Considering all the attention being lavished on trucks and sport-utility vehicles, there is a flourish of activity going on in the passenger-car side of the auto business in 1997.
General Motors is introducing more new and redesigned products this model year than Ford and Chrysler combined, with every GM car division launching at least two models.
Reaching GM showrooms in the ’97 model year are redesigned editions of the Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Century, Buick Regal and Oldsmobile Cutlass, as well as replacement models badged as Chevrolet Malibu and Oldsmobile Intrigue. All are being sandwiched into the segment dominated by Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
Saturn dealers don’t have to worry as much about encroaching on their sister divisions’ product turf–not with models such as the redesigned SC coupes and the new EV-1 electric car being sold through selected outlets in California and Arizona.
Cadillac faces a different sort of problem with its new German-built Catera sport sedan, the division’s first crack at the entry-luxury segment that’s been a stronghold of the premium German and Japanese brands. Cadillac’s challenge is to woo younger, better-educated buyers.
The capper arrives this spring, as Chevrolet unleashes its all-new Corvette–only the fifth generation in the car’s 44-year history and not nearly as radical a change as its predecessor was in 1984. Curiously, the ’97 Vette is muscling its way into a market segment that appears to be on the wane, with such key rivals as the Nissan 300ZX and the Mazda RX-7 falling by the wayside in the last year.
The only real news from Ford’s passenger-car operation this spring is the ZX2, a sporty two-door companion to the Escort.
Chrysler continues to put the final touches on its all-new 1998 LH sedans, which were revealed to the public with much fanfare in January at the Detroit show. Chrysler Corp. rides out the 1997 model year with few all-new products. Yet its reputation for cutting-edge design remains intact, thanks to such sexy newcomers as the Plymouth Prowler, due in showrooms this spring.
Toyota has a lot riding on its ’97 lineup, which includes a nose-to-tail overhaul of its Camry sedan, a convertible edition of the sporty Paseo and, at its Lexus division, a major makeover of the ES300.
Honda has redesigned its Prelude sport coupe and is introducing the EV electric car in California, while the upmarket Acura division has revised most of its entries. Mitsubishi is weighing in with redesigns of its Mirage subcompact and flagship Diamante sedan, now imported from Australia. Though Nissan will see a relatively quiet year in product changes, the company’s upmarket Infiniti brand is showing off a remodeled Q45 sedan.
Korea’s leading automaker Hyundai has unveiled a sporty coupe, the Tiburon, in the less than-$15,000 class and has restyled its top-of-the-line Sonata sedan.
Topless appears to be the umbrella theme for European manufacturers and importers in North America. Grabbing most of the headlines are sexy German roadsters from Porsche (Boxster) and Mercedes-Benz (SLK), as well as a new high-performance edition of BMW’s U.S.-built Z3. But there are also slick new convertible models from Ford’s British affiliate, Jaguar (XK8).
Volkswagen won’t introduce a new version of its mid-size Passat sedan now until fall, though its upscale Audi division has begun importing the top-of-the-line A8 sedan. BMW is broadening its sporty M-series with a new M3 sedan. From Italy, Ferrari expects to begin importing U.S. versions of its new 500 Maranello coupe in mid-1997.
The more significant changes for the 1997 model year are as follows:
Less than $12,000
Mitsubishi has redesigned its subcompact Mirage, which returns to the U.S. in coupe and sedan forms, powered by new overhead-cam engines.
There’s a new mid-level GS hatchback in Hyundai’s Accent line, and the entry-level GL sedan gets more standard equipment.
There are modest improvements in noise reduction and steering on the entry-level Saturn SL sedan.
$12,000 to $20,000
The popular Kentucky-built Toyota Camry sedan has been substantially overhauled for 1997. There’s a new entry-level CE model. The ’97 Camry four-door is more powerful and slightly larger than its predecessor. Anti-lock brakes are standard on all but the base 4-cylinder CE, and traction control is standard on LE and XLE V-6 models.
There’s a new CE package on the subcompact Toyota Corolla that includes power windows, locks, air conditioning and AM/FM stereo. In addition, all Corollas get better side-impact protection. Toyota also has introduced a new convertible edition of its sporty Paseo, with a revised cabin on the Paseo hardtop.
The mid-size Pontiac Grand Prix has been given its first major exterior revision since its debut in 1988. Powertrain and chassis components were largely carried over from the previous year, with a supercharged 3.8-liter, V-6 as the top engine in ’97.
Pontiac’s compact Sunfire SE convertible gets a standard four-speed automatic transmission, intermittent wipers, cruise control and rear defroster. Air conditioning is now standard on all Grand Am models. And the sporty Firebird features a revised instrument panel with a new 500-watt Monsoon audio system.
Chevrolet’s new mid-size sedan has been christened Malibu, recalling the division’s popular family cars of the ’60s and ’70s. The ’97 Malibu rides on a 108-inch wheelbase and is powered by a 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam, 4-cylinder engine, with an optional 3.1-liter V-6.
A companion has been introduced by Oldsmobile with the Cutlass badge, though it has nothing in common with the Cutlass Supreme being phased out this spring. The ’97 Cutlass sedan fills the gap in Olds’ lineup left by the demise of the Ciera.
Elsewhere in the popularly priced Chevrolet stable, a new high-performance LTZ Lumina gets a 3.4-liter, 215-horsepower, dual overhead cam V-6.
There is a revised instrument panel and new radios on the sporty Camaro, plus an optional 30th anniversary package on the Z28. Power steering is standard across the board on the Geo Prizm, which drops the Geo badge in favor of Chevrolet for ’98.
The mid-size Buick Century has received its first major redesign since the model was introduced in 1982. The ’97 Century now shares a chassis with the Buick Regal and is powered by a 3.1-liter, 160-h.p. V-6.
The compact Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique sedans get a fresh appearance and some interior updates, including a bit more rear-seat room. The four-doors are to be sold as early ’98 models. Another newcomer, the sporty Ford ZX2 coupe, joins the Escort line in the spring.
The biggest news for the best-selling Taurus is the long-awaited high-performance SHO, with its new 3.4-liter, 235-h.p., dual overhead cam V-8. Thunderbird and Cougar two-doors feature revised instrument panels with dual cupholders, plus better brakes and transmission. There’s a special 30th anniversary edition of Cougar, which is being redesigned in mid-1998.
Mustang GT gets new alloy wheels and a revised transmission shift lever.
Chrysler’s mid-size Cirrus, Stratus and Breeze sedans feature a new center console/armrest, improved audio systems and mild engine revisions.
The sporty Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring coupes have revised front and rear fascias and cladding; the uplevel Sebring LXi model offers a handling package, plus 17-inch wheels and tires, and the Avenger ES gets 17-inch wheels and tires.
The compact Hyundai Elantra sedan has been joined by a sporty coupe called Tiburon, based stylistically on the HCD-II concept car and powered by a 1.8-liter, dual overhead cam, 4. The mid-size Sonata sedan has been redesigned inside and out, with reduced wind and engine noise.
The Saturn SC coupes have been restyled with few significant mechanical changes. They ride on a longer wheelbase and feature enhanced suspension and tires. Saturn also has modestly reduced noise and improved steering in its SL sedans and SW wagons.
The Acura Integra boasts better side-impact protection plus a new AM/FM stereo with CD player and six speakers. There are new 16-spoke alloy wheels on the GS and GS-R, and a GS series replaces the Special Edition.
Honda’s popular Accord has improved air conditioning, automatic transmission and insulation, plus revised alloy wheels. There is a new Special Edition.
The Mazda Protege features a restyled front bumper, grille, headlamps and fenders, plus revised instrument panel. The mid-size 626 gets a more powerful V-6 and an Appearance Package on the LX with leather upholstery. A new Touring Package on the MX-5 Miata includes alloy wheels, power steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel and power mirrors and windows.
The mid-size Mitsubishi Galant has been mildly revised for reduced noise and vibration. The sporty Eclipse has a resculpted nose, tail and body-side cladding, plus revised cabin. Its Chrysler companion, the Eagle Talon, also gets new front and rear fascias, revised body panels and rear spoiler, plus new alloy wheels on TSi AWD model.
A rear spoiler is standard on all versions of the Nissan 200SX, and the 240SX gets a few exterior styling changes and a new LE trim level. The Altima sedan adds a limited-edition GXE model.
Subaru’s subcompact Impreza series gets a revised engine and a mild facelift, plus a new Outback Sport wagon. In the mid-size Legacy line, engines have been revamped, the LS model has been discontinued, and the 2.5 GT sedan has been added, along with a new Limited Edition Outback with leather and wood trim.
On the entry-level Suzuki Esteem, an AM/FM stereo cassette is standard on all models.
With a redesign of the Golf and Jetta coming in 1998, Volkswagen has made some modest engine and suspension revisions in its Mexican-built subcompacts for ’97. There is a new Jetta GT sports package with alloy wheels, rear spoiler, fog lamps, darkened taillamps, special seats and gauges, and premium stereo; a Bose sound system is optional. There’s a new price-leader Cabriolet with less equipment.
$20,000 to $35,000
A redesigned version of the mid-size Buick Regal debuts this spring, sharing its underpinnings with the ’97 Pontiac Grand Prix and much of its new sheet metal with the companion Buick Century. Power is supplied by a 3.8-liter, V-6. The full-size Buick Park Avenue has been overhauled for ’97 and shares the Riviera’s sturdier G-body platform.
The all-new Oldsmobile Intrigue sedan, first seen two years ago in concept form, replaces the aging Cutlass Supreme in late spring and is to be aimed at high-end Japanese sedans such as the Nissan Maxima and Toyota Avalon. Its Aurora-like styling will be complemented by a 3.8-liter V-6. Oldsmobile’s full-size 88 series adds a Regency model to replace the 98 Regency phased out after ’96.
One of the few real newcomers from Detroit this year is the 1997 Catera, Cadillac’s answer to the Infiniti J30 and Mercedes-Benz C280. Based on the European Opel Omega and priced from just under $30,000, the rear-wheel-drive sedan is powered by a 3-liter, dual overhead cam V-6.
Chrysler’s full-size LH sedans–the Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde and Chrysler LHS–are being redesigned in the 1998 model year. For ’97, the Vision gets modest improvements to its audio controls and automatic transmission. The only engine available on the ’97 Concorde is the 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6, now that the base 3.3-liter has been dropped. Chrysler’s Mexican-built Sebring convertible adds the clutchless Autostick transmission.
The sporty Honda Prelude coupe has been redesigned inside and out for ’97, with more room, better handling and new technical features such as Sequential SportShift, an automatic transmission that permits manual selection of gear changes, and Active Torque Transfer System, which redistributes power to each front wheel to reduce understeer in corners.
At Honda’s premium Acura brand, there’s a new 3.0CL sport coupe, featuring a 3-liter, 200-h.p. V-6, plus 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, eight-way power driver’s seat and 100-watt Bose sound system. Variable intermittent wipers are standard on the Acura TL sedans, with new alloy wheels on the 2.5TL and a power moonroof added to the 3.2TL.
A successor to the top-of-the-line Mitsubishi Diamante sedan, powered by a new 3-liter, 210-h.p., dual overhead cam V-6 and built in Australia, has arrived for ’97, priced from around $30,000. There’s a new lower-priced base version of the sporty 3000GT, plus new wheels and modest exterior styling changes.
The Nissan Maxima features revised front- and rear-end styling, plus a new leather-wrapped steering wheel on the SE and new alloy wheels on the GLE.
The Kentucky-built Toyota Avalon sedan has new alloy wheels, an in-glass antenna, heated outside mirrors and a more powerful 200-h.p. V-6.
The Lexus ES300 sedan has received a major makeover inside and out, plus revised suspension, more horsepower (to 200), increased legroom and additional standard equipment, such as power lumbar support and an overhead compartment for sunglasses and garage-door opener.
The Volvo 850 sedan and wagon have been mildly redesigned and rebadged as the S70 and V70, respectively. A four-wheel-drive edition of the V70 wagon arrives this summer, with a sport-ute-like variant to be added in fall. The larger 900-series Volvos have been rebadged as the S90 (sedan) and V90 (wagon).
Audi has subtly refined the 6-cylinder A4 2.8 sedan. And there’s a new A4 1.8, powered by a 1.8-liter, 150-h.p., 20-valve, dual overhead cam, turbocharged 4, priced from $23,000. The larger A6 series offers a Quattro Value Package, including all-wheel drive, power sunroof and larger 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55R16 all-season radial tires.
At Mercedes-Benz, the new C230 with a larger, more powerful 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine replaces last year’s C220. The C-Class also gets a new five-speed automatic transmission and revised remote entry and anti-theft systems, and the limited-edition C36 gets more power.
Traction control is standard across the board on BMW’s compact 3-Series.
Saab has revised brakes and manual transmission on the 900 series, which also gets improved seats with velour upholstery. There are optional alloy wheels and new colors on the 9000.
More than $35,000
A new Chevrolet Corvette arrives this spring, with reworked styling, plus extensive drivetrain and chassis enhancements. A convertible is to be introduced in fall ’97. Both will be powered by a new lightweight 340-h.p. version of the familiar 5.7-liter V-8.
The nifty Plymouth Prowler neo-hot rod is in the pipeline for production in spring as a limited-volume model priced from around $35,000. This rear-wheel-drive roadster shares some running gear with the Dodge Intrepid sedan, plus other bits and pieces with several of its sister models. A 3.5-liter, 24-valve, V-6 adapted from the Chrysler LHS will be fitted, with an electronic four-speed automatic transmission.
The ’97 Dodge Viper GTS coupe features an 8-liter, 450-h.p. V-10, plus such amenities as dual air bags, adjustable pedals and remote keyless entry.
From Europe come the Mercedes-Benz SLK and the Porsche Boxster.
The U.S. edition of the hot new mid-engine Boxster two-seater has just gone on sale. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter, dual overhead cam, 6-cylinder “boxer” (horizontally opposed) engine with a standard five-speed manual gearbox or optional Tiptronic S five-speed automatic with manual gear selector on the steering wheel.
The SLK roadster goes on sale this spring. A retractable hardtop, a 2.3-liter, supercharged, 4-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic, standard traction control and ABS, side air bags and the world’s first child-seat recognition system are on this 1998.
New features on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class include side air bags, rain-sensing wipers, improved remote entry and anti-theft systems, revised alloy wheels and auto-dimming driver’s-side mirror. The SL roadsters get revised climate control, remote entry and anti-theft systems, plus a new optional Panorama tinted-glass hardtop. There’s a new five-speed automatic transmission on the mid-range E-Class.
Audi has unveiled a top-of-the-line sedan, the A8, with two models–a front-wheel-drive version with a 3.7-liter, 230-h.p. V-8 and a four-wheel-drive variant with a 4.2-liter, 300-h.p. V-8. Each has six air bags, including two in front and two on either side.
The South Carolina-built BMW Z3 roadster is to be joined in spring by a more powerful 2.8 version, which shares its 2.8-liter, 190-h.p., 6-cylinder engine with the 328i and 528i sedans.
The new BMW M3 sedan joins the M3 coupe in the 3-Series. The short-wheelbase 740i sedan joins the line.
The long-awaited successor to the Jaguar XJS–the XK8–has arrived in coupe and convertible versions, with power supplied by a new 4-liter, 290-h.p., dual overhead cam V-8.
Jaguar is reviving a long-wheelbase 6-cylinder sedan, the XJ6 L, as a U.S.-only model, while the 12-cylinder XJ12 has been dropped for ’97.
A new turbocharged V-8 in the 1997 Bentley Brooklands increases output to 300-h.p.. A longer 124.5-inch wheelbase on the Bentley Turbo R contributes to smoother ride, with little apparent compromise in performance. And the Continental T, a new short-wheelbase performance variant of the Continental R, features a 400-h.p., turbocharged V-8. Bentley’s upscale sister cars, the Rolls-Royce Silver Spur and Silver Dawn also get the new 300-h.p., turbocharged V-8 for ’97.
The 1997 Lotus Esprit V-8 went on sale last summer, powered by turbocharged 3.5-liter, 8-cylinder engine and fitted with revised five-speed manual gearbox and air conditioning.
Ferrari’s all-new, Pininfarina-designed F550 Maranello arrives in the U.S. this spring. The V-12 coupe is the successor to the 512M and will carry a $200,000-plus sticker price.
Nissan’s top-of-the-line Infiniti Q45 sedan has received a major redesign, shifting from performance to luxury, with a more conservative design, a smaller 4.1-liter V-8 and added creature comforts for ’97, such as an eight-speaker Bose audio system and rear-seat air conditioning vents.
Infiniti’s close rival, the Lexus LS400 sedan, is the first Japanese model to get side air bags, plus a new engine immobilizer system for ’97. The Lexus SC300 and SC400 coupes boast redesigned front bumpers, fog lamps, rocker panels and rear spoilers, plus a new trip computer, revised seats and instrument panel.
A more powerful variant of the Acura NSX, with upgraded chassis and drivetrain components, is due this spring, priced from around $85,000.
A six-speed manual transmission returns to the Toyota Supra Turbo, and all models are offered with a 15th anniversary package, including spoiler, special floor mats and AM/FM stereo cassette.
A mild makeover on the ’97 Cadillac DeVille and Concours sedans includes new grilles and taillamps, plus standard side air bags. Cadillac’s new stability-enhancement system is standard on the ’97 Seville Touring Sedan and Eldorado Touring Coupe.
The Lincoln Mark VIII gets a new suspension, steering and brakes, making this a better driver in ’97. Traction control is standard on the Continental.
