WHEN it was intro-
duced in 1994, the
Oldsmobile Aurora was
intended to change
Oldsmobile’s staid, con-
servative image to a
dynainic, import-orient-
ed car company with
more exciting, stylish
automobiles.

The 1994 Aurora, a sporty,
V8-powered front-wheel-drive
luxury sedan, was the tiet of
this “new generation.” and it
wwas targeted at lusury import
buvers who might otherwise
be driving a BMW 540i,
Mercedes-Benz, E430, Lexus
LS400, or perhaps a Cadillac
STS.

Since then, next-generation
Oldsmobiles like the Alero and
Inuigue have reinforced thar
modern image, but the Aurora
flagship was quietly discontin-
ued in 1999, After a year's
absence, it has re-emerged as a
smaller luxury sedan aimed at
a broader spectrum of the lux-
ury car market. The new
Aurora now offers a choice of
V6 and V8 engines, and a new
fower price.

Trimmer but roomier

Now in the “entry-faxury™
class ($35,000 to $50,000) rather than the “prestige tusure”
class (over $50,000), the 2001 Aurora is designed to appeal to
younger, more afiluent buyers and more women buyers.

The 2007 Aurora is smaller and more agile than the previous
model — overall length has been reduced by 155 mm (6.1 in),
and the wheelbase is 4) mm (1.6 in.) shorter. [t's also lighter: the
V8 model is about 75 kg (165 Ib.) lighter than the first Aurora
and the new V6 model ts 129 ky (285 Ib.) fighter. Despite afl
this, the 20012 Aurora is actually roomier inside, with more head -
roam and legroom than the previous model,

The trunk is smaller by 1.5 cu, ft, however the trunk hd
opening is wider, and the liftover is lower to make loading and
unloading larger items, such as golf clubs, easier.

The 1994 Auron’s distinctive stvling traits -—— the muscular
fenders and “pinched” sides, and wide narrow headlamps ~ have
been cared over to the new model. The new Aurora adds
unique lower air intakes in the front bumpers, larger, wrapover
tail lamps, and standard front and rear fog iamps.

GOMOTIVE

3.5-litre V6 now standard

Oldsmobile’s 3.5-litre V6 engine, already available in the
lntrigue, is now offered in the Aurora in addition to the four-titre
V8 engine. The 3.5-lite DOHC 24-vaive V6 engine is based on
the four-litre V8 and offers 215 horsepower at 5,600 rp.m. and
234 fUlb. of torque at 4400 rp. The revised four-litree DOHC
32-valve V8 is offered with the same horsepower and torque rit
ings as the previous engine: 250 4 5.600 rpm. and 260 te-lb, at
4400 hpi,

Both engines have undergone improvements in efficiency to
improve feel consumption, reduced noise, and lower exhaust
emissions. On the V8, this includes a new fow-tnetion valve train,
new pistons, and a reaction heated catalyst system, as well as a
greater use of aluminum, magnesium and plastic. However, nei-
ther engine offers variable valve timing, a feature available in
some of its competitors.

Ser Jurevior pane 24

forth Shore News - 22_

GUIDE

NEWS photo Paul McGrath

THE Oldsmobile Aurora was redesigned for 2001. It's shorter in overall Jength but roomier inside. It now offers a standard 3.5-litre V6
engine and an optional! four-litre V8 engine. New for 2001 are side airbags and an automaiic anti-skid system. Aurora V6 models start at
$39,035. V8 Auroras are $45,575, a little less than the last Aurora in 1999. Test drive one at Carter Chev-Olds in North Vancouver.

At A Glance

“Smaller and lighter than the
previous Aurora, the new 2001
model is a little easier to
manoeuvre around town, and
offers plenty of power from its
standard 3.5-litre V6 or optional
four-litre V8 engine.”

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