This article is listed under:
Outlook, New and
Upcoming Product
Click your category to return, or
use your back button
Saturn has an
All-New Outlook
Date: Apr 11, 2006
Source:
CheersAndGears.com
Author: Flybrian
Source Link
SATURN HAS AN ALL-NEW
OUTLOOK
New crossover SUV offers great looks, eight-passenger seating and
refinement
NEW YORK – Saturn today unveiled the all-new Outlook crossover SUV at
the New York International Auto Show. Outlook offers seating for up to
eight and combines the capability of an SUV with carlike driving
characteristics. Its contemporary styling represents the new face of
Saturn design.
Engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability,
the Outlook is the latest all-new product that is expanding Saturn’s
product lineup. It joins the Sky and Sky Red Line roadsters, Aura sedan
and Vue Green Line hybrid, all of which hit Saturn showrooms this year.
The Sky already is on sale.
“Saturn’s portfolio of vehicles has never been broader, more diverse or
more refined,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “Outlook
blends a new dimension of capability with optimal proportions, a stable
stance and distinctive design .”
Outlook features a body-frame integral design than enables lower step-in
heights and generous interior space. Outlook offers three rows of
seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults – and
with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the
third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart
Slide ® second-row seat feature.
Powering the Outlook is the GM 3.6L V-6 VVT. The engine features
variable valve timing, designed for high fuel economy, low emissions and
exceptional smoothness. The uplevel XR model (with dual exhaust)
provides an estimated 267 horsepower (199 kw) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque
(335 Nm). The single-exhaust XE model is rated at an estimated 265
horsepower (198 kw) and 244 lb.-ft (331 Nm) of torque. The engine is
backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic
transmission. Outlook is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel
drive models.
Production of the Outlook will begin in the fourth quarter of this year
at GM’s new Lansing Delta Township ( Mich.) assembly plant.
Design
The Outlook features Saturn’s striking new design language, which was
first introduced on the Sky roadster. It has an instantly identifiable
face, highlighted with a bright grille bar that is flanked by large,
jewel-like lighting elements. The headlamps use projector beam
technology to deliver bright, precise lighting. High-intensity discharge
lamps are available.
The profile of the Outlook is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty,
tapered roof line. The rear glass wraps around the corners and is angled
slightly toward the roof, enhancing the vehicle’s flowing lines.
Distinctive chrome-highlighted horizontal tail lamps, a rear spoiler
with LED center high-mounted stop lamp and chrome door handles are
design cues that reinforce the Outlook’s premium appearance, while large
18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch wheels are available) contribute to
the vehicle’s optimal proportions.
Interior
Like the exterior design, Outlook’s interior exudes style and
refinement. A carlike “low and away” instrument panel enhances the
feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding
view out of the windshield. The instrument panel and other interior
elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances.
Outlook can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two
front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or
two second-row captain’s chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split
third-row bench seat (three passengers). Leather seating surfaces are
available.
GM’s industry-first Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row
configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating
area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides
forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It
operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of
the second-row seat. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat
provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it
provides more storage space.
Outlook also offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 116.9
cu. ft. (3310.6 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In
fact, Outlook even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo
space behind third-row seat when it’s in its upright position – capacity
many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching. Also, a
covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of
sight beneath the rear cargo floor. In addition, Outlook’s second- and
third-row seats fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity.
Chassis and suspension
Outlook rides on a long, 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide,
67.28-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks – a combination that enables an
exceptionally smooth ride and stable handling. Sharp ride and handling
reflexes also are supported by independent front and rear suspensions.
The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a
direct-acting stabilizer bar. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise
and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art
linked “H” design, which also has an isolated mounting system that
reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment.
A strong body-frame integral structure is the foundation for Outlook’s
responsive chassis systems. The structure is reinforced in numerous
areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam
welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase
steel is select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails.
Safety
Saturn Outlook is designed to protect passengers before, during and
after a crash. A strong structure is the foundation and it is augmented
by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduces the likelihood
of a rollover. Outlook’s responsive four-wheel independent steering
system also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling
characteristics. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard.
Outlook is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal
air bags for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted
side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side-impact
air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain air bags
are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing
the air bags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which can preemptively
activate the side-impact air bags if sensors determine a rollover is
imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer
to provide increased occupant containment and because rollovers are
typically longer in duration than non-rollover crashes.
Outlook also comes standard with OnStar Generation 6 (with a one-year
Safe and Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash
Notification system. AACN makes crash data available to participating
911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel
and equipment to crash scenes faster.
Comfort and convenience
Rounding the appeal of the Outlook is a wide range of attractive
optional and standard equipment, including ultrasonic parking assist,
power liftgate, remote vehicle start, heated windshield fluid, DVD
entertainment system and DVD navigation system.
