A s**tload of Saturns!

Damn, some of you guys bitch way to much. While you may analyze a cars interior the average consumer does not have your level of knowledge. The interiors you see in the photos will be enough for 99% of the consumers who consider the autos. Cars with shit interiors still sell. All the vehicles shown, including the SUV look good in my opinion and are vast improvements over the vehicles they are replacing. With 260 hp they will be quick enough and with the new six speed auto trans they will have more to do with that increased power. While I said that autos with shit interiors sell, the interiors in these new Saturns are not shit.
 
No Boss said:
jetsetter said:
While you may analyze a cars interior the average consumer does not have your level of knowledge

Aww... Gee, Thanks! :D

It's the truth. How in the hell do you think that a shitload of Grand Ams were sold? (they were not all fleet sales by the way)
 
mautzel said:
It simply looks more pleasant especially than the pre-facelift version of the Vectra, though aimed at rather conservative buyers the back looks too boring - it's not that different but I think it is more appealing than what Opel is selling right now, and the Vectra really isn't as bad as sales figures might suggest at the moment.
you know the aura and vectra is about identical? (the length is the only thing thats diffrent.. and som minor design thingis )
the Aura ha s the Vectra front end.. and a slightly modified rear
 
Kebab gud said:
mautzel said:
It simply looks more pleasant especially than the pre-facelift version of the Vectra, though aimed at rather conservative buyers the back looks too boring - it's not that different but I think it is more appealing than what Opel is selling right now, and the Vectra really isn't as bad as sales figures might suggest at the moment.
you know the aura and vectra is about identical? (the length is the only thing thats diffrent.. and som minor design thingis )
the Aura ha s the Vectra front end.. and a slightly modified rear

That's enough as I pointed out that the rear of the Vectra is particulary unpleasent (to me). The front view wasn't the most asthetical as well before the face lift...
 
It does seem that the Vectra and Aura use different engines. Does anyone have information on the V6 engines used in the Vectra?
 
Here is some info about the Aura and the Outlook.

SATURN AURA RADIATES STYLE, REFINEMENT

Dynamic new sedan features fuel-saving six-speed auto; hybrid model coming


NEW YORK ? With the launch of the 2007 Sky this spring, Saturn kicks off its most extensive product revitalization to date. Next to market is the all-new 2007 Aura midsize sedan, unveiled today. Based on last year?s concept car of the same name, the Aura blends Saturn?s new European-influenced design and high levels of refinement with the brand?s customer-focused purchase and ownership experience.

The Aura?s driving character will match its refined design, with a host of technologically sophisticated powertrains and a premium sport-sedan setup. Uplevel models feature GM?s first application of a new six-speed automatic transmission mated with the 3.6L DOHC V-6, creating a powerful yet fuel-efficient package. Later in the 2007 model year, Saturn will offer the Aura Green Line, a 2.4L Ecotec-based hybrid that will use a powertrain system similar to the Vue Green Line. It marks the first application of a hybrid powertrain in a GM passenger car.

?The bold, sophisticated design of the Aura represents another step in Saturn?s revitalization,? said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. ?This is a fun-to-drive sport sedan that will appeal both to current Saturn owners and to those who have never considered shopping at one of our retail stores.?

When it goes on sale late this summer, the Aura will be available in two trim levels: the entry XE model and uplevel XR. Each model is well-equipped, with premium features and interior materials among the best in its segment.

Bold new design

Based on the dramatic concept vehicle unveiled in 2005, the Aura sports sedan carries much of the concept?s bold design. Seen in other new Saturn models, such as the Sky roadster and Outlook crossover vehicle, these elements ? including distinctive headlamps with jewel-like appearance and a chrome grille bar ? establish a new design language for Saturn?s growing portfolio of vehicles.

?The design language of the Aura ? and other new Saturn models ? is technical and conveys a premium appearance,? said Clay Dean, GM design director for small and midsize cars. ?From the detailed lighting elements to the edginess of the silhouette, the Aura demonstrates a revitalized emphasis on style and performance.?

Aura?s premium design cues include halogen headlamps covered in clear housings that wrap upward and around the corners of the vehicle. This expressive, jewel-like design feature shared among Saturn?s newest models adds a sense of motion to the vehicle, even when stationary. At the rear of the vehicle, LED tail lamps are employed to enhance Aura?s technical ethic while also providing an extra measure of safety. LED lamps illuminate more quickly than conventional incandescent bulbs, which can allow drivers behind the Aura to react sooner when they see the brake lamps.

Additional design details include a radio antenna integrated in the rear window, for a sleeker overall appearance, and a chrome appearance for the door handles on XR models. Standard 17-inch wheels and tires fill the wheel houses, enhancing the vehicle?s sporty, firmly planted stance. XR models come with 18-inch polished, 14-spoke cast aluminum wheels and performance tires.

Aura is available in nine exterior colors: Berry Red, Black Onyx, Bronzed Pewter, Cream White, Golden Cashmere, Midnight Blue, Ocean Mist, Silver Pearl and Techno Grey

Refined interior

A major focus of the Aura?s design is its refined interior, which sets a new standard for the Saturn brand. Premium materials with low-gloss appearance and tight tolerances throughout exhibit excellent fit and finish, while two-tone color combinations for the trim and upholstery exude contemporary style. The interior trim flows across the instrument panel and wraps around onto the door panels for a more integrated appearance. Select use of chrome trim also accents the interior.

The gauge cluster uses LED-lit analog instruments, with amber lighting and animation at startup. LEDs are also used for ambient light projected from the overhead lamp and door pocket lamps. Self-dimming theater lighting enhances the premium feel and provides added convenience at night.

Aura?s front reclining bucket seats are designed to provide firm support and comfort on long drives. Leather seating is available, including finely detailed embossed leather seat inserts with the XR?s optional Morocco Brown interior. Aura?s other interior features include:
? Automatic climate control
? Center console with dual-bin storage and automatic sliding tambour door covering front cupholders and storage area
? Driver information center
? Optional power-adjustable pedals
? Available eight-way power-adjustable driver seat
? Optional heated front seats, available in cloth or leather
? Universal home remote
? Power windows with driver express up and express down feature
? Steering wheel audio controls
? Four-panel sliding Panoramic roof

A diverse range of audio systems also is available, all from GM?s new family of premium radios that feature intuitive controls and flush mounting for enhanced refinement. A six-speaker radio system is standard and includes an auxiliary input jack for portable audio players. Saturn?s Advanced Audio System also is available. It includes an AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with eight-speaker sound, a 240-watt amplifier and rear-seat audio controls with two wireless headphones. XM Satellite Radio is available on all models.

Refined performance

Saturn offers two powertrains at launch that provide the Aura?s power and performance for a refined on-road feel. Standard on XE models is the 3.5L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT). This powerplant, mated with the 4T45-E, four-speed automatic, generates 224 horsepower (167 kw) and 220 lb.-ft. of torque (298 Nm ).*

The 4T45-E is a four-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with an electronically controlled torque converter clutch noted for its low noise, high durability and smooth shifting.

Uplevel XR models are equipped with the 3.6L DOHC V-6 with VVT, rated at 252 horsepower* (188 kw) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm).* This engine is mated with the all-new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, the first application of this important addition to the GM Powertrain portfolio. The transmission allows for strong performance combined with strong fuel efficiency.
In addition, the 6T70 ? GM?s first application of a front-wheel drive six-speed automatic transmission ? will provide the added benefit of Driver Shift Control (DSC), which enables the driver to manually shift through gears via steering wheel-positioned ?paddles.?


The Aura is built on a stiff, robust chassis that serves as the foundation for a satisfying driving experience. The vehicle?s long wheelbase provides a smooth ride, while careful tuning of the suspension provides sharp and immediate response to driver input.

Safety features

The Saturn Aura is designed for strong safety performance in all measurements. A safety cage construction built into the body structure is complemented with reinforced rocker sections, as well as a reinforced front body hinge pillar and roof pillars that were designed to improve impact protection. A magnesium cross-car beam unites the lower sections of the A-pillars. It helps protect passengers in side-impact crashes and also serves as the foundation of the instrument panel. High-strength steel was used in strategic areas to augment overall structural integrity.
A comprehensive roster of standard features helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. Aura?s standard safety features include:
Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System: The system works with the front passenger seat and differentiates between adults ? 5 th percentile females and larger ? and small children or child seats to adjust air bag deployment, which can help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injuries.
Head curtain side-impact air bags: For the driver and front passenger, these air bags offer added protection for the head and thorax during side-impact crashes.
Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags: These air bags add an additional margin of protection to front seat passengers, protecting the chest cavity of driver and/or passenger when deployed in a side-impact crash.
Front safety belt pretensioners: Deploying at the same time as the frontal air bags, they take up slack in the safety belt webbing to minimize occupant movement during a crash.

LATCH child safety seat anchors: Two lower anchors and a top tether anchor secure the child seat to the vehicle seat structure for proper installation of compatible child safety seats.

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS: Large, 11.65-inch (296 mm) vented front and 10.63-inch (270 mm) rear rotors help provide smooth, quick and assured stopping capability. Four-channel ABS is standard on all models.

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system (Aura XR): Partnered with the ABS system, StabiliTrak provides more precise, controlled stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability during emergency maneuvers.

Traction control (Aura XE): Wheel slip sensors convey signals to an electronic control module, which alters the torque output of the engine to find optimal traction in slippery conditions.

OnStar is standard on all models with a one-year Safe and Sound plan, featuring the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. This post-crash notification system makes crash data available to emergency services, potentially dispatching appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to the crash scene faster. If the crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help.

*Pending SAE certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.

SATURN HAS AN ALL-NEW OUTLOOK
New crossover SUV offers great looks, eight-passenger seating and refinement

NEW YORK ? Saturn today unveiled the all-new Outlook crossover SUV at the New York International Auto Show. Outlook offers seating for up to eight and combines the capability of an SUV with carlike driving characteristics. Its contemporary styling represents the new face of Saturn design.

Engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability, the Outlook is the latest all-new product that is expanding Saturn?s product lineup. It joins the Sky and Sky Red Line roadsters, Aura sedan and Vue Green Line hybrid, all of which hit Saturn showrooms this year. The Sky already is on sale.

?Saturn?s portfolio of vehicles has never been broader, more diverse or more refined,? said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. ?Outlook blends a new dimension of capability with optimal proportions, a stable stance and distinctive design .?

Outlook features a body-frame integral design than enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. Outlook offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults ? and with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart Slide ? second-row seat feature.

Powering the Outlook is the GM 3.6L V-6 VVT. The engine features variable valve timing, designed for high fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. The uplevel XR model (with dual exhaust) provides an estimated 267 horsepower (199 kw) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm). The single-exhaust XE model is rated at an estimated 265 horsepower (198 kw) and 244 lb.-ft (331 Nm) of torque. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Outlook is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
Production of the Outlook will begin in the fourth quarter of this year at GM?s new Lansing Delta Township ( Mich.) assembly plant.

Design
The Outlook features Saturn?s striking new design language, which was first introduced on the Sky roadster. It has an instantly identifiable face, highlighted with a bright grille bar that is flanked by large, jewel-like lighting elements. The headlamps use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting. High-intensity discharge lamps are available.

The profile of the Outlook is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. The rear glass wraps around the corners and is angled slightly toward the roof, enhancing the vehicle?s flowing lines. Distinctive chrome-highlighted horizontal tail lamps, a rear spoiler with LED center high-mounted stop lamp and chrome door handles are design cues that reinforce the Outlook?s premium appearance, while large 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch wheels are available) contribute to the vehicle?s optimal proportions.

Interior
Like the exterior design, Outlook?s interior exudes style and refinement. A carlike ?low and away? instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding view out of the windshield. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances.

Outlook can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain?s chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat (three passengers). Leather seating surfaces are available.

GM?s industry-first Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space.

Outlook also offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 116.9 cu. ft. (3310.6 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In fact, Outlook even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo space behind third-row seat when it?s in its upright position ? capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching. Also, a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor. In addition, Outlook?s second- and third-row seats fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity.

Chassis and suspension
Outlook rides on a long, 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide, 67.28-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks ? a combination that enables an exceptionally smooth ride and stable handling. Sharp ride and handling reflexes also are supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked ?H? design, which also has an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.

A strong body-frame integral structure is the foundation for Outlook?s responsive chassis systems. The structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel is select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails.

Safety
Saturn Outlook is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. A strong structure is the foundation and it is augmented by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduces the likelihood of a rollover. Outlook?s responsive four-wheel independent steering system also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard.
Outlook is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GM?s rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact air bags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant containment and because rollovers are typically longer in duration than non-rollover crashes.

Outlook also comes standard with OnStar Generation 6 (with a one-year Safe and Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. AACN makes crash data available to participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.
Comfort and convenience

Rounding the appeal of the Outlook is a wide range of attractive optional and standard equipment, including ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, remote vehicle start, heated windshield fluid, DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation system.
 
It seems I'm the only one who actually liked the looks of the pre-facelift Vectra, it was so sharp and no-nonsens.

Especially as a "cop cruiser" ;)
 
The Sky is a very nice car - so nice in fact that last week I put a deposit down on one. I should be getting my new Sky Red Line sometime in November, if all things work out.
 
Beni said:
It seems I'm the only one who actually liked the looks of the pre-facelift Vectra, it was so sharp and no-nonsens.

Especially as a "cop cruiser" ;)

You mean those ones:

v8obc5.jpg


Well, yeah, they're allright as cop cars :)
 
zenkidori said:
I want a sky.

I've been seeing a few solstices around town, and wow, they look very nice in person, especially from the back. Havn't driven one yet tho, hopefully in the next few weeks.

Oh, you'll be in for a treat. You cannot, WILL NOT believe its from the Generals loins.
 
GENEVA -- The future of General Motors' Saturn brand in the U.S. looks a lot like the present-day status of GM's British subsidiary, Vauxhall.

Vauxhall puts its badge on cars created by GM's German Opel subsidiary. That's what Saturn will do, at least in the heart of its car lineup, GM executives said in interviews at the Geneva auto show.

The move is meant to bring European design flair and sporty handling to Saturn. GM also is stripping regional and brand executives of authority to modify global decisions in engineering, design and manufacturing.

GM executives are not talking about importing and rebadging vehicles produced at Opel plants in Europe, but rather making the identical cars in the U.S.

But brand bosses would lose some control. Robert Lutz, GM vice chairman and head of global product development, said that in much of its lineup, "Saturn will be like Vauxhall."

He added: "Now Opel cars will be done for three brands instead of two."

Not 100%
The changes will play out in the heart of the car lineup, with the next Saturn Ion subcompact likely to be a rebadged Opel Astra.

Carl-Peter Forster, president of General Motors Europe, said the 2007 Saturn Aura, which replaces the defunct L series mid-sized car in Saturn's lineup, is "clearly Opel-inspired."

The Aura shares the Epsilon mid-sized car platform with the Opel Vectra. GM Europe's design studio in R?sselsheim, Germany, influenced the styling.

When working with Opel, Saturn officials will participate in initial product planning, Lutz said. But they won't be able to dictate changes.

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060323/FREE/60320012&Profile=1062
 
The Sky looks real nice but imagine how nice it would be if you bought one and took it here and the Solstice for that matter too. Too bad GM is too afraid of creeping into Vette territory to have this as a factory option.

You guys do bitch a lot. I like the brown seats, that is if they are genuine leather, its different and I don't know if the wood trim is real or not, but it doesn't look bad. GM have made huge leaps and bounds from what they were making before, plus from what I have seen in the past on this forum, most people here can't drive yet let alone be able to buy their own car so... :roll:
 
Top