View source for Oldsmobile Firenza

{{Distinguish|Vauxhall Firenza}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image = Oldsmobile Firenza coupe 2.jpg
| name = Oldsmobile Firenza (Series 3J)<ref name="1999 Flammang" />
| manufacturer = [[Oldsmobile]] ([[General Motors]])
| production = 1982–1988
| model_years = 1982–1988
| class = [[Compact car]]
| body_style = 2-door [[coupé]]<br>2-door [[hatchback]]<br>4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]]<br>4-door [[station wagon]]
| assembly = [[Kansas City, Missouri|Leeds, Missouri]] ([[Leeds Assembly]])
| predecessor = [[Oldsmobile Starfire#Second generation (1975–1980)|Oldsmobile Starfire]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|101.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|169.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (hatchback)<br> {{convert|171.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan)<br>{{convert|179|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (wagon)
| width = {{convert|65.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive]]
| platform = [[GM J platform|J-body]]<br>
| height = {{convert|52.3|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (hatchback)<br> {{convert|53.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (sedan)<br> {{convert|54.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} (wagon)
| engine = {{convert|1841|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] ''[[GM 122 engine#L46|L46]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>{{convert|1796|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} [[SOHC]] ''[[Family II engine#LH8|LH8]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>{{convert|1991|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] ''[[GM 122 engine#LQ5|LQ5]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>{{convert|1991|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] ''[[GM 122 engine#LL8|LL8]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>{{convert|1998|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} [[SOHC]] ''[[Family II engine#LT2|LT2]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>{{convert|2837|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#LB6|LB6]]'' [[V6]]
| transmission = 4-speed [[List of GM transmissions#Transverse Transmissions|Muncie M17]] [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br/>5-speed [[Getrag 282 transmission|Getrag 282]] manual<br/>3-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic 125|Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| related = [[Cadillac Cimarron]]<br>[[Buick Skyhawk]]<br>[[Pontiac Sunbird]]<br>[[Chevrolet Cavalier]]
| weight = 2343-2604lb (1063-1181kg)
}}

The '''Oldsmobile Firenza''' was a [[compact car]] which was produced by [[Oldsmobile]] from 1982 to 1988. It was based on the [[front-wheel drive]] [[GM J platform]], which was shared with the [[Buick Skyhawk]], [[Cadillac Cimarron]], [[Chevrolet Cavalier]] and [[Pontiac Sunbird]]. It was not based on the [[Europe]]an market [[Vauxhall Firenza]], but on the same platform as the [[Vauxhall Cavalier]] Mk 2 / [[Opel Ascona]] C. The Firenza name was previously used as a performance package on the previous generation [[Oldsmobile Starfire#Second generation (1975–1980)|Oldsmobile Starfire]] hatchback.

==Overview==
The all-new Firenza was introduced in March 1982, as a replacement for the departed [[rear-wheel drive]] [[Oldsmobile Starfire|Starfire]]. Initially available as a two-door [[hatchback]] and four-door [[Sedan (automobile)#Notchback sedans|sedan]], the lineup was expanded to include a 4-door "Cruiser" wagon in 1983, and a two-door [[notchback]] [[coupe]] in 1986.<ref name="1999 Flammang">{{cite book|last=Flammang|first=James M.|title=Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999|edition=3rd|year=1999|publisher=Krause Publications|isbn=0-87341-755-0}}</ref><ref name="Consumer Guide 2006. pp 642-43">Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. 2006. ''Encyclopedia of American Cars'' (pp 642-43) . Lincolnwood, Il: Publications International.</ref> The name "Cruiser" was applied to all Oldsmobile [[station wagon]]s at the time; this included the [[mid-size car|mid-size]]d [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser|Cutlass Cruiser]] and [[full-size]] [[Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser|Custom Cruiser]]. The Firenza was positioned as Oldsmobile's entry-level compact car, priced below the slightly larger [[Oldsmobile Omega|Omega]] and later [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais|Calais/Cutlass Calais]]. Despite this, the Firenza could be equipped with premium options such as power windows, power locks, and 14-inch alloy wheels.<ref name="ReferenceA">Oldsmobile Factory Sales Brochure "1988 Oldsmobile Lineup, Vol. II"</ref> The 1982 Firenza LX sedan was listed for $8,080 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|8080|1982}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}).<ref name="1999 Flammang"/> It is named for the Italian translation of the city of [[Florence]]. 
[[File:Oldsmobile Firenza Cruiser Station wagon (4899054495).jpg|thumb|left|1983 Firenza Cruiser]]
As a [[badge engineered]], variant of the [[General Motors J platform|GM J-car]] platform, the Firenza received its own front and rear-end styling. The upper portion of the Firenza front end featured quad rectangular [[headlight]]s separated by signal lights in recessed housings, with a sloped body-color panel between the headlights. The dashboard unit was shared with the Buick Skyhawk.<ref name="1999 Flammang" />

A [[Grille (car)|horizontal-barred grille]] was mounted in the lower portion of the front [[Fascia (car)|fascia]]. The rear featured nearly square [[taillight]]s with a slight wraparound at the outboard ends of the upper rear panel. The suspension was shared with the front-wheel-drive Omega and Cutlass Ciera, which consisted of MacPherson struts, lower control arms, coil springs and a stabilizer bar for the front, and a [[Twist-beam rear suspension|torsion-beam]] rear axle, along with coil springs and rear stabilizer bars.<ref name="1999 Flammang" />

The Firenza was launched with a 2.0-liter OHV [[I4 engine|inline four-cylinder engine]] as the sole powerplant, but an overhead-cam 1.8-liter engine was added during the model year. Oldsmobile did not utilize turbo on these engines, while Buick and Pontiac offered a turbo.
Wraparound amber turn signal lights were added immediately outboard of the headlights for 1984. In 1985, the 2.8&nbsp;L [[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#LB6|LB6]] V6 was added as an option with the GT package.<ref name="1999 Flammang" />
[[File:Oldsmobile Firenza Sedan.jpg|thumb|left|1988 Firenza sedan]]
For the Firenza's last model year in 1988, it received a conventional horizontal bar grille between new aerodynamic composite headlamps and new tail lights, styled similar to the [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera|Cutlass Ciera]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Also for the Firenza's final year, the hatchback was dropped along with the V6, leaving just the four-cylinder notchback coupe, sedan, and wagon models. Also for 1988, all previous trim-level designations were dropped. All Firenza body styles came in a single unnamed base model that could be equipped with six various option packages.

Sales of the Cavalier and Sunbird annually dwarfed the Firenza.<ref name="Consumer Guide 2006. pp 642-43"/> Due to this, the Firenza was not replaced in Oldsmobile's lineup, leaving the [[Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais|Cutlass Calais]] as the division's smallest car. The [[Cadillac Cimarron|Cimarron]] was discontinued that year as well. [[Leeds Assembly]], which built the Firenza, was closed. The [[Buick Skyhawk|Skyhawk]] lasted another year, while [[General Motors|GM]] kept the first-generation Sunbird and Cavalier in production until 1994. 

===Trims & options===

*'''Sedan''':
**base • 1982–1988
**''LX'' • 1982–1987
*'''Hatchback''':
**''S'' • 1982–1987
**''SX'' • 1982–1985
**''GT'' • 1983-1987
*'''Wagon''':
**''Cruiser'' • 1983–1988
**''LX Cruiser'' • 1983–1985
*'''Coupe''':
**base • 1986–1988
**''LC'' • 1986–1987

==GT==
The '''Firenza GT''' was only available on the S Coupe hatchback,<ref>1983-1987 Oldsmobile Sales literature, Oldsmobile Dealer sales and ordering catalogs - albums</ref> unlike the Chevy Cavalier Z24, Buick Skyhawk T-Type, and Pontiac Sunbird GT, which could be had as either two-door hatchbacks, two-door and four-door sedans. Four door hatchbacks of the J-platform were offered in Europe.
  
GTs first were introduced in 1983, 65 were built; red with silver lower panel accent color, sold as "Brass Hat" promotional cars for dealerships, most were equipped with the "new" 1.8-liter overhead cam motor, with either a three-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. FE3 suspension was included in the package with a rear-stabilizer bar, heavier struts all the way around, and a wider 205/60 tire offering on the 14" polycast wheels as standard for the GT package.  1984; red/silver carried over plus white with silver lower body color was added. 2312 GTs were produced, less than 20% were white. Engines either were the 2.0-liter (four-speed manual or three-speed auto) or the 1.8-liter (five-speed manual or three-speed auto).<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> 

For 1985, 498 GTs were built, body colors were changed to either black or gray with silver trim (not as pronounced as with the 1983-84s.)  A fiberglass hood with a pronounced center bulge was included, the 2.8-liter V6 was offered with only the four-speed manual or the three-speed auto, the wheels were changed to aluminum from the previous polycast wheel, this was to be the same for 1986 GT. 1986 was the only year the GT as its own separate trim level (with 1032 built), and the body color red became available again with silver accent. For 1987, the GT model (of 783 built), went back to an option on the hatchback and was the last year offered, essentially same as 1986, but added the availability of the heavier five-speed manual transmission that was on the 1.8-liter offering three years previous, along with the three-speed auto. The LB6 2.8-liter V6, 5-speed Getrag manual equipped 1987 Firenza GT performed 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds (0-100 km/h 9.1 seconds), with a top speed of 124mph (200km/h), doing the 1/4 mile (402m) drag in 16.6 seconds. The 3-speed automatic equipped GT did 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds (0-100 km/h 10.2 seconds), with a top speed of 109mph (175 km/h), doing the 1/4 mile (402m) in 17.3 seconds. Interesting note; The "GT" was used on the Calais and Ciera in 1987, replacing the "ES" (EuroSport) designation the previous two years, 1984-1985.<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> 

The Firenza ES (EuroSport) sedan was introduced in Canada for 1984, and the U.S. in 1985.  Not much is known of this offering, it had blacked out headlight bezels and blacked out trim on the tail lights, the interior upholstery used the same two color gray combo and red piping as with all the GTs. This was offered as a four-door GT trim, with the same polycast wheels, heavier suspension, used on the 1983 and 1984 GT hatchbacks. They were only offered in a dark-silver body color.

== Sales ==

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oldsmobile Firenza production numbers data |url=https://www.automobile-catalog.com/production/oldsmobile/firenza_olds.html |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=www.automobile-catalog.com}}</ref><ref name="1999 Flammang"/>
!Coupe
!Hatchback
!Sedan
!Wagon
!Yearly Total
|-
!1982
| -
|14,911
|15,197
| -
|'''30,108'''
|-
!1983
| -
|11,975
|16,345
|12,432
|'''40,752'''
|-
!1984
| -
|17,990
|46,325
|18,160
|'''82,475'''
|-
!1985
| -
|7,684
|27,929
|8,727
|'''44,340'''
|-
!1986
|14,870
|3,563
|22,852
|5,416
|'''46,701'''
|-
!1987
|6,209
|1,774
|14,985
|2,860
|'''25,828'''
|-
!1988
|2,724
| -
|8,612
|920
|'''12,256'''
|-
!Total
!23,803
!57,897
!152,245
!48,515
!'''<u>282,460</u>'''
|}

==Engines==
* 1982: 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[GM 122 engine#L46|L46]]'' carbureted OHV [[Straight-4|I4]]
* 1982–1986: 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[Family II engine#LH8|LH8]]'' TBI SOHC I4
* 1983-1986: 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM 122 engine#LQ5|LQ5]]'' TBI OHV I4
* 1987–1988: 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Family II engine#LT2|LT2]]'' TBI SOHC I4
* 1987–1988: 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM 122 engine#LL8|LL8]]'' TBI OHV I4
* 1985–1987: 2.8&nbsp;L ''[[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#LB6|LB6]]'' MPFI OHV [[V6]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070828055830/http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?year=1988&make=Oldsmobile&model=Firenza MSN-autos.com] - 1988 Oldsmobile Firenza model overview
* [http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?year=1988&make=Oldsmobile&model=Firenza%20Wagon/ MSN-autos.com]{{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} - 1988 Oldsmobile Firenza Cruiser model overview

{{Commons category}}
{{Clear}}

{{Oldsmobile}}
{{Oldsmobile Timeline}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Oldsmobile vehicles|Firenza]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1982]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1988]]