For Release: September 1, 1996 Contact: Chevrolet/Geo Communications Phone: (800) CHEVY-MI or (810) 492-8841 Fax: (810) 492-8853
For 1997, Chevrolet continues its mission to make the cars that more Americans trust with models such as the all-new, midsize Malibu Sedan, the value-packed Cavalier, the popular Lumina Sedan and the personal Monte Carlo Coupe. Along with Camaro and Corvette, they comprise the cars that define "Genuine Chevrolet."
Here’s a brief summary of what’s new for each Chevrolet passenger car for 1997.
Cavalier -- The 1997 Cavalier welcomes another member to its already impressive lineup ... Cavalier Rally Sport Coupe. More commonly referred to as "RS," this impressive Sport Coupe is designed to offer a high degree of sporty style while still maintaining the Cavalier affordable reputation. Base models equipped with the optional W27 Exterior Appearance Package now feature a body color grille. Another new feature on Cavalier for 1997 is a Light Gray interior. Cavalier continues to be an inexpensive car that delivers dependability and safety with an unexpected level of contemporary styling.
Malibu -- The Malibu name is back for 1997, as a totally new, contemporary midsize sedan. Available as Malibu Sedan or Malibu LS, this new Chevrolet features a standard 2.4 Liter, "Twin Cam" L4 engine which boasts 150 horsepower and 155 lb.-ft. of torque. For those who prefer extra power, a 3100 V6 with Sequential Fuel Injection is standard on Malibu LS (optional on Malibu), producing an outstanding 155 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. Malibu also features a standard 4-wheel independent suspension and a floor-mounted shifter.
Important safety features include a standard 4-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), automatic Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) with automatic exterior lamp control, driver and front-passenger air bags, safety-cage construction, dynamic side-impact compliance, driver and front-passenger adjustable safety belt guide loops and child security rear-door locks.
The interior of Malibu is designed with such thoughtful standard amenities as theatre lighting, rear-seat heat ducts, tinted glass and air conditioning. Standard exterior features include P215/60R-15 blackwall Touring tires, front and rear body-color fascias, dual remote outside body-color breakaway mirrors, and reflector optics headlamps with a "flash-to-pass" feature. From safety and performance to comfort and style, Malibu truly is the midsize sedan for the ’90s.
Lumina -- Lumina for 1997 offers three-models, including Lumina, Lumina LS and the newest addition, Lumina LTZ. Automatic Daytime Running Lamps with automatic exterior lamp control are now standard equipment on all Lumina models. Lumina also offers an electric sunroof and Remote Keyless Entry, all features ordinarily associated with more expensive vehicles.
Monte Carlo -- Offered in LS and uplevel Z34 models, Monte Carlo for 1997 is the Chevrolet "personal" Coupe designed around the driver to emphasize personal comfort and driving control. New for 1997 is a unique-design, high- performance transmission available with the 3.4 Liter DOHC V6 engine on Z34 models. Other performance enhancements include a revised rear stabilizer bar on Monte Carlo LS (16mm compared to 20mm for last year) and a spring rate change. These updates enhance the overall ride characteristics of Monte Carlo. Rear disc brakes are also standard on Z34 models for 1997, for more precise braking control in a variety of driving conditions.
Also new for 1997 is the addition of standard automatic Daytime Running Lamps with automatic exterior lamp control, an oil-wear sensor indicator and an optional electric sunroof. With a strong tradition of designed-in performance, comfort and style, along with a comprehensive list of standard and optional features, Monte Carlo for 1997 is a smart and spirited midsize coupe designed, engineered and built around the driver.
Camaro -- For three decades, Chevrolet Camaro has exemplified the spirit, power and raw muscle of the American "pony cars." Camaro celebrates its 30th birthday in 1997 and, in recognition, the Z28 is available with an optional 30th Anniversary Package. This package is designed to make this car stand out in any crowd. Included in the Anniversary package is an Arctic White exterior with white door handles and black emblems. Enhancing this exterior are centered stripes and hood extractors in "Hugger Orange." White five-spoke aluminum wheels (chrome aluminum wheels are optional) finish off this eye-catching look.
The interior of this special-edition Camaro Z28 also boasts a number of unique features, including 30th Anniversary embroidery on the front floor mats, standard Arctic white seats with cloth black and white houndstooth inserts (Arctic white leather-surfaced seats are optional) and five-color 30th Anniversary embroidery on the headrests. All other Camaros have a heat-stamped 30th Anniversary emblem on the headrests.
Other new features for Camaro include automatic Daytime Running Lamps with automatic exterior lamp control, a new family of radios, worldwide tri-color taillamps for a European look, a new instrument panel, new seat contours, 5-spoke aluminum wheels, low-profile windshield wipers and safety belt guide loops on Convertible models. As it has for the past 30 years, Camaro continues to embody the competitive spirit of Chevrolet.
LS1 V8 Engine -- Standard in the new fifth generation Corvette, this powerful new 5.7 Liter V8 is the latest in a long line of GM small block engines.
More specific information about the fifth-generation Corvette will be included in future Corvette press materials.
"The cars more Americans trust" have plenty of news for 1997 ... and with a long list of enhancements in safety, performance, appearance, comfort and ease of maintenance, they are more than ready to stand up to their Brand promise to be "Genuine Chevrolet."
