The 6000STE (Special Touring Edition) was introduced for the 1983 model year. 5-passenger seating with front captain seats and power windows were standard on this trim level (optional on some other trim levels). It featured a High-Output version of the 6000’s optional 2.8 L V6. Like that engine, it sported a 2-barrel carburetor, though it delivered 135 horsepower, rather than the usual 112 horsepower. Although intended to compete with similar entries from BMW and Audi, the 6000 used older technologies by comparison. The fuel system was carbureted (competitors had fuel injection) and gauge cluster lacked a tachometer. The 1984 6000STE featured a digital gauge cluster featuring a bar-graph tachometer. The STE featured a driver information center with a system which monitored functions such as lights, doors, tune-ups and tire rotations. For 1984, Road and Track called the 6000 STE one of the top twelve enthusiast cars.
Special steering rack, and suspension tuning with a self-leveling rear air suspension yielded European handling. 4 wheel disc brakes improved stopping as did standard Goodyear Eagle GT tires, size 195/70R14 (large for the time).
In 1985, the carbureted engine was replaced by a multi-port fuel injected version of the 2.8 L V6, still delivering 135 horsepower. Although the 3-speed automatic remained standard (a Getrag 5 Speed Manual was a no charge option), the new engine accelerated faster than the previous engine, and enhanced the STEs emphasis on performance and technology.
For 1986, a revised front facsia with composite headlamps, anti-lock brakes, a revised tachometer, steering wheel mounted audio controls (the first of their kind) and a new 4-speed automatic transmission became available . Following this was a two-position memory seat for the 8-way power drivers seat for 1987. New for 1988 was an optional All Wheel Drive system. It was mated to a new 3.1 L LH0 V6 (the first use of GMs then-new 3.1 L in a production car) but only a 3-speed automatic transmission, which didn’t help acceleration or fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive system became standard for 1989, but was moved to the SE model for 1990, since the STE was discontinued from the 6000 line and moved to the new four-door Grand Prix lineup that year. It was later discontinued from the Grand Prix after 1993. read more
I had an ’86 and ABS was not available till pretty much the very end of the 86 model year. Mine did not have ABS. Mine topped out at 125mph with the MPFI iron headed 2.8 deep into redline at 6500rpm.
Great handling cars, very very quiet and the fuelie 2.8 was a great match for it. I think the 3.8 would have upset the good balance the car had, and an overdrive transmission would have been perfect for mine. As it was it got 23mpg on the highway @ 75mph and 18 in town.
Another one I’d love to own like new condition…and the later AWD (in red).
*in* like new condition.
I agree, I still want one of these and an AWD version…ESPECIALLY with the Lear seats.
I have a 1984 STE… it’s black and looks real sleek. I love it.
I had an ’86 and ABS was not available till pretty much the very end of the 86 model year. Mine did not have ABS. Mine topped out at 125mph with the MPFI iron headed 2.8 deep into redline at 6500rpm.
Great handling cars, very very quiet and the fuelie 2.8 was a great match for it. I think the 3.8 would have upset the good balance the car had, and an overdrive transmission would have been perfect for mine. As it was it got 23mpg on the highway @ 75mph and 18 in town.
Any luck with the 88 ste?