CARWATCH MID-’86

JUST WHEN YOU thought car-watching in Dallas was about to get boring, the Germans and Japanese fired up their ’86 bombshells.

Burning the candle at both ends, Mercedes-Benz engineers have turned out a fleet of contenders for the affluent-but choosy-American market. This year, nine new models are up for inspection, including a new 300-series of intermediate-size coupes and sedans with more horsepower and better handling than ever before-improvements on cars already regarded as the best-made automobiles in the world.

Five of the new Mercedes will go from 0 to 60 mph in less than nine seconds, attaining top speeds of 140 mph. The 6-cylinder diesels will top 130. Power output ranges from 121 h.p. in the 4-cylinder I90E 2.3 to a lusty 238 h.p. in the V-8-powered 560SEL and 560SEC long-wheel base cars. This is serious performance potential-more than life in the city will ever demand. (The 560s are the most expensive of the new models, ranging from $58,000 to $63,000.)

But the real hot rod in the litter is the 190E 2.3-16 sports sedan, which sells for around $37,000. The 190-series “Baby Benz,” introduced last year as the new “starter” Benz, replaces the 240D. The 2.3-16 is hot. (In fact, with its compact sleekness, you might need to look at it more than once to confirm it’s really a Mercedes.) The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine as used in the 190E 2.3-16 gets double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder (thus the “16” appellation) to promote freer breathing. In layman’s terms, that’s like releasing 167 thoroughbreds, up 46 horsepower -without turbocharging.

This Benz street fighter also receives a mild aero treatment and special running gear, including fatter, lower-profile tires on alloy wheels and standard four-wheel power disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Already, folks at Stephenson Motor Co, report that the Dallas market has responded to every car in the line. And the new 300E, priced around $37,000, seems to be the attention-grabber so far.

-Daniel Charles Ross



BUT THE Germans aren’t the only ones out to impress the mid-year car buyers. Enter Acura, a new division of American Honda Motor Co. that is debuting two brand-new cars: the Integra and the Legend. Honda-lovers are a loyal group, and for good reason-their cars are economical, fun to drive, and very dependable. But Honda wanted to build upscale cars for upscale drivers, not just “fancy Hondas.” The Honda Acura division emphasizes quality engineering, performance, and handling. Two Dallas-area Acura dealerships opened in March- Goodson Acura in Irving and David McDavid Acura in Piano.

The Integra is the smaller, sportier Acura offering. It comes in both three- and five-door models and is priced between $9,300 and $11,900. Don’t let these less-than-upscale price tags fool you-the Integra is a lot of car for the money. With a 1.6-liter, 16-valve 4-cylinder dual overhead cam engine, the Integra is last and fun to drive. Its wide-body, “semi-notchback” design features a surprisingly roomy interior, and the low, aero-dynamic hood line adds a sporty look and feel.

The Legend is Acura’s big guy, priced at a big guy’s price (just under $20,000). This four-door sedan gives a quiet, solid, smooth ride without sacrificing speed. Honda’s first 24-valve, 6-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 151 h.p. And speed-sensitive power steering offers the best of both worlds-easy turning at slower speeds and a tighter, more controlled feel on the highway.

-Laura Jacobus