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Saturn Aura
Radiates Style, Refinement
Date: Apr 11, 2006
Source:
CheersAndGears.com
Author: Northstar
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SATURN AURA
RADIATES STYLE, REFINEMENT
Dynamic new sedan features fuel-saving six-speed auto; hybrid model
coming
NEW YORK – With the launch of the 2007 Sky this spring, Saturn kicks off
its most extensive product revitalization to date. Next to market is the
all-new 2007 Aura midsize sedan, unveiled today. Based on last year’s
concept car of the same name, the Aura blends Saturn’s new
European-influenced design and high levels of refinement with the
brand’s customer-focused purchase and ownership experience.
The Aura’s driving character will match its refined design, with a host
of technologically sophisticated powertrains and a premium sport-sedan
setup. Uplevel models feature GM’s first application of a new six-speed
automatic transmission mated with the 3.6L DOHC V-6, creating a powerful
yet fuel-efficient package. Later in the 2007 model year, Saturn will
offer the Aura Green Line, a 2.4L Ecotec-based hybrid that will use a
powertrain system similar to the Vue Green Line. It marks the first
application of a hybrid powertrain in a GM passenger car.
“The bold, sophisticated design of the Aura represents another step in
Saturn’s revitalization,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager.
“This is a fun-to-drive sport sedan that will appeal both to current
Saturn owners and to those who have never considered shopping at one of
our retail stores.”
When it goes on sale late this summer, the Aura will be available in two
trim levels: the entry XE model and uplevel XR. Each model is
well-equipped, with premium features and interior materials among the
best in its segment.
Bold new design
Based on the dramatic concept vehicle unveiled in 2005, the Aura sports
sedan carries much of the concept’s bold design. Seen in other new
Saturn models, such as the Sky roadster and Outlook crossover vehicle,
these elements – including distinctive headlamps with jewel-like
appearance and a chrome grille bar – establish a new design language for
Saturn’s growing portfolio of vehicles.
“The design language of the Aura – and other new Saturn models – is
technical and conveys a premium appearance,” said Clay Dean, GM design
director for small and midsize cars. “From the detailed lighting
elements to the edginess of the silhouette, the Aura demonstrates a
revitalized emphasis on style and performance.”
Aura’s premium design cues include halogen headlamps covered in clear
housings that wrap upward and around the corners of the vehicle. This
expressive, jewel-like design feature shared among Saturn’s newest
models adds a sense of motion to the vehicle, even when stationary. At
the rear of the vehicle, LED tail lamps are employed to enhance Aura’s
technical ethic while also providing an extra measure of safety. LED
lamps illuminate more quickly than conventional incandescent bulbs,
which can allow drivers behind the Aura to react sooner when they see
the brake lamps.
Additional design details include a radio antenna integrated in the rear
window, for a sleeker overall appearance, and a chrome appearance for
the door handles on XR models. Standard 17-inch wheels and tires fill
the wheel houses, enhancing the vehicle’s sporty, firmly planted stance.
XR models come with 18-inch polished, 14-spoke cast aluminum wheels and
performance tires.
Aura is available in nine exterior colors: Berry Red, Black Onyx,
Bronzed Pewter, Cream White, Golden Cashmere, Midnight Blue, Ocean Mist,
Silver Pearl and Techno Grey
Refined interior
A major focus of the Aura’s design is its refined interior, which sets a
new standard for the Saturn brand. Premium materials with low-gloss
appearance and tight tolerances throughout exhibit excellent fit and
finish, while two-tone color combinations for the trim and upholstery
exude contemporary style. The interior trim flows across the instrument
panel and wraps around onto the door panels for a more integrated
appearance. Select use of chrome trim also accents the interior.
The gauge cluster uses LED-lit analog instruments, with amber lighting
and animation at startup. LEDs are also used for ambient light projected
from the overhead lamp and door pocket lamps. Self-dimming theater
lighting enhances the premium feel and provides added convenience at
night.
Aura’s front reclining bucket seats are designed to provide firm support
and comfort on long drives. Leather seating is available, including
finely detailed embossed leather seat inserts with the XR’s optional
Morocco Brown interior. Aura’s other interior features include:
• Automatic climate control
• Center console with dual-bin storage and automatic sliding tambour
door covering front cupholders and storage area
• Driver information center
• Optional power-adjustable pedals
• Available eight-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Optional heated front seats, available in cloth or leather
• Universal home remote
• Power windows with driver express up and express down feature
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Four-panel sliding Panoramic roof
A diverse range of audio systems also is available, all from GM’s new
family of premium radios that feature intuitive controls and flush
mounting for enhanced refinement. A six-speaker radio system is standard
and includes an auxiliary input jack for portable audio players.
Saturn’s Advanced Audio System also is available. It includes an
AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with eight-speaker sound, a 240-watt amplifier and
rear-seat audio controls with two wireless headphones. XM Satellite
Radio is available on all models.
Refined performance
Saturn offers two powertrains at launch that provide the Aura’s power
and performance for a refined on-road feel. Standard on XE models is the
3.5L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT). This powerplant, mated with
the 4T45-E, four-speed automatic, generates 224 horsepower (167 kw) and
220 lb.-ft. of torque (298 Nm ).*
The 4T45-E is a four-speed, electronically controlled, automatic
overdrive transaxle with an electronically controlled torque converter
clutch noted for its low noise, high durability and smooth shifting.
Uplevel XR models are equipped with the 3.6L DOHC V-6 with VVT, rated at
252 horsepower* (188 kw) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm).* This
engine is mated with the all-new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic
transmission, the first application of this important addition to the GM
Powertrain portfolio. The transmission allows for strong performance
combined with strong fuel efficiency.
In addition, the 6T70 – GM’s first application of a front-wheel drive
six-speed automatic transmission – will provide the added benefit of
Driver Shift Control (DSC), which enables the driver to manually shift
through gears via steering wheel-positioned “paddles.”
The Aura is built on a stiff, robust chassis that serves as the
foundation for a satisfying driving experience. The vehicle’s long
wheelbase provides a smooth ride, while careful tuning of the suspension
provides sharp and immediate response to driver input.
Safety features
The Saturn Aura is designed for strong safety performance in all
measurements. A safety cage construction built into the body structure
is complemented with reinforced rocker sections, as well as a reinforced
front body hinge pillar and roof pillars that were designed to improve
impact protection. A magnesium cross-car beam unites the lower sections
of the A-pillars. It helps protect passengers in side-impact crashes and
also serves as the foundation of the instrument panel. High-strength
steel was used in strategic areas to augment overall structural
integrity.
A comprehensive roster of standard features helps protect occupants
before, during and after a crash. Aura’s standard safety features
include:
Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System: The system
works with the front passenger seat and differentiates between adults –
5 th percentile females and larger – and small children or child seats
to adjust air bag deployment, which can help reduce the risk of air
bag-induced injuries.
Head curtain side-impact air bags: For the driver and front passenger,
these air bags offer added protection for the head and thorax during
side-impact crashes.
Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags: These air bags add an
additional margin of protection to front seat passengers, protecting the
chest cavity of driver and/or passenger when deployed in a side-impact
crash.
Front safety belt pretensioners: Deploying at the same time as the
frontal air bags, they take up slack in the safety belt webbing to
minimize occupant movement during a crash.
LATCH child safety seat anchors: Two lower anchors and a top tether
anchor secure the child seat to the vehicle seat structure for proper
installation of compatible child safety seats.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS: Large, 11.65-inch (296 mm) vented front
and 10.63-inch (270 mm) rear rotors help provide smooth, quick and
assured stopping capability. Four-channel ABS is standard on all models.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system (Aura XR): Partnered
with the ABS system, StabiliTrak provides more precise, controlled
stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability during emergency
maneuvers.
Traction control (Aura XE): Wheel slip sensors convey signals to an
electronic control module, which alters the torque output of the engine
to find optimal traction in slippery conditions.
OnStar is standard on all models with a one-year Safe and Sound plan,
featuring the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. This
post-crash notification system makes crash data available to emergency
services, potentially dispatching appropriate life-saving personnel and
equipment to the crash scene faster. If the crash activates an air bag,
the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who
immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help.
2007 SATURN AURA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
*Pending SAE
certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure
developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31,
2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for
horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines
through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer
to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated
engines in the future.
