According to Automotive news, sources within GM and its Opel subsidiary confirmed plans of importing rebadged Opel Astra compacts to replace the Ion at the bottom of Saturn's lineup.
Saturn's version of the Astra will probably be assembled in GM’s factory in
Saturn is continuing the Opel-ization of its range even with concepts, as the Saturn PreVue crossover (to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show) is yet another rebadged German model. The Opel Antara GTC concept was first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005 and it is part of the ongoing cooperation between the Saturn and Opel brands. "There is significant synergy between Opel and Saturn," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Both brands play in similar market segments, have similar competitors and target similar customers in their respective regions."
Press Release: The PreVue merges the seemingly contradictory design elements of a sporty coupe and a powerful SUV. Coupe-like features include the two doors and tailgate, along with a side window design sans B-pillar and an elegantly sloping roof. These cues combine with SUV characteristics such as powerful side shoulders and wheel cutouts; steeply inclined windows; stable flanks and short overhangs for large approach and departure angles.
On the roof, two silver strips flank the body-colored center strip, which separates two sunroofs and merges with the pantographic hinge that’s affixed to the tailgate. Door handles retract flush with the body, and only slide out when the driver approaches the vehicle with a remote door opener.
Interior
On the inside, generous use of warm tones and leather mix with carbon fiber seatbacks, as well as stainless steel and aluminum cockpit elements. The panoramic roof system features two generously sized sunroofs for a bright, cheerful interior, with dark tinted glass protecting passengers from excessive sunlight. The center roof console, which runs the length of the vehicle, offers ample storage space.
The four seats, mounted to monorails, appear to be floating atop the floor for a spacious, airy appearance. With the press of a button, the seats slide forward to the instrument panel so rear passengers can access the vehicle. The rear seats fold away into the floor, and the sisal-lined cargo area can be folded flat up to the front seats, thanks to a moving double floor.
Engine
The PreVue is powered by a two-stage turbocharged 212-horsepower (156 kw) twin-turbo version of the Ecotec common-rail diesel engine. It features hefty torque at low engine speeds (295 lb.-ft. / 400 Nm @ 1400 rpm), and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The transversely installed four-cylinder engine features dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable turbo blade geometry.
SATURN PREVUE SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle type: two-door, four-passenger crossover
Wheelbase: 106.6 in / 2692 mm
Length: 178 in / 4530 mm
Width: 77.6 in / 1970 mm
Height: 65 in / 1640 mm
Track: 61 in / 1460 mm
Engine: two-stage turbocharged 212-hp (156 kw) twin-turbo version of Ecotec diesel
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Wheels: 20-inch polished aluminum
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The Saturn Outlook is three-row, eight-passenger crossover vehicle that will go into production later this year. Built on GM’s new crossover vehicle platform, Lambda, the Outlook is fitted with GM’s 3.6 litre V6 VVT engine (Global V6) producing an estimated 270 Hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. As with most of its opponents, the Outlook will be offered either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. As for the transmission, Saturn is using the GM-Ford co-developed 6 speed automatic that promises to improve performance as well as fuel economy. It should be noted that the Saturn Outlook will also base a Buick (Enclave), a GMC and an Opel SUV model. More info about the Outlook will be posted in the day. 
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“Saturn is continuing an unprecedented product revitalization while still making customer care our top priority,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “ In our current and future product lineup, Saturn customers will find an impressive combination of design, refinement and performance.”
Due this summer as the brand's second attempt in a segment long dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Aura will be offered with two engines, a standard 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT), and an optional, more powerful 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 with VVTi. The 3.6-liter engine will be mated to a new, six-speed automatic transmission – co-developed by GM & Ford.
Saturn Aura Hybrid
In early 2007, Saturn will also offer a hybrid version of the Aura which will use Saturn Vue Green a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain similar to that of the Line. It uses a combination electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E four-speed transmission.
The flexible hybrid design provides additional power from the motor/generator during acceleration and allows increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking.
The 2007 Sky Red Line, available in the fall, builds on the Sky roadster’s performance characteristics, offering more power with the same inviting, driver-focused interior. Sky Red Line features the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine, GM’s first direct injection offering in
The Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo was developed with the global resources of GM Powertrain in the
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