Caraffi Modissa

Overview
The Caraffi Modissa is a sports car manufactured by Cielisian automotive manufacturer Caraffi from 181 - 186NT. The vehicle was designed by Damon Caraffi and was powered by a turbocharged 2.9 liter HC-B6V1 engine making 436 horsepower.

History
The design of the Modissa marked a significant departure from Caraffi's other works, sacrificing the sleek wedge styling which Caraffi vehicles had come to be known for in favor of a less aggressive look which had risen to prominence at the end of the 170s. In the decade preceding the vehicle's release, Caraffi vehicles had begun to fall out of style after nearly twenty years of popularity, and the company was facing financial issues as a result. The 180s saw Caraffi attempting to expand its market reach in an attempt to boost sales; the Modissa was intended to attract potential buyers from markets previously untapped by Caraffi vehicles, thus the Modissa was designed and marketed as an entry-to-mid-level sports car.

While the effort did certainly attract a number of new buyers, Caraffi's departure from form left longtime fans of the brand feeling unsatisfied; the car did not sell enough, even at its lower price point, to save it from its fate as a commercial failure.

Reception
Though the Modissa delivered fine performance, it was often regarded as too radical a deviation from what made Caraffi unique and noteworthy. While many critics merely regarded the Modissa as "disappointing" and "unsatisfying" despite its capabilities, others still panned the vehicle and its manufacturer as "shameful" and found Caraffi's apparent change in direction insulting. Ultimately, production of the Modissa was terminated to little fanfare in 186NT, five years following its introduction.