General Motors’ Vice President of Design, Ed Welburn, suggests that the Saturn Aura “clearly indicates the dynamic design language for Saturn.” And as ex-con Martha Stewart would say, “That’s a good thing.”
Replacing the forgettable L-Series will be the all-new 2007 Saturn Aura, a family sedan with stylish design, impressive power, and comforting safety features. If it looks familiar, it should – the Aura is based on GM’s Epsilon platform, which also serves as the backbone for the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saab 9-3.
If Mr. Welburn indeed speaks the truth and the Aura is indicative of what Saturn vehicles will look like for the foreseeable future (the Saturn Sky convertible seems to back up that claim), watch this baby GM division steal any rays of spotlight that still shine on big brothers Chevy and Pontiac.
Although the Saturn Aura is technically a concept, company representatives suggest the Aura will see production for the 2007 model year.
Powertrain Fitted under the hood of the Saturn Aura is a 3.6-liter, dual overhead cam V6 with variable valve timing and 250 horsepower. That’s more than the 200 ponies currently offered in today’s Chevrolet Malibu and the Pontiac G6’s optional 240 horsepower, though expect at least the Pontiac to share the Aura’s more powerful six-cylinder.
Also new, and not found in the current Chevy or Pontiac, is the transmission mated to that 3.6-liter V6 – a six-speed automatic with a manually-interactive mode.
DesignLike its cousins, the Saturn Aura has a relatively long wheelbase, and GM’s Vice President of Design, Ed Welburn, suggests that it is this trait that allows the Aura to carry such attractive body proportions.
With this midsize sedan based on the same Epsilon platform that carries the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6, the goal is to present a “contemporary and upscale image,” according to GM designers. Those same designers point to the jeweled headlights, and styling that was characterized as fluid…and muscular…and powerful. What that boils down to is a Saturn model that looks more substantial than those we’ve seen in the past, complete with a bigger body (though, thanks to the longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs), steel body panels rather than the usual plastic, fender flares, and big chrome wheels. A chrome mesh grille accents the look, along with a multi-panel sunroof as seen on the Pontiac G6, small hood ducts, a trapezoidal center exhaust outlet, and an understated rear spoiler.
InteriorInside the Saturn Aura, up to five adults can relax in deeply bolstered Rustica leather seats, a rich material that is also found on the door inserts, shift knob, and steering wheel. The driver is treated to an eight-way power adjustable seat, and both front chairs are heated. Once seated, occupants will notice the titanium finish on the interior’s knobs and buttons, and the driver may catch a glimpse of the metallic finish on the pedals.
SafetyAdding to the Saturn Aura’s good looks and updated powertrain are plenty of safety features. Among those are side curtain and side impact airbags, in addition to the traditional front dual airbags. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes take care of reigning in all 250 horses, and traction control helps to keep the Saturn Aura on the straight and narrow. GM’s Stabilitrak stability control system is also featured. But, should an accident happen, or if a driver finds himself locked out of his car or looking at tire marks and an empty parking space, an OnStar representative will be there to offer assistance. In addition to automatic crash notification, remote door unlock, and stolen vehicle tracking, OnStar offers Saturn Aura owners roadside assistance and emergency services. Usually, GM offers the first year subscription to OnStar for free, with a monthly fee applying after 12 months of ownership.
Photos courtesy of General Motors
