Saturn Aura
| Saturn Aura | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 2006–2009 |
| Model years | 2007–2010 |
| Assembly | United States: Kansas City, Kansas (General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Midsize family car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | GM Epsilon platform |
| Related |
Chevrolet Malibu Fiat Croma Opel Signum Opel Vectra C Pontiac G6 Saab 9-3 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 112.3 in (2,852 mm) |
| Length | 190.9 in (4,849 mm) |
| Width | 70.3 in (1,786 mm) |
| Height | 57.6 in (1,463 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,781 lb (1,715 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Saturn L-Series |
| Successor | Buick Regal/Buick Lacrosse |
The Saturn Aura is a midsize family sedan that was produced by Saturn. It debuted as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January 2005. The production model of the Aura was shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April, with production commencing in North America in the summer of 2006 for the 2007 model year. The Aura replaced the Saturn L-Series, which was discontinued after the 2005 model year. Although Saturn had never intended to use the Aura name for the production vehicle, the name ended up sticking as a result of the popularity of the concept.
The Aura was considered an important model for both Saturn and General Motors. It was part of a product rejuvenation for Saturn intended to make the brand profitable as well as competitive with European imports. Reaction to the Aura was positive, both in terms of reviews and sales. The Saturn Aura was the 2007 North American Car of the Year.
The concept used a 252 hp (186 kW) 3.6 L V6 and a new 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. That powertrain was offered in the production model known as the XR. Also introduced was the 3.5 L V6 with 219 hp (163 kW), down from 224 in 2007 in the XE, and the hybrid 164 hp (122 kW) 2.4 L inline-4, down from 170 hp (127 kW), in the Greenline. The Aura, developed on the GM Epsilon platform, was available only as a sedan and was built at the Kansas City, Kansas, Fairfax Assembly plant.
This vehicle was discontinued after the 2010 model year as a direct result of the Saturn division being terminated for that same year. It was later revealed that a second-generation model based on the Vectra's replacement, the Insignia, was due to be released. However, with the discontinuation of the Saturn marque, the Insignia was offered to Buick, who released it as the fifth-generation Buick Regal. The Saturn AURA was later replaced by the then-new redesigned 2011 Buick Regal, and the then-new redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse.
...
Wikipedia