Spy Shots: Next-gen Opel Vectra/2010 Saturn Aura
by John Neff on Jul 18th 2007 at 12:55PM 
click above image for more views of this Opel Vectra mule testing in the U.S.
Though they look similar, the current Saturn Aura and its European cousin, the Opel Vectra, do not share the exact same platform as many mistakenly believe. General Motors will correct this when the next-generation of each car arrives, and we've already seen a number of spy shots showing a new Opel Vectra being tested in disguise.
These spy shots we bring you today are no different, except instead of being taken in some far off land, they were taken in Death Valley, U.S.A. This is the first time we've seen the new Vectra being tested in the U.S., and for that matter, with so little covering. It's easy to see through the camo to the Vectra's new styling, which is heavily derivative of the Opel GTC Concept that debuted in Geneva last March. That's fine with us, as the GTC is a stunning coupe concept and adding two more doors has hardly lessened the design's appeal. We particularly like the swoop that starts where the A-pillar meets the base of the windshield and then carves a nice line into the front door. It reminds us of a similar swoop on the rear doors of the Toyota Camry, though with a more subtle and tasteful execution. The size of the front and rear overhand is a little alarming, as we think the design would be served better by pushing the wheels out to the corners, but overall the proportions are right on. The car looks neither heavy nor insubstantial, and it appears wider than the current models, as well.
The next-generation Opel Vectra will debut first, and then around 2010 we'll get our version in the form of a new Saturn Aura. It shouldn't be difficult at all to extrapolate what the next Aura will look like from these pics, as we expect a different grille to be the biggest difference.
[Photos: KGP Photography]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Avinash machado 1:01PM (7/18/2007)
I think the next generation Malibu will also be built on the same platform.
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Sam 1:04PM (7/18/2007)
It's going to be an amazing looking car. The proportion seems to be perfect from front to rear to side. Kudos to the designers.
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Ligor 1:46PM (7/18/2007)
if you went to the Nissan dealer today you could pick it up. this car looks like a copy cat of the Altima (in looks),
but I bet the 3.5L from Nissan will outgun the 3.6L expected on this car
JIM IN TAMPA 1:13PM (7/18/2007)
Saturn is hitting some home runs lately. I hope they keep it up.
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jg 1:18PM (7/18/2007)
Is that a Bangle butt I see?
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jg 1:19PM (7/18/2007)
Is that a Bangle butt I see?
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lawtrainee 5:11PM (7/18/2007)
My friend just got a Saturn Aura 6-speed top of the line for 24K, a lot of nice options, more than the Camry at that price, the problem is, he gets 18mpg, even with the 6-speed. Maybe its the new car stomp on the gas syndrome, but that kind of mileage is terrible.
I rented a Pontiac G6 for a vacation last year, it had on its digital computer only 12 mpg for the entire 7k miles it had on it. Granted these cars are built on the same platform but that kind of mileage is unconscionable.
Maybe this new platform will correct that.
Tip to designers, the BMW 5-series and 08 CTS have these great looking fenders, copy that on this saturn and do something about that mileage and maybe more Americans will buy it than the Accord.
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The Other Bob 10:17AM (7/19/2007)
A quick glance at the computer to determine mileage means nothing. For all you know the cars have been driven like like they live on the dragstrip.
As problematic as EPA estimates are, it is still the best way to compare apples to apples.
Here are the EPA estimates for the Aura and few competitors that have been tested for 2008. All are equipped with 6 speed autos and upgraded V-6 engine:
Aura XR 17 city, 20 combined, 26 hwy
Camry 19 city, 22 combined, 28 hwy
Passat 17 city, 20 combined, 26 hwy
All within 2 mpg of each other.
DJ 1:31PM (7/18/2007)
The forward half and grille of this look a lot like the Insignia concept a few years back. I'd say that Sir Bob has the General rolling again!
http://www.gmeurope.com/frankfurt2003/thumbnail_opel_concept_i.html
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Richard S. 1:31PM (7/18/2007)
I don't understand why Saturn did not keep the name Vectra for the car. That way it could better improve the new direction of Saturn which is to basically be an American Opel. The next small Saturn will be named the Astra as the Opel already is. After the Vectra (Aura), Saturn should have brought in the Omega (similar to Pontiac G8) and allow Saturn to steal sales from the Toyota Avalon. Heck, they should also bring the Corsa and compete with the Honda Fit which dealers can't keep it in stock, as sales skyrocket. I don't get it. The market wants an Astra and Corsa. GM already build them. Why not spend a little to federalize it and bring it here? No wonder Toyota is killing GM.
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Vectortrance 1:52PM (7/18/2007)
Im fairly sure I read somewhere that the Corsa is supposed to be brought over by 2010.
roar 1:45PM (7/18/2007)
Richard, you cannot believe that it is that simple. Importing vehicles makes little financial success unless you bring them in from a country that has favorable exchange rates, Japan, Mexico, ect. it is not Europe. Retooling a plant to build the product takes huge capital. I am sure that at some time the Astra, Corsa, etc will be assemble here and then we will have the products.
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Richard S. 10:39PM (7/22/2007)
Well the Corsa can be built in Mexico or brought from Brazil where it is already built. Also, I don't know where the Euro Corsa is built, but I would think that it may be built in a low-wage country such as Hungary or Poland.
Honda had great success with the Fit. Then Toyota quickly (and smartly) followed with its Yaris. Compare Toyota's reaction speed with GM and you will understand why Toyota is the new #1 ahead of GM.
1231234 1:45PM (7/18/2007)
This thing is littered with toyota and lexus design cues.
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Finesse 1:54PM (7/18/2007)
Far off Land = Death Valley
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jg 2:56PM (7/18/2007)
The grill looks slightly Audi-ish.
Should be a sweet looking GM vehicle when it comes along. I just hope its quality after 5 years closely resembles its initial quality.
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bmoredlj 3:06PM (7/18/2007)
Very nice looking. I agree that the proportions are spot on from every angle; even the rear, which is NOT a bangle-butt.
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jg 4:27PM (7/18/2007)
How is it not a Bangle butt?
Dave in MI 4:04PM (7/18/2007)
Does this mean no Red Line version of the current Aura? 2010 is only 2 my's away.
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Matthew 6:30PM (7/18/2007)
Chris Bangle continues to be vindicated...
This car doesn't have any rear head room (or the centre point is too tall). I'll hit my head on the roof trying to get into the back seat. Not much boot/trunk space either. I suppose the designers are more concerned with looks than function. Apart from that it looks good.
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