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1990 Cadillac Aurora Concept

The Cadillac Aurora Concept was a concept vehicle to showcase the luxury marque’s vision of a luxury vehicle in the 1990s. The concept was used to gauge public interest in terms of design as well as features.

Quick Facts

Engine Atmospheric V8
Aspiration Atmospheric
Displacement (cc / cu. in) 4467 / 275
Power (kW / bhp) 149.1 / 200
Torque (Nm / ft-lb) 366 / 270
Transmission 4-Speed Auto
Drive Wheels AWD
Wheelbase (mm / in) 2850 / 112.2
Front track (mm / in) 1500 / 59
Rear track (mm / in) 1540 / 60.6
Length (mm / in) 4850 / 190.9
Width (mm / in) 1880 / 74
Height (mm / in) 1405 / 55.3
Curb Weight (kgs / lbs) 1588 / 3500

Positioning

The Aurora Concept was not designed for a single regional market, but rather as a global product intended to grapple with luxury cars in the global luxury space. As such, the concept boasted a plethora of impressive-for-the-time features, including an AWD system with Traction Control, four-passenger inflatable restraints (airbags), an auto-dimming sunroof, and ETAK navigation system, to name but a few.

Exterior

First taking shape as a clay model, the Aurora Concept featured an all-fiberglass outer body, while the motor compartment panels, firewall, strut towers and motor rails were fabricated by hand.

The Aurora’s exterior design didn’t really make it to production, though some parts of its design did seem to make it into the Cadillac Catera. However, most design cues from the Aurora Concept seem to have been incorporated into the Oldsmobile Aurora.

Cadillac Catera

Oldsmobile Aurora

Interior

The Aurora Concept’s interior was engineered with the driver in mind, yet doesn’t abandon its passengers. A functional and fully-equipped instrument panel was augmented with analog gauges, while the front seats were powered and heated. A state-of-the-art sound system featured 10 Delco speakers, an AM / FM radio and CD changer, along with a portable cellular telephone and a toolkit hidden in the fully-detailed trunk.

Suspension

In regard to the suspension setup, in front was a conventional McPherson strut system, while out back was a fully independent setup with transverse monoleaf springs. Electronically-controlled variable-orifice shock absorbers were at all four corner.

Powertrain

The Cadillac Aurora Concept was powered by a naturally aspirated 4.5L V8 gasoline engine that developed 200 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant was mated to the GM four-speed automatic transmission and drove all four wheels through an AWD system.

Platform

The Aurora Concept was based on a highly modified variant of the GM E-Body, which also underpinned the Cadillac Eldorado and Cadillac Seville. Notably, the engine bay was extensive reworked to fit the powerplant longitudinally, as well as allow for room for the AWD system.

Name

The concept was the first to utilize the Aurora name, which was eventually applied to the Oldsmobile Aurora sedan for the 1995 model year.

Unveiling

The Cadillac Aurora Concept was unveiled at the 1990 Chicago Auto Show.

A photo of the Cadillac Aurora Concept at a GM junkyard in May 2024.

Cadillac Aurora Concept at a GM junkyard in May 2024, likely headed to the crusher

Decomissioning

The Aurora Concept appears to have been decommissioned in 2024, as newly-captured photos suggested the vehicle being lined up to be crushed.

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