Buick Air Pump

General Motors Corp.'s Buick Motor Div. is embarking on a strategy to further distinguish LeSabre from the top-of-the-line Park Avenue/Ultra series as its rotund Roadmaster heads for oblivion when the '96 model year ends. 

The results will become evident when the new models debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The '97 LeSabre, which goes on sale in January, is barely changed. Park Avenue and Ultra, however, are a tad bigger, feature all-new exterior and interior styling, and adopt an advanced version of the rigid body structure and chassis set-ups first introduced in the 1995 Riviera. They'll go on sale next fall. 

LeSabre front and rear styling is tweaked, steel replaces plastic in the front fenders, and there are new front and rear lamps and a new hood. But otherwise Buick takes a conservative approach to protect LeSabre's position as the best-selling U.S. full-size car. 

But don't get the idea LeSabre lacks guts. Under the hood is a very respectable 3800 Series 11 V-6 that pumps out V-8-like 205 hp, yet provides 19/30 mpg (12.4 to 7.8L/100 km) in city/highway driving.

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