Post by Aurora40 on Jul 15, 2004 16:47:57 GMT -6
OLDSMOBILE DRIVES INTO NEXT
MILLENNIUM WITH
ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP 2001 AURORA
In 1994, it was a symbol of change - a promise of what was to
come from the New Oldsmobile. In 1997, the Indy Racing League’s
introduction of its new production-based 4.0-liter engine formula
presented an opportunity for Oldsmobile. Now two years later, the
Aurora V8 engine has a perfect record. And going into the next
millennium, the Oldsmobile Aurora has taken another step in its
evolution - a redefining symbol of the new Oldsmobile.
“Since its introduction, the Aurora has embodied the change
and revitalization of the division,” said John Gatt, brand manager,
Aurora. “And that change never stops. As the Oldsmobile division
continues to offer refined and innovative vehicles that deliver
sophisticated design and driving control, the new 2001 Aurora has
to lead the way.”
The Aurora has had a successful run in the import luxury
segment. Today, there are more than 100,000 Auroras on the road,
and the newly designed flagship is expected to dramatically boost
current volume.
But the changes in the 2001 Aurora are far more than just
symbolic. With a tighter body and suspension system, the Aurora
delivers inspiring responsiveness to compete with the best of its
competitors. True to its stylish heritage, the 2001 Aurora’s lines are
sleek and sophisticated - a stunning design to stir the souls and turn
the heads of people who love cars. With a more compact body and
significantly lower weight, the all-new Aurora handles the road with
agility and confidence. On all levels - from design to performance
to build quality - the next generation Aurora combines luxurious
style with responsive performance for a gratifying driving
experience.
Reaching a Broader Consumer Base
The evolution of the flagship Aurora brings it to the forefront
of a highly competitive category. The target consumer base for the
2001 is broad, reaching out to a younger, more sophisticated
audience - and, importantly, an audience that includes more women.
To help broaden the appeal base of the 2001, the redesigned luxury
sedan will offer two premium engines: an enhanced 4.0L DOHC
V8, and a 3.5L DOHC V6.
“Today’s luxury car buyers want choices - not everyone is
looking for V-8 power,” said Gatt. “The new Aurora will maintain
its heritage as one great luxury car, but consumers will be able to
choose from two great engines - the race-winning 4.0L V8 and the
award-winning 3.5L V6. The V6 will not only appeal to a younger
audience, but it will also help bring a greater number of women into
the Aurora mix.”
The exterior redesign of the 2001 Aurora also is likely to
appeal to a greater audience. The new model maintains its tight,
muscular form giving the Aurora an athletic, yet sophisticated look.
While the redesigned exterior carries the same dramatic, elegant air
as the original, the overall effect is less polarizing.
“This new design is unmistakably an Aurora - a true evolution
of the original,” said Dennis Burke, chief designer, Aurora. “But
with a shorter, more nimble body, and harder, more contemporary
lines, the 2001 Aurora is poised to capture the hearts and
imaginations of a younger, more diverse consumer.”
Maximizing Usable Space
Although the next generation Aurora is actually six inches
shorter in length, the innovative design team was able to actually
increase interior space. For both front and rear passengers,
shoulder, hip and headroom is greater.
“We were able to maximize the usable space, while preserving
the smaller, aggressive exterior design,” said Burke. “Sometimes,
those two elements can work against each other, but for the new
Aurora, we were able to strike a perfect balance.”
The trunk also sees dramatic improvements. Although it is
1 cubic foot smaller than the original Aurora, the 14.9 cubic feet is
actually more useable. The wider trunk opening and low-lift over
make it much easier to load and unload items. The rear seat passthrough access also adds a convenient benefit of carrying long
awkward items.
Form and Efficiency
The 2001 Aurora blazes onto the scene with a leaner, lighter
body, as well as more efficient, powerful engines. The net result is
a lightweight body and a heavyweight heart - a fast, agile performer
to rival its predecessor.
The use of aluminum body panels has proven an effective way
to help reduce weight. The Aurora sports an aluminum hood and on
models equipped with the 4.0 the deck lid is also aluminum.
“Most manufacturers who are using aluminum body panels
are building sports cars or race cars,” said Burke. “We wanted to
tap into those technologies to offer the best performing Aurora we
could provide.”
The 4.0L V8 engine also is lighter than the original Aurora
V8. Again, aluminum played a large role in bringing the engine
weight down, as well as more efficient engine manufacturing
processes. For both the 4.0L V8 and the 3.5L V6, the cylinder
heads, as well as the die-cast open deck cylinder block are made
completely of aluminum.
Weighing in with a lighter, tighter frame, the 2001 Aurora has
achieved the difficult goal of reaching a higher level of body rigidity
despite a drop in pounds.
The net result of all the weight saving efforts is the 4.0 Aurora
is 165 lbs. lighter than the previous generation while the 3.5 is
285 lbs. lighter.
The “G” platform was totally redesigned to incorporate a new
internal architecture that gives the Aurora the absolute highest level
of structural integrity.
Many components of the Aurora’s body structure and chassis
are rubber isolated, to minimize squeaks and rattling at the joints.
The Aurora also has added closed lateral tie bars that connect the
front longitudinal rails for a stiffer, more solid front end.
With the redesigned body structure and chassis comes a finely
tuned suspension. To provide the 2001 Aurora’s inspiring
responsiveness, the designers have incorporated the use of
aluminum in much of the suspension manufacturing, as well as
rethinking the overall structure.
In the rear, the Aurora has aluminum control arms for greater
stability, and lateral toe links to control wheel alignment in
situations where directional control is threatened —such as a spin,
panic stop or heavy cornering.
A New Level of Safety
With a stronger, more rigid body and a list of technological
advancements, the 2001 Aurora raises the flagship to a new level of
safety. The Aurora’s safety cage is specially designed so the front
and rear cage members can “give” in the event of a crash absorbing
the impact and protecting the passengers inside.
The new safety cage is constructed using a new manufacturing
process that reinforces the cage where the adjoining members meet,
making the cage structure stronger and more enduring.
With the
new construction process, the cage roof exceeds current federal
standards.
Also new to the 2001 Aurora is an advanced front side air bag
system, which integrates the side air bags directly into the front seat
backs for maximum protection and safe deployment. The safety
belts also are built into the seat backs providing more comfort and
protection.
Ready For The Road
This is the first major redesign of the Aurora since its
introduction. Consumers can expect to see the new Aurora in
Oldsmobile showrooms in spring, 2000. Aurora will be
manufactured in Lake Orion, Michigan. Upon completion of rampup
production phases, annual volume is expected to be 45,000 units,
which will double the volume of the original Aurora.
The new Aurora will round out a wide variety of product
offerings from Oldsmobile, which includes the Intrigue and Alero
passenger vehicles, the Bravada sport utility and the Silhouette
minivan.
“Our target buyers demand a high level of luxury and
sophistication that reflect their discriminating taste,” continued Gatt.
“They want world-class performance and refinement in the cars they
drive. They’re looking for a car that speaks to them, not just about
them. The all-new Aurora is that car.”
- Text is taken from the 2001 Aurora Press Kit and is the property of Oldsmobile
MILLENNIUM WITH
ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP 2001 AURORA
In 1994, it was a symbol of change - a promise of what was to
come from the New Oldsmobile. In 1997, the Indy Racing League’s
introduction of its new production-based 4.0-liter engine formula
presented an opportunity for Oldsmobile. Now two years later, the
Aurora V8 engine has a perfect record. And going into the next
millennium, the Oldsmobile Aurora has taken another step in its
evolution - a redefining symbol of the new Oldsmobile.
“Since its introduction, the Aurora has embodied the change
and revitalization of the division,” said John Gatt, brand manager,
Aurora. “And that change never stops. As the Oldsmobile division
continues to offer refined and innovative vehicles that deliver
sophisticated design and driving control, the new 2001 Aurora has
to lead the way.”
The Aurora has had a successful run in the import luxury
segment. Today, there are more than 100,000 Auroras on the road,
and the newly designed flagship is expected to dramatically boost
current volume.
But the changes in the 2001 Aurora are far more than just
symbolic. With a tighter body and suspension system, the Aurora
delivers inspiring responsiveness to compete with the best of its
competitors. True to its stylish heritage, the 2001 Aurora’s lines are
sleek and sophisticated - a stunning design to stir the souls and turn
the heads of people who love cars. With a more compact body and
significantly lower weight, the all-new Aurora handles the road with
agility and confidence. On all levels - from design to performance
to build quality - the next generation Aurora combines luxurious
style with responsive performance for a gratifying driving
experience.
Reaching a Broader Consumer Base
The evolution of the flagship Aurora brings it to the forefront
of a highly competitive category. The target consumer base for the
2001 is broad, reaching out to a younger, more sophisticated
audience - and, importantly, an audience that includes more women.
To help broaden the appeal base of the 2001, the redesigned luxury
sedan will offer two premium engines: an enhanced 4.0L DOHC
V8, and a 3.5L DOHC V6.
“Today’s luxury car buyers want choices - not everyone is
looking for V-8 power,” said Gatt. “The new Aurora will maintain
its heritage as one great luxury car, but consumers will be able to
choose from two great engines - the race-winning 4.0L V8 and the
award-winning 3.5L V6. The V6 will not only appeal to a younger
audience, but it will also help bring a greater number of women into
the Aurora mix.”
The exterior redesign of the 2001 Aurora also is likely to
appeal to a greater audience. The new model maintains its tight,
muscular form giving the Aurora an athletic, yet sophisticated look.
While the redesigned exterior carries the same dramatic, elegant air
as the original, the overall effect is less polarizing.
“This new design is unmistakably an Aurora - a true evolution
of the original,” said Dennis Burke, chief designer, Aurora. “But
with a shorter, more nimble body, and harder, more contemporary
lines, the 2001 Aurora is poised to capture the hearts and
imaginations of a younger, more diverse consumer.”
Maximizing Usable Space
Although the next generation Aurora is actually six inches
shorter in length, the innovative design team was able to actually
increase interior space. For both front and rear passengers,
shoulder, hip and headroom is greater.
“We were able to maximize the usable space, while preserving
the smaller, aggressive exterior design,” said Burke. “Sometimes,
those two elements can work against each other, but for the new
Aurora, we were able to strike a perfect balance.”
The trunk also sees dramatic improvements. Although it is
1 cubic foot smaller than the original Aurora, the 14.9 cubic feet is
actually more useable. The wider trunk opening and low-lift over
make it much easier to load and unload items. The rear seat passthrough access also adds a convenient benefit of carrying long
awkward items.
Form and Efficiency
The 2001 Aurora blazes onto the scene with a leaner, lighter
body, as well as more efficient, powerful engines. The net result is
a lightweight body and a heavyweight heart - a fast, agile performer
to rival its predecessor.
The use of aluminum body panels has proven an effective way
to help reduce weight. The Aurora sports an aluminum hood and on
models equipped with the 4.0 the deck lid is also aluminum.
“Most manufacturers who are using aluminum body panels
are building sports cars or race cars,” said Burke. “We wanted to
tap into those technologies to offer the best performing Aurora we
could provide.”
The 4.0L V8 engine also is lighter than the original Aurora
V8. Again, aluminum played a large role in bringing the engine
weight down, as well as more efficient engine manufacturing
processes. For both the 4.0L V8 and the 3.5L V6, the cylinder
heads, as well as the die-cast open deck cylinder block are made
completely of aluminum.
Weighing in with a lighter, tighter frame, the 2001 Aurora has
achieved the difficult goal of reaching a higher level of body rigidity
despite a drop in pounds.
The net result of all the weight saving efforts is the 4.0 Aurora
is 165 lbs. lighter than the previous generation while the 3.5 is
285 lbs. lighter.
The “G” platform was totally redesigned to incorporate a new
internal architecture that gives the Aurora the absolute highest level
of structural integrity.
Many components of the Aurora’s body structure and chassis
are rubber isolated, to minimize squeaks and rattling at the joints.
The Aurora also has added closed lateral tie bars that connect the
front longitudinal rails for a stiffer, more solid front end.
With the redesigned body structure and chassis comes a finely
tuned suspension. To provide the 2001 Aurora’s inspiring
responsiveness, the designers have incorporated the use of
aluminum in much of the suspension manufacturing, as well as
rethinking the overall structure.
In the rear, the Aurora has aluminum control arms for greater
stability, and lateral toe links to control wheel alignment in
situations where directional control is threatened —such as a spin,
panic stop or heavy cornering.
A New Level of Safety
With a stronger, more rigid body and a list of technological
advancements, the 2001 Aurora raises the flagship to a new level of
safety. The Aurora’s safety cage is specially designed so the front
and rear cage members can “give” in the event of a crash absorbing
the impact and protecting the passengers inside.
The new safety cage is constructed using a new manufacturing
process that reinforces the cage where the adjoining members meet,
making the cage structure stronger and more enduring.
With the
new construction process, the cage roof exceeds current federal
standards.
Also new to the 2001 Aurora is an advanced front side air bag
system, which integrates the side air bags directly into the front seat
backs for maximum protection and safe deployment. The safety
belts also are built into the seat backs providing more comfort and
protection.
Ready For The Road
This is the first major redesign of the Aurora since its
introduction. Consumers can expect to see the new Aurora in
Oldsmobile showrooms in spring, 2000. Aurora will be
manufactured in Lake Orion, Michigan. Upon completion of rampup
production phases, annual volume is expected to be 45,000 units,
which will double the volume of the original Aurora.
The new Aurora will round out a wide variety of product
offerings from Oldsmobile, which includes the Intrigue and Alero
passenger vehicles, the Bravada sport utility and the Silhouette
minivan.
“Our target buyers demand a high level of luxury and
sophistication that reflect their discriminating taste,” continued Gatt.
“They want world-class performance and refinement in the cars they
drive. They’re looking for a car that speaks to them, not just about
them. The all-new Aurora is that car.”
- Text is taken from the 2001 Aurora Press Kit and is the property of Oldsmobile
