PurdueGuy

I haven't seen pix yet, but I've seen smaller impacts that left the polymer dented, and when the panel popped back out, you couldn't tell where the dent had been. The paint flexes with the panel. Still, I agree - I'd expect paint to have scraped off in some places with that kind of accident, even if the panel survived. But still, that's a darn easy fix for 15 mph 3 ton van...

Thought I'd share this story with everyone. http://www.saturnspot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31890 Ok, readers digest version: Guy gets hit by a 3 ton van at about 15 mpg in his first gen SL2 - it's banged up pretty bad. Following suggestions from fellow Saturn enthusiasts, he removes panels from the car (the panels did not shatter, fortunately - they do if hit hard enough or just right, but are quite durable in general as you'll see), and he uses a rubber mallet on the dents. Panels pop right back into place. Bends mounting points back where they need to be, reinstalls panels, looks good as new.

sounds like hyundai not too many years ago. Trickle up method...

both the 3.5 and 3.6 are rated 20mpg city. The car is heavy - like 3700lbs. Next gen needs a diet, IMO.

Probably. The fuel cell splits O2 molecules from the air (oxygen atoms left to themselves will cling to each other in pairs) into single oxygen atoms. It also splits H2 molecules (same thing, they like to pair up) into single hydrogen atoms. When this happens, there are leftover electrons that go floating about, and the fuel cell routes them through wiring. Ta da! electricity! Then, the electrons meet up with all these singled atoms on the other end of the fuel cell, and the H's and the O's get together & make H2O. Obviously, since there's a little more H in water than O, it takes more H2 than O2, but it all works out, and you just get electricity, heat, and water. All that O2 comes from regular air, so it makes sense that they need some good intake ducts. Shame those couldn't be included solely in the skateboard, apparently. Personally, I think this vehicle looks great, except for the ducts beneith the tail lights. Shape them more nicely, leave the rest alone, and it'd look great. I wouldn't necessarily try to hide all the duct openings all together - they tell you that there's something different about this vehicle, and that would appeal to a lot of people. Just make sure the openings are shaped, styled, and located right. Oh, and I think that chevy bar with the holes in it looks VERY classy! Wouldn't be a bad idea for regular production cars...

143hp & 3000 lbs... Sounds nice other than being underwhelming in the power/weight arena.

if the bowtie is his belt buckle, he wears his belt awefully high... the liscense plate could be it, but then the belt would be awefully low... *shrug* IDK, it's starting to look & sound like this is turning a little too GM-promo, and makes me think even more that the movie will be cheezy & dumb.

I see that somewhat too, but this looks much better. I like it, and even more like that it's another step toward significant new technology.

IMO, if they make another Fiero, it should be mid-engine again...

I only saw the faux-metal trim, and it was lined up right on all that I saw. The only thing I noticed is that there is enough of an angle change to that trim between the door & dash that, though it's lined up right, the angle difference catches light differently and sometimes makes the trim look 2 different colors. But that's just being uber-picky... I think I'm going to be watching how these first year models do (if they have to work any major bugs out), and if they're solid, pick one up used in about a year.

Welcome to marketing, 101. If the customer's perception is that more gears is better, and to a degree that it makes a difference in their purchasing decision, then that's what matters - not whether or not those gears actually make any discernable difference in their vehicle. I 99% agree that from a mechanical/design standpoint, it's pointless, but many people out there would get a tingly feeling telling their friends that they have an 8-speed tranny, and so it might be worth it to offer it if it means sales (especially high-margin sales, as an 8-speed would definately, IMO, be a "luxury" item...)

I found driving it much more impressive than sitting in it. It responded very well when I goosed it at 80. Though not quite as well as the Ion Red Line I inadvertently had at 100 on the interstate today.

There is a SPOC-NJ. It has been one of the stronger chapters, though a couple of the leaders have "betrayed" their Saturns for other makes, so the chapter is a bit in need of revival & reorganization. At any rate, check out www.saturnspot.com, and scroll down in the forum sections - the chapters are toward the bottom. SPOC overall is getting ready for some reorganization, so the face of it may change some, but the NJ chapter should be fine.

was it that long ago that people would have said that 4 speeds was overkill? If they can make it reliable, why not?

curious - why not just contribute to an already established site for this type of thing?

SPOC-North (Saturn Performance Owners Club, North Chapter) is having a big meet in October - last count had 23 people expecting to come! Saturday, October 14th is a meet & greet with fellow Saturn enthusiasts in Platteville, WI. Sunday, October 15th is a track day at Earlville, IA, with a handful of people racing everything from base model S-Series to a couple SC2s with built engines & nitrous, to an Ion Red Line. It's a "test & tune" day at the track, which runs $40. For more info, CLICK HERE, reply to this thread, or e-mail me at purdueguy1(a)gmail.com It's gonna be a blast!

nothing for Saturns. boo.

Stopped by an Indianapolis dealer today after dropping my wife off at the airport, and they had a half dozen or so Auras. I test drove an XE and an XR, and was very impressed with both (The XE for how much you get for the money, and the XR for, well, still how much you get for the money, but also just how nice, and powerful, it is!).

maybe that'd shut up the people whining that this & that car don't have the 6 speed yet. lol

I wasn't sure that a larger mini could look right at all. So far, it looks decent. I'm going to guess rear suicide doors like the Ion Quad Coupe? Will help the car's look to hide the rear access door, assuming there is one (the lack of one would be rather crappy...)

Local dealer was supposed to have one like 3 weeks ago, but when I drove by shortly after they were supposed to get it, I didn't see it. I imagine they're still arriving at dealers in such low volume that they don't have to sell that many to not have any. Give it a couple months and they'll have some regular supply, I expect.

This is great news, and IMO, an excellent move!

Aura Green Line this spring (March, I believe). It's a mild hybrid, but should do well, and actually stand a chance of paying for the premium of the hybrid system. Another year or so I expect til we see the 3-modes come out. They'll be here before we know it...

I like it. Only thing that doesn't quite sit right with me is the grill. I don't think it's the grill shape, or the crosshairs, but something about the grill... IDK.

I've never known a dealership to sell anything for $200... can be the oldest, crappiest pile & they'll want a grand for it, especially if it runs ok. *shrug* Good luck. If this doesn't work out, start watching the classifieds in the newspaper instead of looking at dealerships. $200 dealership cars generall aren't worth the cost to haul to the salvage yard.