Saturn lineup super fresh, super clean

Yesterday, December 7, 2006, Saturn announced that a compact model called ?Astra? will join its lineup late in 2007 as an '08 model. Along with the Saturn Sky roadster, Aura sedan, Outlook full-size SUV and a restyled 2008 Vue midsize SUV, Saturn will possess one of the freshest vehicle lineups in the industry next year, as no model will be more than 20 months old.

Almost identical to the 2007 Opel Astra, the three-door or five-door Saturn compact benefits from clean European styling and dynamic chassis handling characteristics. General Motors has been eager to exploit the Saturn/Opel relationship, co-developing the Saturn Sky and soon-to-arrive Opel GT. The upcoming 2008 Saturn Vue will also share its mechanical bits with the Opel Antara SUV.

Saturn will provide more Astra details when the vehicle is officially released at the February 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

Source and image: GM media

2008 Saturn Vue Green Line SUV will receive GM?s two-mode hybrid system

Announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show this week, General Motors will implement its sophisticated two-mode hybrid-electric system into the upcoming 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line SUV. This represents the manufacturer?s first front-wheel-drive two-mode application. Currently, the Saturn Vue Green Line utilizes a ?mild" hybrid system, which provides electrical boost but does not allow the vehicle to drive on electricity alone. The new two-mode system is said to increase combined city/highway fuel economy up to 45 percent, whereas the mild system claims a 20 percent jump.

Early 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line models will retain the mild system as the two-mode setup arrives later in the model year. At that time, customers will be able to choose either. Whereas the mild Saturn Vue gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and ?belt-alternator? hybrid supplementation, the two-mode model uses a 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing and direct injection, a nickel-metal hydride battery and two motors. Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon sport utility vehicles with the advanced system are set to debut in 2007, although both are rear-wheel-drive.

General Motors says its two-mode system fits in the space of a conventional automatic transmission due to smaller electric motors, compared with regular ?one-mode? configurations. Four fixed mechanical gear ratios and two continuously variable electric modes provide flexibility and efficiency.

Also announced was Saturn?s intention to include plug-in hybrid capability in the Vue Green Line. A lithium-ion battery pack would be added, allowing up to 10 miles of transportation on electricity alone. A estimated plug-in release date was not announced.

Source: GM media via AutoblogGreen

Image: GM media

Saturn dealership makeovers part of re-imaging strategy

New interior and exterior appearances at Saturn?s 432 dealerships will be one fundamental component of the brand?s re-imaging strategy, reports Automotive News. Although Saturn will not yet reveal the updated style, certain targeted locations will be chosen first for the makeover.

Since 1990, two other brand revitalizations via dealership design ? titled Retail Environmental Design 1 and 2 - have occurred. The third promises to keep aspects fundamental to the company (such as the logo) but update the look in a more modern, cleaner way. Material and lighting elements will likely differentiate the new style. "We've gotten a lot of products we haven't had in the past, and we're going to be getting a lot of customers we haven't had before," remarked Bob Miles, general manager of Saturn of Cool Springs near Nashville, TN. "This new look fits in with the scheme of those new products."

Each dealership will determine individually the extent to which it applies the new visual language. While retailers pay for the renovations up front, Saturn will provide at least some reimbursement.

Source: Automotive News [Subscription required]

Image: Saturn/General Motors media [2007 Saturn Sky Redline]

Consumer Guide Automotive awards 2007 Saturn Aura ?Recommended? status

Consumer Guide Automotive, a respected automotive resource for vehicle shoppers, has granted the 2007 Saturn Aura a ?Recommended? award in the Midsize Car segment. Saturn?s all-new Aura replaces the long forgotten L-series sedan and promises to modernize the brand?s image. An available six-speed automatic transmission mated to a 252-horsepower V6 engine motive upscale Saturn Aura models, providing technological drivetrain sophistication. Attractive styling, precise interior execution and solid value render the 2007 Saturn Aura an attractive buy.

Source and image: Consumer Guide Automotive

2007 Saturn Aura: redefining the brand through thoughtful design

As a replacement for the old L-series sedan, Saturn?s Aura seeks to reposition the brand in the styling realm of automotive evaluation. Past Saturn vehicles have been described as bland looking, but along with the sporty and popular 2007 Saturn Sky roadster the midsize Saturn Aura sedan is poised to reinvent the manufacturer?s sheet metal identity.

Detailed headlights, a large grille-defining chrome bar, center-oriented hood and front bumper character creases, wheel diameters ranging from 17 to 18 inches, LED taillights and chrome exterior accents blend technical sophistication with performance potential. A hint of luxury even adorns the Saturn Aura façade.

Interior fit and finish has been emphasized, as low gloss premium materials have been assembled with tight tolerances. Available two-tone Morocco Brown leather upholstery includes embossed seat inserts, and the dashboard trim wraps around uninterrupted to the doors, providing a cohesive cabin feel. LEDs light the instrument cluster and provide ambient overhead illumination.

Source and images: GM/Saturn media