1993 RCM Atlantic
In 1993 RCM brought in a new generation of the popular Atlantic midsize car, now with smoother and rounded styling befitting the 90s. As the say “don’t fix it if it’s ain’t broke” goes, not much was changed in terms of mechanicals other than updates. This meant a transverse FWD setup with I4 or V6 engines in a sedan or wagon body with seating for five.
Atlantic DE (North America)
The DE model was the middle of the range Atlantic, available with a V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. The 3.2L V6-M was the engine of choice and in 1995 it was updated to provide 174 hp and 189 lb-ft. With the automatic transmission it meant a 0-100 km/h of 8.8s and average fuel economy of 23 MPG.
Features of the DX model were cloth seats, a 4-speaker stereo with optional upgraded 6-speaker stereo with CD player, an optional sunroof, 16" alloy wheels, and disc brakes all around with ABS.
Atlantic V6 (Europe)
The Atlantic was introduced to the European market in 1994 as a large family car with upscale features. The V6 available was the V6-S, a 2.1L 24 SOHC unit producing 116 hp and 126 lb-ft. With a 5-speed manual this allowed for a 0-100 km/h of 11.2s and 26 MPG. Features included velour seating with optional leather, 4-speaker stereo with optional CD player, a 5-speed manual with optional 4-speed automatic, an optional sunroof, 16" alloy wheels, and disc brakes all around with ABS.
Atlantic Borealis LX
Introduced in 1995 was the Atlantic Borealis line: high riding wagons with AWD. These features paired with updated styling and rugged plastic cladding were RCM’s attempt at quickly entering the new road-going SUV market while still developing standalone models. Only available with the revised V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission, the Borealis would reach 100 km/h in 9.7s and return 22 MPG. The transmission offered shorter gearing while the alloy wheelss were smaller (15") to improve offroad capabilities.
The Borealis was only available in DX and LX trims, with the DX trim offering the same equipment as its FWD counterparts. The LX trim level featured adjustable roof rails, optional leather seats, and the 6-speaker stereo with CD player from the FWD models but also two tone 15" alloy wheels unique to the Borealis.
Atlantic BTCC
RCM entered the Euro-spec Atlantic V6 into the 1994 British Touring Car Championship. The 2.1L V6 received a pair of turbos to produce 238 hp and 162 lb-ft, enough to bring the car up to 100 km/h in 5.8s. Despite the best efforts of RCM’s racing engineers, the Atlantic was in a field of mostly smaller and nimbler competitor but it still managed to end the season in 10th place.