Oldsmobile Toronado Fourth Generation 1986–1992
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1985–1992 |
| Model years | 1986–1992 |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6 3.8 L Buick 3800 V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T60 automatic 4-speed 4T60-E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108 in |
| Length | 1989–1992: 200.3 in (5,088 mm) 1986–88: 187.5 in (4,762 mm) |
| Width | 1989–1992: 72.8 in (1,849 mm) 1986–88: 70.8 in (1,798 mm) |
| Height | 1989–1992: 53.3 in (1,354 mm) 1986–88: 53 in (1,346 mm) |
The final generation Toronado made its debut in 1985.
It was even smaller, lost its body-on-frame construction in favor of a unibody platform, and was the first Toronado since 1969 to feature hidden headlights. For the first time ever V8 engines were gone, with the fuel-injected version of the Buick 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 now the only powerplant available.
Inside, a new digital instrument panel and optional voice alert system were employed and the same luxury trappings were offered as standard equipment and options as before. Standard seating was a cloth 60/40 bench with center armrest. For the first time since 1970, Strato bucket seats were offered as an option, and they included a full-length center console with a horseshoe-like "basket handle" gear shift similar to that found in some 1960s and 1970s Buicks and Chevrolets. Upholstery choices included cloth or leather.
GM's timing with this latest downsizing proved to be off the mark. Gasoline prices had dropped dramatically — below $1.00 per gallon in many parts of the U.S. — by the fall of 1985, against corporate soothsayers' predictions of $3.00 and up. As a result, buyers chose to "buy big" in 1986, with cars like the Lincoln Town Car and Chrysler's long-in-the-tooth, V8-powered Fifth Avenue setting sales records for the 1986 model year.
Along with its shrunken sisters, the Eldorado and Riviera, the Toronado suffered a serious sales decline which would never be reversed. Critics blamed the downsizing, as well as "cookie cutter" styling that looked too much like the cheaper, less-luxurious compacts at GM, notably the Oldsmobile Calais, Buick Somerset, and Pontiac Grand Am.[citation needed]
In mid-1987, Oldsmobile attempted to bolster sagging Toronado sales by introducing a sportier model called the Troféo, which boasted standard leather bucket seats, faux dual exhaust, more-aggressive styling, and a stiffer suspension (the highly regarded corporate FE3 package, with retuned shocks, struts and other components).
For 1988, changes for the Troféo included new seats and monochromatic paint; both Toronado and Troféo benefitted from larger climate control buttons and rear three-point seatbelts. Additionally, power increased with the introduction of the new Buick 231 cu in (3.8 L) LN3 V6 engine. Wire wheelcovers were deleted from the options sheet. Other changes were minor and mainly cosmetic.
The 1989 Troféo, which was no longer badged externally as a Toronado, could be ordered with the Visual Information Center: a dash mounted touch-screen CRT that controlled the vehicle's thermostat and radio and also supplied advanced instrumentation such as a trip computer. The following is a link to pictures of various CRT screens. The VIC could also serve as the interface to an in-car hands-free cell phone. Troféo also received standard anti-lock brakes and a new steering wheel that featured buttons for radio and climate controls. Toronados now had standard bucket seats with console, although the split-bench seat was still offered as an option.
1990 saw Oldsmobile literally and figuratively going to great lengths to revive Toronado and Troféo sales. The hood was the only carryover sheetmetal as Olds designers completely redesigned the body, particularly in the rear, increasing the overall length by about 12 in (305 mm). While the redesign did not increase passenger space, it enlarged the trunk. For the first time since 1976 an airbag was installed, placed on the driver's side as standard equipment
The new look did not stem sagging sales. The 1991 models made remote keyless entry and anti-lock brakes standard, increased horsepower, and offered an ultrasuede upholstery option. The optional moonroof no longer required bucket seats to be ordered.
The 1992 models brought back wire wheels as an option. Troféos got a stiffer standard suspension (the formerly optional FE3 package).
By this time the trend towards SUVs and away from personal luxury coupes was too strong to counter. Oldsmobile decided to cancel the Toronado and Troféo at the end of the 1992 model year, with the last Toronado rolling off the assembly line on May 28, 1992. The Toronado and Trofeo were ultimately replaced in the lineup in early 1994 by the Aurora sports sedan, which made its debut then as a 1995 model.