New cars for 1997

Ebony, Nov, 1996

With many signs pointing to the return of a strong economy with confident consumers looking once again to purchase big-ticket items, automobile makers expect 1997 to become a banner year for car sales. Coming off a year in which newcomers like Chrysler's Sebring, Oldsmobile's Aurora and the newly designed Ford Taurus and Honda Civic did extremely well in sales, car manufacturers expect to do even better in 1997 with cars that have more engine power, more standard features and more available options - from 10-disc CD players to a myriad of hi-tech gadgets - than their predecessors.

On the domestic front, the Big Three - Chrysler, Ford and General Motors - continue to reclaim their share of the American car market. The '90s has been a good decade for the Detroit automakers, who have used cutting-edge technology and competitive prices to rebound from the 1980s, domination by foreign car manufacturers.

This year, Chrysler is moving forward by unveiling a more contemporary-looking Jeep Cherokee, which will be the sport-utility vehicles first body and interior change since its introduction in 1984. Big changes are also on the way for General Motors, which hopes to redefine the way Americans look at the Cadillac with its introduction of the new Catera. Featuring a sports car look and a Cadillac ride, the Catera is aimed at a younger generation which in the past has considered Cadillac a car for the older set. Ford hopes to do just the opposite with its totally redesigned Escort. Introduced earlier this year, the Escort is roomier, has more pep than its predecessor, and has a more conservative design, which should be more appealing to older car buyers.

Meanwhile, foreign automakers also have a few surprises up their sleeves. Toyota is introducing an all-new Camry that is lighter, quieter and more aerodynamic than the 1996 version. Nissan's Infiniti line boasts an all-new Q45 and QX4 sport-utility vehicle, while Mitsubishi is introducing a newly designed Mirage. Look for prices on some foreign cars to drop since many are now being produced more cost-effectively in the United States. High tariffs on imported cars priced many foreign automobiles out of the market in the early 1990s.

With competitive prices, automakers are hoping that their mechanical designs and interior and exterior looks will set their cars apart. Automobile advertisements this season will stress that the 1997 line of cars are smarter, sleeker and safer than their predecessors.

Under the hood, there are many mechanical advances this season. Car makers have focused on reducing car engine noise by the increased use of lightweight, low-friction materials. Cadillac is putting its focus on handling, introducing an integrated Chassis Control System that can detect a slide or spin and restore control by precisely applying the individual front brakes. Suspension and steering systems have also been improved in many cars. The Pontiac Grand Prix introduces a new wide-track stance for better handling. Mindful of the active lifestyles of buyers, car companies continue with advancements in extended-life engine components, such as platinum-tip spark plugs and engine coolants that are good for five years, and automatic transmission fluid that never needs replacing.

Interiors have also received a face-lift this season. The Oldsmobile Aurora's instrument panel now comes equipped with an electronic compass built into the rear-view mirror and a three-channel transmitter for activating home security gates, garage doors and area lighting. The Chrysler Sebring features a trip computer with compass and thermometer and more cars, like the Food Escort, now include "child safety protection packages," which consist of child-proof rear-door locks, rear-seat safety belts designed to fit children better, a power window lockout feature and a built-in child safety seat. Standard equipment on some new models includes an oil-wear indicator that informs the driver when it's time to change oil. Meanwhile, the Toyota Camry features green tinted glass on all of the windows of the 1997 model. The tint blocks more of the sun's heat while it reduces the glare. The Camry also features an extended sunvisor that can be pulled out, if needed, to cover the entire length of the upper window.

Exterior features include bold new colors, like sunset red, pearl, copper, aqua and purple metallic. Many car models carry guarantees that their paint will not rust, fade or stone chip during the life of the car. Wheel covers are also being pepped up for 1997 with many car lines offering a variety of colors to accent tires. In addition to the many colors, car designs have also changed. Moving away from the "bubble" look that made some cars hard to distinguish, this season's designs are shifting to more define body cuts that not only give the car personality, but also help reduce wind drag resulting in increased fuel efficiency. Some car divisions, like the Saturn, have combined American designs with those of foreign cars. The result is an international flavor to a car's appearance.