Bob's remarks the Aura

January 10, 2005
Auto ShowsQuick Missive from the Show Floor

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman

I'm seeing a lot of "chatter" here regarding the new Saturns unveiled at Detroit, which says essentially, "What we see ain't what we'll get." Given the industry's somewhat spotty record of taking concept cars to production intact, your concerns are understandable.

So let me put your fears to rest right here, right now.

The Aura, as far as the sheet-metal is concerned, is 100 percent production-ready, right down to the size of the tires. And that also goes for much of the interior. The thing is ready to go. And the Sky, of course, isn't a concept car at all. That is the full, no-excuses, what-you-see-is-what-you-get production vehicle. We're playing for keeps.

Posted by Lutz at January 10, 2005 11:47 AM


Nice to see it 100 percent production ready

 

That's cool to hear. That was my main concern with the concept, that it'd turn into the same crap we normally see by the time it came out. If it keeps up this way, it looks like Saturn will really turn around. Here's hoping they can do that. It's nice to see GM step up and compete, and at least with Saturn they aren't stuck with the overpriced - rebate = competition formula.

 

I am stunned that the wheels are production versions on Aura!

I thought they were the typical oversizing that you see on show cars... very cool that they will make production!

 

Actually, that's going to be history. Sure, the Ion Redline was cheaper than the supercharged Cobalt SS. That's the last time you'll see that. The Sky will be priced above the Solstice and you can be sure that the Aura will be priced above the G6.