Review Car

2011 Oldsmobile Aurora

The 2011 Oldsmobile Aurora comes with trimmer dimensions and redesigned suspensions, improved handling and stability, with new lightweight engine having improved fuel efficiency. Two models are available: 3.5L and 4.0L. 3.5L comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. An optional All-Weather Package adds traction control and the Precision Control System, Oldsmobile's name for an electronic stability program designed to reduce the chance of skids. 4.0L is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 and comes standard with traction control, the Precision Control System, and larger (17-inch) wheels and tires.

The 2011 Oldsmobile Aurora is 6 inches shorter than the 1994-1999 models. The smaller, tighter shape gives it a cleaner, more nimble look. Its profile is smooth and fluid with a raked rear window. Rear fog lamps give balance and symmetry to the rear of the car, while enhancing safety. A steep backlight and large, wrap-over tail lamps minimize the horizontal length of the deck lid. Instead of a front grille, the designers opted for lower intakes in the bumper to reinforce the Oldsmobile character.

The interior comes with smooth, soft leather seating surfaces. The leather is light-colored, in the latest Euro fashion, and the real burled walnut wood surfaces are delightfully restrained. The interior gives off the aura and aroma of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Oldsmobile interior designers have figured out the ambiance that makes the European and Asian luxury cars generally so appealing. The Indy Racing League uses a modified version of this same engine to run the Indy 500.

2011 Oldsmobile Aurora provides ample foot room and body space to stretch out in. The Aurora also has Oldsmobile power mirrors, windows, door locks, and steering, auto day/night rearview mirror, and a rear-seat trunk pass-through. For those who want a truly lavish interior, one can order a power sunroof and a Bose 12 CD stereo system. The exterior of The 2011 Oldsmobile Aurora follows the high profile interior with front and rear fog lights and 235/55HR17 tires mounted on nifty alloy wheels. The steering feels super-light. Parking requires no effort. When you couple that behavior with the smaller size of the new Aurora, it makes you feel like you could thread a needle with this luxury sedan.

The 2011 Oldsmobile Aurora V8 is the smaller-displacement version of the Cadillac Northstar engine that appeared on the original Aurora, but it has been significantly refined and updated for the new car. Emissions are improved, fuel efficiency is improved, and it makes the same 250 horsepower on regular gas that the previous engine made on premium fuel.

The V6 engine found in The 2011 Oldsmobile Aurora 3.5L comes from the mid-size Intrigue, and it's a twin overhead-cam design derived from the V8. Both engines use four valves per cylinder, a more efficient and expensive arrangement than the two-valves-per-cylinder pushrod V6 engines you'll find in the big Buick and Pontiac sedans. Aurora's V6 makes 215 horsepower, the same as it does in the Intrigue. But the Aurora 3.5L weighs about 250 pounds more than the Intrigue, so it doesn't feel as much like a hot rod as the Intrigue does. Gas mileage is respectable at 18/28 mpg (city/hwy). With traction control, an automatic load-leveling suspension and an anti-skid system, The 2011 Oldsmobile Aurora keeps all that power under control. A standard 4-speed automatic transmission enables this dual overhead cam powerhouse to produce 250 hp at 5600 rpm and Aurora has 260 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm.