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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Buick Century
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| ENGINEERING |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:14:50 |
| Rating |
 16 ( -4 -25% ) |
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Description:
"Century goes into its first full year on the market as a true state-of-the-art midsize sedan," said Anthony H. Derhake, Century brand manager. "Century has strong architecture, a lean, modern design, a proven powertrain, and a roomier, quieter cabin. It provides a better ride, and offers more standard features than ever before. With Century, you get an attractively styled midsize sedan that is in the premium Buick tradition."
There are some enhancements to what was an all-new car in 1997. All '98 Century models have driver and front passenger Next Generation air bags, and an Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery System (ORVR), which is designed to recover fuel vapors during vehicle refueling.
For 1998, Century has a significant safety, security and convenience option -- GM OnStar. OnStar is an in-vehicle communications system combining Global Positioning System satellite technology and a hands-free, voice-activated cellular telephone to link drivers to a center where advisers are available to provide of assistance, such as emergency services and navigational and travel support.
OnStar, which is a dealer installed option, also provides automatic notification of air bag deployment and stolen vehicle tracking.
For 1998, Century returns with the 3.1-liter 3100 60-degree V-6 which develops 160 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Projected fuel economy is 20 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway.
Advanced design features of the 3100 V-6 engine include aluminum cylinder heads, sequential fuel injection, distributorless ignition, cross-bolted main bearings, a structural aluminum oil pan, roller hydraulic lifters and roller rocker arms. Long-life 150,000-mile coolant and platinum-tipped spark plugs help extend major maintenance intervals to 100,000 miles and beyond. The 3100 V-6 engine is mated to a 4T60E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, with an electronically controlled capacity clutch. It provides nearly imperceptible upshifts and downshifts and computer-controlled torque converter lockup for increased fuel economy.
Inside Century, there is space for six adults thanks to careful packaging and long front seat tracks. Spacing the seat tracks as wide as possible increases rear passenger foot room, and sculpted front seat backs provide ample rear passenger knee room. Again for 1998, Century Custom features an optional integrated child safety seat, positioned at the center of the rear seat.
Dual ComforTemp climate control, which allows the driver and the front passenger to select different temperatures for each side of the front compartment from a central location, returns as standard equipment on Century Limited (optional on Custom). Automatic dual ComforTemp climate control is available on Limited.
Returning as standard equipment on Century are four-wheel anti-lock brakes for safe, sure stops, and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The Limited version features a magnetic variable effort steering system which uses a combination of electronics, hydraulics and electromagnetics to adjust steering effort to suit road speed.
Century's standard 205/70R15 all-season radial low rolling resistance tires have advanced tread designs and rubber compounds for solid handling and braking whether the road surface is wet or dry.
For 1998, all Buicks feature driver and front passenger Next Generation air bags which have reduced force. The less aggressive air bags, made possible by a change in federal safety regulations, will improve overall vehicle safety for all occupants.
Additional standard equipment includes: remote keyless entry, power folding outside rearview mirrors, front seat center storage armrest with dual cup holders, power windows, map pockets on front and rear doors, and Convenience Plus features such as the PASS-Key II theft-deterrent system and lockout protection (prevents the driver from being locked outside when the key is in the ignition).
Century also includes metaphoric switches for the optional front power seats; a larger capacity battery with rundown protection; fluid monitors and indicator lights for low fuel, windshield washer fluid, oil and coolant levels, door ajar, and trunk ajar.
Power door locks, with five-second delay after the last door is closed, are standard, as well as a starter grind prevention feature that disables the starter when the engine is running, and an air filter that automatically reduces dust and most pollen before it can be circulated inside your car. Optional equipment includes a sliding glass sunroof.
DESIGN
One of the most important goals in redesigning Century for 1997 was instilling a strong brand character through the use of certain cues and characteristics.
Century's profile conveys a substantial look, with a belt line that begins in the hood and flows through the center of the car before continuing onto the deck lid. This subtle sculpting is an important design cue that signals "Buick."
Building the car slightly taller allowed the design team to position rear seat occupants theater-style (seated slightly higher than front passengers), giving a better view of the road ahead from the back seat and making the whole interior seem more open and expansive.
MARKETING
Century is aimed at the heart of the high-volume midsize sedan market. Mark Karney, Century assistant brand manager of marketing, says of the 1998 model, "We will be using the 'Discover a Little Luxury' theme, and we will be entering new marketing partnerships such as the Disney Corporation sweepstakes and other promotions throughout the 1998 model year. Century will be featured at the new Disney Epcot Center test track in Orlando, Fla." Century was also the featured car at the Buick Classic in Westchester, N.Y., held in June.
"Century has more trunk space, more interior space, and more EPA total interior volume than any other midsize car in the segment, and that is one of our prime selling points in 1998," said Karney. "We're positioning our car as an affordable midsize sedan with a surprising touch of luxury, giving buyers a large number of standard luxury features that they don't expect to see in a midsize sedan in the $20,000 price range: the V-6 engine, ABS brakes, driver and front passenger Next Generation air bags, remote keyless entry, and others. Century is in a new position as Buick's entry-level sedan. |
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