Saturn is continuing its evolution into a more upscale, wider-appealing brand with the introduction of a couple new vehicles at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
2008 Saturn Vue http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/9672/08vuetz0.jpg
We've known for a while that the next gen Vue will be largely identical to the Opel Antara small SUV, but there are some great and notable details with this official unveiling. One notable difference I am personally glad to see over the Antara is the painted bumpers vs unpainted. Also, the interior has been changed a bit.
First, a model lineup:
XE FWD: 164hp 2.4L I4, 4spd auto or 5spd manual
XE AWD: 215hp 3.5L V6, 6spd auto
Green Line: 164hp 2.4L I4 Ecotec + mild hybrid system, 4spd auto
XR FWD: 250hp 3.6L V6, 6spd auto
XR AWD: 250hp 3.6L V6, 6spd auto
Red Line: 250hp 3.6L V6, 6spd auto
*future additional 2-mode full hybrid version of the Green Line coming!
That's a lot of models! 3 engines, FWD, AWD, 2 different hybrids - 7 total different models... wow!
SPECS & DETAILS, care of Cheers & Gears PICTURES, INSIDE & OUT, care of Cheers & Gears 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4...ineauraua8.jpg
We've also known this was coming for a while, but it's finally been officially introduced: the 2008 Aura Green Line. The Green Line offers a mechanical combination much like the current Vue Green Line - the 2.4L Ecotec engine paired with a mild hybrid system.
The car starts at under $23,000, and is expected to get 25% better fuel economy than the Aura XE. This isn't a completely fair comparison, since the Green Line uses a 4cyl engine, and the XE uses a 6cyl, but it is a more fuel-efficient option for a relatively low price.
SPECS & DETAILS, care of Cheers & Gears PICTURES, INSIDE & OUT, care of Cheers & Gears