The Oldsmobile O4 was a front-wheel drive concept car designed by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors in 2001. The O4 was a 2+2 roadster that was aimed at a younger demographic. The O4 displayed features that would have been included on the next generation Oldsmobile Alero, had it not been cancelled.^[1]

Overview

Many of the O4's mechanical components originated from the Opel Astra, a German automobile. The O4 had a 4-cylinder engine that produced 190 hp (142 kW), along with a manual transmission. The roof featured twin targa tops made of carbon fiber that could be stowed behind the rear passenger seats. In addition, the rear window retracted into a compartment located behind the rear passenger seats.^[2]

The O4 was also noted for its "info ring" which replaced the traditional instrument cluster. The info ring was inspired by the Palm Pilot and similar devices. The "info ring" had 10 switches that operated all of its functions. Media and other information such as movies, maps, and telephone numbers were able to be stored and displayed via Sony memory stick. The O4 was also equipped with General Motors' OnStar service.

Namesake

The "O" in O4 stood for "Oxygen" while the "4" represented the car's seating capacity.^[3]

Cancellation

Just weeks before the O4's unveiling, General Motors announced its phasing out of the Oldsmobile brand. By the time of the O4's unveiling, the O4 was called the GM O4, with the "Oldsmobile" marque removed.

References

1. ^ http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z2579/Oldsmobile-O4.aspx
2. ^ http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_cars/112_0101_oldsmobile_o4/index.html
3. ^ http://www.autointell.com/nao_companies/general_motors/concepts-2001/oldsmobil-o4.htm