Saturn Aura
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Saturn Aura | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 2007–present |
| Assembly | Kansas City, Kansas |
| Predecessor | Saturn L-Series |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM Epsilon platform |
| Engine | 2.4 L BAS hybrid 3.5 L LZ4 V6 3.6 L LY7 V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T65-E automatic 6-speed 6T70 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 112.3 in (2850 mm) |
| Length | 190.9 in (4850 mm) |
| Width | 70.3 in (1785 mm) |
| Height | 57.6 in (1465 mm) |
| Related | Opel Vectra Chevrolet Malibu Pontiac G6 Saab 9-3 Cadillac BLS |
| Similar | Ford Fusion Honda Accord Hyundai Sonata Nissan Altima Toyota Camry Volkswagen Passat |
The Saturn Aura is a mid-size car produced under the Saturn brand of American automaker General Motors. It debuted as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January 2005. The production model of the Aura was shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April, with production commencing in the summer of 2006 for the 2007 model year. The Aura replaces the Saturn L-Series, which was unsuccessful in moving Saturn upmarket and was cancelled with the 2005 model year.[1]
The Aura is an important model for both Saturn and General Motors.[2] The Aura is part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn to make the firm profitible as well as compete with European imports.[2][3] Reaction to the Aura has been good, both in terms of reviews and sales[4][5]
The concept used a 252 hp (186 kW) 3.6 L V6 and a new 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.[6] That powertrain, along with a 224 hp (167 kW) 3.5 L V6 and hybrid 170 hp (127 kW) 2.4 L straight-4 are offered in the production models as the XR, XE, and Green Line versions, respectively.[7] The Aura, developed on the GM Epsilon platform, is only available as a sedan and is built at the Kansas City, Kansas, Fairfax Assembly plant.
Contents |
[edit] Design
[edit] Exterior
The Aura is a new styling direction for Saturn. Both the Saturn Outlook and the Saturn Astra borrow design cues from the Aura. The design of the Aura Special appearance pieces include an integrated radio antenna in the rear window, a chrome appearance package available on XR models, standard 17 in wheels with five-spoke wheel covers and all-season tires on XE models, and standard 18 in polished aluminum 14-spoke wheels on the XR with high-performance tires. Also, all Aura models come standard with folding side mirrors and side marker lights giving the car a very European feel.[7]
[edit] Interior
The interior of the Aura also marks a new interior direction for Saturn. The design of the interior of the Aura differs from that of the ION, which was highly criticised.[8][9] On the upscale XR model, the interior comes with an option for saddle leather and paddle shifters, as well as an option for back seat radio controls.[7] Despite being praised for its design and fit and finish, the Aura's interior has been criticised for using cheap materials.[10][11]
The Aura XR's standard features include: automatic climate control, remote vehicle start, Stabilitrak stability contol, backseat audio controls, heated seats, six airbags, ABS four-wheel disc brakes, steering wheel audio controls, universal home remote, OnStar and a "Driver Information Center".[7]
[edit] Models
Aura XE: The base version of the Aura is known as the Aura XE. Equipped with the 3.5 L VVT V6 (LZ4), the engine is matched with the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. In the Aura, the engine produces 224 hp (167 kW) and 220 lbf·ft of torque (298 Nm).[12] Traction Control comes standard as well.[7]
Aura XR: The Aura XR is the top-line Aura model. The XR is fitted with the 3.6 L DOHC V6 with VVT, rated at 252 hp (188 kW) and 251nbsp;lbf·ft of torque (340 Nm) which can be found in the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac CTS, as well as the 2007 Pontiac G6 GTP.[12] When equipped with the 3.6 L engine, the Aura is the first front-wheel drive GM passenger car to use the new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.[12] The transmission features TAPshift®, which allows the driver to manually select gears by using paddles located behind the steering wheel.[13]
Aura Green Line: The Aura Green Line is a mild hybrid, following the VUE Green Line as the second vehicle in Saturn's lineup incorporating GM's belt alternator starter system.[14]
As in the VUE, the Aura Green Line is equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine mated to an electric motor/generator and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission.[14] This powertrain is rated at 164 hp (122 kW) and 159 lbf·ft (215 Nm) of torque. The electric motor/generator augments the gasoline engine during launch and under wide-open throttle. [14] The Aura Green Line has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, which Saturn claims is up to a 30% improvement over the Aura XE. [15]
The Saturn Aura Green Line is eligible for a $1300 US Federal tax credit, as well as several state tax credits. [16] It has been on sale since late March 2007.[17]
Aura Wagon: A wagon version of the Aura is slated to be introduced as a 2009 or 2010 model, using GM's redesigned Epsilon II platform, and being built by Opel in Germany.[18]
[edit] Engines
| Trim | Engine | Power | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Line | 2.4 L BAS hybrid | 164 hp (124 kW) | 4-speed 4T45-E transmission |
| XE | 3.5 L HVV6 V6 | 224 hp (167 kW) | 4-speed 4T45-E |
| XR | 3.6 L LY7 V6 | 252 hp (186 kW) | 6-speed 6T70 |
[edit] Reception
Reception to the Aura has generally been positive. The Aura has been described as the best looking sedan to come out of GM in quite a while.[19] The Aura was also praised for its performance.[20][19] The Aura has been described as "the best Saturn yet",[4] and fit and finish and ride quality is better than previous Saturns due to the fact that they no longer use the plastic body panels.[20] The Aura also garnered praise for its value, as it is noted that a Aura XE loaded up with certain options costs less than the standard MSRP of the Toyota Camry with a V6.[20] The Aura finished fourth out of six places in a Car and Driver comparison test, ahead of the Chrysler Sebring and the Toyota Camry.[21] Despite this, it was the best performing out of the cars compared.[21] The Aura also got praise for the craftsmanship of its interior and its European flair.[22] The Aura also got a favorable review by Consumer Guide, with it being a recommended pick.[23] It also got more than favorable reviews from actual owners of the vehicle.[24]
Despite this, the Aura has a few criticisms. The Aura's interior has been criticised for using cheap materials.[11][10][21] Also, the steering wheel has been criticised for being too big for some drivers[20] and that rear headroom was tight when equipped with the optional sunroof.[23] The Aura was also criticised for being noisy over bumps[11] and its lack of a rear armrest and head restraint,[20] and that the push button controls on the steering wheel cannot be operated while holding the wheel.[11] Robert Cumberford of Automobile Magazine claimed that the Aura is a good car watered down by GM's cost cutting department.[10]
Sales of the Aura have been strong.[5] In January, the Aura sold over 4,000 units,[25] and in part because of the Aura, GM sales were up in February as the Aura sold over 3,000 units that month.[26][27] The Aura, along with the Saturn Sky and Saturn Outlook, have accounted with raising Saturn sales up 59.4%.[27] Edmunds.com predicted that the Aura, along with the Sky and OUTLOOK, will make Saturn profitible for the first time since its founding in 1991.[28]
[edit] Awards
The Aura won the North American Car of the Year prize for 2007.[29] As a result, Saturn sent a copy of the award to every customer who bought an Aura before it was awarded.[30] The Aura also won Canadian's Motoring Television's 2007 car of the year award,[31] Motorweek's Driver's Choice for best new midsize sedan,[31] and World of Wheels' Editor's choice for best family sedan.[31]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Saturn Aura official website. saturn.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2006.
- Saturn Aura auto show unveiling. consumerreports.org. Retrieved on August 24, 2006.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Saturn L-Series on Cunsumerguide.com. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ a b Saturn is ready to turn a profit
- ^ Rick Wagoner explains in this video what he has planned for the Saturn brand. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ a b Dan Jedlicka's revies of the Saturn Aura
- ^ a b Aura trade-ins show saturn has hit its mark
- ^ Saturn Aura concept auto show unveiling. autoblog.com. Retrieved on August 24, 2006.
- ^ a b c d e Saturn Aura Pricing and options: Saturn.com
- ^ Saturn ION review, Edmunds.com. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ 2003 Saturn Ion review. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ a b c Automobile Magazine: By Design, Robert Cumberford, December 2006 issue
- ^ a b c d Saturn Aura aims high, scores big. CNN Money
- ^ a b c Saturn Aura unveiled
- ^ Saturn Aura Standard and optional equipment. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ a b c Green Car Congress: Saturn Aura Green Line
- ^ GM Media Online - Saturn Aura Green Line. Retrieved on March 20, 2007.
- ^ http://www.reuters.com/article/tnBasicIndustries-SP/idUSN1929812320070319
- ^ Saturn Announces Pricing on Aura Green Line Hybrid. Retrieved on March 26, 2007.
- ^ Consumer Guide Saturn Aura overview
- ^ a b Fuel Show review of the Saturn Aura
- ^ a b c d e Ann Job review of the Saturn Aura. autos.msn.com
- ^ a b c Familial Four Doors: Car and Driver mid size sedan comparison
- ^ The Car Connection: Saturn Aura review
- ^ a b Consumer Guide road test of the Saturn Aura
- ^ MSN autos user reviews: Saturn Aura. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ January Sales Down. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ February sales roll in. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ a b Saturn sales SKY-rocket
- ^ Saturn is ready to turn a profit. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ One-two punch, GM sweeps North American awards. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ Saturn Aura Academy Award ad. Retrieved on March 17, 2007.
- ^ a b c Saturnfans.com: Saturn Aura awards
[edit] External links
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