WITH SIGNIFICANT
IMPROVEMENTS
HERE'S THE 1998 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE
Build a better minivan and families with growing families and busy lifestyles will beat a path to your door. Taking that opportunity seriously, Oldsmobile re-engineered the Silhouette from the ground up last year to eclipse competitive offerings in several important areas--comfort, convenience, versatility, accessibility, performance, safety, and all-around utility. Instead of resting on those laurels, the Silhouette is back for 1998 with a second round of significant improvements. Dual sliding doors have been added to the standard wheelbase Silhouette. The popular power-operated right-side sliding door, still a GM exclusive, is now standard on the GS model (regular wheelbase) and optional on the GL and GLS model (extended length). In the interest of occupant safety, Silhouette is equipped with standard dual frontal next generation air bags with reduced deployment force and side air bags have been added for front seat passengers. To expand on best-in-class seating versatility, second-row captain's chairs which have been standard in GLS are now optional in other models. Also, an eight-passenger configuration is new for the Silhouette GS and Silhouette GL.
Silhouette Family -Buy The Silhouette Here
Oldsmobile's minivan menu consists of three distinct models. The Silhouette GL is fully equipped and rides on an extended ( 120-inch) wheelbase. The GS model is for customers seeking additional standard equipment--keyless remote lock control, theft detenent system, six-way power front seats, an overhead console, power sliding doors and other features--on a 112-inch wheelbase. The GS offers maneuverability and versalitity in a smaller package. At the top of the line is the Silhouette GLS which combines the longer wheelbase with leather upholstery, a touring suspension package with 15-inch aluminum wheels, traction control, rear climate control equipment, steering wheel touch controls and a rear audio system.
World Class Access - Buy The Silhouette Here
Ford and Chrysler also offer minivans but it's clear they have no exclusive lock on this important market segment. The Silhouette's role is demonstrating the right way to do the job. For example, the afore mentioned competitors haven't gotten around to offering the Silhouette's convenient power-operated right-side sliding door that can be opened or closed at the touch of a button. The Ford Windstar has limited access to the rear seats via the driver's door instead of a sliding left-side door. While Chrysler does offer that feature as an extra-cost option, the Silhouette goes two better by making it standard on all models and designing easy to use door handles that move in the same direction as the door itself. While that seems intuitively obvious, it's a detail that Chrysler missed. And what if you'd like access to the third row of seats from the driver's side? That's just not possible in a Caravan, Voyager, or Town & Country minivan but no sweat at all in the new Oldsmobile Silhouette. Since the left-side door opening is a full five inches longer than Chrysler's dimension, it's feasible to fold the second-row seat out of the way for easy access to the third row. In the Silhouette, it's a snap to simply fold the rear seats flat and load panels over them or to lay the sheets flat on the floor after the seats have been removed. On the long wheelbase Silhouette, it's even possible to close the rear door on a load of 4x8 plywood , something the Windstar can't do.
Efficient Packaging - Buy The Silhouette Here
Silhouette provides class-leading interior space built within more manageable exterior dimensions. The idea is simply no wasted space. By canting the rear-wheel shock absorbers toward the horizontal, room was provided for a comfortable, three-person-wide bench seat in back. By shrewdly contouring access portals, the openings are large enough to offer abundant storage spaces. By keeping exterior width streamlined, there's more room in a tight garage for loading family members on a rainy day. The standard-wheelbase Silhouette's turn circle is tighter than the competition, improving city-street maneuverability. In the case of Ford's Windstar, that advantage is nearly three feet.
Structural Engineering - Buy The Silhouette Here
To build the lightest but stiffest minivan possible, GM engineers used a technique called continuous structure. Major pillars and door frames run continuously down and underneath the floor to align with outriggers and crossmembers that tie into longitudinal rails. Efficient alignment and attachment results in joints that are less susceptible to bending, torsional, and shaking forces. The net result is a structure free of creaks and groans over rough roads and one that also preserves interior space in the event of a collision. The Silhouette's rear liftgate is also a structural element when it's closed. Gussets and a very substantial crossmember keep the large rear opening from distorting. A centrallylocated latch secures the liftgate much better than off center latches. Self adjusting wedges between the liftgate and its opening resist vertical movement. A cast magnesium steering column support bracket bolts directly to a four-by-six-inch steel beam. That beam runs transversely under the dash to provide a very rigid means of locating components highly susceptible to vibration. What the driver feels is a precise reading of the road, not fatigue inducing vibration. The beam also serves a second purpose--transporting air from the climate-control system. Another notable feature is a rubber-isolated front cradle. Suspension, steering, and powertrain assemblies are carried on this rigid steel platform but associated noise, vibration, and harshness are blocked from transmission into the passenger compartment by specially tuned rubber mounts.
Unsurpassed Standard Features - Buy The Silhouette Here
Oldsmobile has configured the Silhouette to be one of the best outfitted minivans on the market consistent which will meet the needs of the individual passengers. Some of the unanticipated pluses are dual-sliding side doors with power on the right side, new side impact air bags and next generation frontal air bags to protect front seat passengers from injury, air conditioning with a built-in pollen/odor filter, solar-control glass and a tinted windshield, tilt steering, cruise control, programmable automatic door locks, and ABS all as standard equipment. The radio antenna is integrated into the windshield. Front fog lamps and daytime running lamps are both provided. Power windows--including adjustable quarter windows--are also standard. Every Silhouette comes with a handy luggage rack.
Flexible Seating - Buy The Silhouette Here
Various seating arrangements are offered in the Silhouette to give customers the opportunity to conf gure their minivan's interior precisely to their needs. Two constants are the passenger accommodation for rows one and three. The Silhouette's front buckets are comfortable captain's chairs witn fold down armrests and a convenient 8.3-inch walk-through dimension. The third row is a 50-50-split bench seat with belts for three passengers, fold-down backrests, and individual recline and fore-and-aft adjustments. Since this bench seat is lighter and less unwieldy than competitive designs, there's no need for wheels to aid removal. Three different middle-row schemes are available. A 40-60-split bench for two passengers can be ordered with or without built-in child-safety seats (one or two). Or, more comfortable captain's chairs that match the front buckets can be specified for the second row. The third choice is a new three passenger middle row modular seating conf guration to provide a total of eight occupant positions. All three modular seats individually recline and adjust. In every case, the Silhouette provides plenty of elbow and leg room. By means of 42 consumer clinics, Oldsmobile figured out exactly what features were most desirable before the Silhouette was approved for production.
Functional Storage Space - Buy The Silhouette Here
Useful storage was high on everyone's list. As a result, the Silhouette has a commodious 8.4-liter glove box with dedicated space for the owner's manual. A mini cargo net between the front seats is ideal for purses, notebooks, maps, and other paraphernalia of modern life. The center console has two bins, one of which is engineered for the storage of cassette tapes and compact discs. Since this bin is removable, it can be carried in the home for loading or locked inside the glove box for security. Under the front passenger seat there's a storage drawer (except with power seat adjusters). Deep door pockets are fitted to all four doors. Front bucket seat backs each have map pockets. And adjacent to the third row seat there's additional covered storage on both sides. Behind the third row there's 24.2 cubic feet of storage space. A luggage rack is standard equipment. Two additional options provide added cargo-hauling versatility: an overhead console and rear side retention nets. Naturally, there are cupholders galore. They're integrated into the side of the front passenger's seat, fit into the front door pockets, molded to the rear folding seat backs, and built into side bins. No passenger need go thirsty in the Silhouette.
Safety and Security Systems - Buy The Silhouette Here
To make sure the Silhouette family hauler is as safe as possible, the driver is provided with a comfortable seating position that assures excellent outward visibility. When making position adjustments, inboard seat-belt buckles travel with the front seats so comfortable restraint is guaranteed. Plus, for added occupant protection, all Silhouette models feature new safety belt pretensioners. The electrically activated pretensioners are designed to function when a moderate to serve impact is registered by the vehicle sensing system. During impact, the safety belt retracts pulling the seat belt snug against the occupant. Outside mirrors are substantially larger than those provided by Chrysler and Ford for an excellent view to the rear. Another visibility aid is the ability to nest bench seat headrests into the seat back when they're not in use. Standard power steering and ABS with optional traction control keeps the Silhouette on-track during the most adverse road conditions. Next generation frontal air bags reduce the deployment force and should reduce the risk of inflation induced injuries. For the passenger, side impact air bags are mounted in the outboard sides of the front seats. These side impact bags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe impacts into the side of the vehicle. Safety-cage construction with dual next generation front-seat air bags and dual side impact air bags protect occupants in the event of a collision. Steel guard beams built into all doors resist side-impact forces. Additional driver protection comes from a steering column capable of collapsing and absorbing energy at both ends. One or two integral child safety seats are available and the power sliding door has a lock-out feature.
OnStar System - Buy The Silhouette Here
Security is enhanced for 1998 with the retailer-installed Onstar system. Onstar is "smart car" technology that provides the ultimate in safety, security and convenience. Additional security features include a multi-function alarm, lock and lighting system, remote keyless entry with a panic button mode and programmable automatic door locks.
Best Brakes - Buy The Silhouette Here
Power-assisted anti-lock brakes are standard in the Silhouette. The award-winning Delco ABS VI equipment has no annoying pedal-pulse feedback during operation. Optional electronic traction control is integrated with ABS to give the Silhouette all-weather surefootedness. This all-speed system trims engine torque and applies one or both front brakes in the event of wheel slippage during acceleration.
Superb Suspension - Buy The Silhouette Here
Minivans have grown out of the pure-utility mode and are to many customers a genuine source of driving pleasure. With the desire for car-like ride and handling in mind, GM engineers provided the Silhouette with a very sophisticated chassis design. Front struts share geometry and other technology with larger GM luxury cars. An L-shaped lower control arm de-couples ride and handling functions. With this arrangement, bushings can be soft longitudinally to minimize impact harshness and firm laterally for optimum steering precision. A large-diameter anti-roll bar keeps the Silhouette flat in sweeping curves. A dual-path upper strut mount allows separation of forces created by the front shock absorbers from those transmitted by the coil springs. Power rack-and-pinion steering is mounted directly to the front cradle to provide the driver with utmost precision and road feedback. Ultra stiff steering column mounts inside the passenger compartment further the driver's sense of control. All four wheels are aligned with negative camber to enhance the Silhouette's straight-line stability. Cast aluminum front steering knuckles minimize unsprung weight by saving a total of 8.8 lbs over a conventional cast-iron design. The Silhouette's rear suspension is equally innovative. To provide proper wheel location with minimal intrusion on rear load space, a twist-beam axle is employed. Coil springs carry the rear mass of this minivan without the friction and harshness common to multi-leaf rear springs. Laid back rear shock absorbers are the key to threepassenger rear seating because they don't intrude into the wheel-well area. The shock absorbers' upper ends are mounted to longitudinal structural members for optimum loadtransfer efficiency. An optional FE3 suspension package includes 215/70R-15 touring radial tires and automatic level control. The onboard air compressor that inflates the rear air springs can also be used to pump up beach balls and air mattresses.
Perfected Powertrain - Buy The Silhouette Here
Contemporary customers rightfully expect their minivans to perform as well as a luxurious family sedan. Low maintenance, high reliability, and smooth operation are also essential attributes. With this in mind, GM engineers tailored a 3.4-liter OHV V6 to provide a class-leading combination of acceleration, towing ability, and fuel efficiency. During the first 100,000 miles, there's little to maintain except for regular oil and filter changes. The Silhouette's one-engine strategy gives this minivan the best base-engine performance in the business. More than 15-million cars and trucks have been built using earlier variants of the 3400 V6 so it's one of the world's most proven and popular engines. With 180 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 205 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, this V6 will tow up to 3500 lbs when the Silhouette is quipped with an optional towing package. It can climb mountain roads with ease, and accelerate to freeway speeds in step with traffic flow. Since 90 percent of peak torque is available from 1400 to 5300 rpm, this engine is always ready to deliver at the touch of the throttle. Roller rocker arms and lifters minimize internal friction. Connecting rods are forged alloy steel for lifetime durability. The award-winning assembled camshaft design is both light and tough. Mated to an electronically controlled four-speed 4T60E Hydra-Matic transaxle, the engine delivers seamless smoothness in every driving situation. The Silhouette's 3.4-liter V6 engine is restrained by a total of four tuned mounts. Two end mounts bear the mass of the powertrain and they are positioned low on the system's torque axis. These mounts are stiff vertically to minimize up and down motion of the powertrain over bumps and soft longitudinally so idle vibrations aren't passed into the body structure. Two torque reaction struts between the engine and the radiator support manage powertrain motion during acceleration and braking. As an aid to convenience, warning lamps advise the driver when either oil or engine coolant is low. Even with a total loss of coolant, driving up to 50 miles is permissible without permanent engine damage. DEXRON-III transmission fluid is used for long life. Platinum-tipped spark plugs have a 100,000-mile service life.
1998 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE - Buy The Silhouette Here
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