MDS Macho

The MDS Macho is a SUV produced since 1972 over 5 generations. All the Machos came in the signature, "MDS Amarillo" color.

## Performance

### Top speed

~112.5 mph

The Macho debuted in 1973, being produced since 1972. First sold in 1973, until 1976, it was a successful car. The car had a detachable hardtop roof and came with an AM Radio.

The car was also offroad oriented. A Luxury trim, the M1X, was also produced which had a higher quality interior.

**Trims**

* M1 (Base)
* M1X (Luxury)

## Performance

### Top speed

~114.8 mph

The Second Generation Macho started production in 1977. First sold in 1978, it ran until 1981. The car was successful, but less than the first generation. The car was a heavily-revised and modernized variant of the first generation Macho. The car once again had a detachable hardtop roof, a standard interior, and this time an 8-Track stereo system.

**Trims**

* M2 (Base)
* M2X (Luxury)

## Performance

### Top speed

~ 111.8 - 124.8 mph

The Macho came back for a third generation, starting production in 1981. Sold from 1982 to 1984, the car was largely a failure, due to the effects of the oil crisis, restrictions on cars, and other factors. The car was also received mostly negatively, and the car also suffered from mechanical issues. The car was a heavily revised version of the first/second generation Machos, with updated styling. Once again the car included a detachable hardtop roof, standard interior, and an 8-Track stereo system.

**Trims**

* M3 (Base)
* M3X (Luxury)

## Fourth Generation (M4, 1985-1991)

    The Fourth Generation Macho started production in 1985 and ran until 1991. The car was successful.

## Performance

### Top speed

~ 137.9 - 146.4 mph

Powered by a brand new, M4 POWERMAX Turbo engine, the new engine was 5.0 Liters and had a turbocharger. Dual exhausts and a more torque-oriented mechanics were some of the new features of the engine.

The car itself was a complete redesign of the car, scrapping the old body which had been used for 11 years in the previous three generations. The car almost did not make it and barely received enough support for its creation. The car had no trim levels, except the base, meaning no M4X Luxury Model was made. The car featured variable hydraulic power steering and a standard-quality interior with 5 seats, 2 in the front and a bench for 3 in the back, and an 8-Track player stereo system was included in the car. In 1986, the mandated third brakelight was added to the car, and the 8-Track player was replaced with a Cassette player. The car had a brand new transmission as well, upgrading from the previous generation's 4-speed manual to a 5-speed manual. The car was not cheap, and cost $17,300, equivalent to $47,642 in 2022.

Some unique features of the car included bull bars, auxiliary headlamps / floodlights, 3 windshield wipers, skylight windows, a rear ladder, and a reverse-opening hood, among other features.

The car was also sold in Mexico and was extremely popular there, running for longer than the original model, from 1985 to 2009.

## **Revival Attempts**

After the fourth generation, the car could not receive enough financial backing in support for a fifth generation, despite the fourth generation's success, partly due to financial issues and the company losing money in the late 80's and early 90's. Several concepts were made after 1991 to try and garner support for a new generation but were unsuccessful, as people lost interest in the car and instead turned to their new Maelstrom model.

-2000 Concept

A concept model was unveiled in 2000. The car had a 5-speed automatic transmission, CD Player, 7 seats, electric power steering, ABS, and a modernized look and design. The car was received with mixed reviews, some praising the car, some disliking the car, and some being indifferent. The car tried to combine the classic first 3 generation's designs with the modernization of the 4th generation.

Ultimately not enough support was gathered for a reintroduction of the car, but it was somewhat promising.

-2007 Concept

Another concept model was developed and subsequently showcased in 2007. The car had an updated design with a 5-speed automatic transmission, 7 seats with a standard interior and premium SatNav system, electric power steering, Traction Control + ABS, and a modernized design. The car was generally positively received and led to enough backing and support for a new generation to be produced.

## Powertrain

### Engine

4.5L V6 Turbo

The MDS Macho came back finally in 2013, starting production in 2012 and first sold in 2013, until 2017. The car was completely new, throwing out the old revisions and starting fresh. The car was a retro-styled homage to the original cars, and was positively received.

**Trims**

* M10 (Base)
* M10 LX (Luxury)