BlackEnterprise AutoGuide

Black Enterprise, Nov, 1998 by Jay Koblenz

The big buzz on the automotive front lately has been about business, overshadowing even the products themselves. Some of this news will have a direct impact on the products you buy and the prices you pay, while other effects won't show up for months.

Some of the most immediate effects stem from last summer's General Motors' strike. Although settled for now, differences still remain. Meanwhile. the company's most popular vehicles are in short Supply without discounts for consumers. To regain company loyalty, there will be fire-sale pricing on slower-selling products.

In other news, there's a new entrant into the U.S. auto market. Daewoo, the newest South Korean car company, offers three models, including a subcompact (Lanos), a midsize sedan (Leganza) and a compact (Nubira). At first glance, these cars look to be of higher quality than other Korean models.

When it comes down to products, SUVs are still where the action is. Because they've hit such a hot fashion button with the auto-buying public, people are willing to pay thousands more for them than for equally equipped, more comfortable and safer passenger cars. This is the price of fashion. Those who prefer cars (and minivans) are, by far, getting the better deals.

The best overall deals are in minivans and midsize and compact sedans. Manufacturers still have an overabundance and must move these vehicles out, even if it means taking lower profits,

The last and perhaps most important news item of 1998 was the purchase of Chrysler Corp. by Daimler-Benz to form the mega company, Daimler-Chrysler. It'll be years before we know how well this combination works. but beware of the clash of two very different and powerful corporate cultures.

Luxury

BENTLEY ARNAGE

Conceived as a modern rendition of the luxury performance car, the Arnage and a new addition, the Rolls Royce Silver Seraph, have instead become victims of corporate ego. Just as this refined motorcar is going on sale, the parent company is being bought, sliced and diced. The Bentley name will soon become part of Volkswagen, while BMW gets the Rolls Royce moniker.

For now, the Arnage goes on sale as part of Rolls Royce Motor Cars Ltd. While shape and style remain firmly in the Old World tradition of elegance, there is more modern thought beneath this $204,000 sedan. This is the first Bentley to be built with a monocoque body design, which allows for better handling, maneuverability and ride. Under the bonnet is a 4.5-liter V-8 engine, sourced from and turbocharged by BMW. This power plant sends 350 horsepower to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission.

For the next few years, Volkswagen will continue building the cars in England. BMW will supply much of the underpinnings, including the engines. But according to the latest agreement, after five years Volkswagen keeps the factories and Bentley name while BMW gets the Rolls Royce name. The future beyond that is unknown. But we have likely seen the last new Bentley designed in conjunction with a Rolls Royce.

CADILLAC DEVILLE

Cadillac's most popular car maintains the corporate image as a large, comfortable way to retire. For 1999, the update is a new seat option that has a massage feature. It may feel to some like an unruly youngster kicking you from behind, but others may find it a simpler way to remain awake and alert on longer journeys.

Meanwhile, the rest of the car remains the same. You have a choice of the standard model with 275 horsepower or the sportier Concourse with another 25 horsepower, although some low-rpm torque is sacrificed in the process. All this power sent through the front wheels means torque steer is ever present. Unfortunately, a heavy throttle will cause the steering wheel to be pulled strongly to one side. Traction control tames things a bit, but V-8-powered Cadillacs can be somewhat disconcerting to drive. (This is one reason why all V-8-powered imports remain rear-wheel drive.)

Inside, the Deville is the most roomy of Cadillacs with ample space for people and cargo. This $38,000 to $45,000 sedan can be equipped to the hilt with luxury features. Its size prevents nimbleness, but this retro-styled box of a car is the epitome of grand old style.

www.cadillac.com

JAGUAR XJ8

Despite Ford's ownership of the company, Jaguar's sedan remains the quintessential British motor car. Long and low slung, the shape is unmistakable. Inside, there is authentic wood, plush leather and rich chrome that seems barely changed since the 1930s. The style and demeanor bespeaks elegance with a bit of lavishness.

Yet despite the Old World charm, the XJ8 also manages to keep up with modern themes. The 4.0-liter V-8 sends 290 horsepower to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission, enough to propel the XJ8 along with the most hasty of luxury sedans. And there's more: the XJR gains another 80 horsepower via supercharging.

The XJ series is comprised of four models. Heading up the fine is the XJ8 at just over $55,000, and its stretched counterpart, the XJ8L. The more lavish Vanden Plas name adds more luxury while the high performance model, the XJR, tops the line at around $68,000.