Saturn Aura
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Saturn Aura | |
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| Manufacturer: | General Motors |
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| Production: | 2007-present |
| Predecessor: | Saturn L-series |
| Class: | Mid-size |
| Body style: | 4-door sedan |
| Platform: | FF Epsilon |
| 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 |
| Length: | 190.9 in |
| Width: | 70.3 in |
| Height: | 57.6 in |
| Related: | Opel Vectra Chevrolet Malibu Pontiac G6 Saab 9-3 Cadillac BLS |
| Similar: | Honda Accord Toyota Camry Volkswagen Passat |
The Aura is a sedan produced by General Motors' Saturn brand. 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 had seen lackluster sales and was cancelled with the 2005 model year.
The concept used a 250 hp (186 kW) 3.6 L V6 and a new 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission. That powertrain, along with a 224 hp (167 kW) 3.5 L V6 and hybrid 170 hp (127 kW) 2.4 L I4 are offered in the production models as the XR, XE, and Green Line versions, respectively. The Aura is built on the GM Epsilon platform, and is built at the Kansas City, Kansas, Fairfax Assembly plant with the Chevrolet Malibu.
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[edit] Design
[edit] Exterior
The Aura has maintained its looks in comparison to the original concept model. Styling is largely derived from that of the Opel Vectra, but certain touches have been added by Saturn to make it special for the American market. 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.
Available colors include Berry Red, Black Onyx, Bronzed Pewter, Cream White, Golden Cashmere, Midnight Blue, Ocean Mist, Silver Pearl, and Techno Grey.
[edit] Interior
The Aura XR includes a range of features: automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, "Driver Information Center", steering wheel audio controls, optional power-adjustable pedals, an optional eight-way power driver's seat, optional heated seats in both cloth and leather, universal home remote, and power windows with express up and down features.
Saturn also offers several different options for sound. XE models come standard with a similar system found in the Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu. Six-speakers and an auxiliary input jack for the Apple iPod as well as other portable MP3 players are standard. Another optional system includes Saturn's advanced audio system, a 240 W system that plays CDs and MP3 CDs with eight-speaker sound and an audio player input. Selection of the advanced audio system also includes rear seat audio controls that come with wireless headphones.
[edit] Models
Aura Green Line: Following in the footsteps of the Saturn VUE Green Line, the Aura Green Line will feature the same 2.4 L hybrid I4 as seen in the VUE Green Line. The Aura Green Line will be the first production hybrid passenger car for GM, but won't be out until spring of 2007.
Aura XE: The base version of the Aura is known as the Aura XE. Equipped with the same 3.5 L VVT V6 (LZ4), the engine is be matched with the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. In the Aura, the engine produces 224 hp (167 kW) and 220 lb-ft of torque (298 Nm), and offers a good amount of economy at a reasonable price. Traction Control comes standard as well. Overall, the XE is the laid-back version of the Aura that will most likely make up the majority of sales for the car.
Aura XR: The Aura XR is the top-line Aura model, and features the most aggressive options in performance available on the car. The XR is fitted with the 3.6 L DOHC V6 with VVT, rated at 252 hp (188 kW) and 251 lb-ft of torque (340 Nm) which can be found in the Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac CTS, as well as the 2007 Pontiac G6 GTP. 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. The transmission features TAPshift®, which allows the driver to manually select gears by using paddles located behind the steering wheel. GM's excellent Stabilitrak Control System comes standard on the XR.
[edit] Competition
The Aura is intended to be a premium mid-sized sedan, competing with imports such as the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata.
| Trim | Engine | Power | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Line | 2.4 L BAS hybrid | 170 hp (127 kW) | 4-speed 4T65-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] Red Line
Currently, there is no official word on a Red Line version of the Aura.
[edit] References
- Saturn Aura official website. saturn.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-24.
- Saturn Aura review and overview. thecarconnection.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-24.
- Saturn Aura auto show unveiling. consumerreports.org. Retrieved on 2006-08-24.
- Saturn Aura auto show unveiling. leftlanenews.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-24.
- Saturn Aura concept auto show unveiling. autoblog.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-24.
[edit] External Links
- EpsilonSport - Featuring forums and information covering all 2003+ Epsilon Platform Vehicles.
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