For immediate release
DETROIT – Saturn’s major product revitalization built momentum in 2006, with five new vehicles and a dynamic new design direction. During the past nine months, Saturn launched the Sky roadster, Sky Red Line, Aura midsize sedan, Vue Green Line hybrid and Outlook crossover. It will also continue to roll out new vehicles throughout 2007.
“Saturn customers will find an impressive combination of design, refinement and performance in our new products,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “And, like always, customer care remains our top priority.”
The 2007 Sky kicked off Saturn’s product revitalization in the spring, delivering a bold message about the new generation of Saturn vehicles. The two-seat, rear-drive roadster features aggressive styling with a strong front end, pronounced fender peaks and a prominent chrome bar with an integrated Saturn badge. The Sky’s inviting, upscale interior uses brushed metal and black lacquer finishes, as well as several color combinations, for a refined look.
The Sky has the hardware to back up its bold styling. It is equipped with a 2.4L, 177-horsepower (132 kW) Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and a five-speed Aisin manual transmission with a short throw shifter. A five-speed automatic is optional.
In the roadster segment, the Sky provides excellent value. For a starting price of around $25,000, buyers get an impressive set of standard equipment. This includes air conditioning, four-wheel ABS with dynamic rear proportioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and the OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system.
The 2007 Sky Red Line builds on the Sky’s performance characteristics and value, offering more power with the same inviting, driver-focused interior. Sky Red Line features the Ecotec 2.0L Turbo engine, which produces 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm).
In August, Saturn debuted the all-new Aura sedan, blending Saturn’s new design language and high levels of refinement in a dynamic, midsize sports sedan.
The Aura’s driving character matches its refined design with a host of technologically sophisticated powertrains and a sporty chassis setup. XR models feature GM’s first application of a new six-speed automatic transmission mated with the 3.6L DOHC V-6, creating a powerful yet fuel-efficient package.
Later in the 2007 model year, Saturn adds a fuel-saving Aura Green Line hybrid model. Featuring a value-focused hybrid system, the Green Line model gets about 25 percent better fuel economy than the base XE model, at a starting price under $23,000.
Aura’s interior sets a new standard for Saturn, with premium, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances for excellent fit and finish; and unique, contemporary trim and upholstery color combinations. The interior trim flows across the instrument panel and wraps around onto the door panels for a more integrated appearance. Select use of chrome trim also accents the interior.
The base Aura XE starts at an MSRP of $20,595, including destination.
Saturn started selling its first gas-electric hybrid during the summer with the 2007 Vue Green Line. The Vue hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway – approximately 20 percent better fuel economy than other four-cylinder Vue models – at a significantly lower cost than other hybrid systems.
The Vue Green Line’s hybrid powertrain uses sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45 four-speed transmission. This simple, flexible hybrid architecture enables increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration, electric power assist during acceleration and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking. The vehicle also has improved aerodynamics, lightweight cast aluminum wheels and special badges.
The Vue Green Line starts at $22,995, proving that you can go green without going broke.
Finally, the Saturn Outlook is an all-new crossover engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability. The Outlook offers seating for up to eight and combines the functionality of an SUV with carlike driving characteristics. It also features Saturn’s striking new design language and a stylish, refined interior.
Outlook has a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. It offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults – and with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart Slide second-row seat feature.
Powering the Outlook is the GM 3.6L V-6 VVT. The engine features variable valve timing, designed for high fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. The uplevel XR model (with dual exhaust) provides an estimated 267 horsepower (199 kW) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm)*. The single-exhaust XE model is rated at an estimated 263 horsepower (196 kW) and 244 lb.-ft (331 Nm) of torque. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Outlook is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models.
The price of the Outlook, which arrived in showrooms at the end of November, starts at $27,990.
During 2007, Saturn will continue to dramatically enhance its portfolio. This spring, the division will introduce the recently unveiled all-new 2008 Vue compact crossover and the Aura Green Line, followed by a new Vue Green Line in the fall and the new Astra three and five-door compact car near the end of the year.
Saturn provides the OnStar in-vehicle safety and security system as standard equipment on every vehicle, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing continuous safety before, during and after a crash.
As always, Saturn products are sold and serviced through a dedicated network of retailers who are recognized industry leaders in customer satisfaction in all parts of the purchase and ownership experience.
For more information about Saturn vehicles, please visit http://media.gm.com.
Contact:
Brian Brockman
Saturn Communications
Phone: 313-665-4232
E-mail: brian.j.brockman@gm.com