It’s surprising to think that after decades of reliance on pushrod V6 engines, only one remains available in the GM lineup. The LV1 4.3, found in the Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana work vans, is the final pushrod V6 standing in the GM universe. However, back in the early 1990s, GM was making a shift towards overhead-cam V6s, with the 3.4-liter LQ1 being the very first to be utilized in high-end Oldsmobile Cutlass Supremes, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Chevrolet Luminas starting in the 1991 model year. This particular DOHC V6 car can be found in a self-service car graveyard in Phoenix, Arizona, representing a significant shift in automotive engine technology.
In 1992, the influence of the Rad Era can be seen in the red-and-white badges and striping that adorn this car, giving it a festive and nostalgic look. Even Pontiac embraced the rad candy-cane-badging aesthetic.
General Motors was keen on giving its cars a more European feel, with the “Eurosport” trim level name being used on models like the Chevrolet Celebrity. The 3.4 DOHC engine made a strong case for GM’s ability to build impressive DOHC mills, despite being a member of the aging Chevrolet 60° pushrod V6 family. It utilized a unique shaft to drive the timing belt, which, while unconventional, proved to be effective.
This DOHC V6 was rated at 210 horsepower, demonstrating GM’s commitment to enhancing performance in their vehicles. By the mid-1990s, GM’s Opel division had introduced a new 54° DOHC V6, which debuted in models like the Cadillac Catera and Saab 9000.
For the coupe version of this car, the Lumina Z34, buyers had the option to equip it with a rugged Getrag five-speed manual transmission, adding to its appeal. However, the standard transmission for the Lumina Euro 3.4 was a four-speed automatic.
With an MSRP of $17,685, the Euro 3.4 option package was a premium feature, equivalent to about $39,400 in 2023 dollars. In comparison, the ordinary ’92 Lumina Euro came with a pushrod 3.1-liter V6 rated at 140 horsepower.
This further illustrates the evolution of GM’s engine technology and the company’s efforts to enhance the performance and appeal of their vehicles during this era.
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