Flybrian

How I will choose to remember the Sunfire...

Unfortunately, nothing concrete. I'm getting the feeling that the bad news is we likely won't see an AURA RL in this generation. The good news is the next-generation is only a few years away. Wish I could, but I cannot right now. Certain small aspects will surprise some. Yes. Let me add to this by saying the e-brake has a nice feel to it, though it looks quite cheapish. And its likely the majority of those will be 5-doors (remember, mass-market dictates this) so those first Astra 3-doors will be snapped up like nuts. I'm really glad they showed a laser blue metallic Astra. Its one fine color for this car to be draped in.

Depends how many first and last names I used. In all seriousness, likely yes as long as I didn't reveal future product info they didn't ask me to. You know the saying that you criticize what you love the most? I think that played out here. I understand my writeup doesn't capture every facet of the conversation, but I can assure you that critical thought was engaged in by many. I don't know if our criticisms and concerns differed much from import owners (hybrid, performance, quality, uneven sales experiences, increased MSRPs, feature concerns). I myself raised questions about Bluetooth, the rear seat armrest missing in the Aura, navigation, manual availability, interior quality hangups in the Aura, etc. I was surprised by how much the weight vs. fuel economy question was brought up by others. I really don't know what else an import owner would add. In fact, I'd argue that a bunch of random import owners know next to nothing about the cars Saturn sells; we do. We have enough knowledge to ask meaningful questions instead of esoteric or rhetorical ones like, "Why doesn't Saturn have a Prius?" That is, unless, you think the goal should be to convert import owners one by one via invitations to events like this. And in continued defense of C&G, I'd like to point out they didn't invite certain other GM sites who have either grown so despondant they'll never be satisfied with anything GM makes, or are literally posters of GM Media press releases. I think they made a wise choice because we represent a majority body of GM enthusiasts and a vocal minority of import owners, import intenders, and the generally open-minded such as yourself.

And done! Voting begins tonight.

Amen, brother! One day, my sig will be as long as yours!

260hp through a 6-speed stick or 5-speed auto and the same in the Cobalt SS? Yummy. Imagine a lowered and solid black HHR Panel SS. Damn...

Building on Tradition A Tour of Lansing Delta Township Assembly By Brian Dreggors NOTE: As our cameras were not cleared by GM, I don't have any pictures inside the plant itself, but there was a cleared photographer with us. I'll post more pictures when I can. You have to put it into perspective that the birthplace of GM's newest crossovers may be modern, but its hardly new. You see, Lansing has been building automobiles for over 100 years - since 1897, to be exact - so the general concept its decidedly old hat to the 550,000 people of Michigan's capital. What started here five score and ten years ago was thanks to one Ransom E. Olds, a budding automobile maker that would begin what would eventually become Olds Motor Works and an integral part of the infant General Motors empire. Over the years, Oldsmobile's roots in the town grew and it served not only as the division's headquarters, but also where the vast majority of Olds cars were born - Eighty-Eight, Toronado, Cutlass, and 442 are but a few of the historic nameplates to hail from plants in and around Lansing. In the 1980s, reorganization spelled an end to exclusivity and once Olds-only factories began churning out Buicks, Cadillacs, Pontiacs, and Chevrolets, among them the well-noted N-body compacts led by the Cutlass Calais. Fittingly, the last N-body to roll off the line was also the last Oldsmobile, a Cherry Metallic 2004 Alero sedan. Born here, died here was Oldsmobile - right here in Lansing. And though the death of the Olds line seemed to be a reflection of GM's place in the American automotive landscape, it was certainly not the end of Lansing. Today, GM operates four major manufacturing plants in the area, including the state-of-the-art Grand River Cadillac plant and Delta Township, which manufactures the Lambda crossovers. Lansing Delta Township Located on a sprawling acreage like all large factories, the first thing you notice about LDT is how damn ugly the it looks; no, not the factory, but the environment around it. I guess I consider it ugly because I'm used to 'pretty' landscaping with lush, thick grass and verdent green foliage fertilized, watered, and neatly-kempt. And while the grass around LDT is kept in check, not much else is done to it. That's because GM's newest factory is all about having as minimal impact on the surrounding envrionment as possible. Their efforts are proudly showcased with U.S. Green Building Council's LEED-Gold Certification, this first given to any factory and the largest building thus far to receive it. From waterless urinals and collecting rainwater to flush toilets to recycling powder primer when painting bodies, LDT is a very clean operation. Energy usage is minimized by robotic spot welding in the dark, using floodlamps only to illuminate problem areas for human inspectors. I've been told the paint shop will soon be running in the dark, too. 'Clean' also describes how the trim assembly area of the plant looks, too. Very clean as well as well-lit. Its almost unbelievable that cars are being assembled here. Painted bodyshells are moved along individual platforms through different workstations where instrument panels, consoles, insultation, and other components are added. Special risers called 'skillets' allow the the entire body to be raised to facilite easier installation of certain parts. All this is the result of GMS or Global Manufacturing Strategy. First adopted at an Opel plant in Germany, the Cadillac factory at Grand River was the first US facility to be built around GMS. Using a flexible T-layout, materials are delivered on a time-sensitive basis with often only minutes passing by from delivery to installation on the car. Union workers also work in conjunction with management to find solutions to problems and are rewarded for doing so. A few of the worker-suggested innovations we saw was a seat mounted on a movable gantry that moved at the same pace as the bodyshell through a station. This allowed workers to easily move in and out to assemble trim details rather than clamber and climb through the bodyshell. Attention to quality is amazing here as care is taken to minimize any contact between finished paint and foreign objects like rings or watches. At the end of the line under ultrabright lamps, about ten people engage in a quality audit of each vehicle, measuring with their eyes and calipers everything from clearcoat quality to gap tolerances. Mistakes are fixed before final shipment. Automation plays an important but intelligent role at LDT. Instead of robots doing the work, robots assist human workers. For instance, drivetrain components are assembled by people in a different area of the plant onto individual trolleys. These trolleys then literally drive themselves over to the moving assembly line approximately 50 yards away for the marriage of drivetrain and bodyshell. The trolley then drives itself back for another drivetrain assemblage. This augmentation instead of replacement ensures that both men and machine are used to their best abilities. Lambdas and the Future Some quick facts: Its takes approximately 18 manhours to assemble one Lambda, from frame to paint to trimout. Running two shifts, a little over 700 vehicles leave the plant each day, Monday through Friday. Lambdas feature more spotwelds than any other GM vehicle currently produced. Enclaves, AWD drivetrains, and sunroofs aren't assembled back-to-back. Since they require a little extra work, spacing them out along the line ensures that they don't bog down the other vehicles. Lambdas are designed with an open architecture, meaning the entire front clip forward of the firewall is assembled as as seperate stage. This give line workers better access to parts of the vehicle during assembly. Not one exterior body panel on the Enclave is shared with the Outlook or Acadia and the vast majority of interior components are different. Enclaves get much thicker insulation in the roof, engine, and door panels. Trust me; I've seen them. You could probably fall asleep on the roof foam! When I visited LDT last week, the product mix seemed about one Enclave and one OUTLOOK for every Acadia. This represents the ramp-up of the Enclave which just began production that Monday, as well as a response to the lagging sales of the OUTLOOK. This signifies just how flexible the new plant is and how overproduction for the sake of keeping the plant running isn't necessary. Lesson learned at LDT will be applied next to Spring Hill's massive renovation and one product produced at the Tenneessee plant will be the yet-unnamed Chevrolet version of the Lambda. Details are sketchy, but word from several at the LDT plant was that it was not a simple badge-job, that it differs in more ways than the OUTLOOK and Acadia differ from each other. However, it will not not feature sliding doors. We will see as time draws closer. If you are an interested purchaser of a Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, or Saturn OUTLOOK, I just have to say 'enjoy' because you're crossover is being assembled at what may be the finest facility in North America. * Notes from the Board - Saturn Brand Advocate Board Meeting Recap * Saturn's New Retail Look - A first look at the new face of Saturn dealerships * The GM Heritage Center - A photographic tour of GM's most historic collection * The Near-Future of Saturn - Get updated on the SKY, AURA, Astra, and come along for a quick drive in the 2008 VUE!

Oh Give Me a Home, Where the Saturns all Roam And the Auras and Outlooks all Play... By Brian Dreggors Establishing a brand identity today goes beyond merely styling cars a certain way. Effectively communicating your intentions for a product starts at manufacturing and ends when the vehicle is being purchased. To that end, retailers play a paramount role in the car buying experience. As the local representative for the manufacturer, they are the first to leave a good impression and also the first to leave a bad taste in one's mouth. Its often said a good dealer can sell a bad car, but not vice-versa and having good dealers is what Saturn is all about. This isn't to say its cars were bad - they were always rather good - but it wasn't enrapturing styling or 'gotta-have-it' that sold Saturns; it was the Saturn Experience. If anything, Saturn dealerships were decent places, if not a little on the bland side. As the Michigan retailer pictured above shows, the traditional outlet had all the glitz and glamour of the cars they sold. In short, they were there and they got the job done. With new cars, however, comes new changes. Take a look at the next generation of Saturn retailers. Saturn of Warren outside of Detroit, Michigan, is the showcase for this new look and one of the first retailers to adopt it. Note the new lighting scheme surrounding the logo and how its noticable yet not blinding-bright at the same time. Extending out from the main entrance is an awning covering the entryway and also some new models. Lights in this architecture can be fitted with different-colored diffusers to eminate a glow of colors, perhaps to illuminate a new model arrival at night. The streetside monument is made of new design and materials that have a more upscale look than the traditional GM dealer mast. Note the continued use of light diffused behind the red Saturn logo as well as the metallic elements. Naturally, not every one of Saturn's 435 retailers will adopt the new changes. Though Saturn is providing financial help for those that agree to, its still an expensive proposition to revamp a dealer's facility and one only needs to remember the ill-fated Buick Flagship Dealer initiative to see why some are wary of taking such measures. However, as the brand moves upscale, so do the places where the cars is sold need to. Hopefully this makeover will provide a welcoming new face for future Saturn customers. * Notes from the Board - Saturn Brand Advocate Board Meeting Recap * Building on Tradition - A Tour of Lansing Delta Township Assembly * The GM Heritage Center - A photographic tour of GM's most historic collection * The Near-Future of Saturn - Get updated on the SKY, AURA, Astra, and come along for a quick drive in the 2008 VUE!

VUE Upon first glance, the VUE - well - doesn't look like one. The plastic-bedecked cute-ute is replaced with a very contemporary and dynamically-styled small sport utility that is sure to appeal to those who never otherwise would look at Saturn for such a vehicle. The interior in this VUE is simply in another galaxy compared to the model it replaces. Soft-touch plastics abound with extremely tight fit-and-finish. You definitely need two hands to count all the different types of trim - dark plastics, light tan plastics, leather, wood, brushed metal and polished chrome abound. What's most impressive are the little luxury touches normally reserved for vehicles much further upmarket. Check out the vinyl flap on the rear of the passenger and driver seats and the felt-lined cubby box on the rear of the center console. That cubby and the cupholders below it, by the way, glide down after a touch of the silver release buttons. Very exquisite. Important for VUE owners is utility and the latest VUE keeps this in spades. A large glovebox will keep plenty of things at reach up front and molded holes in the door panels will store things as well. Though shrunken a bit in behind-the-seat cargo room, the VUE still has lots of utility. Goods and things will feel at home with a carpeted rear floor, four tiedowns, and a shield that conceals what you're carrying. Multiple lamps provide illumination at night and the hatch is easy to pull down. The VUE also remains very reconfigurable with a split-folding second-row and fold-flat passenger seat. Something I didn't even notice until last was the neat storage drawer provided under the passenger seat. Unlined plastic means this is designed for small water bottles, cell phone chargers, or anything else. Very thoughtful. In all, the only questionably-designed part of the VUE would have to be the emergency brake handle, which looks more like something you'd pull to eject after getting shot by a MiG-29, but I will say its design seems original. A few current VUE owners complained about the seats, which felt too firm for them on first sit, as well as the general shrinkage in dimensions. It will be interesting to see if some who found the old VUE just a tad too small will go ahead and trade up to the OUTLOOK while those who thought the current model was a bit too large would gladly step into the '08 model. Time will tell. Outside, this was simply a gorgeous vehicle to look at. And while the old VUE had a cuteness that was desirable in and of itself, this one begs to be gawked it. The static display XR AWD was Onyx Black and an absolute joy to look at. Panels all around were beautifully integrated with thin gaps in between. The overall stance is very sporty, very inviting, and the dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes complete the sporty look. Thoughful fender flares reduce the visual heft of the VUE and chrome detailing from the greenhouse surrounded to the unique fender vents give it a very upscale aire. The integrated repeater lamp was probably the best little detailing on the VUE. Performance-wise, expect nothing but great things. Despite the fact that certain versions of this thing now weighs the same as a fullsize G-body sedan, I was assured the performance and fuel economy numbers would remain very, very solid and similar to the outgoing VUE. 0-60 time on the '08 Red Line vs. the -'07 models is actually reduced. Body roll, handling, and suspension geometry are also assured to be night-and-day compared to the outgoing VUE. Now comes the fun part. A few of us were lucky enough to take an '08 VUE for a short test drive! Needless to say, it was exciting and in the total 2.5 miles I drove the VUE, it felt amazing. Handling over the poor-condition Michigan roads was very impressive with very little jounce or rebound felt through the wheel or pedals. Wind noise was almost totally isolated from the cabin and we were able to engage in low-volume conversation with each other. The powertrain combo proved its spec sheet merits and delivered that trademark tire-squealing GM InstaTorque. Upshifts and downshifts with the six-speed Hydra-Matic were silky smooth and the responsiveness of the manual gear select mode was impressive. Turning radius seemed pretty small as well. But the most impressive part of the quick drive comes today as I'm writing this. Ever since that day, I swore we drove a VUE XR with the 250hp 3.6l V6. The engine was very smooth, very responsive, and very powerful. Acceleration was copious. We even all deduced it was, indeed, the XR. Well, looking back at photos and noticing the equipment differences between the XE and XR trims, I realize that we really drove an AWD XE V6...that's right, the high-value 3.5l with 'only' 215hp! I really can't wait to get my hands on an XR in the future! For future versions, we all know the score: three hybrids - BAS, two-mode, plug-in - released over the next months. In case you didn't know, however, retail VUE production began April 16th and the first units are expected to reach dealerships in May. So, schedule your test drive today; you're sure to be impressed with this beauty! Now I know you're thinking, "Gee, thanks for all the pictures of gloveboxes and seats, you dork," but I feel its very important to show how well-designed this VUE is from the inside out. You'll see alot of exterior photos in the coming weeks, but probably not up-close shots like that unless you go check one out in person. * Notes from the Board - Saturn Brand Advocate Board Meeting Recap * Saturn's New Retail Look - A first look at the new face of Saturn dealerships * Building on Tradition - A Tour of Lansing Delta Township Assembly * The GM Heritage Center - A photographic tour of GM's most historic collection

Astra The compact car is definitely the bread-and-butter of Saturn. Unfortunately, its compacts have been a little too much bread and not enough butter. This is set to change dramatically, however, with the introduction of the Astra. One of the first examples of future collaboration between Saturn and Opel, the 2008 Astra will be powered by a 140hp Ecotec and get mileage comparable to the outgoing ION. Targeting younger, more educated, and more affluent owners, the Astra will certainly look the part. See the photos below. Seeing these preproduction cars first hand, the most impressive aspect was the paint quality with no noticable orange peel, something that cannot be said of many foreign-assembled compacts. Saturn reps themselves admitted the photographs simply do not do this car justice and seeing it in person confirms it. Hard creases and a beltline that was neither too high nor too low gave the 3-door XR an incredible stance. Large 18" wheels shod with summer tires filled up the wheel wells sharply while reasonable fender flares cut down on the height issues suffered by most modern hatchbacks. It would be easy to imagine this as an even cheaper, practical offshoot of the SKY. The 5-door Astra was shown in a much less stunning silver metallic, but the overall lines of the car speak beyond the color choice. Muscular and dynamic, the 5-door Astra gives off a much different vibe compared to the very feminine Mazda3. Intended to be the volume model (60% of all hatches sold are 5-doors), the wheel and tire combos lean on the side of practicality and comfort, but 17" wheels are still available. The oversized panoramic sunroof is sure to please many who are used to feeling cramped in compacts. This model was even equipped with heated cloth seats, showing that premium looks come with premium equipment. Unfortunately, I cannot share interior or engine photos as these were prepro models subject to slight changes before production begins. However, I feel confident in saying that quality, fit, and finsh is worlds beyond the ION and, unless you really love the center-mounted cluster, you'll never look back. My only concern remains with the very foreign ergonomics, something that can be judged from the Chicago pictures we've seen. I hope that Saturn is able to Americanize the Astra in ways that will make the typical American driver feel more at home. Oh, and though this may not be entirely kosher, I have to sneak in praise for bother the 3- and 5-door Astras having gas-charged hood lifters, a feature - if you're keeping record - that the G35 didn't have until this year and something many Chrysler LX cars still don't have; its therefore not common in the compact market. Kudos to Saturn for this small but meaningful touch! Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect an increase over the current ION. I believe, though, that the base Astras will have enough standard equipment to justify the price jump and will likely be cheaper than a similarly-equipped ION on the spec sheet alone. If you can put a price tag on looks and driving experience...fuggedaboutit. The Astra will roll out in late-'07/early-'08 as a 2008 model. Expect only 5-door XE and XRs and 3-door XRs at intro. No confirmation was given on bodystyle or powertrain variations, but I would all but expect a Red Line version as this is probably the first Saturn to truly receive that sort of attention. What will an Astra RL be made of, one can guess, but remember that Saturn has myriad off-the-shelf OPC components to choose from and Jill Lajdziak's committment to "play to win" in every segment her brand competes in gives me confidence in whatever the future holds. A 4-door Astra in the future would also be a welcome addition for sedan-loving Americans and something I feel Saturn should consider for the next Astra.

The Near-Future of Saturn By Brian Dreggors SKY Introduced in early 2006 as a 2007 model, Saturn's SKY was a true watershed in the Saturn lineup. Cutting through the clutter to deliver halo car performance at a ridiculous price, the small roadster proved extremely popular. Retailers quickly saw their stocks of naturally-aspirated SKYs and turbocharged SKY Red Lines evaporate before their eyes; some markets have even resorted to purchasing barely-used SKYs on eBay just to have something on the lot. With 2007s completely sold out, early adopters got bragging rights, but those who wait for '08 get the following: Standard (formerly optional) Limited-slip differential Stabilitrack Uplevel (US8) radio unit with MP3 playback, RDS, and SCV. Leather steering wheel XM satellite radio New Digital tire pressure monitoring system GM Performance Parts turbocharger kit for the 2.4l Ecotec Colors Techno Gray replaces Silver Graphite Metallic Special-Edition SKY in Carbon Flash Color Override (any interior with any exterior) for a nominal surcharge AURA Whether you're a believer or not, hybrid technology is on the rise and is here to stay. GM's first passenger car entry into the burgeoning gas-electric field in the 2008 Saturn AURA Green Line. I had the opportunity for a walkaround of the hybrid AURA at the Brand Advocate Meeting and here are some impressions. The first thing you notice are smaller 16" five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60R16 low-resistance tires that are both attractive and functional. Inside, the fact that this is a hybrid is kept low-key with major tell-tales being labeling on the speedo, a charge gauge, and an economy A/C function on the automatic climate control, a standard feature on the GL. Under the hood lies the 164hp 4cyl Ecotec. Since these were preproduction vehicles, I couldn't test drive it that day, but I hope to get some wheel time when these start rolling out. Perhaps the most surprising was the amount of retained trunk space despite the battery pack. 60/40 split-folding rear seats are still 100% usable and the cargo room taken up by the battery was no larger than having a rolled-up beach towel placed transversely across trunk. In terms of future product information, I nautrally cannot reveal everything, but suffice it to say, the next-generation AURA will be a spectacular ride. I spoke with AURA product manager Andre Kazewych at length about certain aspects of the current AURA as well as the wants and desires of current owners and non-owners alike, especially in regards to a Diesel and manual options. Saturn receives several inquiries a week about both and they are looking heavily into it in terms of future product features. Working in tandem with Opel on the next-generation Vectra and AURA provides Saturn with myriad resources in terms of powertrain and handling refinement. An encouraging sign was the fact that Kazewych enjoys the driving feel of a turbodiesel engine with its copious amounts of low-end torque as well as the high MPG. We've also heard the rumors of a wagon version of the next AURA and Saturn is very much exploring multiple bodystyles. My personal opinion is that if you like the '08 Malibu, you will like the next AURA even more. Saturn has made a big commitment to the midsize segement like they never have before, so I wouldn't expect them to short us on the next generation.

Notes from the Board Saturn Brand Advocate Board Meeting Recap By Brian Dreggors As many of you know, I was recently invited to attend the first Saturn Brand Advocate Board Meeting in Detroit, Michigan. From April 18-20th, myself and thirteen other people representing other Saturn enthusiast organizations were given an in-depth and comprehensive look at the Saturn Division, its heritage, and the direction it intends to follow into the future. I have to begin by saying that no one knows how to dazzle like General Motors. From the events, to the accommodations, to the entertainment, it’s clear that this corporation is well-versed in the art of making good first impressions. A well-appointed suite at the Renaissance Center Marriot greeted us as well as a wonderful full-course dinner at the RenCen's own Seldom Blues supper club and a private catered affair at the exclusive Heritage Center. I cannot tell you exactly what my preconceptions were, but enjoying chardonnay and tournedo of beef while discussing future vehicles with Lisa Hutchinson (Director of Product and Brand Development) not fifty feet away from the Buick Y-Job was not among them. But stepping back from the wine-and-dine - and there was plenty of both - I realized the real purpose of the Brand Advocate Meeting was not for Saturn and General Motors to show us what they’ve done, but what they can do and gather from us opinions and ideas to continue building and expanding positively. Out with the Olds... I’m not alone in lamenting the loss of the Oldsmobile division. It speaks to the impact that line of automobiles had on the American automotive community that even today over a half-decade after the shuttering was first announced, people still miss Olds. Perhaps what was most frustrating about the eventuality of Oldsmobile was not what it was as much as what it was on the verge of becoming. Groundbreaking entries like the original Aurora and Intrigue sedans along with innovations like GuideStar navigation, the 2000 Profile concept, and the OSV performance line renewed faith and reinvigorated a generation that watched as Oldsmobile's point became more and more in doubt. Now showcasing the best of American technological ingenuity and design prowess, tomorrow promised to be a bright day for Oldsmobile, conqueror of imports, proud ambassador of premium American automobiles. We all know the end of that dream, though. Sales continued to plummet and Oldsmobile is no more. Accelerate into the near future, if you will, and see with your own eyes with clarity that the destiny of Saturn is to pick up where Oldsmobile left off. See it as an aged father leaving his legacy in his son’s young hands and you’ll understand. You can only reinvent yourself so many times before losing the ability to command attention without doing something utterly dramatic; ask Madonna if you don’t believe it. Instead of trying the shed the baggage of where it came from, Saturn is perfectly poised to create a brand-new, uncluttered future for itself. All Your Sales are Belong to Us A mistake many make is underestimating the power of Saturn’s conquest ability. Many of the attendees at the Brand Advocate meetings were either import owners or import intenders who were converted by Saturn vehicles or the Saturn retailer treatment. From Al Clapsaddle, a self-confessed Toyota devotee who was so impressed with his first SL and its buying experience that he became a Saturn sales consultant himself, to Norris Jeffrey, who chose a 2007 Outlook over the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9, the proof is in the personal accounts, which are far from uncommon. The positive experiences many had with Saturn retailers and/or Saturn corporate has led to them recommending the brand to their friends, family, and acquaintances. The simple fact is that most who buy a Saturn tend not to leave the Saturn family when they buy their next vehicle. Conquest and retention is a crucial factor in the market today and the fact that the Saturn division has been so successful with an arguably mediocre lineup of cars in its early history is remarkable. Saturn is not making the mistake of resting on its laurels and continues to foster close relationships with the new generation of Saturn owners with the SKY roadster, AURA, and OUTLOOK. The problem comes in getting people to the dealerships in the first place to even look at a Saturn. This is starkly apparent with the opening numbers on the OUTLOOK, which are not only well below initial expectations, but below those of the similar but more expensive GMC Acadia. The lack of an extensive dealer network can be blamed on one end. I brought this argument up to Chuck Thomson, Director of Sales for Saturn and he assured me that they’ve taken that into consideration. He noted that Saturn’s current network of 435 retailers encompass 90% of the statistical sales volume in the market. Mr. Thomson also mentioned that recent initiatives such as the At-Home Test Drive program and 24/7 Live Chat allow retailers more ways to reach out to consumers who may not have the time or convenience to make it into a dealership regardless of where they’re located. Some dealers also make special accommodations to assist Saturn owners who live further away from their retailer and online scheduling is something that is being refined at the retailer level. The lack of advertising is another issue that is critical to Saturn’s awareness. The one-liner that Saturn has the best cars that no one’s ever heard of is rooted in fact. While enthusiasts like ourselves are so conscious of new products that we get bored when the debut commercials air, for the general consumer, it’s often the first time they become aware of the car. Rapid-fire launches of multiple products are ambitious enough from a manufacturing and logistical standpoint, but Saturn has the disadvantage of competing not only with itself for marketing money, but with every other GM division with new product as well. Asking this question to Dan Keller, Director of Marketing for Saturn. Leveraging the power of the internet is an important factor in getting to word out, he noted. Saturn’s recent marketing with Google banners and ads on popular consumer resources like Edmunds and KBB is part of this; with the latter, it’s intended that the consumer searching for information on a Camry or Accord, for example, will be shown an AURA banner ad this is dynamic and showcases quick facts about the car. Keller also made note of a new ad campaign that parallels the new product launches. I cannot mention details of the campaign or when it will be first seen, but if it’s anything like the recent AURA and OUTLOOK spots we’ve seen, they will help get more people into their local showrooms. Saturn Rising As mentioned above, Saturn is in the middle of an incredible expansion in its product lineup. I’ll cover a few of the new vehicles we were privileged to see in person and some engineering developments we can expect to see separately, but here are some quick notes. Cadillac’s turnaround took six years. Saturn’s will take 30 months. New introductions will include the 2008 VUE and Astra, including many hybrid variants of the former. By the end of 2007, the oldest vehicle in the lineup will be the SKY roadster. And yet with all this activity, Saturn plans to continue increasing build quality and refine the existing products yearly. In another piece, I will chronicle our visit to the Lansing Delta Township assembly facility, a visit that would leave doubters of GM’s new quality and efficiency commitments speechless. Perhaps most important in Saturn’s continued growth is their commitment to listening to what the consumer wants. Whether it’s a devotee, a new owner, or a non-owner, I came away from the Brand Advocate Meeting confident that Saturn is listening with open ears. And it’s not just the lip service you’d expect from a large corporation either; the midsize car manager doesn’t speak to you for half an hour about what features people want in the AURA if he really isn’t interested. And it’s that concept of never being satisfied with the status quo that drives Saturn today. As we all know, Saturn was traditionally hamstrung in terms of product development. The original S-Series lingered along way past its prime and the first few years of the L-Series were far less than ideal. Now, relatively flush with investment from General Motors, Saturn has no desire to repeat the past. Constant improvement in the form of subtle and not-so-subtle model year changes should be expected; the SKY, for example, receives quite a few owner-driven upgrades for 2008 that I will detail (along with other future product news) in another piece. This dedication to continuous change is refreshing compared to insignificant wheel and color modifications we’ve been used to from most manufacturers. Its shows the spirit Saturn has for its vehicles and creating the best entries in the segment. Revisiting dealerships for a moment, Saturn will also begin updating most of its 435 retailers with a new, streamlined look. Not only will enhance the already favorable buying experience, but likely catch the eye of those who haven’t given the Saturn facilities a second look. I will also detail this in another piece. The Pillars of Saturn Director of Product and Brand Development Lisa Hutchinson outlined for us what she referred to as the Five Pillars of the Saturn Brand, a handful of principles that guide Saturn’s evolution: Safety, Environmental Friendliness, Honestly, Dynamic Styling and Driving, and Innovation. Last two sound somewhat familiar? No doubt the waning days of Oldsmobile featured innovative and dynamic automobiles and its reassuring to see that pace is being kept by the Saturn division; after all, GM has always needed a brand to lead the way in the volume market. Honesty is but a given with Saturn and refers to the dealership experience exemplified by the no-haggle pricing, low pressure salespeople, the lack of markups on popular vehicles, and the atmosphere of the retailers. Again, there are variations as some automotive retail groups treat their Saturn franchise as just another colony in their vast empire, but on the whole, the Saturn Way has managed to hold on to – If not retake or even conquer – many customers that would otherwise leave General Motors. Again, this varies from retailer to retailer, but it was encouraging to see and hear tale of Saturn dealerships that were completely in tune with their customers, offering to help promote car clubs and sponsor club activities and charitable events, realize what goes around comes around in terms of positive word-of-mouth experiences. Environmental friendliness is also a trait more often than not associate with the division, its line of small compacts returning impressive mileage figures. The first OUTLOOK owner reports that he attains approximately 21MPG in his average driving, respectable for such a large figure. This concept of being green from production to the end of the car’s life is taking hold all across GM, as evidenced by the latest factory at Lansing Delta Township. We were assured that future Saturn models would meet or exceed previous models in fuel consumption figures despite in the increase in standard equipment. Speaking of more equipment, the safety aspect of Saturn products is improving by leaps and bounds. Side curtain airbags, pelvic airbags, and stability control along with 5-star NHTSA ratings are seen as basic prerequisites in the design of the latest models. Many people already view Saturn as a ‘safe’ car; even more will see that in the near future. Dynamic styling and driving experience is something rather new to Saturn and while tuners have been making do with the S-Series for years, the off-the-shelf Saturn has left much to be desired. Consider the increased alignment with Opel as an incredibly positive sign that handling and ride quality is something that will be inborn to every new Saturn. The Astra will be the first evidence of this cooperation and will provide North Americans will an unadulterated European sport compact like we’ve never seen before. And while the all-out performance-branded OPC models will likely never be imported as whole cars, don’t be surprised to see aspects and components of these vehicles show up in American Saturn models. On the styling front, one only needs to look at the new crop of Saturns to see cues that will set the standard for future cars – a thick, horizontal chrome grille bar, taut pulled-back greenhouses, jeweled headlamp clusters, ultrabright LED taillamp clusters, and subtle but effective fender flares. From Saturns of just five years ago, it’s like see the female chess club geek become the prom queen. Lastly, innovation is occurring at breakneck pace at Saturn. Look at the recent announcements of three different hybrid powertrain offerings in the 2008 VUE as the most compelling evidence of that. Again, returning to the alignment with Opel, Saturn is very much investigating the concept of small-displacement turbo-diesel engines. I can tell you that several of the carline managers are big fans of Opel diesels for their low-end torque and fantastic drivability, never mind the incredible fuel economy. From drivetrain engineering to individual features, Saturn is now very aware of our wants and desires. For handsfree phone aficionados, Bluetooth intregration is being worked on and - as seen in other GM products - is on its way. For OnStar users who want even more utility, GM is working on combining XM NavTraffic with Turn-by-Turn to provide real-time routing around congestion as well as remote vehicle VCM/PCM upgrading, making your ‘reprogramming’ visit to the service department a thing of the past. Born is the USA…or Mexico…or Europe… However, one aspect of Saturn’s product revitalization concerns me – globalization. As one who takes pride in owning two American vehicles assembled by Americans in an American UAW factory, it’s disconcerting to learn that at least two of Saturn’s newest vehicles – the Astra and VUE – will be manufactured offshore and imported. Jill Lajdziak is quick to point out that the Wilmington plant that produces GM’s two Kappa roadsters will also manufacturer Opel and Daewoo versions of the SKY for export and that the decision of where to manufacture a vehicle is a product of many different levels of consideration as to where it is most financially-sound and the like. Understanding that this is not a Saturn issue or even a GM issue, but a worldwide issue affecting every manufacturer puts things in perspective and perhaps enables one to understand the situation more – after all, its arguably better to have a good American car made overseas than a poor American car made here – but for a shrinking few like myself who wish for American cars to be 100% American, it’s a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. Another concern that was expressed at the Board Meeting was the subject of GM Card acceptance. Currently, accumulated GM Card earnings are not eligible for redemption on the purchase of a new Saturn vehicle and many simply wonder why, especially since Saturn is in every way another division of GM and all other GM marques accept the GM Card. This was explained in a two-fold fashion. First, being that Saturn is primarily a conquest brand, most Saturn owners are likely to not have accumulated GM Card earnings. Second, Saturn relies on bottom-line pricing and provides the most value at MSRP without a built-in ‘float’ that other GM vehicles have in their retail pricing. Reasonable as those arguments may seem, it ignores a simple premise I mentioned earlier – most people who buy Saturn stay with Saturn. If those that have GM Card earnings wish to use them on a Saturn, so be it? Again, the total number of customers with those points is probably not a whole lot, so you’re not opening the floodgates to wreak havoc on Saturn’s bottom-line pricing, rather you’re extending GM owners the option of shopping a Saturn with no penalty. As far as I know, GMS pricing and employee discounts still apply to Saturns, so why not GM Card earnings? However, this is something I was told comes up every now and then and Saturn is continually reevaluating it. Let’s hope they make the right decision on this one. Final Notes My entire experience with the Saturn management and other Saturn enthusiasts was absolutely beyond compare. Never did I expect us to receive the treatment and the opportunity we did and of course, I will tell you of those individual experiences (say it with me now) in another piece. So what did I learn? I learned that Saturn as a division does not know every single thing it’s doing yet, and that’s a ringing complement. Stagnation and the status quo are some of the most damning things in this industry, especially today. Look at the catch-up every single American manufacturer has had to engage in within the past 20 years. Some like GM and its divisions are digging themselves out successfully; others, not so much. But Saturn enters this period of sweeping revolution in the auto industry with open eyes, a clear mind, and an impassioned heart unlike any other brand or division that exists today. Most importantly, everyone in the Saturn organization has a true, tangible passion for the brand. I can see it with their actions and the light in their eyes when they talk about what’s coming around the corner and the accomplishments they’ve made. I’ve been lucky enough to witness first-hand a glimpse of a car company being born and what a feeling that is. Despite its relative young age, the passion inside and outside for Saturn is overwhelming. Though obviously not as numerous compared to other brands, the number of current Saturn car clubs are amazing considering how young the division is. You don’t see Kia clubs or Hyundai clubs – three guys with Tiburons hanging out at Taco Bell doesn’t count – and Hyundai has been selling cars for a few more years than Saturn. Again, it’s a passion that has existed, continues to, and will bolster Saturn in the future. Ask yourself if you’d like to see a car company that cares about what you think. Ask yourself if you want to watch a heritage being created before your very eyes. Ask if you’d like to see General Motors succeed in taking back what it’s lost. Ask if you want a brand to be run by passionate and devoted car guys and girls that live, breath, and eat the spirit of an outstanding American automobile. If you answered any of the above in the affirmative, then there’s a little bit of Saturn enthusiast inside of you, regardless of what you drive. QuickLinks * Saturn's New Retail Look - A first look at the new face of Saturn dealerships * Building on Tradition - A Tour of Lansing Delta Township Assembly * The GM Heritage Center - A photographic tour of GM's most historic collection * The Near-Future of Saturn - Get updated on the SKY, AURA, Astra, and come along for a quick drive in the 2008 VUE! -------------------- Special Thanks to... Jill Lajdziak - General Manager Chuck Thomson - Director of Sales (Retail Integration) Lisa Hutchinson - Director of Product and Brand Development Kyle Johnson - Director of Communications Dan Keller - Director of Marketing Lisa Sullivan - Manager of Marketing Development Scott Horn - Internet / CRM Manager Kevin Frayne - Sky & Outlook Product Manager Andre Kazewych - Aura Product Manager Liz Wetzel - Global Brand Design Director Randy Thayer - GM LDT Plant Manager Doug Rademacher - President, UAW Local 602 The Directors and Staff of the GM Heritage Center The Staff of Carlson Marketing Rick Buda - SkyRoadster.com Wally Choi - Aloha Atlanta Sky Club Al Clapsaddle - Central Ohio Saturn Car Club John LeTourneau - GF Racing Kevin Keller - Saturn Performance Club Brett Meyers - SaturnSpot.com Anita Brown - Saturn of Clearwater Charlie Brown - Nature Coast Saturn Car Club Charlie Eickmeyer - SaturnFans.com Rich McComas - Sky & Solstice Club

Yes

Here's my quick, unbiased comparison... Yeah...

You'll get the first two pieces tonight.

You don't feel it at all. When you drive even the 215hp XE, its feels swift as hell, even with the weight and the AWD. Seriously, its fast.

Uh. They tested this against a 350 and they point out the Opel's poor interior? For all the analysis, there seems to be little verbage to qualify those scores. The SLK's air conditioner rates a 41/50 while the GT's rates 27/50? What does that even mean?

Bought Major Guard when I bought my Aurora and I never regretted it. Cost about $2000 for 2/24 with a $25 deductable and seeing that it had over $8000 in warranty-covered repairs, I'd say it was worth it.

Yes.

I think we'll see nearly all Cadillacs get this technology before the model year is out. Remember, the Lucerne and DTS roll off the same line at Hamtramck; easier integration across all products built there.

Do you really look at that many mechanical parts moving in concert on something wearing a Volkswagen badge and have confidence in it?

If this is available on every Lucerne, yes.

It just doesn't look good and while certain elements of sophistication exist, the overall styling theme is head-scratching. Like art, for me to appreciate a design as being sophisticated, I have to first know what the hell it is.

Too bad Honda didn't apply the same design thoroughness to the exterior.

The grille needs to lowered or at the very least extended downward more to fill in that large billboard of unadorned mass on the front of the car. As I said in the other thread, I know why the did it - anticipation of those ignorant EUROCAP pedestrian safety regs spreading across the globe. I, for one, am sick of European regulatory idiocy casting its ugly, blunt-nosed shadow on the world. That's really one of the very, very few things wrong with this car.