Saturn Announces New Outlook for Future Portfolio

[Northstar]

Saturn Announces New "Outlook" for Future Portfolio

Brand also confirms "Aura" name for production midsize sedan



TRAVERSE CITY , Mich. – Saturn announced today that the all-new midsize crossover utility slated to debut in late 2006 will be named “Outlook.” It will be the third of three new vehicles to join the Saturn lineup for the 2007 model year, doubling the brand’s portfolio from three offerings to six.

“The Outlook will be a key vehicle in our strategy to grow the Saturn brand,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “It will get us into the expanding midsize crossover segment with a vehicle that features dynamic design and a refined, sophisticated interior.”

With the announcement, Lajdziak also confirmed that Saturn’s 2007 midsize sedan, scheduled to enter production during summer 2006, will carry the name “Aura.” The new sedan takes its name from the acclaimed concept car that also heavily influenced its interior and exterior design.

Lajdziak confirmed that the Aura sedan will be powered by a standard 3.5L V6 engine with variable valve timing, with an optional, sophisticated DOHC 3.6L V6 VVT that produces an estimated 250 horsepower. The 3.6L will be mated to GM’s new, advanced 6-speed FWD automatic transmission.

“Reaction to the Aura name was very positive on the concept car, so we decided to keep it for production,” Lajdziak said. “It will be a very important vehicle to Saturn as we re-enter the competitive midsize car category.”

The 2007 Saturn Aura and Outlook will showcase the new design direction of the brand, first exhibited on the 2007 Sky roadster and Aura concept at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. In coming years, new Saturns will all feature dynamic, European-influenced exterior styling and warm interiors that utilize premium materials for a sophisticated look and feel.

The 2007 Sky roadster will be available in early 2006. These three new vehicles join the Ion small car, Vue compact SUV and Relay crossover sport van.

[ocnblu]

It says "OUTLOOK XE". Wasn't "XE" an old Nissan trim level?

[HarleyEarl]

Blu is that you in your avatar?:)

[ocnblu]

Yup, I was only 4, and my favorite toy was a rubber 1953 Plymouth Belvedere station wagon.

[HarleyEarl]

Yup, I was only 4, and my favorite toy was a rubber 1953 Plymouth Belvedere station wagon.

[post="147"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

awww so cute ;)
I had a little matchbox car and camper trailer that I just was crazy about. But my dream toy was......hey let's start a thread concerning this lol.

[Drew Dowdell]

So we're going to start covering e-mail clients now. Outlook Thunderbird Just need a Notes, Eudora, and Pine Browser market is already taken Navigator Explorer Lynx VW (fire)fox Safari

[pow]

Looks, well, like a car from the first-world made in the 21st century, which is quite an achievement for GM. Funny you can tell these things from just lights, badging, and a door. Edited August 19, 2005 by empowah

[daves87rs]

I just want to see the darn thing...

[thedriver]

with all these new intros, when will the new ion show up?

[CaddyXLR-V]

I'm waiting to see the new ION as well, I could care less about the Outlook, but I cant wait to see what the ION will look like. Hopefully it will look like a clone of the Astra, especially the hatch.

[budman3]

What a friggin tease! I have hope seeing that this one picture of barely 1/8 of the exterior shows something that comes off as a departure from conventional GM style. I hope the other lambda's (this is a lambda right?) aren't this with a different grill and certain trims.

[Ghost Dog]

The ION is still a ways off, so don't expect to see it soon.  Also, it is not an Astra clone, but if you like the Aura and Opel Insignia concept, you'll like the ION. ;)

[post="1249"][/post]

Insignia?



Now that would be a real sweet Design Style for ION

[Northstar]

I'm think the ION = small Aura with a few cues thrown in from the Insignia along with the Insignia's hatch design.

[Ghost Dog]

I'm think the ION = small Aura with a few cues thrown in from the Insignia along with the Insignia's hatch design.

[post="1257"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Northie you think Quad doors may continue?

[Northstar]

Hmm, I hadn't thought of that, but with the talk of the quad coupe doors on the GTO, or a version of it, they probably will continue (of course I'm just guessing, I don't know any inside info). AH-HA would know better than me if quad doors will continue. What I was saying about the Inisignia's design is simply the hatchback, I remember hearing that Saturn had "a hot 5-door hatch" to replace the ION, and the Insignia is a hatch.

[Robert Hall]

The Insignia would make a great full-size Saturn...

[boblutzfan]

Any new information on the Outlook?

[Cadillacfan]

Keep an eye out for it in the next few weeks.

[gmhashope]

Well the Outlook will debut at New York. That's the only new info. I know of.

[Ghost Dog]

Did Auto Express Make a photochop attempt at the outlook? For Vauxhall?

Edited January 15, 2006 by Ghost Dog

[jrockb4]

I like, I like!!!!!!

[Imaj]

so when will we se it?

[gmhashope]

so when will we se it?

[post="74447"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

New York in April.