New GM Compacts Revealed
January 6, 1998 -- General Motors executives unveiled the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero and Pontiac Grand Am SE to journalists at the 1998 North American International Auto Show today. Oldsmobile is seeking sophisticated buyers for the sleek and contemporary Alero, which replaces the Achieva in the division's lineup. The hottest selling model for Pontiac dealers, the redesigned Grand Am is expected to prolong a strong sales resurgence for GM's Excitement division during the coming year.
Production of the new cars begins later this month, and consumers should be able to acquire them this summer. A standard 2.4-liter 150-horsepower Twin Cam engine drives the front wheels, but consumers can select an optional 170-horsepower V-6. New are t he 4-speed automatic transmission, the 4-wheel independent suspension, and the 4-wheel anti-lock braking system. A stiffer structure and "built-in" sound deadeners help refine the driving experience.
The cars share a basic structure, but from outside only the roofline indicates that the Alero and Grand Am are related. The Alero features understated but attractive design, with spoked wheels, fluted side panels, and a distinctly European flavor. The t raditionally brash Grand Am won't disappoint boy racers with its ribbed body cladding, finned rear spoiler, rocker panel extensions, and unique rear cornering lamps that operate in conjunction with the reverse lights.
Inside, Oldsmobile and Pontiac have taken divergent paths as well. The Grand Am's racy interior will be a big selling point on the showroom floor. A dual hooded gauge cluster provides the driver with a large speedometer and tachometer. Radio and climat e controls are located close at hand and are models of ergonomic efficiency, though the uplevel stereo does feature a fussy equalizer with ridiculously tiny adjustment buttons. Seating has been reworked for better comfort. The cupholders, which appear a s though they will not be able to manage any container taller than a soda can, will not win any friends.
Anything that can be said about the Intrigue's innards pertains to the suave Alero. Despite a slight hint of cheapness to some interior bits, the Alero is where we'd rather spend time. Two-tone dash coloring lends an upscale appearance to the inside of the car, and we prefer the more understated Euro-inspired design of the Oldsmobile's interior to the in-your-face styling of the Pontiac.
Standard equipment levels are exceptional for the class. Air conditioning, automatic transmission, traction control, power door locks, and a rear defogger come on every car assembled. Oldsmobile will offer the Alero in GX, GS, and GLS trim with prices r anging from $17,500 to $21,000 Pontiac plans a simpler lineup, with SE and GT models. Price ranges were not given for the Grand Am, but Pontiac spokespeople claim that when comparably equipped, the 1999 SE will actually be $134 less expensive than the 1 998 model.
Larger, more refined, smartly styled, and equipped with more power, the new compact sedans and coupes from General Motors are sure to find instant acceptance with the buying public.
January 6, 1998 -- General Motors executives unveiled the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero and Pontiac Grand Am SE to journalists at the 1998 North American International Auto Show today. Oldsmobile is seeking sophisticated buyers for the sleek and contemporary Alero, which replaces the Achieva in the division's lineup. The hottest selling model for Pontiac dealers, the redesigned Grand Am is expected to prolong a strong sales resurgence for GM's Excitement division during the coming year.
Production of the new cars begins later this month, and consumers should be able to acquire them this summer. A standard 2.4-liter 150-horsepower Twin Cam engine drives the front wheels, but consumers can select an optional 170-horsepower V-6. New are t he 4-speed automatic transmission, the 4-wheel independent suspension, and the 4-wheel anti-lock braking system. A stiffer structure and "built-in" sound deadeners help refine the driving experience.
The cars share a basic structure, but from outside only the roofline indicates that the Alero and Grand Am are related. The Alero features understated but attractive design, with spoked wheels, fluted side panels, and a distinctly European flavor. The t raditionally brash Grand Am won't disappoint boy racers with its ribbed body cladding, finned rear spoiler, rocker panel extensions, and unique rear cornering lamps that operate in conjunction with the reverse lights.
Inside, Oldsmobile and Pontiac have taken divergent paths as well. The Grand Am's racy interior will be a big selling point on the showroom floor. A dual hooded gauge cluster provides the driver with a large speedometer and tachometer. Radio and climat e controls are located close at hand and are models of ergonomic efficiency, though the uplevel stereo does feature a fussy equalizer with ridiculously tiny adjustment buttons. Seating has been reworked for better comfort. The cupholders, which appear a s though they will not be able to manage any container taller than a soda can, will not win any friends.
Anything that can be said about the Intrigue's innards pertains to the suave Alero. Despite a slight hint of cheapness to some interior bits, the Alero is where we'd rather spend time. Two-tone dash coloring lends an upscale appearance to the inside of the car, and we prefer the more understated Euro-inspired design of the Oldsmobile's interior to the in-your-face styling of the Pontiac.
Standard equipment levels are exceptional for the class. Air conditioning, automatic transmission, traction control, power door locks, and a rear defogger come on every car assembled. Oldsmobile will offer the Alero in GX, GS, and GLS trim with prices r anging from $17,500 to $21,000 Pontiac plans a simpler lineup, with SE and GT models. Price ranges were not given for the Grand Am, but Pontiac spokespeople claim that when comparably equipped, the 1999 SE will actually be $134 less expensive than the 1 998 model.
Larger, more refined, smartly styled, and equipped with more power, the new compact sedans and coupes from General Motors are sure to find instant acceptance with the buying public.
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