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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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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
zamafir @ Oct 29th 2007 12:17AM
infinitely more attractive then the cobalt.
naggs @ Oct 29th 2007 1:36AM
thats for damn sure
John R @ Oct 29th 2007 7:17AM
True. But that's not really saying a whole lot...
Justin @ Oct 29th 2007 11:29AM
To be fair it's a lil more expensive too. But I actually think the cobalt coupe with the right trim looks quite good also.
I don't really like the astra's stance though (Although I do need to see it in person). It looks either too tall or has too much ground clearance or something, the opposite of my 1990 accord, which has a suprisingly sporty stance.
Jon @ Oct 29th 2007 12:29AM
Say what you will, those seats look comfy.
shadysi @ Oct 29th 2007 12:51AM
say it with me... RE-CA-RO
:)
naggs @ Oct 29th 2007 1:40AM
wheels are way too big for the car 17s are perfect.
this thing in redline form with the DI ecotec would be the undisputed king of hot hatches
seats should be just flat black, other than the color, they look great, very supportive
why not the LS2LS7? @ Oct 29th 2007 1:49AM
I love it, including the rusted shipping container interior.
Maestro1 @ Oct 29th 2007 2:25AM
I used to have this car in Europe (1.8L SRi). Had it in silver and no recaro seats, but it was a damn good car - and it will absolutely be a damn good car when it comes over here.
Hell, I learned to drive in the 2nd generation model (I think that's the one before this design in europe :P). Too bad they aren't bringing the OPC here, or at least an SRi with a bit more power.
the marais @ Oct 29th 2007 10:08AM
I think that 240hp in a FWD car is overkill. A better choice for the N/A market is that new Opel 180hp 1.6L Turbo Ecotec. Smaller displacement, maybe better MPG. Geez, or how about the HHR / Cobalt SS engines? Why those are not options for 2008 is killing me.
GM, are you listening???
RicardoHead @ Oct 29th 2007 10:24AM
Those seat ..... are never ..... gonna ..... git ya laid.
Rick @ Oct 29th 2007 10:45AM
That car looks so dorky sitting so high off the ground. They are trying to make it sporty and tuned, but they need to deal with wheel size and suspension first.
psarhjinian @ Oct 29th 2007 12:43PM
I think this is a North American thing. Whether by design or by regulation, cars seem to be built to be able to accomodate tire chains.
Other than BMW and Mercedes, everyone shows a little too much wheel arch.
Philip @ Oct 29th 2007 11:29AM
It looks wicked to me, seats, wheels and and exterior paint all work, Its different, it will get you noticed lads, Id say the babes would be impreseed by those seats.
juce @ Oct 29th 2007 1:27PM
Does anyone here know how to get a picture into a blog to advertise merchandise? such as what we are looking at on autoblog?
RockStoneSteel @ Oct 30th 2007 10:55PM
Looks awesome. The one thing keeping me from buying this is that lame torsion beam rear suspension just like they put on the Cobalt.
Unfortunately, manufacturers are still confusing small cars with cheap cars. I want a premium small car with excellent drive train, suspension, and features. I don't want a pig with lipstick.
Ron James @ Nov 1st 2007 6:55AM
We have had our eye on the Astra for some time - currently my family all drives VWs. including TWO GTIs in the current immediate family. So - we know what brought us to the VW brand - a premium drivetrain with premium interrior in a small package. Doesn't hurt that VW pumps AT LEAST 180 HP into the old 1.8Ts, and now 200 HP from the 2.0.
So - this car COULD be an alternative. BUT IT ISN"T, because GM chose to put the lame version of the Ecotec into it, in spite of the fact that they A) have the hot engine in Europe and B) put the 260 HP Ecotec motor into the HHR SS model. Why in a TRUCK but not a hot hatch? Lord help us all.
It is so frustrating, as I'm really pulling for GM (Cadillac racing and all), but the corporate wigs think if a car LOOKS cool 'the kids will buy it'. Well - maybe with a $12,000 Cobalt, but this car has the potential to be a hot hatch competitor in the $20-25K tuner market, and we get merely 'tantalized'?
Come on GM - you're CLOSE. Don't stop now - bring the hot Ecotec, it's a cool motor. And this COULD be a cool car.