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It is somewhat of an intriguing thought that an American automobile would still be in production in the highly competitive automotive industry after 100 years.

But that is exactly what has happened due to Ransom Eli Olds establishing the Olds Motor Vehicle Co. on Aug. 21, 1897, and inadvertently setting the stage for the introduction of the 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue 100 years later.

As America’s oldest surviving automobile nameplate, Oldsmobile has seen the hills and valleys of its fortune over the years. With the ’98 Intrigue the all-new midsized sedan is the first product leading Oldsmobile’s Centennial Plan into the next century.

The new car is tightly focused in very specific areas, which means there is but one body style, one seating configuration, one powertrain, and one suspension configuration.

There is no such thing as a base model. The Intrigue is fully equipped with items such as air, automatic transmission, an enhanced traction system, tilt wheel and a full array of power assists. The GL model, however, adds luxury equipment like dual-zone air conditioning and fog lamps, and makes available leather trim and a special autobahn package.

Based on a 109-inch wheelbase and 195.9 inches of overall length, the styling follows a clean, aerodynamic look that has a shade of the Olds Aurora in it. The wide stance is enhanced by the use of 16-inch wheels and tires. The autobahn package includes larger front brake rotors and H-rated (high speed) Goodyear Eagle radials.

The overall styling really doesn’t break any new ground, but on balance you have to give the sedan high marks on attractive appearance.

The Intrigue is a five-seater that follows a conventional 2/3 front/rear seating pattern. The front seat layout also is conventional in that there is a center console that holds the shift lever quadrant dividing two, wide bucket seats.

Functionality is a key theme governing the Intrigue’s interior. A low cowl provides optimum forward visibility while mounting a four gauge instrument panel. The speedometer and tachometer gauges are flanked by temperature and fuel dials. Functional support systems as represented by indicator lights are grouped around the gauges.

All this is state-of- the-art except for the ignition switch that now is conveniently located on the dash instead of the usual steering position.

Cruise control and stereo switches are operable without removing your hands from the wheel. The console mounted shift lever is skewed toward the driver. And rear seat passengers sit slightly higher than those in front for a better view of the road.

It must be noted that other manufacturers also are incorporating these features.

There are no new intriguing developments in the ’98 Intrigue’s engine department. Olds is staying with General Motors’ tried-and- true 3800 Series II V-6.

A fairly basic engine design of push rods and rockers arms, the V-6 is a powerplant that will sort of run forever if serviced properly. While overhe ad cam devotees might regard the 3800 as old hat, the 12-valve 231-cubic inch (3.8-liters) V-6 puts out 195-horsepower and is so smooth you can’t tell the difference from a V-8 without looking under the hood.

Torque is quite respectable at 290 foot-pounds, and despite a hefty 190-horsepower the fuel mileage rating still is 19 miles per gallon city and 30 mpg on the highway.

This essentially gives you the best of both the performance and economy worlds, something you don’t always get with dual cam multi-valve engines. The four valve per cylinder motors flow more air than the two valves, but that air flow has the bad habit of taking the fuel right along with it.

Another intriguing facet of the new Intrigue is its suspension system that is unique in the midsized class. By using a combination of premium components unlike any other in this category a high level of ride and handling has been achieved.

The body structure features a full-length structural tunnel that serves a s the cha ssis backbone. Then there are longitudinal rails that run from the engine department to a transverse structural member under the rear seat. And there is another cross beam under the instrument panel to give the body a high resistance to bending.

Olds says that no Oldsmobile in its 100 year history has provided the midsized class refinements and advanced technology that has been built into the Intrigue. MSRP (manufacturer’ suggested retail price) pricing begins at $20,700 for the four-door, with the GL model running another $1,400.