of wind, road, and engine noises, providing a quiet interior. In addition,
because the Aurora is naturally rigid, its fully independent suspension
can be tuned firmer for better handling without impacting, as it were,
ride quality or telegraphing vibration to the interior. Good structure
also serves to reduce or eliminate potential rattles and squeaks.
We thoroughly enjoyed driving this car. The Magnasteer speed-sensitive
power steering provides more assist at low speeds for parking and in-town
maneuvering and less assist at highway speeds for reassuring directional
control. Magnasteer is a compromise: It filters out a fair amount of the
road feel some enthusiasts enjoy. But steering is linear and direct and
you will enjoy using it to aim the car through corners on those back-country
roads. And when those country lanes are snow covered, standard traction
control will help pull you through.
The Aurora radiates a dignified performance ambience. The engine doesn't
make a noise, but a sound. For all its mass, it accelerates briskly and
with confidence. It looks like a high-performance cruise missile and, within
limits, it is one. If Olds hoped to burnish its image with a gold-standard
sporty sedan, it succeeded. Next Page