Post by Aurora40 on Jan 2, 2006 14:16:44 GMT -6
OLDSMOBILE DRIVES INTO NEXT MILLENNIUM WITH ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP 2001 AURORA[/i]
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.
A Symbol of Change
Revitalized a Division
Over 100,000 on the Road
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.”
Stunning Design
Broadened Appeal
One Great Car with Two Premium Engines
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.
Same Dramatic Styling
Younger, More Diverse Consumer
Increased Interior Space
More Usable Trunk Space
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.
Fast, Agile Performer
Aluminum Technology
Lighter V8
More Body Rigidity
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.
Reduced Weight
Minimized Squeaks & Rattles
Finely Tuned Suspension
Advanced Safety Cage
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 ramp-up 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.
Side Air Bags
Double Volume
Luxury & Sophistication
“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.”
