AUTO’89 PERFORMANCE IS BACK

Performance is back may be the theme, but performance is finally here is the reality. Automobiles have never performed the way they do in 1989.

Sure, back in the early 70s Detroit was building straight-line tire smokers that made people black out during accleration, but those cars didn’t do anything else very well.

Today’s automotive offerings not only go fast and turn on a dime, but they also diagnose themselves, tell you when they want an oil change and electrically defrost anything that could possibly freeze over. The average 1989 automobile would do better on an S.A.T than most high school students.

In fact, some of the new cars are so smart it’s uncanny. Plus, they have every imaginable combination of turbochargers, overhead cams, multi-valve per cylinder heads and self-adjusting suspensions telling us that performance is not just a marketing concept, it’s being taken to the streets.

So, if you’re thinking about a new car in 1989, here are some of the hotter, smarter versions you’ll be seeing in the showrooms waiting to be adopted and driven.

PORSCHE 911 TURBO

Those of you who would like to browse in the adult toy department, please step this way.

Here we have the 282 horsepower 911 Turbo Coupe, just the thing for that quick lane change when you see your exit coming up. Naturally, the 911 comes with every sort of power, electronic, and/ or heated widgets imaginable (heated seats optional). But the neatest standard feature may be the Blaupunkt AM-FM cassette player with four-channel 100 watt amplifiers and eight speakers.

Of more technical interest is the 911 Carrera 4, which has four-wheel drive and is controlled by computerized electronics. Hydraulic clutches split the engine torque and send more power to the wheels with the best traction. And both of the 911’s have a rear spoiler which automatically extends at 50 mph and retracts when speed drops below 5 mph.

So, how much does this kind of fun cost? Around $71,000.



FORD THUNDERBIRD SC

After Ford warmed to the subject of high-performance by practicing on Probe, Taurus and Mustang, they got into some serious fast luxury car exotica with the new Thunderbird.

Named Car of the Year by Motor Trend Magazine, the new Thunderbird SC (for Super Coupe) is just bristling with innovations.

Notice that the Thunderbird SC is supercharged instead of turbocharged. (Supercharged means belt-driven not turbine-driven, which in turn means no “turbo lag”) Ford stuck this on a V-6 and bumped the horsepower from 140 to 210, which still doesn’t sound like a lot of power until you look at the 315 footpounds of torque produced.

The explanation is that in 1972 Detroit started reporting S.A.E. (Society of American Engineers) horsepower which is a more honest measurement than the old method. This means that 1989 horses are much larger than 1970 horses were, and it doesn’t take as many of them to do the same job.

So, 210 horsepower will move a 3600 pound Thunderbird along smartly while getting 17 miles per gallon around town and 23 down the highway.

And, the automatically adjusted suspension combined with anti-lock brakes (ABS) makes Thunderbird a true car of the future today. The price of admission to this show: around the $22,000 range.



JAGUAR XJ-S

Jaguar, with its XJ-S coupe and XJ-S convertible has a pair of high-performance luxury tourers. These 4,000 pound cars won’t give you whiplash on acceleration, but they won’t exactly lull you to sleep either. Jaguar has always been serious about performance. From the overhead cam V-12 to the four-wheel independent suspension, Jaguar’s illustrious racing heritage is obvious.

The racing version of the V-12 has recently powered Jaguar (XJR-9) to first place finishes at the Daytona 24 Hours, the 24 Hours of LeMans and the World Sports Prototype Championship.

So, if you’ve ever lusted for V-12 power, this is it. The XJ-S is the street version of its racing brother the XJR-9 which should thrill enthusiasts and laymen alike.

The pricetag: around $48,000 for the XJ-S; $57,000 or so for the Xj-S convertible.



LEXUS

Toyota has a mystery car, due in September 1989. The mystery being the name. It had a name, but some other people had the name first and refused to relinquish it. Originally named the Lexus, now just L until Toyota settles a lawsuit and finds out if they can use “exus” also, the L is Toyota’s leap into the luxury sedan market.

The four-door LS400 comes with an engine that would warm any hot-rodders heart: a four liter, aluminum, four-cam, 32 valve, 250 horsepower V-8. Add all independent suspension, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, and you have another contender in the stop light grand prix.

Shift pressure is controlled electronically, and under gentle acceleration the four-speed automatic just sort of glides from gear to gear.

The LS400 is considered the flagship model for Toyota and will be priced around the mid-30 range.



CADILLAC ALLANTE

It’s hard not to love the Allanté with its looks, creature comforts, and technical innovations. Cadillac’s version of a sports car is genuinely first class, and this year, we get a horsepower boost to top it off.

Allanté has a transversely-mounted aluminum, 200 horsepower V-8 engine in a 3500 pound body. And, electrically controlled variable rate suspension, multiplexed wiring (controls more things with fewer wires), and, an automatic oil monitor which keeps track of how far and how hard you’ve driven and announces when it thinks an oil change is appropriate. It even has built-in memory banks in its diagnostic system. When it comes to sports car performance with luxury car feel, Allanté definitely does it better than most. But, don’t take this car at face value, beauty isn’t everything, the Allanté has zoom too. At $55,000 plus, some call this a two-seater for the caviar set.



CHEVROLET CORVETTE

You may want to wear a helmet when driving this American sports car. Others have attempted to get into the two-seater sports car hall of fame, but the classic is still Corvette.

Around the $30,000 range, the “standard” Corvette delivers world-class exotic car performance at a reasonably affordable price. But, then of course, there is the anticipated ZR-1 Supercar. Which if you’ve been reading the car magazines, means a 375 horsepower all-aluminum, four-cam, 32-valve V-8 designed by Lotus Engineering and built by Mercury Marine (the same people who build engines for boats).

The other neat Corvette stuff includes a six-speed transmission, anti-lock brakes, 17-inch wheels, with low, low profile tires and adjustable suspension. The suspension can either be controlled by the driver or left on automatic and controlled by the vehicles sensors.

So, while the “standard” Corvette is in the $30,000 range, the new 375 horsepower ZR-1 checks in at the $55,000 plus level.



BMW

First, a quick look at the BMW M3, a great little power car for around $35,000. The M (for Motosports) package includes air dam, spoiler, flared fenders, bigger tires, bigger brakes and a reworked suspension. So it looks as fast as it is (192 horsepower twin-cam, 16 valve, four-cylinder engine that will accelerate to 60 in 7.6 seconds, taking it to its top speed of 143 mph).

Now, the hot news from BMW in ’89 is an all new 5 series taking all its styling cues from big brother the 7 series.

The new 525i and the 535i are true German muscle cars -brawny and full of speed. The 525i (the old 528e) revs in at 168 horsepower, 41 horsepower more than the e engine. The 535i, a hefty 3623 pounds, nevertheless produces 208 horsepower with its six-cylinder, 3.4 liter engine. And, the 535i is fast -it zips from 0 to 60 in 7.0 seconds and tops out at 148 mph.

These two sports sedans from BMW are about as graceful as they come. Prices? The 525i is around $37,500; the 535i comes in at $45,000.



RANGE ROVER

How about something a little different? Say a four-by-four with an aluminum body and the engine of a 1963 Buick. With fuel injection and 178 horsepower. Plus air conditioning, electrically heated windshield washers, a 72 watt six-speaker stereo cassette radio and electric windows.

Add full-time four-wheel drive, a four-speed automatic transmission, with a two-speed output and some sort of high-tech coupling that automatically locks up the differential when wheel slip is encountered. Throw in electrically adjustable heated mirrors, a heated windshield, leather upholstery and an electric sunroof.

What do you get? A Range Rover, which sounds like it should cost a small fortune, but is still reasonably approachable at $36,000.

And, the engine really is the descendant of the one that Buick used in the Tempest in ’63 (now all aluminum). British Leyland bought the rights years ago and has been refining it ever since.

MERCEDES

Since its introduction in 1983, the Mercedes 190 sedan has been the standard “starter” Mercedes, drawing 75% of its purchasers from other makes. For 1989 the 190 comes standard with a 158 horsepower, overhead cam, six-cylinder engine. A 90 horsepower diesel is available for those who consider mileage more important than 0-60 time.

Base prices start at $31,000 for the diesel and $32,500 for the gas engine, but you don’t have to stop there. For an additional investment, Mercedes will add leather interiors, electrically heated everything, an anti-theft package and an electro-pneumatically adjusted backrest.

Of course, if you don’t want to spend time on an option list, you can climb the Mercedes ladder and get most of the optional equipment included in the base price.

At the top of the line is the 560 series, the 560SL Coupe/Roadster ($64,230), the 560SEL 5 Passenger Sedan ($72,280) and the 560SEC 4 Passenger Sport Coupe ($79,840).

The really big news with Mercedes is the new SL which they plan to introduce at the Geneva Motor Show this month. The new models will be a 300SL, a 300SL-24, and a 500SL.



PONTIAC TRANS-AM

Used to be that you didn’t have to deal with much of an option list to buy a Trans-Am. Those were the good old days. This year you have several versions of the Trans Am and an unlimited-looking list of engine and transmission options. (A V-8 engine for everyone.)

The Trans Am news this year is the “Twentieth Anniverary” edition which comes with the engine Buick used in the Buick Grand National, a 3.8 liter, tur-bocharged, fuel-injected V-6 with 250 horsepower linked to a four-speed automatic only.

There is also a notchback version to go along with the fastback Trans Am.

The price: a minimum of $12,000 for the base model.



FERRARI

Starting with the “entry level” Mondial or 328 GTS at just below $85,000 and working up to the quarter-of-a-million dollar, 200 mph, F40 (see photo on opening page), there is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari. Old Ferraris grow old gracefully -and get more valuable as they do it.

To understand the Ferrari, one must first understand its creator, Enzo Ferrari. It is hard to separate the man from the cars. Both can be described in the same terms; haughty, thoroughbred, eccentric, inimitable. Today’s Ferrari is considered by some to be a work of art. A work of art powered by a 380 horsepower, flat 12, four-cam, 48-valve aluminum engine.

The most popular Ferrari, the Testa-rossa lists for $141,780 and has an eighteen month waiting list. Or. if you don’t want to wait that long, you might be able to acquire a Mondial or 328 GTS, both powered by four-cammed, 32-valve, 3.2 liter V-8s ($84,780) in only 14 months.

All of the Ferraris are fast and beautiful, and none of them have any fascinating technical innovations. No sonar, adjustable suspension, heads-up instrument displays or computers. Mister Ferrari didn’t like gadgets in automobiles. A good example of this is the F-40, which is basically a street legal race car. No extra trappings of any kind -just the basics according to Ferrari: speed, performance and of course, sex appeal.



NISSAN

In the early 70s the 240Z was considered the sports car for everyman. That philosophy has been reincarnated in the form of the 24-OSX, Nissan’s affordable performance car.

The 240SX features multiple valves per cylinder (three instead of four to keep insurance rates down) at a price that can’t be beat: $13,000 plus extras for the XE Coupe or the Fastback,

For those more interested in passenger space Nissan’s got the answer -the Maxima, which is being marketed as the “four-door sports car.” The exterior is smoother and less box-like than its predecessor, plus the new Maxima is lower, longer and wider so there’s more room inside and it’s more aerodynamic outside.

The Maxima comes equipped with four-wheel independent suspension which adjusts for ride and handling. Optional on the GXE model is a sonar-assisted suspension that reads the road surface and makes adjustments as necessary. It’s powered by a three liter, fuel-injected V-6 with 160 horsepower.

The Maxima is available for around $17,500 for the GXE. or $18,500 for the SE model.



BUICK REATTA

Buick introduced its own version of the sports-luxury tourer, the Reatta, early in 1988. This was the company’s first entry into the two-seater car market since before WWII, when Buick produced a business coupe that carried only two passengers- But the Reatta is more than a business coupe. The distinctive shape is stamped out of galvanized steel, except for the front fenders which are thermoplastic.

The Reatta, with a 3.8 liter V-6 which produces 165 horsepower, is not exactly overpowered, but then at 3350 pounds the Reatta doesn’t require a lot of horses to move.

The V-6 drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission and the tall gearing contributes to an acceptable 19 mpg around town.

Other than the anti-lock brakes, the only really fancy gadget is the touch sensitive CRT (cathode ray tube) which serves as the control center for the dash.

Even if you wanted a lot of electronic wizardry on your Reatta you couldn’t get it from Buick, they have a limited option list. Instead of charging the customer extra for leather upholstery, electric windows, anti-theft, AM-FM cassette, and air-conditioning, Buick builds everything into the base price, which is in the high 20s.

INFINITI

How about a Japanese high performance sedan that combines luxury with overhead cams, and repels dirt. That’s what Nissan claims for their new four-stage paint process, a finish which requires no waxing, yet repels dust and soil build up and is scratch resistant. Turns out the Infiniti has a “teflon like” coating.

The Infiniti is an upscale luxury/ touring car scheduled for introduction this fall (1989). Two models are to be available initially, the Q45 sedan, and the M30 coupe, with a convertible planned for spring 1990. The Q45 has a V-8, 32-valve 4.5 liter engine that tops off at 145 mph.

The M30 has a three liter overhead cam V-6, 165 horsepower, fuel injection, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and sonar.

Sure, stronger than dirt and sonar. The M30 uses sonar to adjust the computerized suspension as road conditions change. Expected prices: Q45 sedan, $35-$40,000; M30 coupe, $23-$25,000; convertible, mid-twenties.



SAAB -900 and 9000

Even Sweden has a turbocharged, 16-valve, double overhead cammer. The Saab 900 Turbo SPG.

At 2900 pounds and with 165 horsepower, the 900T will still please the enthusiast while maintaining its role as a practical vehicle also. Except for the anti-lock brakes, there are fewer electronic gadgets, or automatic everythings, and nothing strange is heated. Even the fuel injection is a familiar Bosch unit.

Which is not to say that Saab does not understand electronics, they also build jet fighters and commuter planes. Saab believes in diversity. Which brings us to the Saab 9000 Turbo CD, the master sedan of the 9000 line.

Automatic load-leveling shocks make for a smooth, stable ride while the suspension provides the spirited handling the 9000 Turbo CD is known for.

Prices: about $17,000 for the plain version of the 900 and around $32,000 for the convertible. The 9000 CD comes in at $30,000 or so. Prices and horsepower figures weren’t available for the jet fighters.



HONDA CRX Si

Last year the Civic was restyled and refined. Its new smooth and integrated look has gained it lots of fans including Motor Trend, who named the CRX Si the Import Car of the Year in ’88.

Honda has a CRX for everyone. The practical types can find an econobox that stickers for under $9,000 and squeezes 56 mpg out of every gallon of unleaded regular. Then, at the other end of the spectrum is the CRX Si. Definitely sexier than the plain version, and with twice the horsepower.

The CRX HF is the mileage champion and comes with a fairly normal 62 horsepower overhead cam four-cylinder engine. Next in line is the standard CRX with 90 horses and a 16-valve head. Then there’s the CRX Si, with 108 horses and more options than the other models. Plus, things like a bigger front sway bar, a rear sway bar, bigger wheels and tires, better shock absorbers and an electric sunroof.

For all those additional items, plus air conditioning and the AM-FM cassette player, tack on about $3,500 to the base of $9,000.