The Oldsmobile Profile Concept unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2000, showcased a forward-thinking design blending the appeal of a sports sedan with the practicality of an SUV. The five-meter-long, all-wheel-drive hatchback featured sliding rear doors reminiscent of a minivan, providing access to a spacious five-passenger interior and a rear hatch for cargo. The concept boasted innovative rear seat adjustability, offering up to 43 inches of legroom, surpassing many large luxury cars.
Powered by a supercharged 3.5 V6 engine with 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Profile prioritized performance with an automatic transmission coupled with all-wheel drive and traction control. The unique dash-mounted rotary knob for gear selection created a more open interior, complemented by steering wheel-mounted buttons for manual shifting. The "Smart Card" keyless ignition system allowed for personalized driver adjustments, and voice activation facilitated easy access to the Internet, phone, and vehicle data. Despite its innovative features and potential, the Oldsmobile Profile never made it to production, leaving automotive enthusiasts to wonder about the prospects it could have brought to the market.
Sources: Motor.ru; General Motors Corp.; Autoreview 2000-11; encyclopedia.classicoldsmobile.com
Images: General Motors Corp.
