Press Kit Information:
• New for 2009
• Model Lineup
• Press Release
• Specifications
• Download Document 

Standard & Optional Features:
• Exterior Features
• Interior Features
• Seats
• Sound Systems
• Mechanical
• Safety & Security

Additional Information:
• Pricing
• Fuel Economy
• Awards

Archives:
• 2008
• 2007

Saturn Home

For immediate release

2009 SATURN AURA


New for 2009


Model Lineup

 

Engines

Transmissions

 

Ecotec 2.4L I-4 (inc. hybrid)

3.6L V-6 w/VVT

4-spd auto
(Hydra-Matic 4T45)

6-spd auto
(Hydra-Matic 6T70)

6-spd auto
(Hydra-Matic 6T40)

Aura XE I-4

s

-

-

-

s

Aura XR I-4

s

-

-

-

s

Aura Hybrid

s

-

s

-

-

Aura XR V-6

-

s

-

s

-

Key:

Standard

s

Optional

o

Not available

-



EFFICIENT NEW FOUR-CYLINDER AURA XR WITH SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JOINS 2009 SATURN LINEUP

For 2009, the Saturn Aura midsize sport sedan demonstrates that fuel efficiency-minded customers don't have to sacrifice uplevel amenities such as a six-speed automatic transmission, leather seating, alloy wheels and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, as a new 2.4L four-cylinder Aura XR model joins the Saturn family.

To further enhance fuel savings and provide a more engaging driving experience, the all-new four-cylinder XR is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPShift, a feature that allows drivers to manually change gears with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The Aura is Saturn's mid-sized sport sedan entry in its recently revamped product lineup, blending the brand's European-inspired design language and high levels of refinement with its trademark customer-centric purchase and ownership experience.

Other enhancements to the Aura lineup for 2009 include standard StabiliTrak electronic stability technology on every model and an efficient six-speed transmission on every model except the Aura Hybrid.

The four Saturn Aura models include: the 2.4L I-4 XE and XR; the 3.6L V-6 XR and the 2.4L I-4 Aura featuring the affordable GM Hybrid system.

Engine choices include a hybrid

Aura XE and XR four-cylinder models feature a 2.4L DOHC Ecotec engine. It is one of the most powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines in its class, incorporating numerous state-of-the-art design features, including lost-foam casting of the aluminum cylinder head and engine block, roller finger follower rocker arms, chain-driven camshafts, twin balance shafts and a very rigid structure.

Aura XE and XR four-cylinder models are rated at 169 horsepower (126 kW) and 160 lb.-ft. (217 Nm) of torque.

The Aura XR V-6 model is equipped with the 3.6L DOHC V-6 with VVT, rated at 252 horsepower (188 kW)* and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm)*. It is the only V-6 powerplant available on the Aura, as the 3.5L V-6 is no longer an option on the XE model.

Transmissions

Four-cylinder Aura models except for the hybrid are equipped with the Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L V-6 Aura model gets the Hydra-Matic 6T70 automatic transmission. Both six-speed automatic transmissions provide spirited performance combined with strong fuel efficiency.

In addition, the six-speed automatic transmissions provide the added benefit of TAPShift, which enables the driver to manually shift through gears via steering wheel-mounted "paddles."

The 2.4L Ecotec engine in the Aura Hybrid is mated to GM's Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed automatic transmission, an electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with an electronically controlled torque converter clutch noted for its low noise, high durability and smooth shifting.

Fuel economy

All Aura four-cylinder equipped models achieve highway fuel consumption ratings of 6.0 L/100km or better. Estimated fuel consumption ratings on Aura XE and XR four-cylinder models are 9.4 L/100km in the city and 5.9 L/100km on the highway, while the Aura Hybrid is rated at 7.9 L/100km in the city and 5.8 L/100km on the highway. The XR V-6 model gets 12.2 L/100km in the city and 7.8 L/100km on the highway.

Aura Hybrid

The Aura Hybrid is equipped with the affordable GM Hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption via sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed transmission.

This innovative hybrid powertrain is rated at 164 horsepower (122 kW)* at 6400 rpm and 159 lb.-ft. (215 Nm)* of peak torque at 5000 rpm. While maintaining the vehicle's sporty feel, the GM Hybrid system seamlessly reduces fuel consumption by:

Bold exterior design

The Aura sports bold styling elements that helped establish Saturn's new design language, including distinctive headlamps and a chrome grille bar.

Premium design cues include halogen headlamps covered in clear housings that wrap upward and around the corners of the vehicle, adding a sense of motion to the vehicle. At the rear of the vehicle, LED taillamps enhance Aura's technical ethic and provide extra visibility.

Notable exterior changes for 2009 include moving the Saturn logo from the decklid bright bar to the painted surface for more visibility; and chrome body mouldings are removed from all models for a more streamlined look. The Aura Hybrid adds "Hybrid" decals to the windshield and the backglass.

Seventeen-inch steel wheels and tires are standard on the four-cylinder XE, while the new four-cylinder XR sports alloy wheels. V-6-equiped XR models come with 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires. New for 2009, the Aura Hybrid rides on larger 17-inch alloy wheels with low rolling-resistance tires.

New exterior colours for 2009 include Quicksilver, Polar White, and Silver Moss.

Refined interior

A major attribute of the Aura's design is its refined interior. Premium materials with low-gloss appearance and tight tolerances throughout exhibit excellent fit and finish, while unique colour combinations for the trim and upholstery convey contemporary style.

For 2009, the V-6 XR models get standard leather-appointed heated seats; the Ebony/Morocco Brown interior leather is available on both the four-cylinder and V-6 XR. Additionally, a leather-covered steering wheel and redundant audio controls are standard on all models except the hybrid.

Also for 2009, Bluetooth hands-free phone technology, is standard on Aura XR models and available on XE and hybrid models.

Lighting is a key element of the Aura's premium interior feel. The gauge cluster uses LED-lit analogue instruments, as well as LEDs projecting an amber glow from the overhead lamp and front door release pockets to give the vehicle a warm, upscale character. Self-dimming theatre lighting enhances the premium feel and provides added convenience at night.

Audio systems

GM's family of premium radios provides a wide range of audio entertainment choices. A six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system is standard and includes an auxiliary input jack for portable audio players. For 2009, the XM Satellite Radio includes an enhanced radio display featuring the artist and song title displayed simultaneously. All Aura models feature roof mounted and rear glass mounted antennas.

Saturn's advanced audio system is available on XR models. It includes an AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with eight-speaker sound, six-disc CD changer, a 240-watt amplifier and rear-seat audio controls with two wireless headphones.

Safe and secure

The Saturn Aura is designed for strong safety performance in all measurements, with a comprehensive roster of standard features that 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 and small children or child seats to enable or disable air bag deployment, which can help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injuries.

Head curtain side-impact air bags: These air bags offer a level of head protection during side-impact crashes for all outboard, front and rear passengers.

Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags: These air bags provide an additional level of protection to the thoracic region for the driver and front seat passenger during side-impact crashes.

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

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

Traction control (all models): Wheel-slip sensors convey signals to an electronic control module, which alters the torque output of the engine and applies brake pressure to find optimal traction in slippery conditions.

All Aura models feature the OnStar safety and security system, including an enhanced Turn-by-Turn Navigation capability that offers review/repeat/destination tabs. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle's stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to find a destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

# # #

For media enquiries contact:
General Motors of Canada
Product Communications
Tony LaRocca
905-644-1804
tony.larocca@gm.com



SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:

Saturn Aura XE, XR and Hybrid

Body style / driveline:

Sedan / front-engine, front-wheel drive

Construction:

Body-frame integral

EPA vehicle class:

Midsize car

Manufacturing location:

Fairfax Assembly Plant, Kansas City, Kan.

Key competitors:

Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat (XE and XR); Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid (Aura Hybrid)

Engines

Type:

2.4L I-4 Ecotec DOHC inline 4-cyl. (LE5)

2.4L Ecotec hybrid
DOHC inline 4-cyl. (LAT)

3.6L V-6 DOHC VVT (LY7)

Application:

std. XE 4-cyl., XR 4-cyl.

std. on Hybrid

std. XR V-6

Displacement (cc / cu in):

2384 / 145

2393 / 146

3564 / 217

Bore & stroke (mm / in):

88 x 98 / 3.46 x 3.85

88 x 98 / 3.46 x 3.85

94 x 85.6 / 3.70 x 3.37

Block material:

Cast aluminum

Cast aluminum

Aluminum with cast-in bore liners

Cylinder head material:

Cast aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Valvetrain:

Dual overhead cam 4 valves per cylinder

Dual overhead camshafts, roller-type finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder

DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder; variable valve timing

Ignition system:

Electronic iridium electrode tip / iridium core spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires

Coil-on-plug module and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs

Electronic individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs

Fuel delivery:

Sequential fuel injection

Sequential fuel injection with returnless fuel delivery system

Sequential fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10.4:1

10.4:1

10.2:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

169 / 126 @ 6400*

164 /122 @ 6400 *

252 / 188 @ 6300*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

160 / 217 @ 4500*

159 / 215 @ 5000*

251 / 340 @ 3200*

Recommended fuel:

Regular unleaded

Premium recommended but not required

Regular unleaded

Max. engine rpm (fuel cutoff):

6800

7000 (first gear), 6650 (second through fourth gear)

6900

Emissions controls:

Dual close-coupled converters; returnless fuel rail; fast-response oxygen sensors

Positive crankcase ventilation, variable valve timing, 2 catalytic converters, evaporative system

Dual close-coupled converters; returnless fuel rail, 2 pre- and 2 post- oxygen sensors

Engine control (hybrid):

N/A

E67 controller with Hybrid Supervisory software

N/A

Estimated fuel consumption:

      

Mi/imp.gal (city / hwy / combined)

30 / 48 / 36

36 / 49 / 41

23 / 36 / 28

L/100km (city / hwy / combined)

9.4 / 5.9 / 7.8

7.9 / 5.8 / 6.9

12.2 / 7.8 / 10.2

Hybrid System

Application:

GM Hybrid System on Aura Hybrid

System type:

Motor / generator

Motoring torque:

>60 Nm

Motoring power:

>4 kW (mechanical)

Generating power:

>5 kW (electrical)

Battery pack:

NiMH

Battery pack peak power (kW):

>10 kW (delivering or receiving)

Transmissions

 

Hydra-Matic 4T45

Hydra-Matic 6T70

Hydra-Matic 6T40

Type:

4-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

6-speed automatic

Application:

Hybrid

V-6 XR

4-cyl XE, XR

Hybrid features:

Auxiliary oil pump on Hybrid; specific electronic controls

N/A

N/A

Gear Ratio (:1)

      

First:

2.95

4.48

4.58

Second:

1.62

2.87

2.96

Third:

1.00

1.84

1.91

Fourth:

0.68

1.41

1.45

Fifth:

-

1.00

1.00

Sixth:

-

0.74

0.75

Reverse:

2.14

2.88

2.94

Final drive ratio:

3.05

2.77

2.89

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

MacPherson strut with aluminum L-shaped control arms; direct-acting stabilizer bar

Rear:

XE, Hybrid: Four-link independent with twin-tube gas shocks; dual-rate mini-block coil springs; direct-acting stabilizer bar.
XR: Four-link independent with monotube shocks; dual-rate mini-block coil springs; direct-acting stabilizer bar

Traction control:

All-speed using engine torque reduction and brake

Steering type:

XE and XR: hydraulic rack-and-pinion
Hybrid: electronic power steering

Steering ratio:

16.2:1

Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.8

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (m / ft):

40.4 / 12.3

Brakes

Type

4-wheel disc with 4-channel ABS

Rotor diameter (mm / in):

front: 296 / 11.65, ventilated
rear: 270 / 10.63, solid

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

16-in cast aluminum (Hybrid)
17-in fascia spoke steel with cover (std XE)
17-in chromed cover (opt XE)
17-in cast aluminum (opt XE)
18-in ultra-bright spun cast aluminum (std XR)

Tire size and type:

P215/60/R16 low rolling resistance (Hybrid)
P225/50R17 touring blackwall (XE)
P225/50R18 touring blackwall (XR)

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (mm / in):

2852 / 112.3

Overall length (mm / in):

190.0 / 4851

Overall width (mm / in):

1786 / 70.3

Overall height (mm / in):

1464 / 57.6

Track (mm / in):

front: 1523 / 59.9
rear: 1533 / 60.3

Curb weight (kg / lb):

1600.5 / 3528.5 (XE)
1654.3 / 3647.1 (XR)
1600.5 / 3528.5 (Hybrid)

Interior

Headroom (mm / in):

front: 1000 / 39.4
rear: 950 / 37.4

Legroom (mm / in):

front: 1073 / 42.2
rear: 953 / 37.6

Shoulder room (mm / in):

front: 1420 / 55.9
rear: 1371 / 54.0

Hip room (mm / in):

front: 1345 / 53.0
rear: 1328 / 52.2

Capacities

Seating capacity (front / rear):

2 / 3

Cargo volume (L / cu ft):

XE, XR: 422 / 14.9
Hybrid: 371 / 13.1

Max towing capacity (kg / lb):

XE, XR: 453 / 1000
Hybrid: towing not recommended

Fuel tank (L / imp.gal):

61.7 / 13.6

*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.

STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FEATURES

EXTERIOR FEATURES

XE

XR-4

XR-6

Hybrid

Antenna - rear window grid

S

S

S

S

Door handles - body coloured

S

-

-

S

Door handles - bright chrome

-

S

S

-

Fog lamps - projector beam

-

-

S

-

Glass - tinted Solar-Ray with acoustic laminated front door side glass

S

S

S

S

Headlamps - halogen, automatic

S

S

S

S

Lamps - side repeater marker lamps

S

S

S

S

Mirrors - body coloured, dual power, heated, manual folding

S

-

-

S

Mirrors - body coloured, dual power, heated, electrochromic, manual folding

-

S

S

-

Mouldings - bright chrome window surround and body coloured rocker

S

S

S

S

Sunroof - power tilt and tip sliding glass with sunshade, externally stowed

O

O

O

O

Tail lamps - LED, centre high mounted stop lamp

S

S

S

S

Tires - P215/55R17 blackwall, touring - all season

S

S

-

S

Tires - P225/50R18 blackwall, touring - all season

-

-

S

-

Tires - compact spare

S

S

S

-

Wheels - 17" x 7" 5-spoke fascia sterling silver painted

S

-

-

-

Wheels - 17" x 7" 5 spoke machine faced aluminum

-

S

-

S

Wheels - 18" x 7" alloy multi spoke bright machined

-

-

S

-

Wiper system - speed sensitive-variable intermittent, flat blade

S

S

S

S

INTERIOR FEATURES

XE

XR-4

XR-6

Hybrid

Accents - Burnt Harvest Burl trim appliqué (replaces Gunmetal accent trim on Ebony interior)

-

O

O

-

Air conditioning - manual climate control

S

S

-

-

Air conditioning - automatic electronic climate control

-

-

S

S

Cargo net

S

S

S

S

Console - centre floor shifter, sliding armrest and integrated dual-bin storage, cupholders (2 covered front, 2 rear), 12V aux power outlet

S

S

S

S

Cruise control - with steering wheel controls

S

S

S

S

Defogger - electric rear window

S

S

S

S

Driver Information System - cluster mounted, external temperature, oil life monitor, user programmable features and message centre

S

S

S

S

Floor mats - front and rear carpeted inserts

S

-

-

S

Floor mats - premium embroidered floor mats and cargo area mat

-

S

S

-

Instrumentation - speedometer, tachometer, odometer, and fuel gauges

S

S

S

S

Instrumentation - Hybrid instrumentation with auto stop, fuel economy meter

-

-

-

S

Instrumentation - tire pressure monitor

O

O

O

O

Lighting - delayed entry with theatre dimming, exit lighting, front dual roof mounted courtesy and reading lamps, centre roof mounted dome lamp with integrated dual rear reading lamps and accent lighting for front console and interior door handles

S

S

S

S

Mirrors - inside rear view, manual

S

S

S

S

Mirrors - inside rear view, electrochromic with compass

-

S

S

-

Power - automatic door lock, programmable unlock and lockout protection

S

S

S

S

Power - trunk release

S

S

S

S

Power - windows with driver express up and down with rear passenger lockout

S

S

S

S

Shifter knob - leather-wrapped

S

S

S

S

Steering column - tilt adjustable and telescopic

S

S

S

S

Steering wheel - 3-spoke leather-wrapped with accessory audio controls

S

S

S

S

Sunshades - driver and passenger extendable visor with illuminated vanity mirror

S

S

S

S

Universal home remote

-

S

S

-

SEATS

XE

XR-4

XR-6

Hybrid

Front buckets with custom cloth trim and seatback pockets

S

-

-

S

Heated front buckets with custom cloth trim and seatback pockets

-

S

-

-

Heated front buckets with leather appointed seat trim and seatback pockets

-

-

S

-

Seat adjuster - driver manual lumbar

S

S

S

S

Seat adjuster - 2-way power driver height adjuster

S

-

-

S

Seat adjuster - 6-way power passenger seat

-

S

S

-

Seat adjuster - 8-way power driver seat with manual lumbar

-

S

S

S

Rear - split folding 60/40 with outboard passenger adjustable head restraints

S

S

S

S

Premium leather appointed trim

-

O

S

O

ENTERTAINMENT

XE

XR-4

XR-6

Hybrid

AM-FM stereo, seek and scan, digital clock, compact disc player, MP3, aux audio input jack, auto tone, Radio Data System (RDS), speed controlled volume (SCV), and TheftLock

S

S

S

S

6-disc CD player (replaces standard radio)

-

O

O

-

Bluetooth - In-Vehicle Bluetooth System allows users with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones to make and receive phone calls utilizing the vehicle's audio system, microphone, voice recognition and controls

O

S

S

O

XM Satellite Radio (includes three trial months beyond which service fees apply; available in 10 Canadian provinces and 48 contiguous United States)

O

S

S

S

Speakers - premium 6-speaker sound system

S

S

S

S

Advanced Audio Package - includes 8-Speaker, 240 watt enhanced sound system, rear seat audio which includes 2 headphone jacks, rear audio controls and two wireless headphones

-

O

O

-

Sun and Sound Package, base - includes sunroof, XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth

O

-

-

-

Sun And Sound Package, uplevel - includes sunroof and Advanced Audio Package

-

O

O

-

MECHANICAL

XE

XR-4

XR-6

Hybrid

Battery with rundown protection - maintenance free

S

S

S

S

Brakes - front and rear disc, antilock (ABS)

S

S

S

S

Engine block heater

O

O

O

O

Engine - 2.4L I-4, VVT

S

S

-

-

Engine - 3.6l V6, DOHC, VVT

-

-

S

-

Engine - 2.4L hybrid

-

-

-

S

Exhaust - stainless steel single with chrome tip

S

S

-

S

Exhaust - stainless steel dual with chrome tips

-

-

S

-

Steering - electric assist variable effort steering

S

S

-

S

Steering - hydraulic power assist

-

-

S

-

Suspension - active suspension, 4-wheel independent

S

S

S

S

Tire inflation kit

-

-

-

S

Transmission - 6-speed automatic transmission, driver shift controls (steering wheel mounted paddles with second gear start)

S

S

S

-

Transmission -4-speed automatic hybrid

-

-

-

S

SAFETY AND SECURITY

XE

XR-4

XR-6

Hybrid

Air bags - driver and passenger frontal dual stage, driver and front passenger seat side airbag, side head curtain airbags and passenger sensing system

S

S

S

S

Brake/transmission shift interlock

S

S

S

S

Daylight running lamps

S

S

S

S

Door locks - child rear locks

S

S

S

S

OnStar - In Vehicle Communications System and assistance service and 1 year of the Safe and Sound Plan, Turn-by- Turn navigation capable (Turn-by-Turn requires upgrade to directions and connections, availability impacted by some geographic/cellular limitations, advisor assisted routing available)

S

S

S

S

Remote keyless entry

S

-

-

S

Remote vehicle start - includes remote keyless entry

O

S

S

-

Safety restraints - LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top Tethers for CHildren), 3 position, rear

S

S

S

S

Safety restraints - 3 point, all positions, front seat

S

S

S

S

pretensioners with load limiter tensioner and front seat belt height adjusters

        

StabiliTrak - electronic stability control system with panic brake assist

S

S

S

S

Theft deterrent - content theft

S

S

S

S

Theft deterrent - vehicle, electronic immobilizer

S

S

S

S

Trunk entrapment release handle - internal manual

S

S

S

S

Warranty - 3 year / 60,000 km, complete base warranty coverage (The warranty coverages are measured by year/ km, whichever comes first, to correct any defects in materials or workmanship occurring during the warranty period. Regular maintenance is not included. Other restrictions, exclusions and limitations apply. See your Saturn retailer for complete details of the Saturn new vehicle warranty coverages.)

S

S

S

S

Warranty - 5 year / 160,000 km, powertrain component warranty with $0 deductible (Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See your retailer for details.)

S

S

S

-

Warranty - 8 year / 160,000 km, certain hybrid components of the vehicle are covered (Whichever comes first, to correct any defects in materials or workmanship occurring during the warranty period. Regular maintenance is not included. Other restrictions, exclusions and limitations apply. See your dealer for complete details of the GM New

-

-

-

S

S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment.

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