The Aurora by Oldsmobile

It is a beauty wrought out from within. The unique design of Aurora's exterior is the result of a seamless cooperation of science and art, and the consideration of the car as a whole, inside and out.

In a world of cookie-cutter design and follow-the-leader styling, Aurora is an original. The distinctive elements of a grille-less front end, aggressive shoulder haunches, pinched waist, fluted rockers and tightly arcing wheel wells have been integrated into a remarkably expressive shape that obliterates convention.

The true beauty of the design, however, is in how the shape and styling of Aurora improves performance.  The gentle lines of the body are not products of whimsy or artistic flourish, but arise out of a better understanding of aerodynamics. 

Aurora's Styling
Creating the exterior of Aurora demanded a more exacting mindset, since we wanted to craft a car that was more sculpture than mere skin. The smallest flaw, or errant arc, could spoil Aurora's design to our gimlet eye, so to ensure the high level of refinements one would expect in a luxury car, every inch of Aurora's steel skin received the kind of close scrutiny generally exhibited by museum curators.

Aurora's taut lines and muscular stance are also dictated by the demands of physics -- shock loads, bending forces, polar moments, and roll centers. The combination of sculpture and science is evident in every aspect of the Aurora, even in the smallest elements. Details like the door handles and available chrome wheels have been designed to harmonize thematically with the rounded and sculpted design of the body.

Aurora's Performance
For most automobiles, performance is pure science, but Aurora has imbued this aspect with style. During development, Aurora's engine broke 47 speed endurance records, two of which were previously held by Mercedes-Benz.

Aurora's 250-hp, 32-valve DOHC V8 engine was engineered to excruciating detail. Which is why it features 4-bolt main bearing caps for strength, and tuned intake runners for power and efficiency. With 90% of peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,600 rpm, Aurora's engine provides the kind of throttle response that negotiates passing maneuvers quickly and with impressive confidence. Because it's designed for a luxury performance sedan, it is also smooth, so smooth in fact that it includes an ignition interlock that prevents drivers' attempts to start the engine when already running.

Aurora's suspension design minimizes road impacts and provides a smoother ride. The patented continuously variable-assist steering system senses vehicle speed and automatically adjusts effort; the innovative variable-compliance bushing for the front lower control arms gives generously in one direction for excellent bump absorption, and becomes stiff in the other direction for precise steering and response.

Aurora's Aerodynamics
The design of Aurora not only enables it to cut through the crowded competition, but also to cut through another impediment, air. At highway speeds, efficiency's biggest enemy is air resistance. In fact, at elevated speeds, air almost has the resistance of a liquid. It's no wonder that Aurora spent so much time in the wind tunnel. The tail was carefully sculpted to reduce lift, and the front was shaped to increase downforce for better stability. The exterior mirrors and foglamps are carefully sculpted to reduce turbulence. Every inch of Aurora was massaged to lower aerodynamic drag, which resulted in an automobile that is a sight to see, but is almost invisible to the wind.