The Oldsmobile Intrigue was a mid-size sedan built from 1997 through 2002 as a 1998 model. It replaced the Cutlass Supreme, rode on the second-generation W-body shared with the Buick Regal, and was the first Oldsmobile casualty of the brand’s three-year phase-out.
Oldsmobile Intrigue at a glance
| Maker | Oldsmobile Division, General Motors |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2002 model years |
| Class | mid-size sedan |
| Platform | second-generation GM W-body |
| Sister car | Buick Regal |
| Introduced | 5 May 1997 as a 1998 model |
| Trim levels | GX, GL, GLS |
| 1998 engine | 3.8 L V6 |
| From 1999 | 3.5 L DOHC V6, the ‘Shortstar’ |
| Assembly | Fairfax, Kansas City |
| Speedometer | 140 mph |
| Final car | 14 June 2002, Final 500 Collectors Edition |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Oldsmobile Intrigue.
History of the Oldsmobile Intrigue
Antares origins
The Intrigue’s design cues were first seen on the 1995 Oldsmobile Antares concept car, and the production car was unveiled in January 1996 at the North American International Auto Show. It went on sale on 5 May 1997 as a 1998 model, replacing the ageing Cutlass Supreme, and was intended to compete with upscale Japanese and European imports such as Acura and BMW. Styling was heavily inspired by the Aurora and the Antares concept. All cars were built at the GM Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, alongside the Grand Prix.
Engines, trims and packages
Three trims were offered: base GX, mid-level GL and high-end GLS. All came with V6 power, anti-lock brakes, four-wheel independent suspension, dual front airbags and full power accessories; the GL added a six-way power driver’s seat, six-speaker audio, fog lamps and dual-zone automatic climate control, while the GLS added leather, faux woodgrain, steering-wheel audio controls, traction control and a Bose system. For 1999 a new 3.5 L double-overhead-camshaft V6 based on Cadillac’s Northstar V8, nicknamed the Shortstar, became standard in the GLS and optional lower down; it was standard across the range for 2000, giving the Intrigue the most powerful standard engine of any W-body car. A 140 mph speedometer was standard, and the Autobahn package brought a 3.29 final drive, H-rated tyres, 12-inch front brakes with ceramic pads and a 128 mph limiter. For 2000 it became the Precision Sport Package and added the Precision Control System, which braked individual wheels to keep the car on course.
Running changes and the end
Year by year the car gained a small Oldsmobile badge on the boot lid for 1999, a new six-spoke wheel design and standard automatic headlights for 2000, standard traction control on the GX and optional OnStar for 2001, and a two-tone GLS interior with a CD player for 2002. Production ended in June 2002; the final car left the line on 14 June 2002 as part of the Final 500 Collectors Edition, finished in Dark Cherry Metallic with classic-style emblems and Aurora-styled 17-inch chrome wheels.
Design and features
- Shortstar V6: a 3.5 L Northstar-derived engine, the most powerful standard unit in a W-body.
- Aurora-inspired shape: styling borrowed from the flagship and the 1995 Antares concept.
- Autobahn package: shorter final drive, bigger front brakes and H-rated tyres.
- Precision Control System: stability control by selective braking, offered from 2000.
Oldsmobile Intrigue versions
- GX: the base trim with full power equipment.
- GL: the volume trim with climate control and a power driver’s seat.
- GLS: leather, Bose audio and the 3.5 L V6.
- Final 500 Collectors Edition (2002): Dark Cherry Metallic cars with Aurora-style wheels.
- Intrigue 442 (1999): a one-off show car with 442-style body kit.
The Intrigue replaced the Cutlass Supreme and borrowed its look from the Aurora. More models are in the Oldsmobile collection.
Video: 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue short tour and test drive
Video by MichaelAdamsRocks on YouTube.
Sources
- Oldsmobile Intrigue, English Wikipedia: history, engines, trims, year changes
