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.

NEW YORK – General Motors introduced its new and most powerful Ecotec 2.0-liter direct injection turbo engine in the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line at the New York International Auto Show. It produces 260 horsepower (194 kw) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm),* making it GM’s highest specific output engine ever, at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kw per liter).

A dual-scroll turbocharger with a lightweight turbine provides nearly instant power, and an air-to-air intercooling system bolsters the turbo’s performance by reducing inlet temperatures. Dual cam phasing complements the turbocharging system by optimizing valve timing at lower rpm for best turbo response and quick engine torque build-up time.

The Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo uses a stronger, “Gen II” Ecotec engine block, which was developed with input from racing experience to support increased horsepower and torque. The cylinder block bulkheads – the areas where the main bearing caps are attached – and the bore walls are enlarged for strength. Other areas of the engine were enhanced to reinforce the structure, and the water jacket is deeper for added cooling capacity and improved cylinder bore roundness. This architecture is shared with the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine that debuted in the Pontiac Solstice roadster.

The popular Saturn Vue receives significant interior and exterior styling upgrades for 2006, adding to the appeal of this safe, fun-to-drive compact SUV. The Vue’s design upgrades reflect Saturn’s commitment to bring a higher level of vehicle refinement to complement its established reputation for customer care. Among updates for 2006, Vue offers OnStar standard on all models, and includes.

Working in conjunction with GM Design, Gravana Tuning a highly regarded supplier of aftermarket accessories has pushed the Saturn Sky to the stratosphere with a highly customized concept. The Gravana Tuning Turbo Saturn Sky delivers even more of what roadster buyers want: all-around performance and stop-dead-in-your-tracks design. By adding a Hahn Racecraft 16G intercooled stage 3 turbocharger.

Working in conjunction with GM Design, Gravana Tuning a highly regarded supplier of aftermarket accessories has pushed the Saturn Sky to the stratosphere with a highly customized concept. The Gravana Tuning Turbo Saturn Sky delivers even more of what roadster buyers want: all-around performance and stop-dead-in-your-tracks design. By adding a Hahn Racecraft 16G intercooled stage 3 turbocharger.

The Saturn Outlook is a premium type of vehicle produced under the Saturn subsidiary brand of the world prestigious car making corporation General Motors. It is a “crossover” type of vehicle, a combination of SUV or Sports Utility Vehicle and a sedan. It was first introduced into the car industry market at the New York International Auto Show last 2006. Since then it has sold more than 50,000 units, making it one of the best selling cars under the Saturn brand in such a short span of time.

This Saturn Outlook is available in both manual and automatic transmission of configurations. It also comes in front-wheel and four-wheel drive options coupled with its front engine feature. It can reach the speeds of 6 even though it is a crossover SUV, making it one of the most distinct and stylish cars under the Saturn name. It is one of the most sought about cars in North America and Europe by both car fanatics and patrons as of today.

Production of Saturn cars began in the early 90s and the purpose from the get-go was to emulate foreign marketing strategies such as the Japanese ones in order to put up a fight on the American market. Such strategies included better quality control which translated into better reliability of the finished product and more control for the workers in the plant.

2008 - Astra Soon after the first cars hit the streets of America, favorable reviews start pouring in. Sales go well as Saturn cars start earning one award after another. In 1993, Saturn reported it’s first profitable year and everything seemed to be going well for the small GM-owned brand. By 1995 they had made their first million cars. A unique feature on Saturn cars in the beginning were dent-proof body panels (Z-Body) but after 2000, they were slowly put out of production.

Ion Sedan During the 70s, GM, the quintessential American car brand, began having troubles with sales as the oil crisis gained in intensity. Their big gas-guzzling engines were no match for European and Asian imports and as a result the company’s image suffered. To fight this, GM launched a new brand of cars, Saturn Motors, on January 7, 1985. The name was taken from the Saturn rocket, the one that carried the astronauts to the moon in the 60s.

An interesting fact is represented by the number who started out this company: 99 people from all backgrounds: design, production, marketing etc. known from that day on as “the 99”. OK, they started out as 100, but one of them dropped early on hence the 99.

General Motors demonstrated its progress on developing a future advanced engine technology for consumers that squeezes more miles per gallon of gas and reduces emissions. GM engineers have brought the advanced combustion technology from the laboratory to the test track and, now, to the highway in a driveable concept vehicle - a Saturn Aura equipped with homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI).

GM demonstrated its latest progress with the HCCI technology during a media test-drive program in the Washington, D.C. and the New York City areas. Journalists drove the HCCI-enabled Aura concept on public roads to get a real-world feel for the efficient and low-emissions engine. HCCI provides up to a 15-percent fuel savings when combined with several additional advanced technologies, while meeting current emissions standards.

The Flextremes aren’t merely sisters; they’re twins. The badges are different, but they otherwise share the same look — that of a jelly bean with four hidden doors and cameras in lieu of side mirrors. It’s not as interesting a shape as the Volt, but it’s likely to avoid the aerodynamics shortcomings that have put the Chevy back on the drawing board. The rounded nose puts the headlight clusters and upper grille behind flush-fitting plastic windows, which cuts down on drag and, well, makes the grille not really a grille. GM says the crescent headlight shapes hint at the future look of Saturns — and Opels.

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