SaturnFans.com has learned that the 2007 Saturn Aura will start at $20,595 when it goes on sale later next month. That's for the XE model that comes with GM's 3.5L V6 with VVT produceing 224 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque and a standard four-speed automatic. The only other model is the XR that gets a more powerful 3.6L DOHC V6 with VVT that makes a stouter 252 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque mated to the General's new 6-speed auto and starting at $24,595. While some of the Aura's competitor's may have lower base prices, none come standard with a V6. For slightly over $20K owners will also get 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control, 17-inch wheels, six airbags and a host of other standard equipment. SaturnFans.com has compiled the full feature lists for both Saturn Aura models here.
[Source: SaturnFans.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Phillip Wheeler @ Jun 12th 2006 10:28AM
What happened to the pre-production model? It looked so much better. This just looks like the slow-selling G6. I was hoping for something a little more exciting.
caffee @ Jun 12th 2006 10:52AM
It's a beautiful car and should really sale. I believe Saturn has a winner and a difference maker. A few more like this along with the new Chevy Pick-ups, Buick Enclave and a host of others(SUV's and such) from GM and they should be well on their way to a healthy rebound.
caffee @ Jun 12th 2006 10:56AM
NEW CHEVY PICK-UP UNCOVERED, GREAT PICTURES!!!!!!
http://www.speedsportlife.com/2006/06/12/2008-chevy-silverado-uncovered/
Dr. Woo @ Jun 12th 2006 10:57AM
I don't know why, but I'm totally turned off by the production Aura. I thought the concept was well-executed and had bold, aggressive lines, but this?
Totally rental.
Jake @ Jun 12th 2006 11:01AM
I think this the most beautifully proportioned GM sedan in years. Priced well too. Good luck General.
Michael Karesh @ Jun 12th 2006 11:25AM
The main differences between the stunning concept and the humdrum production car are wheels and a body kit. That's it. So the Red Line will probably look good. Problem with GM is they often reserve the best wheels and trim for the top model, such that most of the cars the public sees on the road are ugly, and public opinion forms accordingly.
As soon as I get a full price list, I'll input it into my price comparison database.
Link to future page, for those who want to bookmark it:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Aura.php
Don't click this now--you'll just end up at the site's homepage.
KanseiZM @ Jun 12th 2006 11:30AM
congratulations GM, you bought Opel and Opel has some nicely designed cars.
.. too bad you try to sell them to us as Saturns. It will take at least a decade to wipe the horrors of current/previous saturn models from my mind.
David @ Jun 12th 2006 11:30AM
I just figured out where I've seen that car before. A Dodge Stratus drove by my office window 5 minutes after reading that. That and the Aura are difficult to distinguish.
Michael Karesh @ Jun 12th 2006 11:33AM
The main differences between the stunning concept and the humdrum production car are wheels and a body kit. That's it. So the Red Line will probably look good. Problem with GM is they often reserve the best wheels and trim for the top model, such that most of the cars the public sees on the road are ugly, and public opinion forms accordingly.
Full option pricing here:
http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/futurevehicles/data/aura_pricesheet.pdf
I'll input and upload these today.
Link to future page, for those who want to bookmark it:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Aura.php
Don't click this now--you'll just end up at the site's homepage. Should be up by 5.
Drewboy @ Jun 12th 2006 12:35PM
That's very impressive looking - for a Saturn. I used to hate their designs, but this definately appears to be a step in the right direction!
Fabulo @ Jun 12th 2006 12:51PM
OMG 4 wheel disk brakes! Where's my drums?
Also, one wonder if people are going to pony up an extra 4 grand for 12% more power and torque. (I know the 3.5 is the lame pushrod found in the malibu, g6 and other, the 3.6 is OHC seen in the CTS) but still, for Joe Schmoe potential Saturn customer, I'm not sure it makes alot of sense.
At least they did not spit out an ecotec version.
No 6m though.
epp_b @ Jun 12th 2006 12:56PM
Overall, it's looks pretty good. Some of design elements need more detail, it's a kind of squarish in places, the rear end is a bit generic, and it still has a GM-ish look about it (think Cobalt for the headlights).
Nonetheless, a huge step forward for Saturn in their ongoing quest to break free of the most boring car designs ever conceived.
Alan @ Jun 12th 2006 1:00PM
Beautiful car, but I hope this Saturn does not have mechanical flaws of previous 1st season models.
reon @ Jun 12th 2006 1:04PM
I have viewed this car on the road, been inside the vehicle, it looks great inside and out. The interior is very refined and the cabin space will seat 5 adults comfortably. If the quality is there this car will sell. With Sky, Aura, Greenline Vue and Outlook, Saturn could have a chance.
PJ @ Jun 12th 2006 1:11PM
Wow... not bad. Didn't realize they were upping HP in the 3.5-liter version with VVT. It's really not a bad engine without it in the G6, Malibu, etc., but with the additional HP and top-end pull, it should be genuinely competitive. The only thing holding it back is that four-speed auto.
And the XR version? GM's 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed auto sounds like a world-class powertrain to me (the engine doesn't disappoint even in the pricier Cadillac CTS). With standard ABS and side airbags, I think this car could be one of GM's first legitimate Camry/Accord rivals.
Like Michael, I'm a little confused by all the "ugly" comments. It really is nearly identical to the show car, minus the big wheels and body kit (which nearly always get nixed between auto show and showroom). And reputation aside, I don't know that the Camry and Accord are that attractive, either.
Just to clarify things, I'm not in any way a GM fanboy. I'm just really impressed with how well Saturn appears to have kept its focus on this one.
Harry Murphy @ Jun 12th 2006 1:15PM
This has got to be the most desireable American Made sports sedan ever [Other than maybe the STS] with the SATURN winning the styling contest, the price is spot on and the standard equipment levels are incredible for an AMERICAN car. I can't wait to get my hands on the twin cam, six speed transmission version.
Aki @ Jun 12th 2006 1:25PM
These dang link-spamming commenters. Maybe if you want a popular site you should make a site people car about.
The concept was considerably more aggressive (what body kit?), but this thing's ultra generic. Between a generic saturn and a generic Camry, I can't think of a single reason why I'd opt for the former.
Howard Kerr @ Jun 12th 2006 1:31PM
It sounds like a pretty good package, but I can't help wondering how soon that "standard equipment V6" will be de-contented so a lower priced/Ecotec 4 powered model will be the new price leader. I also liked the comment qbout the 4 wheel discs...I remember (not so long ago) when GM touted it's STANDARD ON EVERY MODEL 4 WHEEL ABS.
MCS05 @ Jun 12th 2006 1:44PM
I suspect the redline version will look more like last years concept car. I am a closet GM fan who really only needs a couple of good reasons to buy and I'll be back. I look forward to seeing this car in 2 weeks and making a decision.
Michael Karesh @ Jun 12th 2006 1:45PM
AURA data uploaded.
Here are the results:
Loaded G6 vs. Aura XR: Saturn $1861 less at MSRP, only about $150 more than the G6 invoice.
Feature adjustments increase the difference to about $2,400.
Base G6 3.5 vs. Aura XE: Saturn $710 less at MSRP, about $700 over Pontiac invoice. Feature adjustments increase the difference to about $1,200.
http://www.truedelta.com/models/AURA.php