2001 Oldsmobile Aurora

2001 Oldsmobile Aurora
NEW YORK - While Oldsmobile says that very little of the original Aurora that bowed in 1995 remains in its new model unveiled in New York, it takes more than a quick glance to notice it. The second-generation car is an evolutionary design meant to maintain the division's styling theme, not to redefine it. Consequently, the overall look is recognizably Aurora, save for Olds' rendition of big, Euro-style tailllamps that are now found on nearly every car on the planet, including the 2000 Ford Taurus.

The problem is, this Aurora -- already late to market -- is a 2001 model, which won't even go on sale for another year. So much for keeping styling fresh.

Like the original, the 2001 Aurora is aimed squarely at import intenders. Built on a new front-drive platform that leaves it a half-foot shorter and some 300-pounds lighter than the current car, the new Aurora has a smaller trunk and still-tight rear legroom, despite Olds' claim of "more usable space" inside. Buyers trading in the now-departed Eighty Eight full-size sedan will likely find it lacking in the people-hauling department.

But this time around, Olds adds the choice of a lower-priced V6 model that is expected to account for about half of Aurora's sales. Yes, the race-proven 250-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 will still be available in the second-generation car, but so will the 215-horse 3.5-liter V6 now used in the midsize Intrigue sedan. Which means Oldsmobile can be cross-shopped against such upscale six-cylinder imports as Acura's RL and Lexus' ES300, as well as V8-powered models like the 5-Series BMW.

Opting for the V8 brings you Olds' Precision Control System, an ingenious computer-controlled anti-skid system that adds an extra measure of driving safety. Touting a "world-class body structure," side-impact front airbags, real wood interior trim and rear fog lamps, the myriad of refinements in the 2001 Aurora can only improve its position as Oldsmobile's luxury flagship.