Anyone catch any of the commercials during the VMA's? It was sponsored by Saturn and they had some cool ones for the new Sky. They also showe the upcoming aura. The crazy looking one, though, was the new RL Vue. It looked like it had huge opening on the front bumper. Anyone have any better pics of it or know if anything is changing under the hood?

 

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/s...d.php?p=258120

The new Redline looks good

 

2005?

http://trucks.about.com/library/grap...line_front.jpg

Highlights of the VUE Red Line FWD V6:
250 hp V6 engine with 242 ft. lbs. of torque @ 4500 rpm
“On-Demand” All-Wheel Drive system
Sport tuned suspension with performance springs and struts
Slick 18” alloy wheels with P245/50S R18 all season tires
Lowered vehicle profile with unique fascia and side-rocker ground effects
Dent resistant polymer panels
Bright chromed exhaust tip
Painted outside mirrors
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel

Standard Specifications
Standard Engine: 3.5L 60 degree V-6, 250 hp @ 5800 rpm
Standard Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy: City – 12.6 L/100km, Highway – 8.5 L/100km
Seating Capacity: 5
Cargo Capacity: 873 s L
Towing Capacity: with trailer brakes - 1587.6 kg / 3500 lb

David

 

I'm confused again. What is "Saturn" supposed to be for GM??? That looks really nice - but I thought they were supposed to be the "Cheap" brand??? That's a nicer interior and better engine then the Equinox?...........???

 

Saturn is being moved upmarket - essentially slotting in where Oldsmobile was in the lineup. In light of that, why GM couldn't give Olds these cars and kill Saturn instead is totally beyond me, but I'd guess it was easier and/or cheaper to kill Olds. Saturn has a great service reputation, but it's not like they have a history of great cars to date - though they're certainly improving. But I still wonder with Saturn becoming "just another GM division" instead of a "different kind of car company" (all their platforms are now shared with at least one other division, their 'innovative' plastic body panels are going away and Spring Hill is going to become just another plant - not 'the Saturn plant') why Olds couldn't have had this stuff instead. I'd be surprised if there are any Saturns being built at Spring Hill in a few years. They'll probably move the Ion replacement in with Cobalt, Vue in with Equinox and I know that the Aura is supposed to be built here in K.C. with the Malibu. Guess that does free up a relatively modern plant for other things, though - some even think it could become the future rwd plant...

 

Wow, my impressions of Saturn's were always "Poor mans cars"... Not meant to offend anyone - but that was always my impressions. Why would they take that reputation "Upscale". I agree Old's would have better served that purpose. (Of coarse now Saturn will compete with Buick??? Wierd...)

 

The Redline is definitely putting up some impressive numbers.

 

From it's Honda sourced V6.

 

And Honda 5-speed automatic transmission.

 

Saturn is one of the only divisions within GM that actually has the right image to steal customers from imports. Basically Olds did not have this ability, all of its customer pull was from within GMs loyal pool. Combine that with an award-winning dealer and service environment, and you could see why it was easier for GM to kill off Olds rather than Saturn. Most Saturn dealers are stand-alones too, whereas Olds was being combined with almost any divisions.