For Release: Aug. 1, 2004
NEW RELAY CROSSOVER SPORT VAN
EXPANDS SATURN’S APPEAL
IN 2005
Saturn continues to expand its appeal to more diverse groups
of customers in 2005, adding the Relay crossover sport van to
its lineup. Relay will be the first of four all-new Saturn products
to come to market over a span of 30 months.
The first Saturn that can seat seven people, Relay combines SUV-like
styling with the functionality of a mid-van. The Relay
joins a significantly enhanced Ion sedan and quad coupe and the
Vue compact sport utility in Saturn’s 2005 lineup. Saturn
also offers two performance-oriented variants, the Ion Red Line
and Vue Red Line, which debuted as interim 2004 products.
Saturn also will add a sports roadster to its vehicle lineup
in early 2006. The product will be built at the Wilmington, Del.,
manufacturing facility, which formerly built the Saturn L300 midsize
car. The L300 will have a short model run for 2005 as the plant
prepares to build the yet-unnamed Saturn roadster, based on General
Motors’ new Kappa rear-wheel-drive architecture. The Saturn
sports car, which will serve as a halo vehicle for the brand,
will be followed by a new midsize vehicle based on GM’s
Epsilon architecture and a large crossover SUV, both also coming
in 2006.
All Saturn products are sold and serviced through an award-winning
network of retailers who are recognized industry leaders in satisfying
customers.
"Putting 'people first' has earned Saturn an outstanding reputation
for customer sales and service satisfaction," said Jill Lajdziak,
Saturn general manager. "As part of our continuous commitment
to this philosophy, we are broadening Saturn's appeal by refining
our current lineup and introducing four all-new vehicles in three
entirely new segments over 30 months."
Saturn's primary role within GM continues to be to bring in "plus
business." About 70 percent of Saturn buyers list a non-GM
make as their second-choice vehicle. Saturn also plays an important
role in GM's overall entry-vehicle strategy – a strategy
that involves not just compact cars such as the Ion, but also
the growing entry-SUV segment where the Vue successfully competes.
Following are highlights of Saturn’s 2005 lineup.
Relay
With its distinctive styling and a host of thoughtful features,
Relay breaks new ground as Saturn’s family utility vehicle.
While its exterior styling features SUV-like cues, Relay also
provides the safety, functionality and convenience that mid-van
customers need and appreciate: passenger- and cargo-carrying flexibility,
first-rate safety features, fuel economy, low step-in height,
and excellent ride and handling. Its 50/50 split third-row bench
seat can be folded to create a level load floor when combined
with an available rear storage bin.
The Relay’s refined interior reflects Saturn’s intensified
attention to detail and craftsmanship in its entire lineup. The
Relay is also distinguished by its wide choice of passenger entertainment
systems, including a standard DVD entertainment system and the
optional Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system (available
interim 2005) that allows customers to store hundreds of hours
of music, movies and other entertainment media on a single hard-drive
cartridge.
Available in front- and all-wheel-drive versions, Relay comes
standard with GM’s 3500 3.5L V-6 that produces 200 horsepower
(149 kw) and is mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically
controlled automatic transmission. GM’s StabiliTrak vehicle
stability enhancement system is available on front-wheel-drive
models. The optional factory-installed remote vehicle starter
system allows the driver to get a head start on heating or cooling
the vehicle’s interior, so all passengers can be comfortable
before driving off.
Ion
Saturn’s entry-level Ion adds new levels of refinement
for 2005, building on a commitment to continuous improvement that
has resulted in a total of 800 enhancements since its introduction
in late 2002. New seats (Ion·2/Ion·3) and a new, larger four-spoke
steering wheel (formerly on the Red Line only) highlight interior
upgrades. Sedan models feature a new, more substantial front fascia
and grille.
An acoustic cover for the engine (all models except Red Line)
and the use of patented Quiet Steel for the plenum and dash highlight
enhancements that significantly reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
Improvements in ride and handling include new calibrations for
the electric power steering for better on-center feel and other
chassis upgrades.
GM’s Hydra-Matic 4T45-E transaxle – known for its
reliability, smoothness and efficiency – replaces the VTi
variable transmission as an option for the quad coupe and also
replaces the Aisin five-speed automatic as an option for the sedan.
Safety remains an important part of the equation for Ion, and
for 2005 the available OnStar system features next-generation
hardware with upgraded hands-free capability.
This also will mark the first full model year of production for
the Ion Red Line quad coupe, a supercharged compact that debuted
as an interim 2004 entry. Partly developed on Germany’s
famous Nürburgring and aimed at compact performance car enthusiasts,
the 205-horsepower (153 kw) Ion Red Line is part of Saturn’s
new performance series.
Vue
Among updates for 2005, Vue offers the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed
automatic transaxle as an option with the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive
model. The available OnStar system features next-generation hardware
with upgraded hands-free capability. Vue models, in particular
the V-6 versions, also benefit from several new uplevel touches,
such as chrome headlamp bezels.
The Vue's interior balances style, space and versatility in a
spacious yet efficient package with room for five people plus
30 cubic feet (850L) of cargo room. With the 70/30-split second-row
seat folded flat, cargo area volume increases to 63.8 cubic feet
(1,807L). The front passenger seatback also folds flat to help
transport long items.
The Vue Red Line, which debuted in interim 2004, will mark its
first full year of production in ’05, giving customers a
true sport-tuned choice in the compact SUV market. The Red Line
version starts with Vue’s impressive 250 hp (184 kw) 3.5L
V-6 and adds performance handling and styling cues to the package.
