Exciting new cars for 1991; powerful, fuel-efficient engines and other under-the-hood changes boost driving fun and comfort - 45th Anniversary Edition

Ebony, Nov, 1990

Exciting New Cars for 1991

Powerful, fuel-efficient engines and other under-the-hood changes boost driving fun and comfort

The new automobile year is upon us, and thanks to a new wave of fuel-efficient, stylish and more powerful automobiles, taking the wheel in 1991 promises to be a fun and exhilarating experience.

Automakers have made interior and under-the-hood improvements to enhance automotive performance and driver comfort, while introducing several new cars--Dodge's Stealth, Buick's Roadmaster, Honda's Acura NSX, Mazda's Navajo and Oldsmobile's Bravada--to meet every motorist's needs.

Although many new cars boast more powerful engines, technical advances in fuel efficiency have eliminated gas guzzlers. For example, General Motor's Quad-4 four cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and gives the Chevrolet Beretta GTZ an average 31 mpg on the highway.

As with most new products, consumers can expect higher sticker prices for 1991 cars, particularly on the popular models.

Unseen under-the-hood improvements are the major trend of 1991.

Detroit's "Big Three"--Chrysler, Ford and General Motors--have up-graded auto engines on several of their cars to increase power and fuel efficiency. They have also made major improvements to brakes and transmission systems to enhance safety and assure smoother rides. Several cars offer tighter steering and improved road-handling, thanks to new steering systems and new quality-grade tires.

Import automakers, particularly Honda, Nissan, Peugeot and Toyota, are also upgrading their cars, with improved engines, electronically controlled steering mechanisms and suspension systems. In some cases, they have reduced the weight of cars to improve the auto's ride, handling and overall performance.

The new cars also come with impressive interior design, such as wrap-around instrument panels that put controls closer to the driver's hands. Revised cloth and leather seating enhances passenger and driver comfort. Safety features include driver air bags and high-tech sound systems with optional compact disc player heighten fun and entertainment.

In short, the 1991 automobiles offer increased luxury, power and safety, without much sacrifice to the economic consideration of greater fuel-efficiency. Because of these and other changes, automakers hope the 1991 cars will bring excitement and driving pleasure to increasingly sophisticated motorists who demand fun, comfort and safety when taking it to the streets.

PHOTO : Chrysler Imperial, a six passenger luxury sedan, combines a powerful new 3.8 V-6 MPI

PHOTO : engine with an optional electronically controlled automatic air suspension to provide a

PHOTO : consistent and comfortable ride.

PHOTO : Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special is the automaker's best equipped car. Standard features

PHOTO : include a 4.9-liter V-8 engine, improved vacuum-assisted antilock brakes and a

PHOTO : computerized suspension system that checks driving conditions.

PHOTO : Lincoln Town Car brings major improvements to its 1991 models, including a new overhead

PHOTO : cam V-8 engine, a new front suspension, standard four-wheel disc brakes and a new

PHOTO : 20-gallon fuel tank.

PHOTO : Dodge Stealth R/T makes its debut in 1991. The high performance sports car is the latest

PHOTO : collaborative effort between Chrysler and its Japanese partner, Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

PHOTO : The Eagle Premier LS, a four-wheel drive sedan, features new front-and rear-styling cues

PHOTO : and standard anti-lock brakes.

PHOTO : Chrysler's TC by Maserati offers the peppy look of a prestigious two-seat luxury sports

PHOTO : car complete with a removable top.

PHOTO : The Chrysler LeBaron sedan remains a popular mid-size car that offers a choice of

PHOTO : traditional styling.

PHOTO : The Cougar LS sports a new optional 5.0 liter HO V-8 engine, revised suspension tuning and

PHOTO : a new electronic, automatic temperature control system.

PHOTO : Tempo GL, a popular two-and four-door sedan, undergoes further refinements to reduce noise

PHOTO : and vibrations inside the car.

PHOTO : Thunderbird LX, a popular two-door coupe, offers an optional 200 horsepower V-8 engine and

PHOTO : a new electronic, automatic temperature control system in its 1991 models.

PHOTO : Mustang gets a boost in its performance, thanks to a new design for the 2.3 liter engine.

PHOTO : The car also receives new cast aluminum wheels and all-season tires.

PHOTO : Oldsmobile 98 Regency Elite brings several under-the-hood improvements, including

PHOTO : electronically controlled shock absorbers, ABS brakes and a rear defogger.

PHOTO : Pontiac's Trans Am, a high-performance sports car, is redesigned with re-styled front and

PHOTO : and rear fascias, and rear deck spoilers.

PHOTO : Corvette gets a facelift with new wraparound lights. Anti-lock brakes and driver's side

PHOTO : air bags are standard.

PHOTO : Buick's Roadmaster returns after three decades. The station wagon debuts this fall and the

PHOTO : sedan arrives next spring.

PHOTO : Ford Explorer is the automaker's new compact utility truck. The truck's 155-horsepower,