Troy, Mich. – Competing in the toughest segment of the market, the L-Series sedan and wagon continue to build momentum as more customers become aware of the quality, value and fun-to-drive performance of Saturn’s first mid-size car entries.

For 2001, the L-Series adds to its class-leading safety features by introducing new "head curtain" air bags, an exclusive technology designed to help decrease the severity of head and neck injuries in side-impact collisions.

New head curtain air bag technology

"This new safety technology reflects the spirit of innovation that runs through Saturn," said Cynthia Trudell, chairman and president of Saturn. "This devotion to innovation is focused on providing unique benefits to Saturn customers," Trudell said.

"The L-Series sedan and wagon are well-built vehicles with great European road manners. Along with their many product features, the L-Series offers the industry-leading retail experience that has helped generate so much enthusiasm among Saturn customers," Trudell said.

For the 2001 model year, Saturn has made the following improvements to the L-Series sedan and wagon:

• Front and rear head curtain air bags (optional on all vehicles).
• Rear center shoulder belt (standard on all sedans; not available on wagons).
• Emergency trunk release handle (available mid-year).
• Larger fuel tank (15.7 gallons versus previous 13.1 gallon capacity).
• Color changes: Cream White replaces Bright White; Bright Silver replaces Silver; Silver Blue replaces Silver Plum, and Straight Shade Black replaces Blackberry (available mid-year).

Mid-Size Segment

Initially introduced as 2000 models, the L-Series sedan and wagon brought Saturn into the largest segment in the U.S. vehicle market, with mid-size cars accounting for about 24 percent of vehicles sold. The Saturn L-Series provides a natural step-up for more than two million current Saturn S-Series owners while providing Saturn retailers the opportunity to attract and satisfy a broader range of customers.

Like the S-Series, the L-Series cars were designed to attract "plus business" to General Motors. Nearly 70 percent of L-Series customers say they would have purchased a non-GM vehicle if the L-Series was not an option.

Attracting "plus business" to General Motors

The L-Series sedan competes with mid-size imports such as Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The L-Series wagon appeals to many customers as an alternative to the rough ride and poor fuel economy of typical sport-utility vehicles, and competes with import wagons from Volvo, Subaru, Volkswagen, Audi and others.

L-Series customers can choose between two smooth, fuel-efficient engines that deliver spirited performance. Standard on the L100, L200 and LW200 is a 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine featuring twin balance shafts for quiet operation. It delivers 135 hp at 5200 rpm and 142 ft. lbs. of torque at 4400 rpm.

Two different engines available

 
On the L300 and LW300, a 3.0-liter V6 provides 182 hp at 5600 rpm and 190 ft. lbs. of torque at 3600 rpm. Both engines feature dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder for excellent response in city driving and confident passing and merging on the highway.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the sedan equipped with the 2.2-liter engine. A computer-controlled four-speed automatic is optional on the L100 and L200 and standard on models with the 3.0-liter engine.

Computer controlled four-speed automatic transmission

 
The chassis and powertrain contribute to the excellent performance and precise handling, with a high level of refinement. The L-Series features four-wheel independent suspension with four-link rear suspension. In developing the suspension and the brakes for the L-Series, Saturn engineers combined European ride-and-handling characteristics with American refinement, creating a car that is fun to drive yet also smooth and quiet.

Four-wheel inedpendent suspension

Outstanding safety is a hallmark of Saturn cars. This commitment to safety takes a dramatic step forward in the 2001 L-Series, with the addition of Saturn’s new air bag technology designed to help reduce the severity of head and neck injuries in side-impact collisions. These new "head curtain" air bags are available as an option on the L-Series sedan and wagon.

Available head curtain air bags

Side impacts account for approximately 30 percent of crashes in small and mid-size cars, and about half of the serious injuries produced by these crashes involve the head and neck. Side impact head curtain air bags are intended to help cushion the head and neck in many of these types of crashes, and are expected to help significantly reduce these injuries. Of course, no restraint system is capable of preventing injury in every circumstance, and air bags are most effective when used with safety belts.

Head curtain air bags also are engineered to minimize the risk of harm to out-of-position adults and children. Extensive testing and development were conducted to evaluate out-of-position performance.

Engineered to minimize risk to children

A modified space frame body structure forms a safety cage to help maintain the integrity of the L-Series passenger compartment during a crash, while computer-designed front and rear crumple zones help absorb the energy of a crash. As with other Saturns, the primary structure is a framework of tubular steel sections that connect the critical components of the car.

Front and rear crumple zones

Anti-lock brakes with traction control

The L-Series sedan and wagon are equipped with dual frontal Reduced-Force Air Bags, and a safety belt system engineered to limit compression loads on the chest. Daytime running lamps provide increased visibility and help reduce two-vehicle daytime collisions by 10 percent to 40 percent, according to research. An anti-lock braking system with full-range traction control is available on all L-Series models, helping drivers maintain control in a variety of driving conditions.

An ignition theft deterrent system is standard on all models, and a remote keyless entry system and content protection alarm are standard on the L200, L300, LW200 and LW300, further enhancing customers’ security.

Theft deterrent system

Trunk Safety

Even when parked, a car can pose serious risks to children, who are naturally curious and often lack awareness of hazards. While playing in or around cars, they may find themselves inadvertently trapped in a trunk. A number of children have tragically died, primarily from heatstroke, after unintentionally becoming entrapped in the trunk of a car.

Beginning in 1999, Saturn retailers began offering a modified trunk latch designed to help reduce incidences of trunk entrapment. Beginning mid-year, an enhanced version of this trap resistant latch will become standard equipment on L-Series sedans.

Emergency trunk release standard for 2001

To further enhance safety, the L-Series trunk is equipped with an escape handle that glows in the dark, making it more visible to young children who may become trapped in a trunk.

The L-Series sedan and wagon feature dent- and corrosion-resistant polymer body side panels, including polymer front fenders and door panels, as well as polymer bumpers that wrap around the front and rear for additional protection. A Saturn innovation, the panels are made of a recyclable polymer. They bend and bounce back on minor impact (such as being struck by a shopping cart), and won’t rust or oxidize. That helps keep Saturns looking new for a longer period of time, contributing to strong resale values. The polymer panels used on the L-Series are manufactured by Saturn team members in Spring Hill and shipped to the Wilmington Assembly Center.

Dent-resistant polymer panels

Five mile per hour bumpers

Oil life monitor

100,000 mile spark plugs

The segment-leading seats in the L-Series have been designed for all-day comfort. The rear seat is a 60/40 split for increased flexibility and capacity in cargo carrying. Heated seats and leather seating are available, as are heated outside mirrors.

A standard feature on all models is an air conditioning system with filtration to remove pollen and road dust from incoming air.

Refined interior

At 17.5 cubic feet, the L-Series sedan features one of the largest trunks available in its class, enhancing its practicality. With the L-Series wagon, customers get an easy-to-load cargo area that provides an impressive 79 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are reclined.

Largest trunk in class

In developing the L-Series, Saturn worked with partners inside and outside of GM to meet the specific needs and wants of Saturn customers. Continuing Saturn’s commitment to building vehicles in the United States in teamwork with the UAW, the L-Series is built in a dedicated Saturn plant in Wilmington, Del.

The spirit of partnership

In addition, Saturn engineers and UAW workers from the Wilmington Assembly Center redesigned the assembly process, using Saturn practices first developed in Spring Hill, to make the car easier to assemble.

Customer Enthusiasm

Through its dedication to customer enthusiasm – before, during and after the purchase of a vehicle – Saturn has earned a reputation as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. This means L-Series customers can expect to receive friendly, straightforward treatment.
 

Industry leading customer saatisfaction

"Saturn’s approach is based on developing honest, lasting relationships with customers," Trudell said. "Building trust is an integral part of what our brand is all about."

Saturn’s sales philosophy is an important part of developing the consistency that customers can trust. Saturn strongly encourages every retailer to sell at Saturn’s MSRP. Therefore, the customer doesn’t wonder if someone else will get a better deal by driving a harder bargain.

The Saturn retail experience consistently ranks near the top of independent consumer surveys, with only luxury brands reaching Saturn’s level.

"At Saturn, we are passionately focused on providing customers with products and services that are world leaders in value and satisfaction," Trudell said. "The

L-Series sedan and wagon provide mid-size customers the opportunity to experience the Saturn difference."