1997 BUICK CENTURY
ENGINEERING
FLINT, Mich. -- The newest model of Buick's popular midsize sedan contains numerous advanced safety, comfort and convenience features.
Providing a world-class body structure was one of the principal engineering goals for Buick's all-new Century for '97. That target translates into several key customer benefits -- high rigidity (for long-lasting freedom from squeaks and rattles), safety cage construction, improved visibility and exterior aesthetics, optimum ride and handling, and long-life corrosion protection.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Century rides on a longer wheelbase (up 4.1 inches) and broader track dimensions (up 2.8 inches in front, 4.3 inches at the rear), yet it still provides agile maneuverability. This is partly because the turn circle is a tight 37.4 feet.
The entire side of the body, from the front door hinge pillar to the rear quarter panel, is one stamping to save weight and complexity while assuring highly accurate door fits and sealing surfaces. Triple door seals help reduce wind noise. Century's safety cage construction is designed to protect the passenger compartment from impacts in any direction.
Double-galvanized and pre-coated metals assure long-lasting corrosion resistance guaranteed by a 6-year/100,000-mile no-perforation warranty. Improved door fits, triple door seals, and precision side glass fit (due to a better door supporting structure) all help reduce wind noise. Small rubber bulbs at the top of the window glass channels engulf the edge of the glass to block wind whistles. To eliminate antenna-generated wind noise, Century offers an available radio antenna embedded in the rear window.
The elimination of vibrations, squeaks and rattles was a high priority from the onset of the 1997 Century's engineering program. Engine cradle bushings are designed for superior ride isolation. Hydraulic engine mounts reduce vibrations to the Century's interior. Sound deadening materials are positioned on the instrument panel, on the floor of the trunk, the rear wheelhouses, and the rear quarter panels.
To achieve efficiency, quietness and performance goals, the standard Century powerplant is the acclaimed 3.1-liter 3100 V-6 engine. It has a bore of 3.51 in. and a stroke of 3.31 in., displacing 191 cubic inches (3130cc). Its compression ratio is 9.6:1 and the recommended fuel is unleaded regular. Advanced features include distributorless ignition, cross-bolted main bearings, a structural aluminum oil pan, roller hydraulic lifters and roller rocker arms.
The engine supplies a powerful 160 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm in a broad and usable power band. Fuel distribution is accomplished by electronically controlled sequential-port fuel injection. The EPA fuel economy is unchanged from the previous model -- 20 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway.
On the street and highway, this engine delivers an energetic launch and impressive reserves of safe, secure passing acceleration. Thanks to long-life platinum-tipped spark plugs and other advanced design features, this reliable engine is virtually maintenance free (except for fluid and filter replacement) for the first 100,000 miles of driving. Matched to the 3.1-liter V-6 is a quiet, smoothly efficient 4T60E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
Century's powertrain is mounted to a rubber-isolated front cradle. This rigid welded-steel assembly, which also supports the power rack-and-pinion steering and most of the front suspension, is attached to the body by means of four tuned rubber mounts to isolate the passenger cell from the intrusions of road surface imperfections. This approach to suspension tuning means Century can offer confident handling as well as Buick-grade ride quality.
Standard anti-lock brakes have been revised for a reduced tendency to pulsate in operation. Front brake rotors are larger and heavier than the previous model to provide extra braking capacity. In conjunction with stiffer brake calipers, the larger rotors feature improved resistance to fade and longer lining life. Brake pads and lining materials are asbestos-free.
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard equipment. The Century Limited features a variable-effort steering system which uses a combination of electronics, hydraulics, and electromagnetics to smoothly adjust steering effort to suit road speed. For example, extra assist is provided to ease effort in parking. Then as highway speed builds, the steering assist is slowly reduced for a precision steering feel.
The P205/70R15 all-season radial tires have advanced tread designs and rubber compounds for optimal handling and braking whether the road surface is wet or dry. Their low rolling resistance is an aid to fuel economy.
State-of-the-art lighting systems add a quality appearance while improving safety. All lighting functions -- such as turn signals, backup lights and side marker lights -- are integrated into the one-piece headlamp and taillamp assemblies to facilitate assembly and to improve quality. The smoothly integrated modules nestle into their receptacles with a refined "tailor-made" snugness and uniformity. Daytime running lamps are standard equipment to furnish long-distance presence to on-coming traffic.
Century owners want a car that goes beyond the basic need for comfort, safety and reliability. They want a premium automobile that's also an attractive value. With that in mind, engineers reached for world-class status across the board: not just in comfort but also quality, ease of operation, reliability, low total ownership cost and all- around refinement.
Because the '97 Century is larger than its predecessor in almost every dimension, it offers improved ingress/egress, all-around roominess and comfort, and expanded utility of the trunk. Some noteworthy Century features involve basic occupant protection -- dual air bags, dynamic side-impact protection, child-safety rear-door locks, front safety belt buckles attached to the seat frames, improved outward visibility and PASS-Key II anti-theft system.
Century also includes driver lock-out protection which disables the power door locks when the key is in the ignition, "metaphoric switches" that mimic the front power seat cushions and back for simpler use, a larger-capacity battery with run-down protection, fluid monitors (including the addition of a low-fluid sensor in the wiper fluid reservoir), and warning lights for low fuel, oil and coolant.
Also featured are an optional sliding glass sunroof, power door locks with a five-second delay after the last door is closed for exiting convenience, a front storage armrest with cupholders (plus a rear armrest on Limited), storage pockets in all four doors and also in seat backs of Limited models, and grind protection to disable the starter when the engine is already running.
Allergy sufferers will appreciate the inclusion of an air filter to rid incoming air of pollen and particulates before it reaches the passenger compartment.
To exceed customer expectations in comfort and convenience, Century's feature list is comprehensive -- for example, customers can program their automatic door locks to suit their preferences. Night-time operation is made easier through illuminated door mounted switches and available electrochromic rear-view mirror which automatically dims at night. A premium lighting package for Century includes theater dimming and available reading lamps in the rear. Century's low-liftover trunk opening reveals a cargo capacity of 16.7 cubic feet.
Other comfort and convenience features on Century include available stereo radio controls in the steering wheel, heating ducts for rear seat passengers and optional rear child-safety seat.
