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1999 Oldsmobile Alero Unveiled in Aero Setting

15 January 1998

As the nameplete for the all new 1999 Oldsmobile Alero seems to have
some sort of areonautical alliteration, the PR folks for General
Motors' oldest car division presented the car to the west coast
automotive press at the Santa Monica Aero Museum.  It was a nice fit.

The pristine Alero 2-door coupe and four door sedan looked extremely
attractive in a glassed in hanger-like cum banquet room setting, while
completely restored World War 1 fighter planes hung overhead. About
100 scribes gaped at a Fokker D-7 tri-plane, a Sopwith Camel, an SE-5,
and other great examples of aerial combat from the "war to end all
wars."

Olds brand manager Randy Fox outlined Oldsmobile's philosophy re
bringing out a new line to replace Achieva.  While it was very
interesting, the dialogue and copy could have fit ANY new car in the
mid-sized category.

His research (5,000 prospects) was constructed around such time-worn
parameters as: styling, comfort, roominess, performance, and how much
fun it is to drive the car.  EVERY car in this segment says these very
same things, so you start thinking about just what it is that the Olds
Alero has to offer that Honda, Ford, Nissan, et al do not.  What is
the secret ingredient that makes Alero stand apart? Is it the new high
tech sound deadening application?  The larger glove box that will take
a Thomas street guide?  Battery run down protection guage, tire air
pressure sensor, or the integrated safety cage built around the
passenger compartment?

We think it may come down to price ($18,000), Oldsmobile's reputation
for quality, and Oldsmobile loyalists who go Olds every few years.

The standard motor for the Alero GX, GL, and Gl Coupe is the 2.4 DOHC
L4 four banger, but the engine to opt for in this sporty looking coupe
is the 3.4L V6.  Engineering-wise, accoring to spokesman Doug
Shoemaker, the spark plugs are good for at least 100,000 miles. The V6
engine has a horsepower rating of 170, while the four cylinder version
puts out 150 h.p.

The 3000 pound coupe which has an EPA of 21 city, 30 highway (4cyl) is
popositioned to fight Chrysler's Sebring and Dodge Avenger, as well as
the Honda Accord, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Though we are only able to give you basic specs and a visual
impression (the Alero will not be available for a test drive until
spring), models should be rolling into dealers showrooms in June.
Overall, the car seems Oldsmobile conservative in styling, but is
still stylish.  It fits nicely into today's small sedan market
segment.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel