New cars for 1996

Ebony, Nov, 1995

With electronic brains that remember your seat and mirror position and can use satellites to summon emergency roadside assistance if you need help, many of the 1996 new cars do everything but make you a cup of coffee.

In addition to making driving a little simpler and a lot more fun than their predecessors, the new models have sleeker interiors and more shapely exteriors. They are also more powerful, require less maintenance and come in a variety of new colors.

Some incorporate new long-life engine components that extend service intervals, such as the new 100,000-mile spark plugs and transmission fluid that never needs replacing. Others have tires that trigger a warning when air pressure is low, and can be driven for up to 20 miles at 55 mph when flat.

Substantial changes under the hood mark the new cars of the country's Big Three automakers--Ford, Chrysler and General Motors. The Ford Mustang, for example, is on the cutting edge of engine technology with its new high-performance 4.6-liter, single-overhead-cam modular V-8 engine, which replaces its legendary 5.0-liter engine. And the Pontiac Sunfire has a new 2.4-liter, twin-cam engine and the Chrysler LHS luxury sedan sports a 3.5-liter, multi-valve, V-6 engine.

Because of more efficient engines and lighter-weight designs, more cars are topping 40 highway miles per gallon, which was virtually unheard of at the turn of the decade.

The '90s continue to be the decade of sports utility vehicles, fueled by a younger generation more likely to drive them in a large city than through rough terrain. In fact, it's estimated that these automobiles are driven off-road only about 6 percent of the time. But that's okay with carmakers like Ford, which has seen the number of Explorers sold skyrocket 29 percent for the year. Ford expects to sell 400,000 Explorers this year.

Foreign automakers, on the other hand, are focusing more on getting back to basics, producing high-standard cars at prices that are accessible to more consumers. With last year's threat of tariffs still looming, import carmakers are fighting to keep their prices low. The beneficiary should be the consumer.

The 1996 cars--both foreign and domestic--don't cost much more than last year's models. While prices have increased slightly, especially those of the more popular cars, you can pick options and add-ons depending on your budget.

Most car lines are offering a variety of new and exciting colors for 1996. Ranging from deep violets to metallic greens to fluorescent blues, there are enough colors to choose from to please both young and old. And many are guaranteed not to rust, fade or stone chip during the life of the car.

Safety has also received much attention this year. Many cars now feature daytime running lamps as a standard feature. These lights, which look very much like regular headlights, remain on the entire time the car is driven. Studies have shown that headlights, even during daytime, make a car more visible and reduce accidents. Most cars also have dual airbags and "superframes" with built-in cross beams aimed at holding the car together and protect passengers in an accident. Child safety locks and built-in child car seats are standard in more automobiles for 1996. And the new Ford Bronco introduces futuristic "signal mirrors," which allow following drivers to see the Bronco's turn indicator in its sideview mirror.

Equally important, personal safety has been maximized in cars like the new Buick Riviera, which comes with a remote keyless entry system complete with a "panic" alarm button.

These new models release less emissions than their predecessors. New EPA standards have prompted automakers to design cleaner-burning engines and better monitors that detect breakdowns in emission controls.

So with new electronic, engine and design advances, this coming automotive year promises to be exciting. Without a doubt, the car market is full of great vehicles that are continuing to set benchmarks for quality, performance and enjoyment.

RELATED ARTICLE: Chrysler LHS, the car company's flagship luxury sedan, comes with soft leather interior and a 3.5-liter, multi-valve, V-6 engine

Cadillac Seville STS combines the smooth, quiet power of a luxury car with the refined driving performance of a touring sedan. Improvements this year include a sleeker interior, new electronic features and contemporary exterior styling.

Lincoln Mark VIII conveys a more nimble and quicker look fro 1996. The car's body is lower to the ground and its performance centers on a 4.6-liter, V-8 engine, which is linked to a precise-shifting, electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission.

Chrysler Now Yorker provides contemporary six-passenger luxury with pep provided by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve engine. With updated powertrain controls and a higher level of standard equipment, the New Yorker handles the road better and features dual air bags and anti-lock, four-wheel disc brakes.

Chrysler Sebring has a sleek aero-dynamic exterior and an interior with more headroom and leg room. The luxury mid-size sport coupe features a remote keyless entry system with panic alarm and a stereo system with CD player.