Revitalization in Action imagines a dream lineup for Saturn
You may remember the group Revitalization in Action as the well-intentioned GM fanboys that got tired of waiting around for their favorite automaker to fix itself, so went ahead and did it themselves. Composed of GMInsideNews forum members ChevroletRevived, fbodyrules and new member NSAP, the RIA has already dreamed up entirely new product portfolios for Buick, Saab and Pontiac. It's fun to watch these guys imagine a GM with bottomless pockets and limitless imaginations, and today we get to see that fun formula applied to Saturn. Saturn already stands as GM's fastest growing brand, though that title stems from the fact that this year it's offering more models than it ever has before. Nevertheless, GM requires a successful Saturn to complete its turnaround, and the RIA think they've conjured a new lineup that will do the trick. Aside from envisioning the redesigns of current models like the Aura (shown above), Sky, Outlook and upcoming Astra, the RIA also builds out the lineup by adding the small Corsa-based Saturn Signal hatchback and Lambda-based sport-utility-truck, the Saturn Switch (shown right). A case can be made for both new models as the arrival of Opel's new Corsa is already almost a lock, and we're betting that unibody pickups are going to come on very strong in the next few years.
Also check out the addition of interior views to Saturn's dream lineup thanks to the addition of NSAP to the RIA team. As with all RIA dream lineups to date, the dream powertrain lineups are just that, a dream. It will be a long time before every single Saturn model has a Green Line variant and the RIA team is way too optimistic when it comes to how powerful they suppose each model will be. Nevertheless, there are much worse things that could happen to Saturn than to end up with a lineup like this.
[Source: GM Inside News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tom 1:06PM (9/25/2008)
I have a 2003 vue and love it . I shopped around and went back to saturn for it reputation. I love the new line up of cars and the designs are modernand classy . gm has finally got something .
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Viv 8:06PM (5/14/2007)
I love the benz inspired revision of the aura. it looks very good.
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Mike G 8:08PM (5/14/2007)
Awesome
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JT 8:17PM (5/14/2007)
if only...
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3cubedminus3squared 8:18PM (5/14/2007)
The aura looks nice, but I don't think Saturn needs a Ridgeline.
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DJ 8:21PM (5/14/2007)
They mention having VW in their crosshairs. I think a better and very accessable target is Acura. Bring on the models listed and add the Insignia concept as an RL fighter.
By the way, I mentioned it before and I'll mention it again.....Bob Lutz for President in 2008. (I know, he was born in Austria and can't run, but....)
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far jr 8:33PM (5/14/2007)
Those are some sharp exteriors! I would love to have that Aura in my driveway. The Lamda based truck would be worthless to me with than puny truck bed.
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Mike 8:41PM (5/14/2007)
Wow. Saturn, make this happen.
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sk 8:47PM (5/14/2007)
#5 Bob Lutz was born in Switzerland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Lutz
just for the records
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Seminole 8:47PM (5/14/2007)
Someone needs to get Bob Lutz to hire these guys immediately. That Aura is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen. If GM really wants a turn around go balls to the wall with models like those. The interiors, the exteriors, my god. They are all gorgeous.
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Bill 8:57PM (5/14/2007)
Beautiful renderings. If this is truly the future of Saturn, then they just may win me over. Hot diesel Astra please...
A lot of people will react negatively to the truck, but I think there is potential. The Ridgeline gets criticism from enthusiasts, but it's very sensible and people who have them seem to love them. It's a little ahead of it's time I think. It is not a contractor's truck, and isn't meant to be, but it is a smart vehicle that addresses how many average people actually use a truck, vs. the fantasy idea of a truck (off roading, pulling a house, stuff many owners never do). The Ridgeline was just the beginning of something different, and it's still early, but maybe Saturn would be smart to think of some kind of a car-based truck.
One thing they left out is a Saturn tall wagon like an Opel Meriva or something along the lines of the Mazda5. That could easily be an Astra variant. It's still a niche type of vehicle, but I think that niche will grow.
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Test_Drive 9:27PM (5/14/2007)
The Aura looks dame good. It gives me a flashback of the Olds Aurora!!!!
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mk 9:48PM (5/14/2007)
the aura revision looks good, because it is a productionized sedan of the GTC concept coupe. Both sedan and coupe should be produced, WITH the AWD.
Aside from that, and the Sky Redline, I don't really care so much.
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Ligor 9:47PM (5/14/2007)
now, we have an Acura contender from GM - if only they can be the RWD (but wait the cadillac brand is doing that), so what's the point of Saab - just sell it and focus on your own product.
i find it hard for GM to have so many brands and not have internal competition (though better internal then external)
great job
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pOOma 10:19PM (5/14/2007)
I post there and those guys should be working for GM years ago, they have some of the best ideas that can really shake up GM.
They have gone as far as having the GM god him self Bob Lutz answering some of their questions.
kudos to the GMI crew for creating such great line up.
Bravo guys!
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hrudu 10:47PM (5/14/2007)
Thank you your help GERMANY,
Thank you OPEL!!!
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Petey 11:09PM (5/14/2007)
I wonder how 'AMAZIMG' those renderings would look without the 20inch rims and air tight body panel gaps.
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Jaymez 11:16PM (5/14/2007)
Love the Switch desgin, but, make it smaller - closer to the Colorado size, make it available with a driveline that's not AWD, and give it better mileage than the current trucks and I could see me being interested.
Oh, and it'd need a mid gate for larger cargo. Not so much like the Avalanche, but, better than what the Baja offered.
As much as I hate small vehicles, I'm feeling it too much at the pumps.
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Devin 11:37PM (5/14/2007)
Wow, i wouldn't hesitate to purchase any of these "concept" vehicles (minus the Switch, i just believe in real pickups). RIA has done a great job with all of the brands they have "overhauled", and I can't wait to see what they do to Chevy and Caddy (not like Caddy is too bad right now).
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Matt 1:43PM (5/16/2007)
"I wonder how 'AMAZIMG' those renderings would look without the 20inch rims and air tight body panel gaps."
Oh, you mean you've never seen a VW?
I think these concepts are great! The uni-body truck idea isn't THAT FAR ahead of it's time. In fact, part of the team responsible for the Honda Ridgeline are a couple ex-GM engineers who proposed a similar concept about 10 YEARS AGO. GM shelved it, and these bright guys wound up at Honda.
SO it's more like, GM dropped the ball once. Now they have a chance to catch up, but will they drop the same ball AGAIN?
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