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ALL-NEW VUE 2-MODE HYBRID, NEW DIRECT INJECTION V-6 FOR OUTLOOK AND NEW FOUR-CYLINDER, SIX-SPEED AURA XR MODEL HIGHLIGHT 2009 SATURN LINEUP

Beyond its totally revitalized vehicle lineup, Saturn continues its product momentum for 2009 by introducing the industry's most fuel-efficient V-6 SUV, the Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid. The first front-wheel-drive compact SUV in the world powered by General Motors' two-mode hybrid technology, the Vue 2-Mode Hybrid is designed for customers who want the outstanding fuel savings of an advanced hybrid and the full power and towing capability of an SUV.

In addition, Saturn is enhancing its popular Outlook crossover with a new 3.6L direct injection V-6 that provides more power without compromising fuel efficiency. In another fuel-saving move, customers will be able to select a four-cylinder, six-speed transmission powertrain combination for the uplevel Aura XR midsize sport sedan.

Saturn's 2009 product lineup includes the Outlook crossover, Vue compact SUV, Aura midsize sport sedan, Astra compact three-door and five-door, and Sky roadster.

Here's a snapshot of new-for-2009 features.

Vue

The all-new Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid defies the notion that a compact SUV can't be both powerful and efficient. It is expected to deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 Vue XR (based on U.S EPA estimates), as well as a driving range of more than 800 km (500 miles). Saturn is the only brand to offer two different hybrid options on the same model.

Delivering an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW), the Vue 2-Mode Hybrid's 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures there are no trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Acceleration time from 0-100 is expected to be approximately 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load will be 1,588 kg (3,500 pounds) - the same as the non-hybrid Vue XR. This direct injection engine uses regular unleaded fuel and represents one of the most sophisticated applications of its kind on a hybrid SUV.

Exterior and interior styling is based on the non-hybrid Vue, which was redesigned for 2008 with Saturn's new European-inspired design cues. The Vue is clean, sculpted and distinctively sporty, with tight wheel-to-body relationships, large headlamps and a sweeping upper profile line. The interior features materials that look and feel upscale, and even the base model is generously equipped.

In addition to the Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, Vue is available in XE and XR trim levels, as well as the performance-inspired Red Line model. A four-cylinder Vue Hybrid model features the more affordable GM Hybrid system, making Saturn the only brand with two hybrid choices on the same model. Vue's broad lineup offers a wide range of powertrains, including a four-cylinder engine and four-speed transmission, as well as two V-6 choices mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

Outlook

The family friendly Saturn Outlook crossover provides the capability of an SUV with car-like style, efficiency and driving feel. For 2009, Outlook - which accommodates up to eight, space for gear and the ability to tow up to 2,045 kg (4,500 pounds) - gets a new, more powerful V-6 engine that provides 281 horsepower (210 kW) on XE and 286 horsepower (213 kW) on XR without compromising fuel economy.

The popular crossover includes other enhancements for 2009, including cabin comfort and convenience enhancement like OnStar with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and a choice of two available Bose audio systems: the Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround system with nine speakers and DVD, or a non-surround Bose audio system.

The Outlook is available in two models, XE and XR, and in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Aura

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 them to manually change gears with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

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 Hybrid featuring the affordable GM Hybrid system.

Astra

Fresh from its 2008 model year debut, when it challenged the North American compact car market with sporty looks, European-bred performance and long list of standard equipment, the 2009 Saturn Astra delivers small enhancements that make it an even bigger contender in the segment.

The Saturn Astra is offered in three-door and five-door models, each featuring a taut, suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8L, 140-horsepower (104 kW) Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and fuel-efficient. Highway fuel economy for the manual transmission-equipped Astra is 32 mpg; 30 for Astras with the available automatic.

The Saturn Astra comes in two trim levels (XE and XR) for five-door models, and a single trim (XR) in the three-door configuration.

Sky

Saturn's popular Sky roadster, the first Saturn model in the brand's aggressive product renaissance, emphasizes a bold look and fun, responsive driving. The affordable performance roadster enters its third model year of wooing enthusiasts who want a sports car that doesn't break the bank.

Built on GM's global rear-wheel-drive compact performance platform, the Sky features a striking profile and sophisticated interior design. For 2009, Saturn adds three new colours, a new wheel and enhanced OnStar technology with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity. Two new promotional packages also are added.

Sky comes in two models - the base Sky, which is equipped with a 2.4L DOHC Ecotec engine with variable valve timing, producing 173 horsepower (129 kW) and 167 lb.-ft. of torque - and the Red Line performance model.

Powering the Sky Red Line is an Ecotec turbocharged 2.0L engine, the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family. It produces 260 horsepower (194 kW) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm) from 2500 to 5250 rpm, making it GM's highest specific output engine ever at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kW per litre).