The 1995-99 Oldsmobile Aurora Story: Designing a Legend (with Chief Designer Dennis Burke)
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- Опубликовано: 14 янв 2023
- Learn more about the design of the iconic 1995-99 Oldsmobile Aurora from its Chief Designer, Dennis Burke. The vehicle, with its smaller version of the Northstar engine, was a home run design, but it couldn't save Olds from extinction.
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I was 14 when the Aurora came out, and I remember dragging my parents to the dealer to look at it, and snag a brochure. "You want to look at an Oldsmobile!?" was all my mother would say, until we got there... To my eyes it still looks futuristic today. BRILLIANT work!
The Aurora and Riviera (1995-1999) were two of the most beautifully designed cars of the time and they still look contemporary today.I have never owned either but have always admired them.
As a former Aurora owner (1998 Autobahn) it was brilliant car.
It kinda looks like the Tesla's without the grille
Too bad the engine totally ruined the whole experience
@Josué Elombre the engine wasn't that bad in the later years, they fixed them and it was decent. The aurora v8 was used in the Shelby Series 1 had s supercharged option that got em up to 450 hp and they didn't grenade. The aurora v8 technically is the northsar. It came out before it and Corporate GM made oldsmobile give up the plans for it. Caddy changed the heads and called it the northsar. And THOSE weren't that good.
@@mikehunt9894 we called it the " SHORTstar" lol because it was a smaller version of the Northstar
Adam thanks for reaching out to the designers so people and car collectors know the inner history. When this car came out I thought of the Ford Taurus launch. Olds was going for the modern age. It is to bad we couldn’t see what the future would have been for this division.
One thing I’ll say is that GM internally had a number of “Taurus” (and even more beautiful) styled designs penned in house well before the Taurus came out. Design management, however, disagreed with the aesthetic and it took Ford launching the Taurus for these GM designers to finally be unleashed.
Olds would have been more badge engineering. The American automakers have become cheap bastards.
We would've had the 442 compete with the Challenger as well as the Cutless compete with the Charger and 300 Mopars.
@@CJColvin Think of the possibilities and opportunities GM wasted!
@jasonroberts9357 I know and they've wasted so many opportunities on Pontiac as well.
I remember seeing those “not your father’s Oldsmobile commercials” and thinking I wish they were my fathers. Lol
The original generation of the Aurora is timeless and iconic. Thank you, Mr Burke 😊
I was a member of the "University of Oldsmobile" class during the last week of January 1994, watching this car being built along with: Buick Rivieras, Park Avenues and LeSabres; Pontiac Bonnevilles, Oldsmobile 88s and 98s. We finally saw the actual Aurora revealed from under a wrap on the final day of training. I have owned three 1998 Auroras and still have the White Diamond one I bought in Michigan in the summer of 2020. I also own a 2003 Aurora and recently sold my Final 500 #410.
In my opinion, the Oldsmobile Aurora is one of the best looking cars ever made in the History of the World.
Its door handles were used also in the C5 Corvette (1997-2004), and I've read they were the only carry over part to be used in that 'Vette.
In my opinion, it was a mistake not to have the Olds Rocket logo and brand name in the exterior, being that it was intended to save the brand. So sad that revolutionary Oldsmobile is now long gone. Many of my favorite cars are Oldsmobiles: this Aurora, the '66 Toronado, the 442, the Cutlass Supreme, etcetera.
Greetings from Pergamino, Argentina 🇦🇷
Exactly. If you are able to make such a beautiful car, say it loud. We are Oldsmobile, we created this! Such a shame Oldsmobile didn't do it. If I ever get one, I will change the logo myself.
@@ondrejbures3909 I agree with you. I think Adam said in the video that the '97 or '98 model had the Oldsmobile logo, for that only year, but then the next models had the Aurora logo back.
Yes Sir. The so many of the Oldsmobile's were majestic and classy with performance.
....one of the Olds designs I liked was the '70 Olds. They used that body for a few years and only made minor changes. I heard, when a car company does that...use the same body design for Years, that they are very happy with it. Changing the tail or grill and little things like that is so the Customer sees that "Its New".
Of course, VW got away with pretty THE Exact Design for two decades.
@@reinaldoenriqueratto7800 Only very few had the Oldsmobile logo. I have a 1995 Aurora, my second one, and spent years looking and shopping for one, and never once did I see one with an Oldsmobile logo. You will find Oldsmobile spelled out only on the radio!
Thanks for these great interviews Adam.
I was on the team that developed service information for the Aurora/Riviera. I remember 1991, GM announced a two week summer shutdown. Not wanting to take vacation in the blistering summer heat, I volunteered to participate in the “1995 G Early Schematic Development Team”. I worked in Lansing at the time and signed out a large auditorium with tables. Laid the Packard prints out on the tables and ran up and down the room to develop service schematics. Worked alone the whole two weeks and had a great time.
Moved to Cadillac Luxury Car Division (CLCD) in Flint in 1993 and was on the Service Readiness Team when the Service Manuals came out. Later worked in the Design for Manufacture team at CLCD. Some of the finest people I ever worked with.
As a sidenote, I was in design staff only once in my life. Likely around 1990. Under a pulled back cover was a Riviera. Absolutely loved the thing. I have owned three of them during the last 20 years and still have one that I can’t bear to part with. One of the most beautiful and graceful designs ever in my opinion.
I owned a 1995 and a 1998, and the Northstar Engine was fantastic; he is correct, this is the most solid vehicle I have ever had. I miss mine.
You could bolt those drawings to an Ultium skateboard right now and introduce it as a 24MY car for $75-90k and no one would know the difference.
If that isn't a testament to the pure, unmitigated strength and bleeding-edge thinking of GM Design, I don't know what is.
Thank you, Mr. Burke, for helping sculpt my first car (a '96 in Silver Teal) that I still own to this day.
Incredible job Adam… it’s so nice to watch how tickled Mr Burke was at this interview. Unsung American hero’s like Burke need to be remembered. They built America and you are about the only one reminding us what we ALL have to be very proud of!!!!! Thank you Adam
As a guy who's been a car nut since the sixties, I'm so grateful to Adam for these interviews. How much fun it would've been to talk with stylists back then like this!
I’d pay good money to see an interview with some stylists from the 1960s!
@@thomastoler2397 I was just thinking about that very idea; to speak with the design team for mid 60s Chevrolet, specifically the 66.
SO happy to hear from Mr Burke!!!
Didn't know he was responsible for the design of my beloved 81 Cutlass !
What a well spoken and kind gentleman!
Hope to see more of him!
What a nice guy Mr Burke is. Very interesting background stories. Thank you, Adam! 👍🏻👍🏻😃
Great vid, I remember when those were everywhere on the road. Now you don't see them at all.
Thank you Adam & Dennis Burke for this terriffic, "peek behind the curtain" history on the design of the Aurora. The Aurora is right up there with the 1966 Toronado as one of the greatest American car designs. I remember sitting in one right after they were introduced and being very impressed by the car's interior design as well. This car had as much styling reach as the Infiniti Q - but at a much more reasonable price. Well done, Mr. Burke!
This was Truly the best car story I have ever seen on RUclips.
Thx!
Loved the backstory on the Aurora. I am on team the car should have sported the rocket logo and noted Oldsmobile on the exterior. My parents had a early production ‘95, and a number of times people would ask them what type of car they were driving. They had to tell people “why, it’s an Oldsmobile.” People would even joke something to the tune of that is really not your father’s Oldsmobile. I always thought GM/Oldsmobile lost a marketing opportunities by not trumpeting who made this striking car.
This video inspired me to dig around and I found a picture of my dad standing next to their brand new Aurora beaming with pride. Brought back a bunch of memories.
I am also a fan of the last gen Ninety-Eight. If some of that car was Mr. Burke’s handiwork I would love to hear about it as well. It was not a beautiful car, but it was stately and showed what one could do with the original FWD C-Body platform that the cars based on it did not have to look cookie cutter.
I liked that last Gen of the Ninety Eight, as well!
Recently bought a clean 95 Aurora, low miles and well preserved. Looks and feels good on the road
Adam, thank you for keeping this era alive and well. You're an amazing, historian.
My Dad was a sales engineer/manager for GM Saginaw Division. He received a new company vehicle every other month as part of the PEP program throughout the 1990s. His final PEP vehicle (before Saginaw was spun-off into Delphi) was an Aurora, with every single option selected. Painted in beautiful metallic Burgundy w/ 2-tone tan interior, it was a stunning design, especially with the factory Chrome wheels. He ended up driving that vehicle for over a year while they transitioned to the Delphi program. Throughout the late 80s and 90s, my Dad brought home nearly every vehicle GM engineered during that time period (even an H1 HMMWV), the Aurora was my favorite . In my opinion, the first generation was a far superior vehicle to the second generation.
Though I am not a fan of this design theme, I am happy I chose to watch and learn more about Mr. Burke, I am so impressed with this man. A true "team player" indeed, giving most of the credit to other individuals and departments. Mr. Burke is just the type of manager that everyone would want to work for/with. GM was lucky to have him, can't wait to hear more about the Escalade project.
As an Aurora enthusiast I can approve of this interview. Sad that Olds is gone but the Aurora was a bright and shining light in automotive history.
I need a whole channel of you two talking about 90s cars. Thank you for sharing this amazing window into the design process!
I truly appreciated this, thank you Dennis and Adam. I'm the proud owner of a 1997 Aurora and a 2001 Aurora.
This was so interesting, that the air began to crackle, when I was watching this video.
The Aurora was a unique masterpiece of design and still is today. No copying of the past or of German or Japanese cars, unmistakeable American and pointing to the future...
Thank you from the depths of my Oldsmobile soul! I absolutely love the styling home run of the Aurora and to hear from the designer of this masterpiece!!❤
Absolutely brilliant interview from us Olds and Aurora enthusiasts.
As always, it great to see interviews with the people who were mostly responsible for the products. Also consider an assembly line workers to interview to get some insights as what was going on. I've read interviews of workers who assembled the Corvair's, it was interesting. At the a Corvair convention we had a Willow Run plant manager give a talk. It was very interesting as well.
I enjoyed Dennis' comments on wheel size. The designers always want big wheels but it only puts them in the direct crosshairs of engineering, chassis, marketing and financial departments. Luckily today it is better understood why but some companies still ignore this important aspect.
That rare period in 90s GM history where a truly innovative - well executed - vehicle was designed. Thank you for recognizing this classic for what it is.
I do genuinely admire this design, having driven one for ten years. That said, I disagree with the "well executed" comment. GM's production quality was at best mediocre on what could have been a Mercedes beater. Fortunately, the one I drove had the V-6 which spared me the agonies of the Northstar V-8 which I had fail in two different Cadillacs.
It seems that General Motors, and indeed the entire domestic automotive industry, is plagued by labor union wet sandbags. It has proven unable to shake off the financial and attitude burdens of the UAW. First the Germans, and now the Italians, are struggling to produce quality products at Chrysler, despite a ready-made and extensive dealer network.
@@jkoysza1 Perhaps you drove the 2nd generation Aurora but there was no V6 Powered 1st Generation Aurora. Remember that this was a High-Mid specialty car aimed squarely at Acura and Infiniti (historically toronado, riviera, thunderbird) not an E Class competitor. Comparing this to the rest of the generals mid 90s offerings they knocked it out of the park. Think about it - in the same showroom there would be an A-Body Cutlass Ciera. A product that was R/D’ almost 20 years ago at that point (the X Cars). GMs problem (Americas for that matter) is that we don’t do small and we don’t do inexpensive. There’s this culture within the corporation that says small cheaper cars are essentially penalty boxes that guide you to more expensive models. Hindsight is 20/20 it was never the Aurora’s reliability that killed the model or Oldsmobile. It was the thousands of people that walked in wanting one who were forced to leave with a lesser vehicle that didn’t measure up. Imagine wanting that car and the dealer steers you to a boxy, dated, totally frumpy Ciera or Calais. - This killed Oldsmobile.
@@chrislee9955 excellent analysis!
I did drive a V6 which was one of the good parts of the car.
I loved my 97 Aurora. nobody really knew what great car it was. It was solid and quiet in the inside with decent power, I've had mines up to 140 and it was solid as a rock the entire way.
I love these videos - this is the only channel that give under the good insights with the actual designers.
Thanks Adam!
I've often said that the 90's were not great days for automotive styling. Everything looked like jelly beans and runny eggs. The Aurora was the exception that I did like. Adam, I love these interviews with the designers. Please continue that.
Wow, I disagree with that! 90's cars were a tremendous breath of fresh air after the formal roof line look ran for way too long. I think they're coming out of their "yesterday's fashion" phase rather strongly and will be appreciated well in the future.
@@jrcars7017 You're right about the roof lines, those ran way too long.
It looks like everything else from the 90s. Generic and ugly. I have no idea from where all these hardcore "Aurora fans" materialized on this thread. I never knew there was such a demographic! Any auto designers here perchance; please don't listen to these people! You've succeeded in finding all 500 of them on the entire planet!
This channel is priceless - congratulations 🏆
Thank you very much!
Terrific interview.
Thank you.
4.0 outstanding as usual, Adam. As the old saying goes: Bean counters, you can’t live with them, you can’t run them through a wood chipper.
In 1955, 'bean counters' decided to sell GM's new small block Chevy V-8 WITHOUT an oil filter or bracket! Thousands failed in the first year. Chevy's new 265 looked to be a failure, but after a hurried recall to add these vital parts, these motors were perhaps GM's best. By deleting the filter/bracket, GM hoped to save $2.50/engine.
Each of the big 3 has one this many times, trying to shave a few bucks per unit cost them many times that.
Nobody gave the masses more models options innovations than the American automotive manufacturers 🚘 Long live the Motor City Detroit Michigan
One of my favorite American automobile designs. Great interview with a very talented artist/designer.
Adam, yet another of your wonderful interviews with an amazing guest!
Thank you very much 🖖🙏🇨🇦
Dennis, if you see this, thank you so much for giving us your time, this was fascinating. And thanks to Adam as well!
Thanks, I enjoyed that! I'd like to see you interview Bill Porter about the Riviera. GM did a fantastic job of differentiating the Riviera and Aurora. There is not much to suggest they're basically the same car.
What another treasure: to hear a designer walk through a car's development -- and put it into historical perspective. Bravo.
As a kid in '95 a lady at my church had one brand new with the six-hole chrome wheels. It was very sharp! Still is today.
This is a treat - thanks for arranging the interview Adam - and thanks Dennis for sharing your perspectives.🙌🏾
This was the missed opportunity to merge the Oldsmobile into the Saturn brand. I have always admired the bold statement that car made inside and outside, was very impressive.
Saturn was a waste of GMs money and was never going to be a luxury or near luxury brand
An absolute pleasure to watch! Very cool to hear the stories and see the sketches behind the Oldsmobile Aurora. I kinda wish they'd left the rocket emblem, but as I recall, this was about the time Olds changed its main emblem anyway. Knowing Dennis Burke was part of the 1981 Monte Carlo project, I'd love to see some sketches of that. I have a 1981 Monte Carlo SC, which my parents bought brand new.
I owned a 2001 aurora v8 and loved it madly. May never have any car quite so nice again. Thanks Dennis and Adam for sharing!
Dennis Burke! Thanks for taking the time to share.
I was a domestic hater back when this car came to market. Even I thought it was beautiful. And yes, the styling still looks great today.
Thanks for design/build of a legend!
I can’t wait for the discussion on the Escalade… it was a mold breaker at the time.
A great interview and a big thanks for having Dennis on your channel. Having been intimately involved with the concept design of the Shelby Series 1 we had a devil of a time integrating those door handles into the Series 1's door surface. Also the Aurora's 1st gen mirror heads were minorly problematic, yet those are some of the many issues that ultimately come together during the process. I truly miss Oldsmobile from the automotive landscape.
Great discussion!
Thanks to Adam and Dennis!
This was a superb presentation. Thank you,
I echo Kevin Rogers about your preserving important history. Alas too few of guys like Dennis get their stories told like this video. There are lots of hidden gems providing insights into how decisions get made. Thank you. I hope his family enjoys this personal history.
Adam thank you for your wonderful videos! They are a treasure! This is one of my all time favorite auto designs. Sad that it had to be modified in later years to broaden the appeal. Had it worn the Lexus badge, it would have sold so many more. Stunning looking car!
Yup...gm disease took its toll on quality and reliability.
Great car, great designer, great conversation!
That was a terrific interview. I've always loved the look of the Aurora. You definitely need Dennis to tell us about the Escalade.
Escalade ???...hmm ok ......
Tahoe - chevy badges+ body cladding + cadillac badges+ leather,wood and bvulgari clock= escalade
@@Lexrolla-1 Adam implied the Escalade story is more interesting than that
@@andrewweltlich9065 we would all like to thinks so...but Americans are foolish and gm has known that for a long long time...
Adam, these interviews are for the posterity. Thanks for doing all this!
1981 Monte Carlo is my favorite car of all time! Cozy, comfy, sporty, and cool. Dark green/Light Green two tone, dark green inside.
It was bought for my sister but I got borrow and drive it a lot.
That Aura could go back into production unchanged and look modern today.
My grandparents had a '95 Oldsmobile Aurora as their highway car. We inherited it with 85,000 miles. The signature champagne color even! Alas, it was difficult to keep because it's one of the only cars ever to have an OBD 1.5 (not 1 or 2) and the weird under-seat starter battery was impossible to find replacements for. Theirs was super reliable and never had a single major issue, but their neighbor up the street had the same car in teal and it was apparently a nightmare lemon from new.
My friend had the Northstar motor in his and I do remember that every other year the EGR system would give him trouble. We tried to deleted the valve but that was a nightmare. So every other year he would replace the valve and put the original in carb cleaner and then swap them back. Once he started to do that it ran for many years without any other problems.
When these came out, I was in my teens. I remember thinking it was pretty amazing. But I never thought of them from a reliability standpoint. I grew up with the impression that American cars were extremely unreliable, but I never knew why. Or if it was true. In the 90s, I was under the impression that Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura were the most reliable.
The factory style battery can still be had, but it is more difficult to come by than a regular size battery. Most Autozone type stores aren't going to stock them.
I switched to the Optima 34/78 Red Top because the factory battery is way too heavy to mess with. The Optima also has the benefit of being a sealed AGM battery, so it doesn't vent acid gas into the cabin if that silly plastic vent straw is busted.
@@Wasabi9111 It depends on what you get. Buick is usually on par with, and sometimes above, Lexus. Cadillac usually isn't, but that's the "bleeding edge technology" division of GM. Chevy is beneath Lexus because Chevy is the economy division. I think a lot of people bought a used and abused Cavalier when they were young and swore to never buy an American car again. If they'd bought a better car they would have had a better experience.
@@Wasabi9111 Yes, I also grew up being told that American cars were needlessly unreliable and generally terrible. While Acura and Lexus may have actually been the most reliable then, it’s kind of silly to think about the kinds of things that would break back then and their relative cost compared to what kinds of things break on today’s cars and how much it cost.
I want to thank you Adam for interviewing Dennis Burke about the Oldsmobile Aurora and I really enjoyed the pictures and the backstories on the project and discuss a little about the 2002 Escalade project as well. I hope to hear about that and maybe the Intrigue vehicle because we own one for seven months before it's was totally in a accident. I always been a fan of Aurora and I wouldn't find a good running example too.
Wow that Adam washes up pretty good! Looks like maybe on his way home from work. 😜
Great interview. I enjoyed owning a 1997 Aurora for a couple of years. it performed well and was beautiful to look at--too bad it was in the dealer for numerous electronics glitches--one time left me stranded. I hated to trade it in but did anyway. When it was not acting up it was nice to have.
Bought a 1995 Aurora in 2001 with 60,000 miles. My second favrotie care, after the R33 Skyline GT-R. Lovely car, great engine. Really enjoyed driving it, handled excellent for a large car. Amazingly comfortable seats, I could put 300+ miles in a drive easily. Five people could indeed fit in it, and the huge trunk. Fantastic MPG, I could get 30+ mpg out of it easily, and get over 400 miles from a tank. But the repairs could be eye-wateringly expensive. Stopped driving it at 110,000 miles, when I was laid off. A friend took it off me for a dollar. He drove it around, till 3rd gear went out. $2000 for a transmission. He got a local deal to give him $500 cash trade in on a Chevy truck for his sister.
I miss it, but then I remember the repairs.
Another good discussion video by automotive historian Adam. So appreciate your knowledge and your commitment to interviews with designers.
Thanks Adam & Dennis.
A 'disabled' Aurora sat near my parking spot for about 2 months. He was only asking $950.00
The design is one of Oldsmobiles finest.
To this day, that gold Aurora still haunts me among the ones that got away...
I own one of these legends, a 1998 Aurora Autobahn. It is one of the nicest cars I have ever driven. It has a great ride, lots of power and sounds great.
Really appreciate the history lesson from the original designer and looking into the development of the Aurora. Thanks to Mr. Burke for his insight. Looking forward to the interview that tells the Escalade story.
I always thought the Aurora was a strikingly attractive design. But wow, those development models were drop-dead gorgeous. Thanks so much for this episode. It was a genuine treat to hear Mr. Burke’s behind-the-scenes stories and to see the photos.
I got to drive one, pre-launch, from Lansing to Chicago for my agency's photo shoot of the car, and it was memorable. I was struck by how different it was from prior Olds, and how everybody I passed eyeballed it. A modern classic.
One of the most beautiful cars GM ever produced. I loved the interior as well. I’d drive one of these beauties today.
I bet if you asked 1000 fans of GM cars, not one would mention this squished Taurus.
@@drippinglass The Aurora squashed the European "Taunus".
Since I had owned one of the early Ford Taurus, I naturally liked the look of the Aurora when it came out, then most cars became similar jelly beans.
@@mikekokomomike Yup. The beginning of turd cars. 😄
As usual a great interview Adam! I purchased a low mileage 1995 Aurora several years ago and I love it. It’s used sparingly, VERY dependable, well built, smooth & quiet. The Baby Northstar is very adequate in putting the power down to the road. I’m keeping my ear to the ground for another.
Sadly, the "ShortStar" 4.0L proved to be as problamatic as its stroked big brother NorthStar 4.6L..the warranty claims were so costly, that GM pulled the plug on the entire Olds division. These 2 V-8's either leaked oil or blew head gaskets, which after mixing coolant and engine oil destroyed the engine...a 10K loss. Many owners chose to replace the gaskets and head bolts before they failed, making sure to retorque them after 100 miles. The 4.6L was strong like a hot 350 from the late 60's. Mine seeped oil but ran fine.
you've done it again Adam, another home run!
Thank you so much for these type of interviews. Absolutely fascinating to hear from the people behind these iconic designs.
They were some great driving cars. Not to mention, the beauty with all of those curves, and frameless windows. The experience was relaxing, while driving, and it was also fun, with the NorthStar. Leaning back, with the front of the seat, up, while the back was dropped to the floor. The leather was pretty firm, but with the bolsters deflated a little more than half, and that was about perfect. Every once in a while, rolling into the throttle, and hearing the growling of the NorthStar, as the rear gently squats with the rise of the rpms. If going slow enough, and you could roll easily, until about 1/3 throttle, then dig into it, before the last notch. Then the front wheels will do a little screaming, and then traction killed the party, then suddenly, rpms rising quickly, squatting, then the tires will spin to a fade to grip was achieved.Playing with other cars on the road, while going wherever I was going, laid back,relaxing in the sun, with the roof open, and the windows down a 1/3 , just enjoying life, with the music playing in the background. Miss those days.
What?
Very cool interview! I remember when the Aurora first hit the market and thinking what a revolutionary car it was. I had always owned Oldsmobiles but this was like nothing they had ever done and it was different and outstanding!
I did enjoy it. Dennis is obviously a talented and gifted designer. Great to have access to his experience.
In addition to your encyclopedic automotive knowledge and low key presentation, your strength is connecting a face and a personality with specific products. So much time and talent and effort and money goes into the final result and you give credit and recognition to these talented individuals - thank you.
The Aurora was an outstanding and remarkable piece of designers’ work that made it to production nearly unaltered. Currently, unless I look at the badging, I can’t name the manufacturer of any of the econo-box crossovers of today. Thanks, Adam, for this interview and for preserving the story of the Aurora.
Still a great looking sedan, very ahead of its time styling wise.Mr.Burke and the rest of the design team did a stellar job IMO.
Great interview! The photographs of the Tube car from the rear reminds me a lot of the back end of the EV-1.
Thanks Adam & Dennis Burke for unique and valuable “being there” history of a great company. Right out of college, ordered 1980 Cutlass Calais (sport touring model) beautiful Dark Claret metallic, metal top, matching Super-Stock wheels, great corduroy-velour buckets. A stunner. Followed by 1988 Cutlass Supreme. A total space ship design by comparison & a great car too. Finally, 1993 Olds 88 LSS (rare sport touring model) elegant black with great tan/saddle leather buckets.Totally different vibe from dad’s or grandad’s 88! Of course, most 30-something’s weren’t interested & had already headed for the exits & toward European or Asian products. It was great while it lasted! Keep up the good work, Adam!
Phenomenal interview! So interesting! 1995 was a revolutionary year in the auto design! I have always been a massive fan of the Aurora. I was in 5th grade when it came out and always loved it as a little boy. I wish I had one today!
Another fascinating episode Adam! I didn't realize Auroras were so special but now I want one. I do recall when the Gen 3 Taurus was introduced about a year after the Aurora I was surprised that Ford got away with such a clear styling "homage".
Great interview, Adam. And kudos to Dennis Burke for leading one of the best designs of the 90s, GM or otherwise. My brother in law, then a 42 year old father and professional (the target market) bought one. Loved it initially but it did not age gracefully. The Northstar based 4.0 liter V8 was troublesome, as was the 4T80E transaxle. Both leaked badly as the car got older, and the estimates to repair were astronomical. GM's quality issues really undermined what was a design home run. That same bro in law did not buy another US brand auto until his 2018 Tesla 3.
This seems to be a car you either love or hate sort of like the ‘68 Buick Skylark.
Wonderful and fascinating interview. Such an honor to hear direct from Dennis Burke. Thanks! I too admired the Aurora and Rivera at that time. Bought a ‘93 Regal Gran Sport but was captivated by the Rivera. Both were above my price point, but they were stunning.
When that car came out I remember liking it very much and wanting one! Great to hear the history of it's development straight from the designer! Thanks for sharing!
I love watching these designer series vlogs. It gives us a peek into how and why some of the iconic classics came to be. Thank you Adam.
Thank you Adam, your conversation with Dennis Burke was informative & gave a nice insight into the design process!!! 👍👍🙂
What a great interview with Mr Burke. Thank-you! When the 1st gen Aurora came out I fell in love, but couldn't afford one. A few years later I became the 3rd owner of a low mileage 1997 model and still have it. My kids drove the crap out of it and my 30 year old lawyer son is still driving it now years later. A couple of years ago I spent $5000 Canadian on this $800 car having Jake Wiebe install his gaskets and head studs (Northstar performance). Even though the paint is coming off the car (GM used lousy paint) and even though it is winter driven here in southern Ontario, it still performs and works like the great car it is. The rear end design and coke bottle shape is something to behold IMO, and the grille-less front end is something Tesla should have copied! I haven't seen another 1st gen Aurora now in ten years which is unfortunate. Most people junk the cars when head gasket or head bolt problems rear their heads and most mechanics will not work on these 'deathstar' engines, so the cars are junked prematurely. EDIT: With reference to the 25hz, the lower U-channel of the unibody chassis is almost 1/8" thick. Crazy thick steel which is also why they last as long as they do in salt (I oil mine every year)
Love these segments with designers. Your channel is awesome Adam, thanks.
I remember when this car came out I was a teenager and yes, it grab my attention and for me it was gorgeous!
I bought my Mom an absolutely gorgeous pearl white 1998 Aurora in 2006 for $3,800. It was a beautiful one-owner(elderly couple, actually) example with just under 60,000 miles on it! She absolutely loved that car! As did I! She drove it daily for the next 6 years putting nearly 60,000 miles on it. When she passed, I was expecting the car to come to me, being that I bought it for her. But my oldest brother got possession of it before I could. He ended up totaling it less than a month later. He fell asleep at the wheel in Utah searching for his estranged girlfriend. Luckily, no one else was involved in the accident. And he only suffered minor injuries. The Aurora was deemed a total loss. No insurance. My brother never did find nor hear from his estranged girlfriend. I never did forgive him for that! Stupid fucker!
I really wouldnt forgive him either... RIP Aurora
I absolutely love the original Aurora. Beautifully designed car. I don't consider the second generation to be an Aurora as it was originally meant to be the Antares, but was short-changed into a second generation Aurora.
What a delight!
You continue to amaze me as far as the subjects you bring up along with the people your able to interview. Keep it up!!!!
Keep up the great work Adam!
Love your channel and the evolution of your work.
You’re a rockstar.
The most revolutionary car design of the past 40 years. Mazda had a contemporary Rx7 that was in the running and had similar design language, albeit in a tiny 2 seater.
A great effort by Oldsmobile. Kudos to Mr. Burke for designing the Olds Aurora, a lovely looking car even now. I also liked his early 90's Olds designs too.
Another great video, Adam. Yes, would LOVE to hear the story of the Escalade. I've owned several Eskies going all the way back to the first gen 99-00 Denali-based version. My 05 is still my favorite
Adam, this is your hallmark episode. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Dennis Burke created the best GM design post 1973. 30 years later, and the Aurora still looks like next year’s model. It’s pure brilliance. GM didn’t support Oldsmobile like they should have. That &$@/ Cierra ruined their image. The Aurora and the other Aurora-inspired models like the Intrigue were steps in the right direction. I wish - given it’s lineage - GM had kept Oldsmobile and ditched Buick. My last Buick was my last GM. Great episode!!!! Just great!!!!
It was my pleasure to own a 1998 Aurora. I was a salesperson with a 14 state territory. I put 238,000 miles on this car. I loved driving this car. Chicago to Omaha on one tank of gas. Additionally, I think Olds lied about the horse power; much more than advertised.
You should do a separate RUclips about the phenomenal “Indy” engine in the Aurora (not a north star). Not mentioned in your video is the racing history of this amazing engine. No other GM product had this engine. I believe the car was designed for this engine.