New York Auto Show: 2007 Saturn Outlook rollout
There's little doubt that General Motors turned its eyes to Saturn for this show, as evidenced by production introductions of the 2007 Outlook, Aura, and Sky Red Line.
If not in sales, perhaps the most significant move by GM is the dawning of the 8-passenger Outlook, which places the ringed marque into a new segment (and likely a new high-water MSRP). Twinned with the upcoming GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave on the General's new Lambda platform, if nothing else, Outlook impresses with its size inside and out.
With a large chrome grille packing the biggest Saturn emblem to date, the front end of the Outlook is certainly aggressive, both in photographs and in person. While not exactly 'pretty,' it doesn't want for presence. If anything, the nose looks like a more accomplished Relay, had Saturn had the financial wherewithal to start with a clean sheet. In fact, the advent of the Outlook itself calls into question the need for the Relay minivan, though the final verdict will need to wait until pricing is announced. Bookending the sizeable grille are clear-lensed dual element projector beams (high-intensity discharge lamps will be available).
Hit the jump for more impressions and photographs inside-and-out
For the moment, at least, the sole powerplant for the Outlook is GM's 3.6-liter V6 VVT. Employing variable valve timing, the uprated XR model (signified by a dual exhaust) puts out 267 hp and 247 lb.-ft. of twist. The lesser single-piped XE is close behind, with 265 hp and 244 lb.-ft. of torque. Regardless of trim spec, powerplants will be yoked to a new Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic, and will be available in front and all-wheel drive.
Arguably the best part of the new Outlook is what's inside. The interior itself appears well laid-out and built from reasonable materials and switchgear, though the IP's design itself is on the unadventurous side, and the fake wood is unlikely to fool anyone. Despite the straightforward execution, there are well-resolved details: the center armrest slides back and forth with a smooth, cultivated action, and the glovebox descends about as slowly as anything we've seen. The plain-looking steering wheel at least feels good in the hands, and the buttons thereon fall easily to hand.
We sat in all three rows (doing the industry standard sit-behind-yourself test), and head and legroom was commendably accommodating in all three rows. While passengers in the way back will have to clamber a bit to get back to the third row, entry and exit is easily more dignified than in vehicles like the Ford Freestyle and Jeep Commander (both of which are likely cross-shops, despite their markedly different executions). Likewise, the Outlook's available lebensraum is far superior, with a pair of 6' gentlemen journalists telling us they had enough head and leg room. Admittedly, the second row can slide back and forth to divvy up available space, but it's still quite impressive packaging, particularly given that there remains room in the cargo hold for more than a couple of grocery bags when all three rows are in use.
All in all, at first blush it's a pretty impressive package... we just can't figure out why it isn't wearing a Bowtie on the grille, or how it draws the Saturn's mission into focus.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Brian 2:45PM (4/12/2006)
This is probably one of the best looking SUV's that will be on the road.
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DJ 2:54PM (4/12/2006)
Indeed a very impressive package. Does the rear most sear recline? The seat back looks very upright. It looks like Saturn may yet get its groove back.
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Ebm14 2:58PM (4/12/2006)
It has the MDX front from the Acura.
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Shoaib 2:58PM (4/12/2006)
Looks really awesome, can't wait for the Buick Enclave!!!
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Gilbar 2:58PM (4/12/2006)
Looking good. Nitpicks:
1. They could have done a better job integrating the logo into the steering wheel. Rebadged GM wheel doesn't work here.
2. The multiple colors around the center stack just doesn't work for me. The black throws it all off.
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doug 3:01PM (4/12/2006)
Makes the Edge look cheesy inside by far. Hopefully Ford is realistic on pricing.
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Talis 3:03PM (4/12/2006)
Although I like the new Saturn lineup, I do not like the business modle GM has made for Saturn. If it is an Opel by any other name, then just import the fricken' Opel... if it takes the place of Oldsmobile, then why cut Olds in the first place?!?! Ok legacey costs--the "not your father's car" thing. Thats easy to break whit a 442 or a hurst/olds edition.
Then there is also the "no hagel pricing" thing Saturn has, that's fine when you offer no vehicle that prices over $25,000. For all of you who are compeled to buy the Relay at it's upper cost of a little less than 30K, you are stupid and should be shoping elsewhere, maybe a Honda would do you better. So when this thing rolls on to the showroom floor expect the "new high water MSRP" to cause customers to actually want to hagel.
I have looked at Saturn before; I had a '94 Grand AM that blew up and I needed a new car FAST. When I looked at the Saturn I was unaware that the no hagel really ment no-freakin-hagel. I almost blew up when the salesperson told me Saturn does no lower the price by negotation. But for all of you who do not understand how to hagel and are afrade the dealer will sell your car from under you (a friend of mine waited a week [7 days] beofre the dealer consented). Fine get ripped of by Saturn and buy a plastic POS for up to 5,000 more than you should. I'll buy the GMC for less and get a nicer truck, sorry, CUV.
Other than the fact that it is a Saturn I like this thing, you'll see me pimping the GMC, Chvey, or Buick versions.
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Nate Wesley 3:11PM (4/12/2006)
I really like the front clip...it is agressive looking, and I can tell it's a Saturn to boot. I wouldn't mind the faux wood if it didn't look so 'orange', but that might just be the photography. Otherwise, no major complaints for the interior.
I see the Outlook is getting the same modernized GM 3.6 V6 the new Aura sedan is getting...both initially seem to be a credible one-two punch for Saturn. But that seems to validate the writer's ponderance of Saturn's new role.
Nobody'd fault Buick getting an upscale version or maybe Chevy getting a value-oriented version. With both of those brands having more of a dealer imprint, it'd seem they'd have better potential for good sales numbers.
But with Saturn as the youngest brand, maybe it isn't such a bad idea putting your flagship-quality vehicles here. Chevy and Buick have their hardcore loyalists and their detractors, while Saturn doesn't seem to really have either yet. Focusing upon the brand with the biggest growth potential probably make sense in some fashion, I don't know.
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s 3:12PM (4/12/2006)
That dashboard is cheap looking!
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AthleT 3:13PM (4/12/2006)
Give me plz link for the site of this Auto Show. I want see other cars
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Mike Homeniuk 3:22PM (4/12/2006)
I also see the MDX in the front, along with the Honda Stepwagen (not a pretty face!)....a little bit of Sequoia in the rear flanks. Interior is el-cheapo...
is that a beige & grey or cream and grey mixture?, or is it just the photos....and the plastiwood doesn't help either. Yet another "tank" for the supersize me crowd.
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Optimus Prime 3:22PM (4/12/2006)
Agree with #8. Cheap looking dash and interior. And, way too many colours (4 main ones), unnecessary lines, and textures. Sort of like a mish-mash of trim bits that were put together without regard for how they would look together.
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Source1 3:29PM (4/12/2006)
It looks like an evolved Sorento. The interior looks bargain basement compared to its competitors like the Santa Fe.
http://www.hyundainews.com/presskit2007/photos/07SantaFe_4.jpg
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Carzzi 3:34PM (4/12/2006)
If Microsoft's Outlook software is any indicator, the new Saturn's crash rating can't be any good!!
Besides, looks like the Saturn group's finally coming up with some interesting vehicles, even though their naming department needs to get off their wrongly prescibed Ritalin.
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starlightmica 3:55PM (4/12/2006)
Looks like a minivan for people who don't want to be seen in one. Will the Acadia be a badge engineered version?
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Puff Chippy 4:08PM (4/12/2006)
Highly impressive inside and out. Should be a huge seller for GM if they can price it competitively.
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Q DuB 5:11PM (4/12/2006)
I just want to say that grammar and spelling needs to be taught in schools again. That is all. By the way, the Outlook looks like it's going to be a very nice vehicle.
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David 5:41PM (4/12/2006)
Finally someone at GM is listening. Just put Saturn (or Opel) in charge of everything.
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the chad 1:46AM (4/13/2006)
1. "All in all, at first blush it's a pretty impressive package... we just can't figure out why it isn't wearing a Bowtie on the grille, or how it draws the Saturn's mission into focus." -Amen Chris, with you 100%
2. Please tell me the photographer didn't adjust his camera properly for the lighting. That blueish grey plastic & orangeish looking wood kills the rest of a gorgeous car.
3. I'll second the MDX face
4. Umm, doesn't Saturn have a square logo? Why can't GM give them a steering wheel with a spot for one. the plastic circle just ain't cuttin' it...
5. Center stack=well finished but bland. Too much matte grey with nothing going on in it.
6. Please no more sillver cars!!!! Its soooo much nicer in the [2] red pics.
7. Second row seats look genius!
8. Give this, the Sky, and Aura to Pontiac instead of Saturn-it would help Pontiac on its way to "BMW-fighting". Cobalts aren't gonna get them there, these would be great stepping stones (w/ good sporty driving dynamics) for Pontiac though.
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Don L 8:05AM (4/13/2006)
#13, you are comparing the professionally-shot images of the Hyundai to digital snapshots of the Outlook. I think the Outlook's interior looks good on their website, but I agree it looks pretty bad in the snapshots.
http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/futurevehicles/index.jsp?futureModelLink=outlook
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