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Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA, Hatchbacks, GM, Saturn

SEMA 2007: Saturn Astra Tuner Concept


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The Saturn Astra Tuner concept that GM is bringing to SEMA is cool, but it's also a bit of a tease. The bodywork and wheels are upgraded thanks to accessory parts from OPC, Opel's in-house go-fast shop, and they all look really good. Unfortunately, the show car doesn't have the Euro market Astra OPC's 240-hp 2.0L turbo Ecotec. Instead, the Astra XR's NA 1.8L four gets a 20 horsepower bump to 160 for SEMA duty.

The car we want to see in Saturn stores is basically this, but with a Red Line badge on the tailgate and 260 horses from the DI 2.0 turbo that's seeing a lot of action lately. Since all Astras are imports, however, we'd settle for the Euro-spec 240-horsepower version of said engine. Saturn can keep those Recaros, too. We don't fancy sitting on something whose deco pattern could realistically be called "rusted shipping container." Make 'em a solid color, however, and we're all good. Follow the jump for the full mod list from the General.

[Source: GM]





PRESS RELEASE:
SATURN ASTRA TUNER CONCEPT

With its lean, taught bodywork stretched over a long wheelbase and wide track, the all-new Saturn Astra has an undeniably sporty stance. Fortunately, its European-inspired driving dynamics and energetic 1.8L Ecotec engine back up those aggressive good looks with commensurate performance, making the Astra prime material for all-out tuner treatment. Saturn got the ball rolling at SEMA with the Astra Tuner, a concept vehicle that applies some of the latest bolt-on performance and appearance components to show what's possible with this all-new compact. The Astra Tuner is based on a production XR three-door and features approximately 20 more horsepower and a lowered ride height. Numerous exterior enhancements – including 19-inch wheels –give the car a racier look. It may be the first, but this unique Saturn certainly won't be the last personalized Astra.

Vehicle highlights:

* Astra XR three-door
* 1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder with approximately 160 horsepower, via exhaust header, cold-air intake and modified throttle body
* Five-speed manual transmission
* Lowered ride height
* New front and rear fascia extensions
* New grille surround finish
* Tinted headlamps, taillamps and windows
* Rear center-outlet exhaust
* Production side moldings deleted
* High-performance Recaro seats
* Unique interior trim
* Unique sill plates and parking brake handle

GM Accessories (production and concept)

* OPC 19-inch wheels (concept)
* OPC rockers (concept)
* OPC rear spoiler
* GMA pedals (part number 93183691)
* Blaupunkt sound system

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