For release: January 7, 2005 , 12:01 a.m. EST
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 more than five 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 the Sky roadster to its vehicle lineup in early 2006. The rear-wheel-drive sports car will be built at the Wilmington , Del. , manufacturing facility. The Sky will debut a new design language to Saturn and will be followed by a new midsize vehicle based on GM’s Epsilon structure and a large crossover SUV, both also coming in 2006.
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“ 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 enters the market 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 k w ) 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 N ü rburgring 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 horsepower (184 kw) 3.5L V-6 and adds performance handling and styling cues to the package.
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Contact:
Mike Morrissey
Saturn Communications
Phone: 313-665-4230
Cell: 586-596-8259
E-mail: michael.morrissey@gm.com