LAS VEGAS – Saturn’s major product revitalization continues to gain traction with five new vehicles and a dynamic new design direction. During the 2007 model year, Saturn is launching the Sky roadster, Sky Red Line, Aura midsize sedan, Vue Green Line hybrid and Outlook large crossover utility.
"Saturn customers will find an impressive combination of design, refinement and performance in our new products,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “And, like always, customer care remains our top priority.”
The 2007 Sky delivers a bold message about the next generation of Saturn vehicles. The two-seat, rear-drive roadster features aggressive styling with a s trong front end, pronounced fender peaks and a prominent chrome bar with an integrated Saturn badge. The Sky’s inviting, upscale interior uses brushed metal and black lacquer finishes, as well as several color combinations, for a refined, sophisticated look.
The Sky has the hardware to back up its bold styling. It is equipped with a 2.4L, 177-horsepower* (132 kW) Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and a five-speed Aisin manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. A five-speed automatic is optional.
In the roadster segment, the Sky provides excellent value. For a starting price around $24,000, buyers get an impressive set of standard equipment. This includes air conditioning, four-wheel ABS with dynamic rear proportioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and the OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system .
The 2007 Sky Red Line, available in fall 2006, builds on the Sky’s performance characteristics and value, offering more power with the same inviting, driver-focused interior.
Sky Red Line features the Ecotec 2.0L Turbo engine, GM’s first direct injection offering in North America . It produces 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm),** making it GM’s highest specific output engine ever at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kW per liter) and the most powerful engine in the Ecotec family.
Saturn also debuts the all-new midsize Aura sedan, based on the acclaimed concept of the same name. The 2007 Aura blends Saturn’s new design language and high levels of refinement in a dynamic, midsize sports sedan.
The Aura’s driving character matches its refined design with a host of technologically sophisticated powertrains and a sporty chassis 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.
Aura’s interior sets a new standard for Saturn, with premium, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances for excellent fit and finish, as well as unique, contemporary trim and upholstery color combinations. 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.
During the summer, Saturn also launched the 2007 Vue Green Line, the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system. The Vue hybrid is expected to deliver an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway – approximately 20 percent better fuel economy than other four-cylinder Vue models – at a significantly lower cost than other hybrid systems.
The Vue Green Line’s hybrid powertrain uses sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45 four-speed transmission. This simple, flexible hybrid architecture enables increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration, electric power assist during acceleration and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking. The vehicle also has improved aerodynamics, lightweight cast aluminum wheels and special badges.
The Vue Green Line hybrid is expected to sell at an MSRP less than $23,000, proving that you can go green without going broke.
Finally, the Saturn Outlook is an all-new crossover utility engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability. The Outlook offers seating for up to eight and combines the functionality of an SUV with carlike driving characteristics. It also features Saturn’s striking new design language and a stylish, refined interior.
Outlook has a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. It 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 263 horsepower (196 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 begins in the fourth quarter of 2006 at GM’s all-new Lansing Delta Township ( Mich. ) assembly plant.
Saturn now provides the OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system as standard equipment on every vehicle, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing continuous safety before, during and after a crash.
As always, Saturn products are sold and serviced through a dedicated network of retailers who are recognized industry leaders in customer satisfaction in all parts of the purchase and ownership experience.
Following are highlights of other vehicles in Saturn’s 2007 lineup:
Vue – In addition to the Vue Green Line, Saturn continues to offer the traditional, fun-to-drive compact Vue SUV. After undergoing numerous changes for 2006, including a new interior, Vue receives minor enhancements for 2007, including replacing the Pacific Blue exterior paint with Deep Blue, and adding new 16- and 17-inch wheels.
In addition, Saturn offers the performance-tuned Vue Red Line with a standard 3.5L V-6, 248-horsepower (186 kW) engine, a stiffer suspension, 18-inch Bridgestone performance touring tires and more.
For more information about Saturn vehicles, please visit www.saturn.com.
*Horsepower and torque SAE certified. 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.
** Preliminary, pending certification.