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Oldsmobile For 1997 |
By Carey Russ |
Oldsmobile is commemorating its 100th anniversary in 1997. August 20th is the big day. Busy, busy, busy. New are the next- generation Cutlass, replacing the Ciera, and a new Silhouette minivan. Engines based on that used in the Aurora luxury sports sedan will power cars at the Indianapolis 500.
Cutlass
The 1997 Cutlass replaces the venerable Ciera. It is Oldsmobile's midsized import fighter. With a comprehensive list of standard equipment, a 3.1-liter V6 engine, and a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission, the '97 Cutlass is designed for value.
Safety is enhanced by a new chassis with safety-cage construction, dual air bags, and antilock brakes. Suspension is independent all around for good ride and handling characteristics.
Silhouette
Same name, not the same minivan as last year. The Silhouette has been reengineered from the ground up to beat the competition. It's smaller on the outside and bigger inside. It has plenty of convenience features. An optional power-operated sliding passenger-side door is joined by a manually-operated driver's-side door for easy access. A variety of seating arrangements are available, with space for seven people. Lightweight second and third row seats fold, and are easily removable. There are storage spaces and cupholders galore all around the interior.
Safety cage construction and antilock brakes are standard on all three Silhouette trim levels. Regular and extended-wheelbase models are offered. A 3.4-liter V6 engine provides power through a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
Regency
The Ninety Eight nameplate has been retired after more than half a century of service. The heart and soul of the car live on as the Regency, Oldsmobile's premium traditional luxury car. It is so comprehensively equipped that only a sunroof and engine block heater are optional.
Bravada
The Oldsmobile entry into the sport-utility field was all-new last year. Its SmartTrak full-time all-wheel drive system includes antilock brakes and a locking rear differential. It has four-wheel disc brakes and a rear liftgate for 1997, along with some mechanical upgrades.
Aurora
Oldsmobile's top sports-luxury sedan was introduced in the 1995 model year. It has been continuously refined since then, and has some interior modifications for 1997.
LSS
The LSS is Oldsmobile's full-sized sports sedan. It gets side- impact resistant doors and interior enhancements for 1997.
Achieva
Oldsmobile's entry-level compact is offered in sedan or coupe body styles. A simplified lineup this year includes two trim levels, and a high level of standard equipment.
Eighty Eight
The full-sized Eighty Eight has had continuous upgrades since its last major redesign in 1992. It receives side-impact resistant doors and interior enhancements for 1997.
Cutlass Supreme
The Cutlass supreme line of sedans and coupes enters its last year with a simplified option lineup.