Black Enterprise 1994 auto guide: best values.

Summary

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The 1994 automobile models provide improved technology, fuel economy and efficiency that will compensate for higher prices. Six categories of cars, from luxury to family-oriented, are listed with brief descriptions of 60 different automobiles.

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Black Enterprise 1994 auto guide: best values.

It's no longer necessary to trade off innovation for value when looking to buy a new car. The crop of new 1994 models offer better power and handling, and provide greater fuel economy and efficiency on the road. Although the new cars won't cost less, you will get more value for your dollar via quality-built vehicles. And, with the rising value of the yen, American willprove to be an excellent value. One such example of innovative automobile engineering is the 1994 Oldsmobile Aurora (previous page), a new luxury sedan from GM.

CLASSIC

LUXURY

Bentley Turbo R

Imagine a museum-quality living room with the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Surround it all in metal sculpture, and the net result would be something akin to the Bentley Turbo R.

Technically, this is a large four-door sedan,powered by a 6.75-liter V-8 engine. There's sumptuous comfort and dramatic elegance unrivaled by any other vehicle. But it's still difficult to think of the Turbo R as a mere automobile. Its $208,300 cost would purchase a parking lot full of cars.

What the Turbo R offers is craftsmanship. The most minute inspection reveals detailed handiwork, from the matching leather hides to the boxed inlay of the fine-grain walnut veneers.

Despite such old-world artistry, the Bentley also provides complete credentials as a modern sports sedan with speed, agility and the safety of dual air bags.

BMW 540i

After losing prestige to the Japanese, BMW is joining the competition. The company's six-cylinder engines failed to meet competition from the likes of Lexus and Infiniti, so the automaker is finally bringing V-8 power to bear.

Just like the Japanese models, this is a modern V-8 with 32 valves and a match in horsepower with 282 ponies from 4.0 liters. Tied to this engine is a five-speed automatic transmission. The rest of the 540i is aging reasonably well. At around $47,000, this is a sporty machine that lacks the comfort element of its more luxurious competitors.

Cadillac Fleetwood

As the last of its breed at General Motors, the Fleetwood represents transportation as it used to be - a full frame, rear drive and V-8 power. This is often touted as the largest passenger car on the market, so it's not for the faint of heart.

It is, however, for those who like luxury and glitz in large helpings. There's a super cushy ride and an interior larger than some sports fields. For 1994, the Fleetwood gains a new engine with a whopping 260 horsepower.

Despite the distinctly old-fashioned styling throughout, there's nothing arcane about the transmission, standard anti-lock brakes and traction control system. This is really a modern ca...

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