"Opel-ization" of Saturn confirmed - Page 2

PurdueGuy · 03-08-2006, 12:10 PM

Might very well mean more aftermarket support.

I don't think Opel will call all the shots - Lutz said there would be some product unique to north america. 'Course GM has been telling Saturn what to do for several years now. The S-Series is the only true Saturn, in terms of being designed and built by Saturn completely.

gn85 · 03-08-2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSLaBuda

hmm, on teh good side we could get a saturn that could hold it's own on the autobahn from the factory?

Uh... I wouldn't take that statement too far. Opel's can drive on the autobahn. Doesn't really mean they 'hold their own'. Most of the time I saw Opel's they were doing respectable speeds. But I'd be willing to bet Saturns, as they are right now, could make just as good of a showing.

Big things you need on the autobahn is firm handling, decent brakes and responsive steering.

Here in the states, we need cars with similar traits, but a slightly more forgiving rides for our less forgiving roads.

Cool1Net6 · 03-09-2006, 05:57 AM

All I have to say is that I am excited. As much as I love the european styling of Opel, I do agree with Adam that Saturn should have even a little input into the design of the car, to make it a little more American, as long as the changes dont affect the quality or performance (unless its softening the ride because of what gn85 said, etc).

More aftermarket support (1) makes it much easier to mod your car as alot of things will be already researched and fabricated, (2) make modding a Saturn less unique because lots of 'unique' mods will be readily available, (3) invite 'ricer' modifications like altezza's and insane body kits.

-Cool-

the Shaolin UWP · 03-09-2006, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamSL2

these are some modded Opel cars i found around...

http://tuningatitude.turboblog.fr/ph...alibrahi11.jpg

http://www.vmax.dk/static/images/vma...el%20Astra.jpg

Not only that but they got a BIG race team in the UK... It will give us all a team to root for in the races on the Speed Channal where the only car company in the race u know is ford.

That first car is an Opel Calibra.

I fell in love with them several years ago, and then gave up hope on ever finding one...maybe this will change things

DSLaBuda · 03-11-2006, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gn85

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSLaBuda

hmm, on teh good side we could get a saturn that could hold it's own on the autobahn from the factory?

Uh... I wouldn't take that statement too far. Opel's can drive on the autobahn. Doesn't really mean they 'hold their own'. Most of the time I saw Opel's they were doing respectable speeds. But I'd be willing to bet Saturns, as they are right now, could make just as good of a showing.

Big things you need on the autobahn is firm handling, decent brakes and responsive steering.

Here in the states, we need cars with similar traits, but a slightly more forgiving rides for our less forgiving roads.

they didn't need to have the power from the factory, the aftermarket supplies that where it's lacking. the "firm handling, decent brakes and responsive steering" is exactly what i'm talking about.

hp is one thing, a well engineered chassis and suspension is another.

DemonSatty · 03-25-2006, 06:34 AM

Im not liking the killing of the Saturn people's decision making ability. If they are going to do that, why not just save money and simply release Opels here? It kinda ruins the whole Saturn 'aura' for me if it just becomes a rebadged something else. It wont be unique anymore. Nothin against Opel, they almost seem like the Saturn of Germany...

Call me sentimenal, but I dont like it, I think GM made a mistake when they killed the S-series. I may be wrong, but it seems like they just saw that Saturn was doing well, and go greedy. I know buisness is buisness, but IMO, if Saturn was currently making 3rd (or maybe 4th?) gen S-series, ION's, VUE's and L-series, I dont see how they could be going wrong.

I think the Opel speedster was a Lotus Elise with a diffrent body, in fact im 90% certian.

PurdueGuy · 03-25-2006, 01:07 PM

I can relate to a lot of what you're saying, Tony. I guess the difference is that I feel like GM killed the true Saturn a while back & made it "just another GM brand" for the most part, so at this point I just want to see Saturn get some hot products. I'd love to see a modern equivilant to the S-series (something in the sub-2,500 lb range with a torquy motor & sexy looks), but I think as long as they have an Ion equivilant, they may not bother.

DemonSatty · 03-26-2006, 01:53 AM

I do agree with ya on the kiling of the original Saturn brand. when the S-series died, and the Vue came out, is IMO when Saturn became just another GM brand, and the addition of a honda motor just poured salt on the wound for me. I dont care if it was a little better motor at the time GM could have put some time into the oll 3800 and it would have caught up. Or heck heres an idea, let saturn make another motor, the 1.9 is a hell of a little thing. Sorry end of rant. I guess I might as well go with it and root for some kick butt Opels-with-saturn-badges to come out. I just wish Saturn would have something unique (besides the ION).

Cool1Net6 · 03-26-2006, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemonSatty

...Or heck heres an idea, let saturn make another motor, the 1.9 is a hell of a little thing...

Touche.

-Cool-

03-09-2006, 05:57 AM	#13 (permalink)
Cool1Net6 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 774 Marketplace Feedback: 0 Status: Offline	All I have to say is that I am excited. As much as I love the european styling of Opel, I do agree with Adam that Saturn should have even a little input into the design of the car, to make it a little more American, as long as the changes dont affect the quality or performance (unless its softening the ride because of what gn85 said, etc). More aftermarket support (1) makes it much easier to mod your car as alot of things will be already researched and fabricated, (2) make modding a Saturn less unique because lots of 'unique' mods will be readily available, (3) invite 'ricer' modifications like altezza's and insane body kits. -Cool- __________________

03-25-2006, 06:34 AM	#16 (permalink)
DemonSatty Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Omaha NE Posts: 345 Marketplace Feedback: 0 Status: Offline	Im not liking the killing of the Saturn people's decision making ability. If they are going to do that, why not just save money and simply release Opels here? It kinda ruins the whole Saturn 'aura' for me if it just becomes a rebadged something else. It wont be unique anymore. Nothin against Opel, they almost seem like the Saturn of Germany... Call me sentimenal, but I dont like it, I think GM made a mistake when they killed the S-series. I may be wrong, but it seems like they just saw that Saturn was doing well, and go greedy. I know buisness is buisness, but IMO, if Saturn was currently making 3rd (or maybe 4th?) gen S-series, ION's, VUE's and L-series, I dont see how they could be going wrong. I think the Opel speedster was a Lotus Elise with a diffrent body, in fact im 90% certian. __________________ My car: '98 SL SOHC 5sp 100,000+ mi mods: WAI, 52mm GEO TB, VMS short throw, manual steering, removed A/C, 16in ION wheels, KYB struts, H&R sport springs, polyurethane suspension bushings, SL2 rear subframe (swaybar), rear disc brakes

03-26-2006, 01:53 AM	#18 (permalink)
DemonSatty Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Omaha NE Posts: 345 Marketplace Feedback: 0 Status: Offline	I do agree with ya on the kiling of the original Saturn brand. when the S-series died, and the Vue came out, is IMO when Saturn became just another GM brand, and the addition of a honda motor just poured salt on the wound for me. I dont care if it was a little better motor at the time GM could have put some time into the oll 3800 and it would have caught up. Or heck heres an idea, let saturn make another motor, the 1.9 is a hell of a little thing. Sorry end of rant. I guess I might as well go with it and root for some kick butt Opels-with-saturn-badges to come out. I just wish Saturn would have something unique (besides the ION). __________________ My car: '98 SL SOHC 5sp 100,000+ mi mods: WAI, 52mm GEO TB, VMS short throw, manual steering, removed A/C, 16in ION wheels, KYB struts, H&R sport springs, polyurethane suspension bushings, SL2 rear subframe (swaybar), rear disc brakes

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03-08-2006, 12:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
PurdueGuy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 7,744 Marketplace Feedback: 0 Status: Offline	Might very well mean more aftermarket support. I don't think Opel will call all the shots - Lutz said there would be some product unique to north america. 'Course GM has been telling Saturn what to do for several years now. The S-Series is the only true Saturn, in terms of being designed and built by Saturn completely.

03-25-2006, 01:07 PM	#17 (permalink)
PurdueGuy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 7,744 Marketplace Feedback: 0 Status: Offline	I can relate to a lot of what you're saying, Tony. I guess the difference is that I feel like GM killed the true Saturn a while back & made it "just another GM brand" for the most part, so at this point I just want to see Saturn get some hot products. I'd love to see a modern equivilant to the S-series (something in the sub-2,500 lb range with a torquy motor & sexy looks), but I think as long as they have an Ion equivilant, they may not bother.