Oldsmobile Achieva

Last updated
Oldsmobile Achieva
1997 Oldsmobile Achieva SL.png
Overview
Manufacturer Oldsmobile (General Motors)
Production1991–1997
Model years 1992–1998
Assembly Lansing, Michigan, United States
Designer Gary Smith [1]
Body and chassis
Class Compact car
Body style 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform GM N platform
Related Buick Skylark
Pontiac Grand Am
Chevrolet Corsica
Chevrolet Beretta
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 3-speed 3T40 automatic
4-speed 4T60-E automatic
5-speed Getrag 282 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 103.4 in (2,626 mm)
Length1992–95: 187.9 in (4,773 mm)
1996–98: 187.8 in (4,770 mm)
Width1992–93: 67.5 in (1,714 mm)
1994–98: 68.6 in (1,742 mm)
1996–98 Sedan: 68.1 in (1,730 mm)
Height1992–93: 53.2 in (1,351 mm)
1994–98: 53.5 in (1,359 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais
Successor Oldsmobile Alero

The Oldsmobile Achieva is a front-wheel drive compact sedan and coupe that was introduced by Oldsmobile for the 1992 model year. [2] The Achieva was based on the GM N-body platform, which it also shared with its siblings the Pontiac Grand Am and Buick Skylark. The Achieva replaced the GM N-body Cutlass Calais after its final 1991 model year, and ended production after the 1998 model year.

Contents

Overview

The Achieva is a compact car produced by the General Motors' Oldsmobile division from 1991 until 1998 and was available as a sedan or coupe. It was offered in four different trim levels during its production run: S, SC, SL, and SCX. Available engines included different versions of the Oldsmobile-developed 2.3 L Quad 4 engine: the base single-cam L40 "Quad OHC", the DOHC LD2, the high-output LG0, and the special "W41" variant of the LG0 Quad 4 used in the SCX model. All were replaced for 1996 by a revised 2.4 L version. A pair of V6 engines were also offered including the Buick-sourced 90° 3.3 L "3300" V6, which was later replaced by Chevrolet's 60° 3.1 L "3100" V6. While a 5-speed manual transaxle was initially offered as the standard base transmission, most Achieva models were sold with 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transaxles. 1998 was the final model year for the Achieva, after which it was replaced in the Oldsmobile lineup by the Alero for the 1999 model year.

Initial production

Achieva SC coupe Oldsmobile Achieva SC at Radwood Austin.jpg
Achieva SC coupe

The Achieva was first seen as a concept car at the 1991 Chicago Auto Show, positioned to replace Oldsmobile's compact Calais models. The Calais and Achieva share the same front wheel drive N-body architecture including identical wheelbase. The Achieva started regular production for the 1992 model year. It was offered in four different trim levels: S and SL, available on both coupes and sedans, and the sporty SC and SCX coupes. The base S offered a 120  hp (89  kW ) 2.3 L "Quad OHC" 4-cylinder, while the SL had the DOHC 160 horsepower (120 kW) Quad 4 engine standard that was optional on the S model. A 160 hp (120 kW) 3.3 L V6 engine was optional for the SL. The SC coupe had a standard 180 hp (130 kW) high-output Quad 4 with 5-speed manual transmission or a 3 speed automatic, with the 3.3 L V6 being an option.

SCX

The W41 coupe was introduced by Oldsmobile in 1991 on the Cutlass Calais and offered through 1993 on the Achieva. The Achieva SCX replaced the previous Cutlass Calais 442 W41 as the best handling, highest power output compact car in the Oldsmobile's lineup as well as being the last performance "W-Machine" Oldsmobile would offer. The SCX is a higher-performance version of the SC (sports coupe) and as such utilized the SC's deeper front bumper cover with standard fog lamps, lower body side cladding, rear bumper cover with dual exhaust tip cut-outs, as well as a unique W41-specific silver colored stripe around the lower body moldings, "W41" decals on the front fenders, and "Achieva SCX" decals at the leading edges of the doors. Other appearance changes for the SCX W41 package included the addition of a 140 mph speedometer in place of the standard 120 mph unit as well as a tachometer indicating the higher 7200 rpm red line.

1992 Oldsmobile Achieva SCX coupe 1992 Oldsmobile SCX W41.jpg
1992 Oldsmobile Achieva SCX coupe
Achieva SC coupe interior Oldsmobile Achieva SC at Radwood Austin (interior).jpg
Achieva SC coupe interior

Performance modifications primarily differentiated the SCX from the SC models and were designed to make the SCX competitive for use in showroom stock racing series such as the IMSA Firehawk and SCCA GRAND-AM World Challenge. This included the move to smaller diameter yet wider V-rated P215/60VR14 BF Goodrich Comp T/A tires on 14x6.5 inch cast aluminum wheels (compared to the SC's 205/55R16 on 16x6 inch wheels) and different suspension components on the SCX-specific FX3 RPO coded suspension. The suspension changes included larger diameter direct-acting front sway bar over the base Achieva, a wider rear axle with dual rear sway bars, "Computer Command Ride" (CCR) electronically adjustable struts and shock absorbers, as well as higher spring rates and bushing changes. (A similar CCR electronic suspension was also offered as an option on the Achieva SC as well as the platform-mate Buick Skylark and works similar to the systems offered on Cadillac and Corvette models of the time.)

The SCX's powertrain included the highest output naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine GM had produced up to that time: the 190 horsepower, 160 lb·ft W41 version of Oldsmobile's Quad 4 engine. Compared to the SC's standard high-output, 180 horsepower LGO Quad 4, the W41 version of the LGO Quad 4 was fitted with different camshafts, a low restriction exhaust system with dual mufflers and a special engine computer calibration for the ignition and fuel systems that also raised the engine's redline to 7200 rpm. This engine was complemented by a unique version of the Getrag-licensed, GM-Muncie built Getrag 282 five-speed transmission with special second and fifth gears as well as a different final drive ratio for quicker acceleration and better gearing to keep the engine in its power band.

The production numbers for the Achieva SCX in 1992 totaled 1146 cars made with (6) C41 RPO code A/C-delete racing models as follows: (1) bright red, (2) medium garnet red, (1) aqua, (1) blue, and (1) white cars. The normal C60 RPO code models included (472) bright red, (42) medium garnet red, (218) black, (196) aqua, (50) neon blue, (151) white, and (11) gray cars.

The 1993 SCX production totaled 500 cars produced including (5) C41 RPO code A/C-delete racing models as follows: (1) bright red, (1) aqua, and (3) white cars. The normal C60 RPO code models included (128) black, (191) bright red, (20) medium garnet red, (73) aqua, (8) neon blue, (70) white, and (5) majestic pearl cars.

Production changes

1993: For its second model year, engines offered a 5 horsepower (3.7 kW) reduction in power to comply with emission requirements, lowering the output of each engine. The SCX offered 185 horsepower (138 kW) for its final year, primarily due to exhaust port changes to the cylinder head. Other changes included a revised front engine mount and changes to the Quad 4 block casting to improve NVH characteristics.

1994: A driver-side airbag was added as a standard feature, [3] and the Buick-developed 3.3 L "3300" V6 was replaced by a Chevrolet-designed 3.1 L "3100" V6.

1995: 1995 trim levels were reduced to one: SC coupe and SL sedan, divided into two groups, Series I and Series II according to equipment. The Quad 4 with 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 3.1 liter V6 with 155 horsepower (116 kW) were the only available engines for 1995; the other two engines from the previous year were dropped.

1996: 1996 models included standard air conditioning and daytime running lamps. The dash was redesigned and shared with the Buick Skylark, featuring revised gauges and a passenger-side airbag. A Series III equipment level was added while the Series I was now only available on the coupe. The new base engine was a 2.4 liter four-cylinder "Twin Cam" that replaced the 2.3 L Quad 4. There were little changes other than reduced trim levels and options for the final two model years.

1997: Trim levels were simplified to Series I and II. The standard included automatic transmission, larger touring tires, power exterior mirrors, driver's side adjustable lumbar support, and standard traction control. 1997 models complied with side-impact standards, and the Series II Coupe received alloy cross-lace alloy wheels.

1998: The final model year for the Achieva was 1998, with the majority of sales going to fleet customers. The Achieva was complemented at the end of its production run by the slightly larger Cutlass which overlapped Achieva production from 1997 to 1999. Both models were replaced in the Oldsmobile lineup by the Alero for 1999. The Cutlass and Alero were built on a redesigned GMX130 N-body platform that shared little chassis and platform architecture with the Achieva.

Achieva production ended on December 4, 1997.[ citation needed ]

Trim levels and engines

Trim levels

4-Door Sedan (1992–1998):

2-Door Coupe (1992–1997):

Engines

Motorsport

The Achieva won the touring car championship of the SCCA World Challenge from 1992 to 1994. As of 2020, Oldsmobile is the only GM division other than Chevrolet (Sonic) to accomplish this feat and only one of two American brands (along with Chrysler's Eagle Talon, 1989–1991) to accomplish it in the 1990s. The Dodge Shelby Charger won the predecessor SCCA / Escort Endurance Championship in 1986.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buick Skylark</span> Series of passenger automobiles produced by Buick

The Buick Skylark is a passenger car formerly produced by Buick. The model was made in six production runs, during 46 years, over which the car's design varied dramatically due to changing technology, tastes, and new standards implemented over the years. It was named for the species of bird called skylark.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Sunbird</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac Sunbird is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the Pontiac Firebird, the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the Pontiac Astre, replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile Cutlass</span> American car model

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a series of automobiles produced by General Motors' Oldsmobile division between 1961 and 1999. At its introduction, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile's entry-level model; it began as a unibody compact car, but saw its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate. The Cutlass was named after Vought F7U Cutlass, as well as the type of sword, which was common during the Age of Sail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Grand Prix</span> Automobile model made by Pontiac

The Grand Prix is a line of automobiles produced by the Pontiac Division of General Motors from 1962 until 2002 for coupes and 1989–2008 for sedans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Bonneville</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac Bonneville is an automobile built by Pontiac from 1957 until 2005. Bonnevilles were full-sized, with the exception of a brief period of mid-size between 1982 and 1986. The brand was introduced as a limited production performance convertible during the 1957 model year. The Bonneville, and its platform partner, the Grand Ville, are some of the largest Pontiacs ever built; in station wagon body styles they reached just over 230 inches (5.8 m) long, and at 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) and more were also some of the heaviest cars produced at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac 6000</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac 6000 is a mid-size automobile manufactured and marketed by Pontiac for model years 1982 through 1991 in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon body styles. The 6000 shared the front-wheel drive A platform with the Cutlass Ciera, Buick Century and Chevrolet Celebrity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme</span> Motor vehicle

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a mid-size car produced by Oldsmobile between 1966 and 1997. It was positioned as a premium offering at the top of the Cutlass range. It began as a trim package, developed its own roofline, and rose during the mid-1970s to become not only the most popular Oldsmobile but the highest selling model in its class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buick Century</span> Line of upscale performance cars

Buick Century is the model name that was used by Buick for a line of upscale full-size cars from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, as well as from 1973 to 2005 for mid-size cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buick Regal</span> Mid-sized car model

The Buick Regal is a line of mid-size cars marketed by Buick since 1973. For nearly its entire production, the Regal has served as the premium mid-size/intermediate offering of the Buick product range. Introduced as a submodel of the Buick Century, the model line is currently in its sixth generation. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the Regal served as the Buick counterpart of the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile Starfire</span> Motor vehicle

The Oldsmobile Starfire is an automobile nameplate used by Oldsmobile, produced in three non-contiguous generations beginning in 1954. The Starfire nameplate made its debut as a convertible concept car in 1953 followed with the 1954–1956 Ninety-Eight series convertibles that shared a "halo status" with the Buick Skylark and Cadillac Eldorado. For 1957 only, all Ninety-Eight series models were named "98 Starfire".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Motors 60° V6 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The General Motors 60° V6 engine family is a series of 60° V6 engines produced for both longitudinal and transverse applications. All of these engines are 12-valve cam-in-block or overhead valve engines, except for the LQ1 which uses 24 valves driven by dual overhead cams. These engines vary in displacement between 2.5 and 3.4 litres and have a cast-iron block and either cast-iron or aluminum heads. Production of these engines began in 1980 and ended in 2005 in the U.S., with production continued in China until 2010. This engine family was the basis for the GM High Value engine family. These engines have also been referred to as the X engines as they were first used in the X-body cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Monza</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Monza is a subcompact automobile produced by Chevrolet for the 1975 through 1980 model years. The Monza is based on the Chevrolet Vega, sharing its wheelbase, width, and standard inline-four engine. The car was designed to accommodate the GM-Wankel rotary engine, but due to mediocre fuel economy and emissions-compliance issues the engine was cancelled, and a V8 engine option was substituted. The Monza name has also been used for several other cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile 442</span> Motor vehicle

The Oldsmobile 4-4-2 is a muscle car produced by Oldsmobile between the 1964 and 1987 model years. Introduced as an option package for US-sold F-85 and Cutlass models, it became a model in its own right from 1968 to 1971, spawned the Hurst/Olds in 1968, then reverted to an option through the mid-1970s. The name was revived in the 1980s on the rear-wheel drive Cutlass Supreme and early 1990s as an option package for the new front-wheel drive Cutlass Calais.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buick V6 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Buick V6 was an OHV V6 engine developed by the Buick division of General Motors and introduced in 1962. Originally 198 cu in (3.2 L) and initially marketed as Fireball, it later became popularly referred to as the 3800 for its various 3.8 L (230 cu in) incarnations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile V8 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Oldsmobile V8, also referred to as the Rocket, is a series of engines that was produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1990. The Rocket, along with the 1949 Cadillac V8, were the first post-war OHV crossflow cylinder head V8 engines produced by General Motors. Like all other GM divisions, Olds continued building its own V8 engine family for decades, adopting the corporate Chevrolet 350 small-block and Cadillac Northstar engine only in the 1990s. All Oldsmobile V8s were manufactured at plants in Lansing, Michigan while the engine block and cylinder heads were cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quad 4 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

Quad 4 is the name of a family of principally DOHC inline four-cylinder engines produced by General Motors' Oldsmobile division between 1987 and 2002; a single SOHC version was built between 1992 and 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera</span> Motor vehicle

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed for model years 1982-1996 by the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors — over a single generation. Body styles included a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and the 4-door wagon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais</span> Motor vehicle

The Oldsmobile Calais is a compact car that was manufactured and marketed by Oldsmobile from 1985 through 1991, superseding the Oldsmobile Omega and named after the city of Calais, France. Renamed the Cutlass Calais for 1988, and briefly available in 1987 as the limited edition GMO Quad 4, the Calais shared the GM N platform with the Pontiac Grand Am and the Buick Skylark/Buick Somerset — and was superseded by the Oldsmobile Achieva in 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pontiac Grand Am</span> Motor vehicle

The Pontiac Grand Am is a mid-size car and later a compact car that was produced by Pontiac. The Grand Am had two separate three-year runs in the 1970s: from 1973 to 1975, and again from 1978 to 1980. It was based on the GM A platform. Production of the intermediate sized Grand Am was canceled in 1980 when it was replaced by the Pontiac 6000. The compact-sized Grand Am was reintroduced in 1985 when it replaced the Pontiac Phoenix. It became Pontiac's best selling car and was later replaced by the Pontiac G6, so named as it was intended to be the 6th generation of the Grand Am.

The GM A platform was a rear wheel drive automobile platform designation used by General Motors from 1925 until 1959, and again from 1964 to 1981. In 1982, GM introduced a new front wheel drive A platform, and existing intermediate rear wheel drive products were redesignated as G-bodies.

References

  1. Gary Smith. "Development of the 1992 Odlsmobile Achieva SCX". Dean's Garage.
  2. "1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Detailed Pricing and Specifications". Autos.msn.com. 2010-02-22. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2010-12-27.
  3. Bartlett, Jeff (September 2, 1995). "Long-Term Wrap Up: 1994 Oldsmobile Achieva". Motor Trend. Retrieved August 12, 2019.