1997 BUICK RIVIERA

OVERVIEW

FLINT, Mich. -- The distinctively styled Riviera, Buick's personal luxury coupe, enters the 1997 model year with new standard equipment and improvements in its safety features, suspension and transmission.

Riviera appeals to customers "seeking expressive design and confident performance, as well as tasteful luxury," said Riviera Brand Manager Michael G. Wright.

Known for its structural strength in addition to its styling, Riviera is again powered by the 205-horsepower 3800 Series II V-6. Optional is the 240-hp supercharged 3800 Series II V-6.

Both 3.8-liter powerplants were rated among the 'Ten Best Engines' by Ward's Auto World magazine. Both are linked to new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions.

The new standard transmission for Riviera, packaged with the naturally aspirated 3800 Series II, is the 4T65E, with new electronically controlled converter clutch, resulting in even smoother shifting than the previous transmission.

The supercharged Series II is linked to the 4T65E HD (for heavy duty) automatic transmission, also with new electronic controls. It provides a heavy duty gear set and larger shafts and pinions to accommodate the higher torque of the supercharged engine.

Projected fuel economy is 19 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway for the naturally aspirated 3800 Series II and 18/27 for the supercharged engine.

Personal Choice, a popular package of programmable features, is enhanced for '97 with standard memory door locks. Personal Choice allows the owner to program each of two remote keyless entry fobs with different personal settings, including which doors unlock remotely and when, the nature of security feedback with engaging remote locking (horn chirp, lights flashing, both or neither), and perimeter lighting.

The only optional Personal Choice feature for '97 is memory power seats. When it's specified, it includes automatic parallel parking assistance via the passenger-side outside rear-view mirror, which pivots down for a view of the car's proximity to the curb when the car is in Reverse. Each programmable keyless entry fob can remember seat and mirror settings when that feature is installed.

Another package of electronic features is called Convenience Plus. Among new features in this package for '97 are a flash-to-pass function in the indicator stalk, PASS-Key II passive theft-deterrent system, daytime running lamps, retained accessory power and an auxiliary power outlet.

Other Convenience Plus features are electronic reminder tones for key-in-ignition and headlamps, turn-signal and parking brake on; delayed entry and exit lighting with gradual "theater dimming," battery rundown protection, lockout protection and delayed locking.

Riviera's available Prestige Package includes these popular features: cornering lamps, electrochromic auto-dimming inside and driver outside rear-view mirrors, lighted driver vanity mirror, driver's seat power lumbar adjustment, remote radio and temperature controls for the standard leather-covered steering wheel, accent striping, theft-deterrent system, full-range traction control, and a three-function universal transmitter programmable for garage door openers and other remotely triggered devices.

For additional safety and assured, unobstructed rear view at all times, the standard rear defogger grid now operates continuously or until shut off when the vehicle is moving faster than 30 mph. The defog function continues to time-out after 10 minutes when the vehicle is traveling below 30 mph.

Included on a long list of standard equipment are composite tungsten-halogen headlamps featuring a new flash-to-pass function, PASS-Key II passive theft deterrent, daytime running lights, retained accessory power and an auxiliary power outlet.

EXTERIOR

Riviera was praised in '95 when its all-new design was introduced. The coupe's strong body structure contributes to comfort as well as safety. The rigid design minimizes road-induced vibrations transmitted to passengers, so the car always feels quiet, solid and secure. Crush zones are engineered to progressively absorb impacts and dissipate the energy.

Ride and handling are enhanced by the rigid design, which permits more sophisticated suspension tuning. And with less body flex, squeaks and rattles are eliminated.

A new design for Riviera's door handles improves their operation without changing their appearance. The "lift bar" handle has been recontoured underneath for a better grip of the handle.

Protective body-color side moldings and body-color outside rear-view mirrors are standard equipment. The slide-in license plate holder is convenient to use and requires no tools. Solar-Ray glass reduces interior heat build-up from solar load, and because it's flush-mounted, contributes to lower wind noise.

Standard blackwall P225/60R16 tires are mounted to 16-inch aluminum wheels. A chrome-plated 16-inch wheel in a specific design is available. Supercharged Rivieras are equipped with their own specific 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Riviera features driver and front passenger air bags, and dual automatic front and single-point rear-seat ComforTemp air conditioning are standard equipment. Programmable automatic door locks are now standard on all Rivieras. Improved door systems and door trim revisions meet dynamic side impact requirements.

A standard complement of instruments includes tachometer, speedometer, fuel and engine temperature gauges. Indicators are provided to warn of low oil pressure, low voltage, and low levels of fuel, oil, coolant and even washer fluid. Genuine wood accents adorn the instrument panel and console.

Ergonomics are improved through a redesigned end-release seat belt buckle. The release button is relocated from the face of the buckle to the top for easier use.

Riviera's standard dual-playback CD/cassette/AM/FM radio head is now equipped with a larger microprocessor, doubling available memory from 16K to 32K. This additional computing capacity permits the addition of a new dealer-installed option for a 12-disc compact disc changer in the trunk. Buick's 6-speaker Concert Sound III system and a power antenna are standard.

Riviera's use of Wyndham Cloth for a new headliner and garnish trim application provides a warmer ambiance to the comfortable interior. Standard three-across front seating is provided by an attractive cloth reclining 55/45 split bench with 6-way power adjuster for driver and passenger. Leather is available for these seats. The most popular seat options provide two heated, leather-covered bucket seats with 6-way power controls, power recliners and operating console.

Riviera's fully independent suspension is re-tuned for a smoother and more responsive ride. It features revalved MacPherson struts in front. In the rear, the semi-trailing-arm suspension and its struts have tuning refinements for improved ride character and reduced body roll. Automatic air shocks are utilized for standard-equipment load leveling.

Control arms, knuckles and related hardware are now all aluminum, resulting in a slight reduction in unsprung mass.

Riviera's magnetic variable-assist power steering may be set by a dealer for the degree of effort the customer wants. The system is designed to provide greater power assist at lower speeds for easier maneuverability and less assist at high speeds for more precise control. The system has been re-tuned for 1997 to have a slightly higher assist at highway speeds and improved on-center feel.

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