With radically innovative styling and a 385-hp Rocket V8 driving its front wheels through a unique planetary gear (vs. ring and pinion) differential, Olds' new flagship Toronado was the first U.S.-built front-drive car since the mid-'30s. Its 4-speed automatic transmission, mounted backward next to the 425-cid longitudinal V8, was driven by a specially-developed high-torque chain. With prices starting at $4,617, it was Motor Trend Car of the Year, won Car Life's Engineering Excellence Award and sold nearly 41K in its debut year. ...next page >>