Oldsmobile Intrigue becomes the
first and only midsize sedan to offer the new Precision Control
System that provides greater vehicle stability in emergency
maneuvers.
AutoWorld.com
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Electronic Vehicle Control System
PCS Intervenes
3.5L V6 Powerplant
Aluminum Cylinder Heads
Chain Driven
Direct Mount Accessories
Transmission and Final Drive
Front Engine, Front Wheel Drive
Rigid Structure
Indepedent Four Wheel Suspension
Front/Rear Disc Brakes with 4-Wheel ABS
Variable Assist Power Steering
New Styled Wheels
New Sterling Edition
Generous Leg Room
Rear Seat Comfort
Large Analog Gauges
Retained Power Accesories
New Exterior Colors
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Autoworld.com - David Lee - For the new millennium, the Oldsmobile Intrigue becomes the first and only midsize sedan to offer the new Precision Control System that provides greater vehicle stability in emergency maneuvers. For 2000, Intrigue also is equipped solely with the 3.5L Twin Cam V6 engine and a host of previously optional features that are now standard on the GX, GL and GLS models. Precision Control System (PCS) Previously a feature found only on expensive luxury and sports cars, a new electronic vehicle control system is available exclusively on all Intrigue models for 2000. The Precision Control System helps to overcome the tendency to oversteer (the rear end swings out), or understeer (the car goes straight when the front wheels are turned). In simpler terms, it helps keep the Intrigue going where the driver steers it. Comprised of four major components, Precision Control System includes four-wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor, integrated yaw sensor and a hydraulic control unit. Fully automatic, the system requires no input from the driver and is designed to help drivers maintain control in the event of a driving emergency including heavy braking or avoiding an obstacle. If the vehicle begins to skid or slide, the PCS monitors lateral acceleration, individual wheel speeds, steering wheel angle and yaw rate. (Yaw is the rotary motion about a vertical axis through the vehicle's center of gravity. A simple turn at a stop light typically amounts to 90 degrees of yaw motion. ) The PCS intervenes with wheel sensors measuring speed and direction of the slide at the appropriate wheel(s) sliding tires either by increasing or decreasing the level of braking power. For example, in the event there is inadequate cornering grip at the front of the car to maintain the path desired by the driver, a condition known as understeer, temporarily applying the inside rear wheel's brake, creates a yaw movement (force applied at a distance from the center of gravity) that helps the vehicle regain the intended path restored to the driver through brake application. 3.5 Liter Twin Cam Introduced last year and phased in across the model line-up, the 3.5L V6 is the lone powerplant in the Intrigue for 2000. Building on the technology of the highly successful Aurora V8, the 3.5L provides for the specific requirements needed as a world class powertrain. Lightweight aluminum construction is utilized in both the 90 degree, two-piece, aluminum block and cylinder heads. Iron cylinder liners are cast into the cylinder block for durability and provide a stout interface for the aluminum pistons. Bore and stroke are 89.5 mm x 92 mm, respectively, for a total displacement of 3473 cc or 211 cid. Aluminum cylinder heads feature a 9.3:1 compression ratio allowing the V6 to run on regular unleaded fuel. Unlike competitive models that utilize rubber belts, the upper and lower reciprocating assemblies for the 3.5L V6 are chain driven through a series of three single row chains and eight sprockets that require no maintenance for the life of the engine. Accessories, including alternator and power steering pump, are directly mounted to the engine to help minimize noise and ensure maximum rigidity. Mated to the 3.5L V6 is a four speed electronically controlled 4T65E transaxle. More than 70 percent of the transmission's internal components, including a unique torque converter were updated for use with the four cam engine. Diameter of the torque converter was increased 13 mm and stall torque ratio increase by 24 percent. Intrigues with the available Precision Control System are equipped with a 3.29:1 final drive ratio while all other models feature a 3.05:1 final ratio. The four speed transmission optimizes off line acceleration, high speed passing maneuvers and seamless shifting in highway traffic. Designed to be in compliance with California Low Emission Vehicle emission standards, the 3.5L provides 215 bhp @ 5600 rpm and 230 Ib- ft of torque @ 4400 rpm. Fuel economy for Intrigue is EPA rated at 19 mpg city 127 mpg highway. Chassis The Intrigue is front engine, front wheel drive, centered over a 109 inch wheelbase with an overall length of 195.9 inches long. The rigid subframe includes a full-length structural tunnel that serves as the car's backbone, longitudinal rails that run from the engine compartment to the transverse structural member under the rear seat, a cross beam under the instrument panel and efficient joint construction. Fully independent four wheel suspension includes MacPherson struts and coil springs up front coupled with 36 mm stabilizer bar. Rear suspension is fully independent with coil over struts and a tri-link suspension (one longitudinal and two lateral locators per wheel). A rear stabilizer bar measuring 17.2 mm is standard. Power assisted, four wheel, disc brakes with anti-lock also are standard. Front discs are vented and measure 10.8 x 1.26 inches while rear discs are solid with a diameter of 10.9 x .4 inches. As part of the integrated powertrain management system, with the 3.5L V6, traction control is now standard on GL and GLS Intrigue models and available on the GX. A cutoff switch is included for situations when some slippage may be desired. Variable assist power steering, with a ratio of 13.2:1 is included and allows for generous effort at low speeds such as parking maneuvers. At higher cruising speeds, the steering effort increases to a more manual feel by the driver. Outside turning diameter is 36.6 feet and 3.0 turns are required lock-to-lock. New-styled wheels will be phased in across the model line-up in 2000. Available in both silver argent paint or chrome, the 16" x 6.5" wheels retain the basic six spoke design inherent with all Oldsmobiles, but with flatter face contours and a larger overall aspect. All-season, Goodyear Eagle P225160R161AL2 radials are standard. Interior and Exterior Elegant and refined styling on both the interior and exterior, refinements for 2000 include a new special sterling edition; gold exterior badge package; heated seats and retained accessory power in all models. The new Sterling Edition includes special metallic silver paint, chrome wheel, the Precision Control System, spoiler and distinctive identification badging. Heated seats are now standard equipment for the Intrigue GLS and packaged with dual front bucket power adjusters as a GL edition option. generous leg room is provided for front driver and passenger with 240 mm of seat track travel for the driver and 280 mm of travel for the passenger. The seat tracks also are moved outward as an added benefit for more foot room for rear seat passengers. GLS and GL models offer power driver and passenger seats. Rear seat comfort also is enhanced due to a sculpted headliner that provides generous headroom. Theater-type seating that allows rear passengers a better view of the road. A split folding rear seat that permits access to the trunk for extra long cargo is available. Passenger compartment volume is 102.2 cubic feet and trunk volume is 16.3 cubic feet. GLS models are equipped with leather seating areas and available on GL models. Cloth seating areas are standard on GX. Large analog gauges, dominated by the speedometer and tachometer, are complimented with instrumentation for coolant temperature and fuel. Inside trunk release and fuel tank door switches are placed in a convenient location on the left side of the instrument panel. Interior storage space include a console with two cupholders and pockets in all four doors. Map pockets are included on the seat backs. For listening pleasure, an AM/FM stereo cassette is standard with a CD option. Available packages include Bose sound system and a dealer installed, trunk mounted, 12 disc CD player. New for 2000 is retained accessory power which allows the sunroof or any window to close after the key is removed. The sound system also can be used without reinserting the ignition key. The system automatically disables after 15 minutes. Three new exterior color choices including Midnight Blue, Sandstone and Ruby Red are added for 2000. |
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