Jalopnik: aura

New Vauxhall Astra Interior Is Definitely Not Saturn-Like

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EDT

We've already seen the 2010 Opel Astra and its Volkswagen-y nose and a touch of Mazda3 hiney, but this is the first look at the Vauxhall re-badge and a first glimpse at what looks like a handsome Insignia-like interior.

This new Vauxhall, much like its Opel twin, evolves the current design to something much more mature for the times, borrowing heavily from Volkswagen's clean friendly designs of recent. Inside though it's very much Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, with common design elements abound. It looks to us like a great place to do some major driving. You'll be able to test out that new car smell in the latest Astra if you're in the neighborhood for its official unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, until then, here's the latest and greatest in press releases:

NEXT GENERATION ASTRA: THE INSIDE STORY
* Clever packaging means more occupant comfort and space
* Distinctive exterior design cues echoed in cabin
* Quality feel throughout cabin enhanced by extensive use of premium materials

Luton - These are the first interior pictures of the Vauxhall Astra, which will debut at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show and will reach UK dealers by late this year.

Echoing the flowing forms of its bodywork, the new Astra's interior marks a major shift towards premium design and quality in the UK's compact sector, and continues Vauxhall's design evolution which started five years ago with the current Astra, followed by a further step-change last year with the launch of the Insignia.

The Astra's interior employs the recurring wing and blade motifs that were first introduced in the Insignia and are now used in a fresh and innovative way. The blade theme is expressed in details like the gooseneck shape of the door grab handles and the trim for the gearshift moulding and steering wheel.

As you look at the Astra's wraparound instrument panel, which embraces both front seat occupants, the wing design is immediately visible as it arcs across the cabin into the door-top mouldings. The dashboard has a black, grained finish with a subtly different texture to other mouldings in the cabin.

Ambient lighting enhances the quality feel of the cabin, with lighting points framing the gearbox surround, and providing illumination from above the centre console and within the door handle recesses, depending on trim level.

The feeling of cabin space and depth is augmented by a centre panel mounted at a shallow 30-degree angle, which sweeps down from the top of the instrument panel to the centre console, creating a flowing surface that incorporates the gearshift. Like the Insignia, the Astra's main clocks and gauges are ringed with chrome, with the speedometer and tachometer pods angled inwards towards the driver.

Special emphasis has gone into the design and engineering of the Astra's seats, which now have industry-leading levels of adjustment. Their height can be raised by up to 65mm, while their fore and aft range extends to 280mm, allowing all drivers and passengers to find their ideal seating position. In addition, the Ergonomic Sports Seats (standard in all Elite models) have improved tilt adjustment, four-way power lumbar support, superior side support and supporting foam pads.

STORAGE AND PACKAGING
‘So do people actually put gloves in their gloveboxes?'

This was one of the many questions put to potential customers by Vauxhall's designers as they researched what people stored in their cars, and where they put various items in their cabins. As a result, the new generation Astra has a raft of clever storage solutions unparalleled in the compact sector, some of which have even been patented.

Using feedback from the survey, the interior team first compiled a list of the 20 most common items customers stored in the cars: pens, coins, a flashlight, a road atlas, a parking disc, sunglasses, a wallet, paper tissues, a mobile phone, CDs, MP3 players, cups, magazines, newspapers, fruit, a first aid kit, a jacket, a 1.5/1.0/0.5-litre drinks bottle. And, of course, gloves.

Next, they noted where owners wanted to keep the items and looked for practical solutions. They found that car companies tended to focus on storage size alone, and that led to irritating problems, such as CDs being stored in the centre console, preventing the arm rest from being fully dropped down.

Max Kuncl, the team's Performance Integration Manager likened the challenge to a puzzle: "It was important for the team not only to find places for the items to fit, but for the new Astra's interior to still look great, and maintain high quality standards throughout the cabin."

This painstaking attention to detail has resulted in a variety of simple, but effective storage solutions. A hard-shelled sunglass case has been inserted above the door opening on the driver's side; coin slots and pen holders are moulded into the inside edge of the glove box lid; and the glove box itself has two removable compartments, while a second mini-glove box has been added just below the light switch.

Further storage innovation is illustrated by the centre console, which can accommodate nine CD cases, as well as having a small storage area and an insert for two cup holders. There's also the option of an under-seat drawer beneath the passenger seat which is big enough to hold a pair of shoes. Rear passengers also benefit, with a 12-volt connection available for mp3 players, in addition to space for drinks bottles.

The new Astra's boot also came under close scrutiny. A recess was created in the side of the boot to accept either a first aid kit or warning triangle, while a patented Flex-Floor was devised to offer further under-floor storage, while the floor itself can be fixed at different heights.

And those gloves? According to the survey, most owners don't keep them in the glovebox at all. They usually get thrown in the door's side pocket, next to the ice scraper.

MATERIALS & QUALITY
"Our goal was to make the perceptual quality in the interior of the next generation Astra as great as that of the Vauxhall Insignia," says Peter Hasselbach, in charge of Design Appearance Quality. "This is in line with Vauxhall's mission to bring innovations and quality to the compact class."

The quality of the materials used in the new Astra can be seen in areas like the grained surfaces, the textured panels, the chrome trim elements and the feel and operation of the buttons and switches. In addition, all the Astra's main surfaces are textured with upscale materials and top grains to give a strong, premium feel.

Lotus Evora: Story Behind The Name

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EDT

Jalopnik super friend Al Navarro was on hand to witness the Lotus Evora debut at LOG 29 and provide some background into the new svelte 2+2's name.

We've heard conflicting reports about the name, but Al was able to confirm the "E" stands for "Evolution," the "Vo" stands for "Vogue," and the "Ra" stands for "Ra the Sun God." Put that together and you come up with: "a vogue, evolved sun god everyone who buyers must worship."

Either that or it stands for "Aura." We'll let you decide which one is more ridiculous. Hat tip to Al!

Opel Insignia OPC: Full Frontal Shot Slips Out From EVO Mag

The Auto Insider — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST

Well, hell's bells. Look what happens when you let an image slip out of the bag. Thanks to EVO and Autoblog.it, you're looking at the upcoming 2010 Opel Insignia OPC in all its naked glory.

It's still an unsure thing, but the Opel Insignia could still land on our shores as the next-gen Saturn Aura and if that's true then here's the first look at what the Redline variant could look like. We've already shown you shots of the 2010 Opel Insignia OPC running around the Nürburgring like the mad hatter, but this is the first time that we've seen the car without it's bra on and like our first time, we are delightfully surprised. The front bumper design appears to have taken a lot of cues from the Opel GTC Concept from 2007 and integrates them nicely with the Insignia headlamps.

The 2010 Opel Insignia OPC is suspected to by powered by a twin-turbo version of the 2.8 liter V6 that can be found lurking under the hood of the standard Opel Insignia, but with the added boost upping output to at least 300 horsepower. It's likely that the OPC will be badged the Vauxhall Insignia VXR in Britain and (if Saturn's still around) the Saturn Auro Redline here in the States. We'll get our first full glimpse of the production 2010 Opel Insignia OPC at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

[via autoblog.it]

2010 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy Increased To 33 MPG, Matches Chevy Malibu

Ray Wert — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:40:00 EST

The newly-revealed 2010 Toyota Camry's fuel economy officially increased to 33 MPG, matching the previous high-mileage champs, the Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6. Well, that was a fun race, wasn't it? [Kicking Tires]

Gas Prices Up 8.2%, Hybrid Sales Down 11.0% In May... Wait, What?

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:28:06 EDT

There may be no better indicator that many carmakers have been unable to adjust to the sudden increase in gas prices and the resulting shift in consumer demand than hybrid sales. Although there was an obvious run to more fuel-efficient cars — witness the Civic besting the Ford F-150 in overall sales for the first time ever — hybrid sales overall were down 11% from April to May, down 24.3% month-to-month from 2007 and even the market-leading Toyota Prius experienced a 31% drop in sales for the month. How did that happen? There are a few factors at work here, which we've helpfully outlined below the jump.

First off, there was an overall drop in vehicle sales in the United States — that's obviously going to affect sales of the largest fuel-suckers first, but the current economic situation affects anyone looking to buy right now, even in the hybrid marketplace. But the biggest factor isn't the issue of demand, it's supply. Toyota decided to only create about 175,000 Prii a year and is sticking to that number — mostly because their suppliers don't have the ability to quickly add capacity. That means despite the increase in demand, there just aren't any more to buy. The Camry Hybrid's seen a sales drop as well, because of this same supplier issue.

Comically, the biggest winner for the month were Saturn's hybrids — the Vue crossover and Auru sedan. Aura sales were up an astonishing 800%! Obviously since the Vue is a larger vehicle, it only saw a month-to-month increase of 750%. Unfortunately, due to some of their own serious supply issues, like battery leakage problems, 800% only translates to total monthly sales of 36 and 750% only translates to another limp volume number. Again, a supply issue.

Other hybrids also did reasonably well, including a 100.6% month-over-month increase in sales for the Nissan Altima Hybrid and a 3.5% year-over-year increase for the Civic Hybrid. But given that hybrid sales in the US for 2008 total only 155,958 vehicles, minor fluctuations make a big impact on monthly results. Overall, although hybrid sales are up 4.5% compared to the first five months of 2007, if neither Toyota or GM are able to get their supplier issues licked, we're not expecting it to start raining hybrids anytime soon. [WSJ, HybridCars.com]

Aural Leakage: Battery Problems Short-Circuit Saturn Hybrid Sales

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:30:00 EDT

In the midst of a $4/gallon-inspired run on every ride that gets more than 12 MPG, we were more than a little surprised to hear that the 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line has racked up a measly 69 sales through the end of April. Wot's the deal? Turns out that leaky batteries, courtesy of supplier Cobasys, have sent the Saturn hybrids into the realm of vaporware at the same time GM's marketers are touting the company's green credentials to any buyer who will listen. The same issue has plagued the Saturn Vue Green Line, which saw sales numbers fall to 326 through April, vs. 2,683 in the first four months of 2007. Cobasys claims to have solved the problem and is now shipping defect-free battery packs. Knowing GM's luck with timing the market, a betting man might expect fuel prices to drop back below a buck a gallon at about the same time as production ramps back up.

[Autoblog]

2009 Opel Insignia Revealed, Officially

Ray Wert — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:30:00 EDT

The General's German brand saw the sign it needed to replace the aged Vectra, so they opened up their eyes — and came up with this — the new 2009 Opel Insignia. It's a new name, a new car and yes, a new badge for the brand preciously misspelled from the name of a gem and it's being revealed in July at the London Motor Show. We're guessing Opel decided to drop this load of shots and details early due to, you know, all the leakage everywhere — both manufactured, silly and otherwise. This new Vectra-replacing four-door will hit the market with a pickup truck-like selection of engine options and powertrains. Buyers of the new Insignia will be able to choose from seven different engines — four gasoline engines ranging from a four-banger 115 HP unit to a V6 with an output of 260 horses and three new direct-injection diesels displacing 2.0 liters and with outputs spanning from 110 to 160 HP. And when you're done choosing your ~~boring~~ engines, you'll have a choice between either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. What else would we expect from a four-door that's 7.9 inches longer than the current Vectra and is built on the General's new globe-spanning Epsilon II platform. Of course we'd expect a variety of available options — this sculpted boat's going to need to play the role of like, every car in GM's multi-brand lineup. And that's why we should care about this new Euro sedan — because everything else with an Opel badge gets sent state-wide as a Saturn, so we're under the impression we'll be seeing this as the 2011 Saturn Aura. But the platform prostitution doesn't end there — the bones underneath will hold the skin and meat of the 2011 Pontiac G6 and the 2012 Chevy Malibu. Rumor is we'll also see it as the 2010 Buick LaCrosse and the 2010 Saab 9-3. Yes, that means the 2010 LaCrosse would actually get an AWD platform — hmm, maybe there's some life in that old brand. Yeah, right. Full press release after the jump.

Opel Insignia: A New Design Language For A New Era
* Sculpted design with a flowing coupé silhouette
* Four-wheel drive, active chassis and seven engines available at launch
* World premiere July 2008 at the London Motor Show

Rüsselsheim. A new name, a new car, a new ambition. With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the Insignia makes a quantum leap toward rejuvenating the brand and providing the perfect opportunity to discover Opel. The styling of the new 4.83 meter five-seater clearly expresses Opel's strategy to make advanced technology and attractive design affordable.

The Insignia boasts a flowing, powerful silhouette with a coupé-like roofline. The body's sculpted shape is accented by a distinctive radiator grille with a newly-designed Opel emblem. Unmistakable design elements include a sweeping front and rear light "wing" signature and a "blade" side contour that begins directly behind the front wheel and glides through the entire side of the body. Both details give the Insignia's a muscular but graceful allure.

"With Insignia we are introducing an exciting new sophisticated design vocabulary, which combines sculptural artistry with German precision," says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. "Our aim was to develop a confident look which compels the world to experience for themselves the superb driving dynamics the Insignia radiates."

Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces, which articulate this promise for exciting mobility, are crafted with high quality materials. The dashboard wraps around from the instrument panel to the door in a very sophisticated way, embracing the occupants. This wing theme will be echoed across all Opels. Red ambient lighting, which also will be featured in future Opel models, vibrate a warm, luxurious aura. A lot of emphasis too has been put into the seating, which set the highest standards in ergonomics, comfort and safety.

Opel's pioneering role and unique expertise in lighting technology continues in the Insignia with the latest generation AFL Adaptive Forward Lighting system: Nine different light beam settings automatically adjust themselves to cater to various driving conditions, simultaneously enhancing safety and driving excitement. Another new element on the AFL system is the LED daytime running lights, which consume considerably less energy than a conventional system featuring halogen lamps, thereby lowering CO2 emissions from 6 g/km to nearly zero.

"As each feature demonstrates, the Insignia is the result of our quest to develop a car that combines striking design, excellent driving dynamics and innovative technology" says Hans H. Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel GmbH.

The Insignia is offered from the start with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The "Adaptive 4X4" system's proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances driving stability and dynamic handling performance. In the all-wheel drive Insignia, the FlexRide mechatronic chassis system with its Adaptive Stability Technology helps the car adjust to prevailing driving conditions and allows the driver to select settings to match his mood. FlexRide is also available in the front-wheel version.

The Insignia will launch with an exceptionally broad range of seven engines. All meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. The three new direct-injection diesels feature a displacement of 2.0 liter and outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp. Subsequently the Insignia engine line-up will be expanded with an EcoFLEX version offering very low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.

"The Opel Insignia sets new standards in technology and innovation — this will be obvious right from the launch. But we are keeping several cards up our sleeves when it comes to environmental compatibility, excitement and safety, which we will play strategically overtime" says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Europe.

The Insignia notch- and hatchback will debut July 22, 2008 at the London Motor Show and hit showrooms starting in November. The Insignia was developed at GM Europe's International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, which also is home to its production. The Rüsselsheim facility is one of the most advanced car plants in the industry.

2009 Opel Insignia Revealed Early, Sans Carefully Placed Tape

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:40:00 EDT

It's a shame the folks at Opel went through all that trouble to tape up the 2009 Opel Insignia, just to have the cover blown a few days later by the crew at AutoWeek.nl. Here it is, your future Opel Insignia in all its watermarked glory. Why should you care? This curvy sedan is likely to be the new Saturn Aura sometime down the line. The Insignia is scheduled for a big public unveiling at the London Motor Show in July with full details coming in a few days.

Based on the Epsilon-2 platform, this version should sport the usual mix of diesel and gas engines that most D-segment European cars get, including a 2.8-liter V6 good for 250 horsepower and a 1.9-liter turbodiesel good for up to 150 horsepower. More as people feel compelled to leak information. [AutoWeek.nl]

2009 Opel Insignia Spy Photos Released... By Opel?

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:20:00 EDT

In what seems to be a burgeoning trend, Opel joins the ranks of automakers that are releasing their own versions of professionally shot spy photos to whet the appetites of the motoring press. In this case we have the 2009 Open Insignia (and possibly the future Saturn Aura), which is based on GM's Epsilon-2 global platform. It's been taped up fairly well and, just for laughs, they guide us through the process of taping up a test mule. You clever buggers!

If you look at some of the photos you learn an important lesson about taping (other than you apparently need to wear overalls while doing it). It seems as though there is an actual pattern to all of it as opposed to just random nonsense. [Opel via CarScoop]

Spy Photos: Next-gen Opel Vectra gives us...

Ray Wert — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EDT

Spy Photos: Next-gen Opel Vectra gives us a preview of the 2010 Saturn Aura. [Autoblog]

Saturn Offers To Let You Take Out Aura With Accord, Camry In "Side-By-Side-By-Side Test Drive"

Ray Wert — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EDT

We already told you the pagan god of the General planned to drop a Camry and an Accord into a Chevy dealer showroom, but the gameplan appears to be to be more ballsy than we thought. Seriously, Saturn's got balls, and well — we like balls. Starting today, it won't be a Chevy dealership, but rather a Saturn dealership (I think they like it better when we call it a "store" — but whatevs, like we care) where you'll find the #1 and #2 selling mid-size sedans. They'll be there so that you can drive a 2007 Aura sedan, and then drop behind the wheel of "popularly-equipped versions" of the HoMoCo Accord and ToMoCo Camry. They'll also have an advertising campaign rolling along behind it. We remain unconvinced as to whether this will blunt the Asian mid-size assault, but bully for Saturn for trying something innovative like ~~The Fusion Challenge~~ ~~The Malibu Challenge~~ Summer Saturnalia or whatever they're calling it. Full press release after the jump. – Ray Wert

Saturn Offers Aura Side-By-Side-By-Side Test Drive
Vehicle shoppers invited to drive Camry, Accord at Saturn stores in effort to attract Aura buyers

Detroit - Saturn is hoping that, when consumers are considering the purchase of a new Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, they take a test drive - at a Saturn retailer.

Starting today, consumers who visit a Saturn store can drive the new 2007 Aura mid-size sedan, the 2007 North American Car of the Year, alongside popularly-equipped versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry as part of its new "Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive" program.

"We are confident that the Saturn Aura compares favorably to the Accord and Camry," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "When people shop for midsize sedans, those two vehicles are popular choices, so we want to make it very easy for consumers to add the Aura to their consideration list."

The Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive program will run at participating Saturn retailers across the United States from June 11 - July 31, 2007. This program, which is available to consumers based on retailer participation, is being supported with a national marketing and advertising campaign. The television spot can be viewed, starting today, at www.Saturn.com.

Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive is the latest effort from Saturn to provide the best vehicle purchase and ownership experience for the automotive customer. Earlier this year, Saturn began offering the At-Home Test Drive program, through which shoppers can request a vehicle to be brought to their home, workplace or other location by their local retailer for a convenient test drive. Customer assistance specialists are also now available for "24/7 Live Chat" on Saturn.com, making it easier for consumers to get information on Saturn products and services quickly from a real person at any time.

About Saturn:

General Motors' Saturn brand markets vehicles in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 500 retailers, with a focus on providing innovative products with solid value and excellent customer service. In 2006, Saturn undertook a major revitalization of its portfolio with four new vehicles: the Sky roadster, the Aura midsize sedan, the Vue Green Line hybrid and the larger Outlook crossover. Saturn continues its aggressive growth plans in 2007, with the all-new 2008 Vue compact crossover (now available) and the new 2008 Astra small car (Fall 2007).

About General Motors:

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

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Sweep the Leg: GM's Silverado, Aura Nab NACTOY

Mike Spinelli — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 10:24:40 EST

The General's likely got its party bus on call and decked out with Cristal, tequila shooters and the phone numbers of local talent (and their "representatives") on speed dial. The company made quick work of the 2007 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards, this morning, accepting awards for the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Silverado. Among the cabal of journos who voted, the Aura edged out the Honda Fit and Toyota Camry, while the Silverado opened a carafe of bootstomp on the Mazda CX-7 and Ford Edge. The results were kept in "a mayonnaise jar on the front porch of Funk and Wagnalls until noon today, at which time Ed McMahon took a long pull on a bottle of Jim Beam and exclaimed, Hiho!

Parkour Your Fanny Right Here: GM Presents The New Opel Antara

Ray Wert — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:07:34 EDT

Parkour's a distinctly french form of exercise — madly running from one point to another, flying across rooftops, jumping over and into dumpsters, splashing through mud puddles — all just to prove you can. Come to think of it, that type of blind get 'er done je ne sais pas is what makes GM the General, ain't it? Must explain why they've used it to sell the unveiling of ~~Saturn~~ Opel's new hotness yesterday — the Opel Antara CUV. Yes, it's hot, and yes, that'll be a Saturn before you know it, like the Aura and Sky before it. But you know what, we're ok with that as long as it looks like this.

Ad Watch Exclusive: That's An Opel?

Ray Wert — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:13:29 EDT

We've been asking that question since the New York Auto Show, when we got our first look at the Opelization of the Saturn brand. Take, for example, the PreVue (hint, hint) concept based on the Opel Antara, Sky Redline based on the Opel GT and new Aura sedan based on the Opel/Vauxhall Vectra. It would appear Saturn's San Francisco treat of an agency, Goodby, Silverstein and Partners, heard some other folks asking the same question. Whoever they heard, the commercial's the latest part of Saturn's "Like always. Like never before." advertising campaign — a blitz, er, one commerical seeking to reimagine the brand as something that doesn't evoke a vegan burrito. Making and selling the vehicles noted above is one way to start that process.

Dude, What If S-A-T-U-R-N Really Spelled O-P-E-L?

Ray Wert — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 10:55:59 EDT

Well Ogre, it seems like every auto journalist sittin' here in the media holding pen is askin' that question. The conversation seems to go something like this:

Auto Journalist #1: "So, whaddaya think of the new Saturns?"
Auto Journalist #2: "They're really hot, but of course, it's an Opel..."
Auto Journalist #1: "Yeah...I know, it's totally an Opel...so of course it's hot."
Auto Journalist #2: "Yeah, they're totally ditching the whole 'Saturn look' and going with Opel designs. That's so cheating."

Ok, so what does this mean? Well friend, It means mainstream auto writers, a group more prima-donna than the editor of an automotive blog [Thanks Ray...we'll talk later — ed.], is totally telling the Saturn story from an inside-baseball perspective...

...It's obvious many are missing the big picture on it and you see it in the stories written. They are missing reality...these new cars are hot. They're pretty damn hot. Yes, the media is correct. The General is totally plopping the successful and attractive Euro Opel line directly into the Saturn line...replacing the crap that was with the new hotness that is. But so-the-fuck what? What does a consumer care about when they buy a car...the story of Opel design trumping Saturn...or the fact the Sky, Aura and Outlook are pretty smooth looking rides? I guess we'll find out.

By the way...anyone seen Buick?

Even More Saturn Hotness: 2007 Saturn Aura

Ray Wert — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:44:39 EDT

It seems like Saturn's got more new vehicle unveiling action than Broadway's got musicals. We've already seen the Sky Redline, the Outlook and maybe even the Prevue concept (still pending b.s. review on that one). Now, we're treated to some sexy sedan action with the 2007 Saturn Aura. The Aura, like the rest of the new Saturn family, is at its heart nothin' but Opel. In this case, the ~~Astra~~ Vectra sedan. But oh, how we would love to taste that on a fast break on the FDR. I mean come on, it's totally adorable. It even has a little horn.

GM Needs a Lift From Aura [Washington Post]

Related:
More Saturn and New York [internal]

Saturns to Rise in New York: Obvious Astronomy References Continue to Dog Carmaker

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 13:57:47 EST

Saturn's planning a kind of brand awakening for the New York show — an Opelification, if you will — with production versions of the Aura and Outlook crossover and a Red Line edition Sky roadster. The Sky is the equivalent performance edition to the Pontiac Solstice GXP, powered by the same turbocharged, 260-hp, 2.0-liter direct-injection engine. The Aura is its new, small sport sedan, similar to the Opel Vectra and the Outlook is the first among a spate of new GM crossovers. The company will also roll out a new design concept and show off the Aero-X it unveiled in Geneva.

Saturn Sky Redline, Outlook, and Aura To Debut At New York International Auto Show [MPH]

Related:
More on New York show [internal]

GM to Introduce Six-Speed Tranny in Saturn Aura for 2006

Mike Spinelli — Sat, 27 Aug 2005 11:04:46 EDT

The 2007 Saturn Aura wil receive the first fruit of GM's transmission development pact with Ford, the Hydra-Matic (retro!) 6T70 six-speed automatic. The system — which we had heard has three planetary gearsets and five clutches — can be used in front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles at maximum revs of 7000rpm and max horsepower of 315 and torque of 280lbs/ft., making it ideal for the midsized Aura. Company officials say the co-development sped time to market and cut development costs nearly in half. GM recently announced a plan to produce three million six-speed automatics annually by 2010. Of course, by 2007, the seven speeds will start to trickle out, and GM will be at sixes and sevens once more.

Saturn's New Outlook for 2007

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 08:57:40 EDT

Oh, Saturn how you tease we lubberly schoolboys in our size-nine Pro Keds, flaunting the name of your new midsized crossover SUV in our faces, yet revealing only a fuzzy closeup on its badge. Your callow laughter is a white-hot ember on our souls. OK, maybe not white-hot, maybe more like "soupy." Either way, GM announced its new 2007 model will be called the Outlook, which the company says "features dynamic design and a refined, sophisticated interior. As if such skirted language is enough to get us to hand over our juice box.

The company also confirmed that Saturn s 2007 Aura midsize sedan will go into production during summer 2006. The Aura will be a Saturnized version of the European Opel Vectra.

The Aura sedan will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing, with an optional DOHC 3.6L V6 VVT producing around 250 horsepower. The 3.6-liter engine will be hooked to a new six-speed autobox.

Along with the Aura and Sky roadster (coming in early 2006) the Outlook is the third of three new, Euro-influenced models joining the Saturn line as part of GM's plan to refocus the brand on, uh, Euro-influenced models.