Good looks, good powertrain news about the trans. I hope they do well with this sedan. I purchased a L-Series for my wife and it was a piece of crap. This would be a great way to rebound if all goes well. They might even get me to buy one!

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This may not be earth shattering news but I am very excited about this car. My wife's Buick rainier will be about ready to turn in around the time the Aura is released.

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If it looked like that pic, I'd consider buying one!

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It won't look like the pic. The bean counters and marketing will see to that. It also won't come with nice large wheels.

They would have been better off making it RWD.

Good looks aside, if the quality isn't there it will just be another POS from GM.

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Aura or G6? G6 or Aura? Arrgh!

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POS?

Probably. Likely, actually.

But it does look good.

I think those Saturn designer boys have been over to visit their peers @ Opel.

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This was annoiunced on GM's media site omn 8/25/2005.

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=2&docid=17537

" New Hydra-Matic 6T70 Six-Speed Automatic Delivers Performance and Fuel Economy

Innovative, efficient transmission to debut on 2007 Saturn Aura

* First GM Powertrain front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic transmission
* Advanced clutch-to-clutch operation and wide 6.04:1 overall ratio spread
* Co-developed by GM and Ford Motor Co.
* Applicable to FWD and AWD powertrain layouts
* Torque capacity to 280 lb.-ft.
* Shift speeds up to 7000 rpm
* 32-bit intelligent controller included in sophisticated internal transmission electro-hydraulic control module (TEHCM)
* Built at GM Powertrain�s assembly plant in Warren, Mich.

MILFORD, Mich. � General Motors new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel drive vehicles, will debut in the all-new 2007 Saturn Aura midsize sedan. Co-developed with Ford Motor Co., the new six-speed joins the already announced Hydra-Matic six-speed rear-wheel drive family of automatics and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic as part of GM�s mission to produce 3 million six-speed automatics annually by 2010. "

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Dick, The Aura is an Opel Vectra with changed front, rear and interior.
Chris you are wrong on this one. I saw the new Aura and it looks just like the prototype did at this years N.A. car show. And have you looked at the 06 Vue, it's a completely different car inside. Everything looks, fits and feels well.
I think Saturn could have a real winner with the new Aura car.

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Nice. A real engine, real transmission, and good looks were all the Malibu and G6 needed, and now it's got them. Now just make that steering more realistic and you've got a winner.

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Atta boy, #1. Turn the other cheek, it's a GM owner's tradition!

I bet when Ford uses this transmission they don't call it a Hydra-Matic.

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Chris, you stated "It also won't come with nice large wheels."

So, just out of curiosity, what do you consider to be "large"? It won't roll out of the factory with 20s, that's for sure. But if you have realistic expectations, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the OEM wheel/tire package.

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I hope the Aura looks like the photo and its 6 speed A/T is a winner, but I'd wait at least a year before buying one.

Remember the Saturn ION's 5-speed A/T and the coupe's and VUE's CVT? Both were replaced by a 4-speed A/T a year or 2 later.

Was GM using its customers to test unproven major components?

What kinds of problems are those unfortunate purchasers of 5-speed automatics and CVTs having now? And will those orphaned cars have much of any resale value at all?

I like the Saturn brand and considered buying one a couple of years ago. But GM hasn't done much to instill confidence. I hope that's changing now.

iQuack');">Reply

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Wow, Saturn is making better strides, kind of like Hyundai with that new Sonata.

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#4:

It does look like the pic! Isn't that strange? Yeah, I saw it in person, so I would know. It's interior is really nice.

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If I were shopping for a 4 dr family sedan, if it looks anything like the concept, it would be high on my list. I've always admired Opel design, and to be able to buy it down the street would be nice...

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Wow, it's amazing how many people trash the car even before seeing the bloody thing just b/c its' made by GM? I think GM is trying hard to turn things around. The company seems to be getting good product out, albeit slowly. I for one will wait till' 2007 to pass judgement. Those who trash ANY car without seeing or driving it are either childish, or trying to justify a purchase. Car people are objective.

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#16 Welcome to Autoblog!

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Best thing about the Saturn is that it's not a Ford.

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I think GM finally started to put itself in the right direction with this car. If they are able to make their other cars a lot nicer
and keep SAABs(made in Sweeden) then I will take everything bad back what was said about them.

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The car is clearly a winner in my book. I like the fact that the emphasis was put on that the tranny is suitable for both FWD and AWD configurations.

I would love to see an all wheel drive version of this car!

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