Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Citroën GS. 1970–94 (prod. 1,896,742; 847 Birotor sold). 4-door saloon, 3- and 5-door estate. F/F, 2 × 478 cm³ Wankel, 1015, 1129, 1222, 1299 cm³ (F4 OHC). Smart fastback, arguably inspired by a Pininfarina design of the 1960s, and styled by Robert Opron. European Car of the Year in launch year. Aerodynamic, though underpowered; ride considered very good, helped by hydropneumatic system. Quality problems did not help. Break from 1972. Very rare rotary-engined model, Birotor, in 1973, killed by the oil crisis; Citroën bought back these cars and had them scrapped, though a handful survived. Pallas and “warm” GS X and GS X2 from 1974. GS X3, with 1·3-litre engine, from 1978. French production to 1980, though the GS, with GSA trim, survived till 1994 in Indonesia.
Manufacturing locations: Rennes, France; Belgium; Vigo, Spain; Indonesia
Marque: Citroën | Predecessor: Citroën M35 | Successor: Citroën GSA
Lexus IS (GSE20/XE20/USE20/ALE21). 2005–14 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé–convertible. F/R, F/A, 2231 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC), 2499, 2994, 3456 cm³ (V6 DOHC), 4969 cm³ (V8 DOHC). Much sharper and more stylish second-generation IS, with home-market model adopting Lexus nameplate, complemented by a price rise. Slippery shape, with Cd at 0,28. Toyota managed to get more power (318 PS) from the 3·5 here, thanks to engine tuning and exhaust system. IS F high-performance model from 2007, with V8. Annual improvements, with mild refresh and stability control system in 2008. Hardtop convertible announced 2008, on sale 2009. Good handling and extremely refined, with one of the best interiors in the segment. Excellent build quality. However, its steering lacked feel and the manual gearbox was notchy; rear-seat accommodation also a source of complaint.
Manufacturing location: Japan
Marque: Lexus | Model: Lexus IS | Predecessors: Toyota Altezza, Toyota Progrès, Toyota Brevis | Successor: Lexus IS (E30)
Nissan Cedric Cima (FPY31). 1987–91 (prod. 120,000 approx. sold, incl. Gloria Cima). 4-door hardtop sedan. F/R, 2960 cm³ (V6 DOHC). Twin of the Nissan Gloria Cima, but sold via Nissan Motor dealers. Remarks for the Gloria Cima apply; the two cars had parallel model cycles. Helped with the boom in Japanese luxury car sales, including well equipped versions of smaller Nissans, influencing even Silvia and Bluebird models.
Manufacturing location: Japan
Marque: Nissan | Model: Nissan Cedric | Successor: Nissan Cima (FY32)
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