Price Attack Pt.V: 2008 Saturn Astra to start from $15,995

If only Ford brought over the Focus from Europe, Motor Trend would have a suspenseful comparison between the two faux-American hatchbacks. GM has done their homework on the enormous fanfare of the Opel Astra and brought one of the best-selling compacts of Europe to North America. The 2008 Saturn Astra made its debut in the Windy City and it is destined to go on sale in the fall.

The Astra's base sticker is higher than those offered by Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda. However, the Astra's emphasis will surround on refinement. The Astra XE 5-door 5MT starts at a mere $15,995, whilst the 4-speed auto boosts the total to $17,320. The Astra XR 5-door starts at $17,545 for the manual or $18,870 for the auto. The hot 3-door is only available in the XR trim, which starts at $18,495 for the manual and $19,820 for the automatic.

Avaliable options include Euro 18-inch alloys (3-door only), StabiliTrak, and a dual-panel sunroof. The Astra, in our opinion, is probably one of the best, most potential compact car released by the General in a long time. Click the image to view a PDF file of the pricing brochure of the Astra.

[Source: GM]

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Spied: 2009 Opel Vectra

The 2009 Opel Vectra has been caught testing in Europe, sporting much milder camouflauge than before. The design details can be clearly seen and it gives us a clearer picture of what the next Vectra/Aura will look like when it debuts at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show. Head on over to LeftLane to view more shots.

[Source: LLN]

Continued: Article

The new Vectra sits on the Epsilon II platform which is larger in every dimension than the Epsilon platform. The Vectra will come with various powertrains, and will be mated with a 6-speed AT, as well as an all-wheel drive option.

The new Vectra will arrive in the US, sometime after the European launch, as the successor of the current Saturn Aura. It will compete with the Ford Mondeo and the Volkswagen Passat in Europe.

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GM announces pricing of 2008 Saturn Vue, starting from $21,395

GM has announced the pricing of the 2008 Saturn Vue crossover today. The base price sticker rose a staggering $3300 over last year's model. The new Vue, priced from $21,395, is designed to compete with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape.

GM's global vehicle chief engineer told Automotive News that the higher pricing is the result of more standard equipement and overall value. The base model of last year's model was equipped with a smaller 4-cyl. engine and manual transmisson. The 2008 model receives a larger engine and automatic transmission as standard equipment.

[Source: LLN]

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Saturn to receive more Opel counterparts

General Motors in the US will once again call on its European cohort for its latest addition to the Saturn lineup. Starting from 2009, US customers will be able to sample the Vectra Caravan, which will be sold alongside its Saturn Aura sedan sibling. The first cars are scheduled to roll out of Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant in Germany in 2009 with an allotted 50,000 cars being shipped across the Atlantic.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continued- Article

The introduction is part of GM’s push to offer more fuel efficient cars in its lineup. Both the Aura and its new wagon cousin are important vehicles for Saturn and form the basis of the brand’s rejuvenation as a profitable label that can compete with other European imports.

Before the wagon arrives, Opel’s Astra hatch will hit showrooms in the US with the first orders shipping later this year. It doesn’t end there. Saturn execs are planning for the introduction of even more European designed models, with some cars, including the next-generation Opel Corsa, tipped to enter production in the US.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/saturn-expansion-continues-with-euro-imports/

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Saturn Aura Green Line priced from $22,695

The folks at Saturn have finally slapped a sticker on their 2007 Aura Green Line, and at $22,695 (with destination fee) it undercuts the price of every other hybrid on the market. If that wasn't enough incentive to woo would be fuel misers into the dealership, the Green Line also qualifies for the $1,300 federal tax credit.

[Source: Autoblog via GM]

Continued- Article, official press release

As a refresher, the hybrid setup in the Aura combines a 2.4L engine to an electric motor/generator to produce 164 HP and 159 lb.-ft. of torque while returning current EPA mileage figures of 28 city/35 highway. The 30-percent increase in mileage over the base Aura is achieved by both shutting off the engine at idle and cutting fuel delivery during deceleration. The Aura GL is considered a "mild" hybrid since the electric motor doesn't move the vehicle on its own or assist the IC engine in acceleration at any time.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/saturn-aura-green-line-becomes-lowest-priced-hybrid/

PRESS RELEASE:

Saturn Aura Green Line - the Lowest Priced Hybrid -Certified for $1,300 Tax Credit

New hybrid starts at $22,695; receives official EPA ratings of 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway

Detroit -- Saturn announced today that the new 2007 Aura Green Line hybrid's MSRP will start at $22,695 (including destination charge), making it the lowest-priced hybrid on the market for 2007.

In addition to its value-focused price, the Internal Revenue Service has certified that Aura Green Line buyers will qualify for a tax credit of $1,300.

"The Aura Green Line is a great value among the hybrids in the mid-size car segment," said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. "With a starting sticker price over $2,000 less than any mid-sized hybrid sedan and a $1,300 tax credit, it makes true hybrid fuel savings available to more people than ever before."

The Aura Green Line's EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway represents up to a 30 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Aura XE model (depending on driving conditions).

The Aura is assembled at the General Motors Fairfax Plant in Kansas City , Kan. , and Green Line hybrid models are beginning to arrive at Saturn retail facilities.

The hybrid system in the Aura combines sophisticated controls with a precise electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4-liter engine. The system delivers fuel economy gains by providing electric power assist during acceleration, through early fuel cut-off during deceleration with torque smoothing and by shutting the engine off at idle. The system also captures electrical energy through regenerative braking. The vehicle's hybrid powertrain produces 164 horsepower (122 kW) at 6400 rpm and 159 lb.-ft. (215 Nm) of peak torque at 5000 rpm.

Saturn's new hybrid sedan is based on the all-new Aura midsize sedan, which garnered the 2007 North American Car of the Year award. The Green Line features the same comprehensive safety package that earned Aura a full five stars in government frontal and side-impact crash tests, placing it among the safest vehicles available. (Visit safercar.gov for details.) Key standard features include dual-stage front, side head-curtain and front-seat thorax protection air bags; StabiliTrak electronic stability control; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; and GM's OnStar safety and security system.

The Aura Green Line is one of four hybrids that Saturn has announced. The 2007 Vue Green Line, which debuted last summer using the same hybrid technology as the Aura Green Line, provides the highest EPA estimated highway fuel economy of any SUV at 32 mpg.

In 2008, Saturn will offer the Vue Green Line with the first front-wheel-drive application of GM's new, 2-mode hybrid system that is expected to deliver up to a 45-percent improvement in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the non-hybrid Vue.

A plug-in hybrid that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV, is also in development for the Vue. This hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology. A Lithium-ion battery pack, when ready, along with highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors, will achieve even greater increases in fuel economy.

Complete information on the Aura Green Line and the rest of Saturn's lineup can be found on the Web at www.saturn.com.

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Chicago: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line & Green Line

It turns out that the Astra isn't the only thing GM's Saturn division has up its sleeve for this week's big Windy City show. Visitors to McCormick Place will also get their first eyefuls of the 2008 Vue's performance and hybrid variants.

The '08 Vue Red Line (above) gets a "performance-inspired" new look that's bound to have people talking (that may not necessarily be a good thing). The Red Line's front end is dominated by an enormous air opening below the front bumper, which is bookended by big secondary cutouts that house projector-beam foglights. The center cutout is so large, you'd expect to see an intercooler hiding behind it. Don't look for any forced induction here, though. The Vue Red line has the same powertrain as the Vue XR: GM's 250-horsepower 3.6L VVT V6 matched with a six-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode. Buyers can order it with either FWD or AWD.

[Source: Autoblog via GM]

Follow the jump for more images and the official press release.





PRESS RELEASE:
SATURN DEBUTS 2008 VUE RED LINE AND GREEN LINE HYBRID
Specialized Models Provide Bold Looks, Performance Tuning, Fuel Savings and Value

CHICAGO – Saturn announced two new variants of the completely redesigned 2008 Vue crossover utility at the Chicago Auto Show: the performance-tuned Red Line and the affordable, fuel-saving Green Line hybrid.

The Red Line builds on the new Vue's bold styling with an aggressive front-end design, including a large, lower air opening and projector beam fog lamps. The rear of the vehicle features a special fascia, spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. A lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and Red Line badges complete the performance-inspired appearance.

From a performance perspective, the Red Line comes with standard tap up/tap down transmission control and sport-tuned ride and handling. It is powered by a dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 VVT engine that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. (329 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Vue Red Line will be available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Interior modifications include a Red Line-only Ebony interior, including black leather sport seats with suede fabric inserts. The vehicle also features Red Line-logo instrument cluster graphics and embroidered floor mats.

Green Line hybrid

The 2008 Vue Green Line hybrid will continue to provide consumers with an affordable hybrid that also provides uncompromised utility.

The hybrid system on the Vue Green Line combines sophisticated controls with an electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a modified four-speed automatic transmission. The system saves fuel by providing an electric power assist during acceleration; shutting off the engine at idle; early fuel cut-off during deceleration and capturing electrical energy through regenerative braking. Fuel economy figures for the 2008 Vue will be announced later.

The 2008 Vue was first shown last November at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, as an uplevel XR model. At the show, Saturn also announced it will offer a version of the Vue Green Line with GM's new two-mode hybrid system, in the third quarter of 2008 . This system will provide a 45-percent improvement in fuel economy compared to its non-hybrid counterpart.

Additionally, General Motors committed to producing a plug-in version of the Vue Green Line that will double the fuel economy performance of any SUV currently on the market. No date has been set for the introduction of the plug-in hybrid, but it is a top priority for the company.

The Vue XR (and base-level XE) will arrive at Saturn retailers this spring. The Vue Red Line will arrive in the third quarter of 2007 and the Vue Green Line hybrid will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2007.

All-new Vue

All 2008 Vue models feature the Saturn's new design cues and European-inspired performance characteristics. Standard equipment highlights include:

*MacPherson strut independent front suspension with stabilizer bar
*Independent multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar
*Double-isolated engine cradle
*Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
*GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing system
*Traction control
*Hydraulically assisted power steering on V-6 models
*Dual-stage frontal air bags, front-seat side thorax air bags and head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows
*Front-row safety belt pretensioners
*Collapsible pedals
*Active head restraints
*OnStar with one year Safe & Sound service

The 2008 Vue Saturn joins the Sky roadster, Aura sedan and the Outlook crossover utility in the revitalized Saturn portfolio. Saturn also introduced the 2008 Astra small car at the Chicago show.

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Chicago: 2008 Saturn Astra

In just a few days, Saturn will publicly unveil the 2008 Saturn Astra, the rebadged Opel that will be imported from Europe to replace the bizarre-looking Ion. In other markets, the Astra is available in a variety of body styles ranging from a four-door notchback sedan to a slick, sporty hardtop coupe/convertible. This is the part where we eat crow for predicting that GM would send over the notchback, because instead, they've chosen to send a pair of hatchbacks ( 3- and 5-door) to launch the model here in the States. The cars will target formidable competitors like the Mazda3 and VW Rabbit.

Saturn's new trim-level nomenclature is employed, with base XE and topline XR versions for the 5-door. The 3-door will be an XR-only vehicle. All Astras receive a 140-horsepower 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder underhood, which is mated to a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. Fuel economy numbers aren't available yet, but should come out as the vehicle gets closer to production.

[Source: Autoblog via GM]

Follow the jump for more high-res images and the official press release.















PRESS RELEASE:

ALL-NEW 2008 SATURN ASTRA BRINGS AWARD-WINNING EUROPEAN SMALL CAR TO NORTH AMERICA

CHICAGO – Saturn announced the addition of the all-new 2008 Astra to its lineup, bringing a decidedly European flavor to the North American compact car market. It is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features, and delivers sporty performance with very good fuel economy.
The Saturn Astra will be offered in three-door and five-door models, each underpinned by a taught, European-bred suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and economical, delivering 140 horsepower (104 kW) and good fuel economy.

"In Europe, the Astra's combination of style, performance, safety technology and fuel efficiency have made it a hit with owners and auto critics alike," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Now, Saturn is bringing the newly restyled Astra to North America and marrying it with our celebrated customer experience."

The Astra will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year. It is the fifth product in a complete revamp of Saturn's product lineup. In fact, when the Astra hits showrooms, the "oldest" vehicle in Saturn's portfolio will be the Sky roadster, which debuted in March 2006. Other new models include the all-new Aura sedan, the redesigned Vue compact crossover – including the Vue Green Line hybrid – and the Outlook crossover.

"It's not a stretch to say Saturn is all-new," said Lajdziak. "The Astra rounds out our portfolio with a smart-driving, well-equipped small car that shares the European designs evident in all our new vehicles."

Product highlights

Saturn offers two trim levels (XE and XR) for five-door models, and a single trim (XR) in the three-door configuration, which was created with more enthusiastic drivers in mind.
The standard powertrain combination in all models is the 1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The Ecotec engine is enhanced with variable valve timing to optimize power output and fuel efficiency. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional on all models.
The Astra offers technologies to provide an agile, yet comfortable, driving experience. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control is standard on all three-door Astras, and available on five-door models. This system works in concert with the standard four-wheel, antilock disc brakes to help the driver maintain control during adverse road conditions or during sudden emergency driving situations.

An electro-hydraulic, rack-and-pinion steering system is standard on all models. It provides the solid, linear feel of a hydraulic power steering system, but improves fuel efficiency by operating the power steering pump only when necessary. The system has two available configurations: the standard 15:1 ratio on five-door models and a 14:1 Sport ratio (standard on the three-door; optional on five-doors).
Five-door Astras come with standard 16-inch wheels, but can be upgraded to 17-inch aluminum wheels. Three-door models come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, which can be upgraded to 18-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires.

Design details

The Astra has a clean, contemporary design that is infused with Saturn's signature styling cues, including a bold, bright grille bar with prominent Saturn logo. Both the three-door and five-door models are distinguished from their European relatives with unique front and rear fascias that conform to North American bumper standards.
Rear-end styling also features a bright trim bar, with large, wraparound taillamps and clear lenses. The center high-mounted stop lamp uses LED technology for fast and crisp illumination.
Proportions on both body styles suggest an enthusiastic driving experience, with the wheels pushed to the corners and subtle fender flares wrapped tightly around the tires for a tailored stance.

Interior design and features

Bold design, refinement and precise execution are the hallmarks of the Saturn Astra's interior, which envelops passengers in a contemporary environment that maximizes space and comfort. Details include a continuation of the exterior's center hood crease on to the center of the instrument panel, as well as a V-shaped center stack motif that also complements the design language of the exterior.
All models convey the Astra's sporting character through firm, well-supported seats and a thick, three-spoke steering wheel with rake and telescopic adjustments. Ahead of the steering wheel is a rounded cockpit binnacle that houses a large, three-dimensional gauge cluster – including large speedometer and tachometer dials. The sporty Astra three-door receives specific seats with more aggressive bolsters and lumbar support.

Additional interior highlights include:
• Illuminated glove box with damped door actuation
• A large, two-panel sunroof: the largest in its class (available on five-door only)
• Available heated seats in cloth or leather surfaces
• Auxiliary 12-volt power outlet
• Easy-to-remove rear cargo cover
• Power door locks (with central locking feature) and power windows with express down feature
• Standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD radio and available seven-speaker sound system; multi-disc and MP3-capable radios available
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls (on XR models)
Astra's bold proportions, including a long, 103-inch (2,614 mm) wheelbase and 80-inch (2,033 mm) width, provide exceptional roominess and generous storage capacity. The 60/40-split folding rear seat also folds flat with the touch of a single, high-mounted lever. When the rear seat is folded, the five-door Astra offers 44.8 cubic feet (1,270 L) of storage space.

Occupant protection features

The 2008 Saturn Astra features a comprehensive list of safety systems to help protect occupants in the event of a crash. Highlights include:
• Rigid body structure with safety cage
• Six standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags; roof rail head curtain air bags and thorax/pelvic air bags (front-seat passengers)
• Active head restraints
• Collapsible pedals
• Front safety belt pretensioners and load limiters
• OnStar with one year of Safe & Sound service

Body structure: The unitized body structure is designed with a safety cage around the passenger compartment, and features optimized front and rear crush zones that absorb energy and help maintain the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. High-strength steel is used strategically throughout the body structure.

Air bags: All Astra models feature dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags to help protect front occupants and head curtain air bags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Also standard is an automatic passenger sensing system for the front passenger seat; it suppresses the activation of the passenger-side frontal air bag if it detects a child or smaller-stature person in that seating position.
Active head restraints and collapsible pedals: Standard active head restraints instantly move forward if a rear-end crash is detected, reducing the risk of neck injuries. Similarly, the collapsible foot pedals move during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries.
Safety belt pretensioners and load limiters: When a crash is detected, the safety belt pretensioners immediately reduce the slack in the front safety belts, helping limit the movement of passengers. The load limiters permit a small amount of movement in the front safety belts, thereby reducing peak chest loads in a more severe crash.

OnStar: Astra comes with the latest-generation OnStar system, including available Turn-by-Turn Navigation. The system also includes advanced automatic crash notification (AACN). With AACN, an OnStar advisor is immediately contacted by the vehicle when a crash occurs; the advisor can determine the appropriate emergency help required and assist in sending it to the scene of the crash. Astra buyers will receive one year of Safe & Sound Service provided by Saturn.

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TCB's Car Of The Week

Every week, TheCarBlogger will choose a vehicle that is capable, stylish, and has value all in one. TheCarBlogger will also look into how significant the vehicle is towards the industry and the company itself.

This week's Car of the Week is the Saturn Aura. Saturn, the underdog of GM, introduced the Aura mid-size sedan last year. It wowed many for its sleek styling, capable powertrain in a reasonable price. It was a GM that imports found fear for. Albeit having some material issues, especially inside with the plastic syndrome, the Aura proved that GM was not in a coma just yet.

The Aura sweeped the 2007 North American Car Of The Year Award and many other awards from different publications. It might still lack some tidbits of what a mid-size sedan needs. But the Aura is one of GM's deserving accomplishments.

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