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Oldsmobile · 1997–2002

Oldsmobile Intrigue

Oldsmobile Intrigue
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · source ↗

The Oldsmobile Intrigue is a mid-size sedan that was manufactured from 1997 through 2002 by Oldsmobile. The Intrigue's design cues were first seen in 1995 with the Oldsmobile Antares concept car, being unveiled in production form in January 1996 at the North American International Auto Show. The Intrigue was the first casualty in the three-year phase-out process of Oldsmobile; Olds' remaining models would last an additional year or two. The Oldsmobile Intrigue was introduced on May 5, 1997 as a 1998 model, and replaced the aging Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. It rode on the second-generation of the W-body, which it shared with the Buick Regal. The Oldsmobile Intrigue was supposed to compete with upscale Japanese and European imports such as Acura and BMW. The Oldsmobile Intrigue was heavily inspired by the Oldsmobile Aurora and the 1995 Oldsmobile Antares concept.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

All Oldsmobile Intrigue data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

History

The Intrigue was available in three trim levels: base GX, mid-level GL, and high-end GLS. All models were equipped with standard features such as V6 power, antilock brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, dual front airbags, and full power accessories. GL trim included the addition of a 6-way power adjustable driver's seat, 6-speaker audio system, foglamps, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Top-line GLS added 6-way power front passenger seat, faux woodgrain interior trim, steering wheel audio controls, leather seating, full-function traction control, and a six-speaker Bose sound system. All Intrigues were built at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, where the Grand Prix was also built (the Buick Century and Regal, and the Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo were all built in Oshawa, Ontario). For the 1999 model year, a new 3.5 L DOHC engine was introduced. It was a six-cylinder design based on Cadillac's Northstar V8, which was nicknamed the "Shortstar". The 3.5 L engine became standard for 2000, giving the Intrigue the most powerful standard engine of any W-body car. Another exclusive was a standard 140 mph speedometer. With the Autobahn package the Intrigue came with larger 12-inch front brake rotors, being the first 2nd Gen W-body to incorporate bigger brakes. For 1998-99 models the Autobahn package consisted of a 3.29 differential ratio opposed to the standard 3.05, H-rated tires, 12-inch front brakes with ceramic pads, and a 128 mph speed limiter. For 2000 it was renamed Precision Sport Package which included everything from the Autobahn package except the larger 12-inch front brake rotors, and added the Precision Control System (also known as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)). For 2002 the Intrigue Final 500 Collector’s Edition cars came in a unique Da

Engines

1998–1999 OHV 3.8 L L36 (231 in³) V6 195 hp at 5200 rpm, 220 lb·ft at 4000 rpm 1999–2002 DOHC 3.5 L LX5 (212 in³) V6 215 hp at 5600 rpm 234 lb·ft at 4400 rpm (according to the Intrigue's owner's manual)

In popular culture

The Oldsmobile Intrigue is featured in several scenes and promotions for the 1998 film The X-Files: Fight the Future. As the model's launch coincided with the release of the film, its producers and GM's executives at the time felt the car's name and appearance fit with the aesthetic of the X-Files franchise. Their creative teams launched a national campaign which included an expo tour around "'alternative' venues such as decomissioned [sic] military bases and airplane hangars [throughout the United States]." The Oldsmobile Intrigue is also featured in at least 2 episodes of Season 6 of Stargate SG-1. 6x05 Nightwalkers, and again in 6x14 Smoke & Mirrors. Both times driven by Major Samantha Carter.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name
Oldsmobile Intrigue
Manufacturer
General Motors
Production
May 5, 1997–June 14, 2002
Model years
1998–2002
Body style
4-door sedan
Engine
3.8 L L36 OHV V6, 3.5 L LX5 DOHC V6
Transmission
4-speed 4T65-E automatic
Class
Mid-size car
Layout
Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Assembly
United States: Kansas City, Kansas (Fairfax Assembly)
Platform
W-body 2nd Gen/GMX170
Related
Buick Century, Buick Regal, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix
Designer
Brigid O'Kane (1993), Pete Lawlis, interior
Predecessor
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Wheelbase
109.0 in
Length
195.9 in
Width
73.6 in
Kerb weight
3455 lb
Height
56.6 in

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Oldsmobile Intrigue
Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source ↗

Sources

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