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1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE

OVERVIEW

FLINT, Mich. -- With the all-new 1997 Park Avenue and Park Avenue Ultra, Buick is "elevating the stature of our flagship sedans," said Buick General Manager Edward H. Mertz.

The '97 Park Avenue and Ultra, featuring a new world-class structure and new design, go on sale in dealer showrooms in the fall of 1996.

Park Avenue customers prize roominess, rich accommodations and a quiet, comfortable ride -- as well as an attractive value. Mertz said the extensively redesigned models will more than fulfill those requirements.

The most significant change in the '97 Park Avenue is its use of refined architectural components (primarily body structure and chassis systems) recently introduced in the Buick Riviera. Park Avenue, however, is a second-generation architectural design with a host of enhancements.

Park Avenue's robust architecture delivers a wealth of benefits: a quiet, solid ride for the life of the vehicle, superior road manners and responsive handling, and safety-cage construction for outstanding crashworthiness and superior comfort.

The '97 Park Avenue is slightly larger than the previous model in practically all major interior and exterior dimensions. For example, the wheelbase is more than two inches longer to increase the room available for the driver and five passengers. The greatest gains in interior spaciousness are front headroom (+.9 inch), front hip room (+1.3 inch), and rear hip room (+1.5 inch). While the new Park Avenue's trunk volume is reduced (from 20.3 to 19.1 cubic feet), its usefulness is improved because the lift-over height is lower, and the width of the opening is improved with the use of diagonal cutlines for the decklid.

An important innovation is a seat-mounted safety-belt system for front passengers, designed so the shoulder belt fits comfortably regardless of seat position or the occupant's size. Another thoughtful innovation: In the event of an air bag deployment, the Park Avenue's doors will automatically unlock in 15 seconds.

Park Avenue engineers emphasized perfecting fundamental ride, quietness and comfort characteristics, which Buick feels are among the car's "core imperatives." Once that solid foundation was achieved, the design and development team added the wealth of convenience features that large luxury sedan customers expect -- plus a few more.

Buick's successful 3800 Series II V-6s power the Park Avenue and Ultra. Except for oil and filter changes, both the normally aspirated and the supercharged powerplants are virtually maintenance free for 100,000 miles. Park Avenue's naturally aspirated 3800 Series II delivers 205 horsepower at 5200 rpm while Park Avenue Ultra's supercharged Series II generates an impressive 240 horsepower at 5200 rpm.

Both deliver their power through new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions which provide added capacity, more sophisticated electronic control and a larger torque converter. Park Avenue's transmission is the 4T65E and Utlra's is the 4T65E HD (for heavy duty). Customer benefits are enhanced driving smoothness and optimal fuel efficiency. Even though the new models are larger, projected fuel economy is unchanged from the previous models: 19 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway for Park Avenue and 18/27 for the supercharged Ultra.

Important Park Avenue technical advancements include a higher-capacity four-wheel-disc anti-lock brake system, magnetic variable-effort power steering, aluminum suspension components, easier to repair fixed-lens halogen headlamps and a damage-resistant radio antenna in the rear window.

Front and rear suspension systems are supported by rubber isolated sub-frames that interrupt the transfer of road harshness and driveline vibration. A "cradle" is used in front to mount not only the suspension, but also the powertrain and steering systems. An isolated T-shaped member carries the semi-trailing-arm rear suspension.

Engineers use state-of-the-art approaches to enhance driver comfort and interior quietness, such as torque-axis engine mounting and triple door seals.

An example of Park Avenue's robust design is its sophisticated one-piece cast magnesium cross-car beam that serves both as a body structural member and the primary instrument-panel mounting support. Squeaks and rattles in the instrument panel are much less likely because the beam eliminates numerous individual brackets, sometimes the source of noises or vibrations. Magnesium is a perfect material for this use because it provides high strength and stiffness with very low piece weight.

By using the single bolt-in beam, the complete instrument panel can be more easily assembled off the assembly line to provide one-step installation into the vehicle.

In addition, Park Avenue's front structure is strengthened by using closed-section welded steel engine-compartment upper rails and radiator tie-bar, eliminating bolt-on structural reinforcements.

Among Park Avenue's many upgrades is electrical multiplexing, a new kind of energy management that means various systems can perform more jobs using fewer wires. Multiplexing reduces the number of wires that go into a door by 75 percent. For the customer, this translates into less complexity, lower bulk for ease of packaging and quality of assembly and greatly improved reliability.

The same key opens all of the car's locks and operates the ignition. (A separate valet key is provided to maintain trunk and glove-box security when the car is handed over to an attendant.) The ComforTemp climate control system features dual front controls and adjustable rear-seat vents. Comfortable 10-way power driver and front passenger seats are a split-frame design which allows the seat bottom to be adjusted independently of the backrest. Four-way lumbar-support adjustment, standard on Ultra and optional on Park Avenue, is also power operated. These seat improvements mean all customers will be able to find a comfortable seating arrangement.

Buick's Personal Choice features have been expanded from the previous Park Avenue menu, adding sound system and climate control settings. As in the previous model, the remote keyless entry fob can also be programmed to remember mirror and seat positions, automatic door lock operation, perimeter lighting, delayed locking and security feedback. Also now included as standard equipment are a convenient "flash-to-pass" feature, PASS-Key III passive theft deterrent, daytime running lamps, retained accessory power when the vehicle is turned off and before a door is opened, and an auxiliary power outlet to supply power to mobile telephones, laptop computers or other equipment requiring electricity.

William L. Porter, chief designer of Buick Exterior Design Studio No. 1, said the car's new styling was "in part inspired by the silky, undulating surfaces of the Riviera."

Porter headed the Park Avenue's exterior design team. "The traditional dignity and sense of power that is a hallmark of past Park Avenues is more than evident in the design of the new model," he noted. "The new architecture and structural integrity are subtly conveyed in its sure-footed stance, while its generous interior space and quiet comfort are suggested by its sleek and dignified profile. A measure of stateliness is conveyed by Park Avenue's generous proportions."

A number of features optional on the Park Avenue are standard on Ultra. For example, rain-sensing windshield wipers are triggered automatically according to the level of moisture detected on the windshield. Also new: A tire pressure monitoring system alerts the driver if a tire needs additional air.

A highly visible head-up display provides speed, high-beam, turn-signal and "check gauges" information on the inside surface of the windshield. The benefit: reduced need for the driver's eyes to leave the road.

An optional "Office in the Car" convenience console addresses the mobile working needs of today's business executive. It includes an illuminated writing surface, storage compartments, auxiliary power receptacle and dual cupholders between the front seats.

An easily replaceable filter for the dual automatic ComforTemp climate control system removes pollen and other particulates from the air before it's circulated to the interior.

On the Ultra, genuine wood interior trim, leather upholstery and the technologically advanced Concert Sound III entertainment system -- with nine speakers and eight sub-amplifiers -- are offered.

Ultra's distinctively expressive exterior is distinguished by a subtle grille-mounted Buick tri-shield badge (as opposed to Park Avenue's stand-up hood ornament) and a specific Ultra wheel.

Park Avenue continues to offer a long list of features, such as dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, power windows, door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry and available traction control (standard on Ultra).

Convenience Plus amenities include delayed entry and exit lighting, gradual "theater dimming" interior lights, battery rundown protection, lockout protection on power door locks and chimes to warn of parking brake engagement, turn signal and headlamps left on after vehicle shut-off, or key in the ignition when exiting.

Both models are equipped with such long-life, customer convenience features as engine coolant with a recommended change interval of five years or 100,000 miles, platinum-tipped spark plugs with first recommended service at 100,000 miles and transmission fluid that requires no change under normal operating conditions.

Park Avenue and Ultra feature an on-board diagnostic system (OBD II) that can help reduce potential exhaust emissions by identifying malfunctions before they can impact emissions.

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