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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Buick Riviera
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:14:58 |
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 282 ( -40 -14.18% ) |
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Description:
Buick's Riviera, a full-size coupe which has been widely acclaimed as the most distinctively styled car of the decade, enters the 1998 model year with revisions in standard equipment and enhancements in its ride and handling.
"Riviera is a design masterpiece -- and with its standard 240 horsepower supercharged engine, it clearly delivers a powerful message to auto enthusiasts," said Michael G. Wright, Riviera's brand manager. Previously, the supercharged engine was an option.
"This is truly a niche vehicle, appealing to customers seeking expressive design, confident performance and tasteful luxury," Wright said. "It's our flagship coupe and it strongly appeals to customers who are ready to reward themselves with an upscale sport-luxury coupe that indulges their expressive side. These are responsible productive people and to an extent, they're due."
For 1998, the GM OnStar in-vehicle communications system is available for the first time. OnStar combines Global Positioning System satellite technology and a hands-free, voice-activated cellular telephone to link drivers to a communications center where advisers are available to provide many kinds 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, 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.
Riviera for 1998 is powered exclusively by the supercharged 3800 Series II V-6, a high-technology engine ranked among the "10 Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine in 1997 (for the second straight year).
New for 1998, Riviera's supercharged 3800 Series II V-6 engine is equipped with the Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery System (ORVR), which is designed to recover fuel vapors during every vehicle refueling operation.
The supercharged engine is linked to the 4T65E HD, a heavy duty four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, with an electronically controlled capacity clutch, which is noted for performance, durability, efficiency, smoothness and quiet operation. Projected fuel economy is 18 miles per gallon city and 27 mpg highway.
Riviera's base tire is the all season Goodyear Eagle LS P225/60R16 on 16 x 6.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels. A new option combination is the Michelin P225/60R16 all season tire matched to the chrome-plated aluminum 16 x 6.5-inch wheel.
For 1998, Riviera offers four new exterior colors: Midnight Blue Pearl, Emerald Green Pearl, Twilight Blue Metallic and Slate Green Pearl. Light Autumn Green and Medium Blue are new interior colors.
Suspension and steering changes made to the 1997 model, resulting in more road isolation, less body roll, and improved steering, have been further enhanced for 1998.
The No. 1 front cradle mount has been changed to a dual-durometer type for better isolation, and there are new, more robust hydraulic mounts for the front control arms. Improved speed sensors on all wheels enhance the Riviera's ride characteristics.
Riviera's body structure contributes to comfort as well as safety. The rigid design minimizes road-induced vibrations transmitted to passengers, so the car feels quiet, solid and secure. Crush zones are engineered to progressively absorb impacts and dissipate impact energy.
Leather-trimmed bucket seats, with full-length operating console, are standard in '98. So are six-way power seats, a six-speaker Concert Sound II System, a CD and cassette player, heated outside rearview mirrors, and dual automatic front and rear seat ComforTemp air conditioning.
A passenger-side heated seat and passenger-side power lumbar support are new options, as is a keyless entry fob option that will remember seat and mirror settings.
Personal Choice, a group of programmable features, allows the owner to program each of two remote keyless entry fobs with different settings, including memory door locks, security feedback with delayed locking, and perimeter lighting.
Another group of standard features called Convenience Plus includes a flash-to-pass function; PASS-Key II theft-deterrent system; daytime running lamps; retained accessory power and an auxiliary power outlet; electronic reminder tones for ignition key, headlamps, turn signals, and parking brake; delayed entry and exit lighting with gradual "theater dimming;" battery rundown protection; lockout protection; and delayed locking.
Riviera's optional Prestige Package includes these popular features: cornering lamps; electrochromic auto-dimming inside and driver outside rearview mirrors; lighted driver's visor vanity mirror; driver's and passenger seat power lumbar adjustment; remote radio and temperature controls for the standard leather-covered steering wheel; accent striping; full-range traction control; a three-function universal transmitter which programs garage door openers and other remotely triggered devices; and a theft-deterrent system with central unlocking and starter interrupt.
For added safety, the standard rear defogger grid operates continuously until shutoff when the vehicle is moving faster than 30 mph. The defog function times out after 10 minutes when the vehicle is traveling below 30 mph.
DESIGN
Expressive styling is a given on Riviera, and there is a great deal of care in the details. Protective body-color side moldings and body-color outside rearview mirrors are standard equipment. The slide-in license plate holder is convenient to use and requires no tools. Solar-Ray solar control glass reduces interior heat buildup, and because it is flush-mounted, also lessens wind noise.
MARKETING
Riviera's advertising recognizes the practical, common sense nature of Riviera's target buyers who also want to indulge their need for a personally rewarding driving experience.
Wright said this strategic approach was developed based on key customer insights and addresses the challenge of getting past target buyer apprehension that owning a luxury coupe may not fit with his or her lifestyle.
"Riviera is not the perfect family car, and that's exactly the point we're trying to make in our new advertising campaign," Wright said. "Riviera is not for everyone. It's a beautifully designed, powerful luxury coupe in a four-door sport utility era. Riviera is not a practical car, and we're not shrinking from this fact. We're celebrating the Riviera."
Wright said Riviera is positioned as a unique driving experience designed to make the driver feel like he or she is someone truly special, and deserving of this reward. The theme of the campaign is, "You're due. Definitely due."
This campaign showcases Riviera's aggressive but elegant exterior styling, as well as the dynamic combination of performance, grace and drivability that separate it from competitors in the large coupe market. |
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