in the 1.7-2.0 million range. There company can be contracted via viewtopic.php?f=35&t=4022

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[np1993]

Prato Zoope Sixth Generation: 2003 - present

By 2003 the previous body style had seen in nearly 8 years of use and it was time for a change. Reverting back to a rear wheel drive design the 2003 Prato Zoope was designed with affordable performance in mind. With a 139hp DOHC aluminum head 2.0L EA827 paired with a 6 speed manual transmission it achieved 46 miles to the gallon and a 0-100km time of 8 seconds all with seating for 5. While not super car stats, but the car was comfortable. It had a 9 speaker Sony Sounds system, including tweeter, a built in 10" Sony Xplode sub-woofer, a 6" LED, blue-tooth compatible touchscreen HUD in the dash, heated seats, power windows and A/C. It got you from A to B in a reasonable time in a great deal of comfort.

It sports moderate sized disk brakes and a rear spoiler which hearken back to Prato Zoope's rally heritage.

The car retailed for 19,500.00 new

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[np1993]

With the 2005 model year the 2005 Prato Zoope Rally edition was released, featuring an 165hp aluminum head DOHC variant of the tired and true 2.0L EA827. With a 6 speed transmission it was capable of 0-100 in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 220kmph, hearkening back to the previous rally models. It featured aggresive exterior styling, a large rear wing, rally headlighs, larger brakes, pirelli tires and Bilstien shocks.The interior experiences a modest tone down, with the subwoofer deleted, less sound insulation and a basic 6 speaker set up. The 6" LED display remained. The steering wheel was replaced with a leather wrapped momo wheel and semi race style front seats were installed, the rear seats remained allowing a maximum capacity of 5 individuals. The car maintained an admirable 44 miles to the gallon consumption despite the performance tune.

The 'retro green' used on 60's Zoopes was applied to display the cars heritage. a New front clip and rear bumper were also part of the rally model.

The rally package was an additional $2,200.00 on top of the base model

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[strop]

The feels man, the feels. N. Prato is one dedicated to the dream of making something beautiful and he spent fifty years achieving that dream. Clearly the company is an enduring one not because it seeks for dominion, nor for massive profit margins, but was built as a family that did its best to look after its own and set about its business in what I'm going to go out on a limb and call a charming Canadian understatement (with small streaks of fun-loving obnoxiousness).

With such a history and track record PMC ought to be considered part of Canada's cultural heritage, their cars an icon for commuter and enthusiast alike.

[np1993]

By 2007 the domestic car market was crashing. In a desperate attempt Prato Motor Company, under the new found management launched a new face lift on the Zoope. Maintaining the original body lines the front clip received more aggresive styling and the front and tail lights received a LED tune up. The car featured a hyper eco-friendly destroked EA827 displacing 1.9 litres. It featured DOHC and multi-point fuel injection, producing 140hp. Paired with a 6 speed overdrive transmission the car was capable of nearly 47 miles per gallon. The interior was designed in partnership with Sony entertainment and Navguide. A 10 speaker Sony Xplode stereo, 6 CD changer, 6" LED HUD display and compact 12" built in sub woofer were the selling points. Heated seats came standard and the car featured both front and rear climate control. It received a 4 star safety, proving to be very competitive in its class. Prato had hoped to produce a fun, semi-sporty, very fuel efficient car. Despite the interior overhaul, exterior touch up and eco engine the car would not be as successful as planned.

In 2007 the economy collapsed, with automotive giants, GM, Ford, and Chrysler going down the pipes. Cars were not selling, no matter the price cuts, no matter the bargain. PMC was surely doomed. Larger company's with klout acquired government bail outs, private loans and foreign investments. PMC without having such connections would surely have to get creative if it wanted to survive this rut.

The 2007 Model retailed for 23,850.00 brand new

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[np1993]

Mid through the 2007 model year Prato released a surprise to the masses. The 2007 Prato Zoope Eco. It featured a domestically built 1.1L producing 83.5hp, paired with a 6 speed overdrive front wheel drive transmission (a first for Prato) the car could achieve in excess of 51 miles per gallon. The interior was made more spartan, losing its heated seats, and having a reduced speaker count of 6. Many interior components were reduced to plastics and some of the extra safety features were deleted. Skinnier road tires were applied with a thinner rubber profile.

The Zoope Eco was PMC's response to the economic crisis facing the world and it worked!

With ECO rebates and green tax reductions the car could be had for $18,000.00

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[np1993]

By 2010 the economy in North America had stabilized and Prato Motor Company took this opportunity to give the Zoope another face lift. Featuring a new aluminum frame, and improved safety features the car placed top of its class for both front and side impact ratings. The engine used was a revision of their 2.0L EA827 DOHC used in previous models, tuned up to 150hp it is capable of 46 miles per gallon with the 6 speed overdrive transmission. The front bumper and grill were totally redone, the headlights upgraded and the tail lights were redesigned from the ground up. It features its baseline 6 speaker Sony Xlpode stereo with 12" sub and 6" LED HUD display. The car was capable of 0-100 in 7.1 seconds The 2010 Zoope is aggressive looking, fun and comfortable to drive.

Alternatively the car could be ordered with the optional 1.1L as seen in the 2008 Eco model. Aftermarket support for this model was plentiful as the body style had now been running for 7 years, with front and rear bumper interchangeability. Some 2010 Zoope owners would swap the 2005 rally edition suspension and engine into the lightened aluminium frame featured in the 2010 model and compete at their local tracks.

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MSRP of $24,500.00, ECO model $22,500.00

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[np1993]

2014 was a big year for Prato Motor Company and also a year of firsts. PMC released both a city and rally edition of the Prato Zoope. The body of the car was elongated and slightly enlarged, allowing for both a larger engine and more passenger/cargo room. Featuring a wider stance and bigger fender flares 225mm thick tires were crammed underneath. Unlike other facelifts there was no backwards compatability, the changes to both frame and body design were too drastic. Totally revised headlights and tail lights were used, with Halo LED's. The interiors were rather standard featuring the trademark Sony sound system, 6" HUD and heated seats. Both models come with a 6 speed overdrive transmission. Aside from the features mentioned above the similarities stop there.

The 2014 Rally edition Zoope features a massive wing and all-wheel-drive capabilities. Featuring the a futher updated EA827 R4 2.0L with a Turbo which produced 231 hp the car is capable of 55 miles per gallon, and a 0-100 time of 4.4 seconds. With performance and efficiency at heart, it is designed to compete against the well established Evo's and Lancers on and off the streets.

Rally Edition MSRP 29,000.00

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A 153hp 2.0L engine was also offered, capable of 6.7 second 0-100 runs and averaged 47.5 miles per gallon with RWD. The 2.0 offers a middle ground for comfort and afforability, with a slightly upgraded interior from the city model.

The 2.0l engine variant retailed for $21,750.00

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The city car variant features a extremely eco friendly rear wheel drive, front engine design debuting the new 1.7L which produces 123hp. Capable of 54 miles per gallon and a 0-100 time of 6.9 seconds is both sporty and efficient. With a more streamlined exterior and slightly thinner tires it is the city commuters best friend.

City Edition MSRP of 16,500.00

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[np1993]

Prato Agro: 2000 - 2004

With the passing of the reigns to young Prato there was a big push for Prato Motor Company to get enter into the roat and track scene. With Hond S2000's, Nissan Silvias, Skylines and Toyota Supras on the street, not to mention the domestic competition this was going to be a hard market to crack. PMC in association with GM built a sports coupe. The 2000 Prato Agro S was born. Featuring an aluminum frame, polymer body, McPherson front struts and a semi-trailing arm suspension it was destined to be sport. The 2300lb 2 door, 2 seater coupe is powered by a DL9 quad cam I4 provided by GM, modified by PMC. The first year of production the car produced 180hp, which propelled a 5 speed manual transmission all-wheel-drive, drive train. It was capable of over 200kmph, and 0-100 in 6.1 seconds. With the N/A I4 it boasted 40.2 miles per gallon consumption.

The interior featured a 4 point roll cage, 2 racing style seats a 4 speaker Sony stereo, a 12" Sony Xplode sub woofer and a 6 CD changer head unit. The car had a front and rear lip with a semi clad underbody helping with aerodynamics. The hood had a cut out in the center to display the engine, PMC offered a clear plastic insert to protect the engine bay during rain and snow. Overall the first year was moderately successful, it was out powered by most foreign and domestic sports coupes but the low price tag kept the Agro S in the race.

The Agro retailed for $21,999.00

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[np1993]

For the 2001 model year the DL9 Quad cam 2.4l I4 was dropped and in its place was an all aluminum LS1 328hp push rod v8, similar as to the model seen in the 1997-2003 Corvette.. Capable of going nearly 280kmph and 0-100 in 4.2 seconds the car was quick. Unfortunately the price tag had to go up to accommodate the cost of the LS1. The car gained almost 300lb and fuel economy plummeted to 28 miles per gallon. The car had taken on an entirely new niche, being an entry level sports car as opposed to a sporty coupe. It was dubbed the 2001 Prato Agro SS.

The car was not ass successful as planned. With no changes to the design in each consecutive year the Agro was discontinued in mid 2004 due to lackluster sales.

[np1993]

With the economic crash settling, Prato took this opportunity to launch one last attempt at a low cost sports coupe. Trying to redeem themselves for the failure that was the Prato Agro, the GT Coupe was born. The Prato GT Coupe was a light, nimble and able performing coupe. With an 200hp SOHC I6 and rear wheel drive it is capable of gently sliding around curves and punching through its 6 gears. Weighting in at just over 1000kg and 200hp it is capable of 0-100 in 5.8 seconds and a top end of nearly 250kmph. It also boasts an admirable 36 miles per gallon fuel consumption.

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With a sporty interior it comes equipt with all the necessities and a few extras. From the comfort of heated leather race style seats you can control nearly anything you can think of with the touch of your finger. The 6" LED HUD allows for interior climate change and puts you in control of the powerful 6 speaker Sony Xplode sound system. The exterior is a glimpse into the past with retro style hide-away headlights and aggressive dual hood scoops it is obvious what this car is all about. A retro rear lip is attached and the under body semi clad to provide down force to keep the rear wheels firmly planted on the ground.

MSRP $25,995.00

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[np1993]

After one year of successful sales Prato Motor Company went ahead an offered a Track Version of the 2010 GT. Featuring a turbocharged version of the 2.2L SOHC I6 used in the base model it produces 250hp. Capable of 0-100 in 5.5 seconds and a top speed exceed 260kmph. Larger breaks were fitted to help stop the car from flying around bends. Suspension saw an upgrade as double wishbone front struts were added. The exterior is untouched save for two heat extractors on the sides of the engine bay. The Turbo variant experienced a decrease in fuel economy, getting 34 miles per gallon.

[np1993]

for the 2014 model year, the Prato GT needed an update. A new multi-link rear suspension system was implemented allowing for more precise handling and overall performance. The engine also received a tune up, direct fuel injection was added to the 2.2L I6 used in previous models. Compression was also slightly increase in addition to a more aggressive exhaust system. The upgrades provided a 10hp gain to 260hp. The fuel mileage also saw an increase, now reaching nearly 34.5 miles per gallon. 0-60 was accomplished in 5.4 seconds.

The front clip received air ducts to cool the brakes and a low slung rear spoiler to increase down force. Larger brake rotors were added featuring cross drilling and sports compound pads. These upgrades coupled with the multi-link rear suspension allowed for better overall handling.

MSRP $29,995.00

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2016 Prato GT v8

For 2016 big changes were on the horizon. After consideration from consumer feedback and many hours of completing laps at the Prato Motor Company Test Track the GT was set for an overhaul.

The monocoque frame and body was made of brushed aluminum, similar to that of the Delorean and no paint was applied. This left the car with a very nostalgic look and sexy appeal. The suspension was further improved upon from the 2014 chassis as well. A 3.0l 32 valve Direct Injection v8 featuring vvt-l was used. It generated 315hp, paired with a 6 speed manual transmisison the car could accomplush 0-100 in 4.8 seconds with next to no tire spin and a top speed of nearly 290kmph. Beefy Pirelli sport compound tires were used and massive bremo 'big brake kits' were used on the 2016 model. The 2016 GT v8 managed nearly 35 miles to the gallon.

The interior also saw an update with improved sound insulation, a more comfy interior and improved safety features.

MSRP $35,000.00

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The exterior saw a moderate remodeling as a new more aggressive front clip was used and a larger rear spoiler was implemented. An electric sunroof with built in solar panels was optional for those wanting to save the planet and look good doing it. The 2016 Prato GT v8 retailed for 35,000.00 CAD

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[np1993]

Comrade-Prato Motors partnership:

Comrade-Prato Gratsk: 1985-2007

Looking for ways to market itself internationally, Comrade Motors was looking for a toehold in North America where its vehicles could be exported and sold. Prato Motors was a willing candidate to not only import Comrade passenger cars but would modify them to meet North American emission and safety standards. Upon signing this deal, Prato Motor Company was the only licensed importer and distributer of Comrade Motors in Canada and the U.S., they were excited until the first shipment of cars came in.

The first batch of 1986 Comrade Gratsks were struck fear and horror into the eyes of the workers, whose jobs it was to get them ready for market. The cars were equip with 1.8L 63hp carbureted inline 4 cylinder and had front wheel drive 3 speed automatic transmissions with no overdrive. The cars did 0-100 in nearly 17 seconds and had top speeds of hardly 100 miles per hour. The interiors were basic, entertainment consisted of 2 speakers in the dash and no safety equipment to speak of. The workers were astounded to find a primitive form of 'power steering' under the hood. Beneath all the soviet marking and stange lettering they found the build data and material catalogue from the manufacturing plant, most of the car was made of steel, iron or both. The suspension was a glimpse into the stone age with antique leaf springs and single caliper breaks. The skinny tires were hard rubber and sat on 14"rims.

The car was ugly, heavy, under powered, slow, boring and cheaply made. The only saving grace of the Gratsk was that adequately reliable, decent fuel efficient and unbelievably cheap to import. Prato Motor Company had quite the job cut out for it, they had to install seat belts, translate the Russian markings and labels and reprint English ones so people could read the instrument panels and clean the cars of cosmoline (storage grease the Russians loved to use). When it was all said and done the Comrade-Prato Gratsk retailed for 4,800$ once importing duties, clean up and safety equipment was installed.

Somehow, despite all the problems with the car it was moderately successful and PMC looked forward to continued business with Comrade Motors.

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