Like all car makers these days, General Motors is working to create chassis
that can support a wide variety of products, and thus reduce the number
of platforms in its manufacturing programs.
From the manufacturer's point of view, the obvious payoff is reduced
cost. But what about you?
Judging by the new Olds Intrigue, we think you'll do just fine. This
1998 replacement for the Cutlass Supreme does have a lot in common with
a number of other GM mid-size entries--the Buick Century and Regal, Pontiac
Grand Prix and Chevy Lumina, for example--but it has its own character
and, in fact, may be one of the best interpretations of GM's new W-car
group.
It's a little more smooth and compliant than the Grand Prix on rough
surfaces, it's more agile than the Century and it has enough punch to keep
pace with the Japanese V6 sedans Olds hopes to challenge--notably, the
Nissan Maxima and Toyota Camry. And, as you'd expect with its higher purchase
price, it's far more luxurious than the Lumina.