Autoblog

The coolest option Saturn Vue didn't get: Opel Antara's Flex-Fix

Alex Nunez — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, SUV, Etc., Europe, Opel

Click image for Flex-Fix gallery

We've reported on the Opel Flex-Fix system before. It's the ingeniously cool, fully-integrated bicycle carrier option that made its debut on the Corsa and next appeared on the Antara SUV. Many of us had high hopes that Flex-Fix would survive the translation from Opel Antara to Saturn Vue, but alas, that's not the case. Our understanding is that federal crash regs are responsible, so Americans will need to buy racks or just throw their two-wheelers in the back for the drive to the trail. Too bad, because Flex-Fix is an elegant, innovative solution. On the Antara, it adds €650 to the purchase price. The rack is there for two bikes when you need it, and it's totally hidden in a drawer behind the rear bumper when you don't. Click the gallery below for several new photos showing the Flex-Fix system in use on the Antara, and click on either of the two links above for additional background. What a bummer that this option couldn't make it into the Vue.

[Source: Opel]

Gallery: Opel Flex-Fix Hidden Bicycle Rack

The coolest option Saturn Vue didn't get: Opel Antara's Flex-Fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Pimp my Vue" preview? Cobra accessories for Opel Antara

Alex Nunez — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Europe, Opel

Click image for photo gallery

The new 2008 Saturn VUE is almost upon us, but in Europe, it's been out for a while as the Opel Antara. As such, accessories for the Euro-spec car have already hit the scene. The latest batch comes from Cobra Technology & Lifestyle, whose stuff we've covered before. They offer up a full tubular grille guard for the soft-roader, which seems excessive until you think about the way some people park on the street both in Europe and here in the U.S. It's probably just as useful for warding off errant parallel-parking Renaults as it is for branches and brush.

A more subtle front guard is also available, as is a matching set for the rear bumper. A rocker rail with integrated steps aids entry (not that the Vue/Antara has a jacked-up ride by any means), and a traditional running board is also available for those who prefer that look. Finally, Cobra's got a nice set of 18" alloys for the little ute. None of it may be necessary, but it doesn't look half bad.

[Source: Cobra Technology & Lifestyle]

Gallery: Opel Antara by Cobra Technology & Lifestyle

Continue reading "Pimp my Vue" preview? Cobra accessories for Opel Antara

"Pimp my Vue" preview? Cobra accessories for Opel Antara originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue unveiled

John Neff — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Saturn

UPDATE: Gallery of live shots added after jump

Behold, the new 2008 Saturn Vue, which charts a new path away from the plastic-paneled model it replaces, much like Saturn itself is on an entirely new path fueled by European transplant models from Opel. The new Vue is based on the Opel Antara from across the pond and will be available in four models here in the States, including a Green Line Hybrid and sporty Redline model. The baser models include the XE and all-wheel drive XR. The base XE and Green Line models are available with a 2.4-liter VVT Ecotec producing 164 hp and 160 ft-lbs. of torque or a 3.5-liter. An all-wheel drive XE, meanwhile, gets you a V6 that generates 215 hp and 220 ft-lbs. We're a little more excited about the powerplant being dropped in the Red Line and all-wheel drive XR models, which is GM's 3.6-liter VVT V6 that makes a more healthy 250 hp and 243 ft-lbs. of torque. We're curious to know what else Saturn plans to pack the Redline with to differentiate it from the top-level XR. The four-cylinders are married to GM's tried-and-true Hydra-Matic four-speed auto, while the V6 models get the new six-speed automatic.

Follow the jump for more analysis, pics of the 2008 Saturn Vue and GM's full press release.

Continue reading LA Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue unveiled

LA Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - General Motors

John Neff — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Here's the second video in our five-part series of booth tours at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, and this time we focus on General Motors. I'll say again this our first time producing video and I'm disappointed in myself that we didn't capture footage of more vehicles from General Motors and its brands sold in Europe, but we did get the big one, which is the Chevy WTCC Ultra Concept. We also padded the video with footage of the Opel Antara, Opel CorsaVan and the Cadillac SRX's new fancy interior. Hope you enjoy watching these as much as we do making them and keep your eyes peeled for more.

BTW - If you like the video and the work that we're doing, please support us by voting for the video on the new Netscape. All you have to do is click the up arrow at the top of the video window. If you aren't registered at the new Netscape, now is as good a time as any. Thanks!

Part 1: VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show - VW / Audi / Lamborghini Booth Tour

VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - General Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn and Opel to be indistinguishable by 2014

John Neff — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, GM, Saturn

Ward's Auto is reporting that General Motors has begun a plan to completely integrate Saturn and its European Opel brand by 2014. By that time, nearly every car in the lineup of each brand will be "interchangeable," according to Carl-Peter Forster, president of GM Europe. Forster likens what will become of Saturn to Vauxhall, the retail channel for Opel in the United Kingdom.

The Saturn Aura already rides on the same Epsilon platform as the Opel Vectra, but both cars were developed separately, feature different content and are built in different locations. The next Vectra, however, will be the basis for the second-generation Aura sold in the U.S. Both the Opel Antara SUV and the Astra compact will also be coming to the States soon as the next VUE and ION replacement, respectively. The smallest Opel, the newly redesigned Corsa (shown above), could also come over as a Saturn if GM believes it needs another entry-level option alongside the Chevy Aveo in the U.S.

The only thing Saturn has to offer Opel is the Sky roadster. The Sky will be sold in Europe as the Opel GT early next year. Aside from that, Opel's European customers probably aren't interested in the upcoming 7-passenger Saturn Outlook, as the CUV is much too large for their tastes.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Saturn and Opel to be indistinguishable by 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Have bike, will travel: the Opel Antara's hideaway bike rack

Alex Nunez — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:45:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, GM

A few months ago, we told you about the FlexFix integrated bicycle rack in the new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. It's an ingenious little contraption. The FlexFix system is essentially a drawer that can be pulled out from the car's rear bumper. On it are two wheel-mount bike racks, an extra rear license plate, and supplemental brake lights. When not in use, you wouldn't even know the system was there if not for the drawer cutout. It's the kind of killer innovation that's been sorely lacking from the American automakers for some time.

Now, GM Europe has just announced that the FlexFix system will be offered on the new Opel Antara crossover. Some of you may be asking, "And we care because?"

We care because the Opel Antara and the 2008 Saturn Vue are fundamentally the same vehicle, meaning we're about to see just how serious GM is when it comes to offering American customers the good stuff from Europe. This FlexFix system is exactly the kind of thing we've been missing here for far too long. Simple and brilliant, if it's not an available option on the next Vue, we are going to be very, very disappointed. Don't cheap out on us, General. We're your bread and butter, and we want the good stuff, too.

(More photos, press release after the jump)

[Source: Opel via Kicking Tires]

Continue reading Have bike, will travel: the Opel Antara's hideaway bike rack

Have bike, will travel: the Opel Antara's hideaway bike rack originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Saturn VUE naked

John Neff — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Saturn

We showed you spy shots of the 2008 Saturn VUE earlier in the week, but that mule's shape was paritally obscured by a few rolls of black tape. Today we have shots of a VUE sans tape undergoing testing for water leaks that gives a crystal clear view of what the next VUE will look like. LeftLaneNews calls it a 2007 model, but we're betting the new VUE will actually be a 2008 model considering the current VUE is already listed on Saturn's website as a 2007 model. Clearly Saturn's new small CUV is a direct port of the Opel Antara that's about go on sale overseas. There it's motivated by a 224-hp, 3.2-liter V6 and a 141-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, as well as a 150-hp, 2.0-liter diesel engine that's not long for these parts.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

Spy Shots: 2008 Saturn VUE naked originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn to receive next-gen Opel Vectra Wagon

Alex Nunez — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Saturn

The next-generation Opel Vectra Wagon will be imported and rebadged as a Saturn, according to a published report. It'll join the Astra (the next Saturn Ion) as the second Opel to be sold in North America as a Saturn. Sources from GM Europe have stated that the annual sales goal for the new wagon will be 50,000 units, and that it should appear in Saturn showrooms in '08 or '09.

The car will be built on the next-generation global Epsilon platform and is expected to feature V6 power and all-wheel-drive. Everyone's mum on naming, but it's not outlandish to guess that it'll be called the Aura Wagon or something similar. According to AutoWeek, Saturn marketers are still deciding how to present the car to its new audience. It'll be positioned as either an upscale wagon or a soft-roader a la the Audi Allroad.

If we had things our way, we'd position it as a premium wagon and bolster that image with a hot Red Line variant later on. Let the next Vue (likely another Opel import, the Antara) assume the mantle as Saturn's off-roader.

No matter how GM decides to market it, the new Saturn wagon will give them a stylish, practical hauler that should have some appeal in a marketplace that has seen fuel-cost-fatigued drivers move away from SUVs.

Note: Current Vectra Wagon pictued

[Source: AutoWeek]

Saturn to receive next-gen Opel Vectra Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to shutter Saab engine plant, develop up to four new Opels?

Chris Paukert — Sun, 21 May 2006 18:09:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab

General Motors is closing ailing Saab's engine plant in Soedertaelje, Sweden. According to AutomobilWoche, GM hopes to restructure the company's powertrain assembly practices in the region. To that end, roughly two-thirds of the 60,000 engines Saab produces will begin originating in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

In other news, in an interview with GM vice chair Bob Lutz, the automaker is considering up to four new Opel models. One such vehicle, a sub-Antara (read: Saturn Vue) crossover will be released by 2007, and that the plant is expected to be assembled in a low-cost plant, likely in Mexico, Thailand, or India. No word on whether it will come to the U.S. yet, but with the growing 'Opelization' of Saturn and a global target of 200,000 units, it would appear that anything is possible.

[Source: AFX News Limited via Forbes]

GM to shutter Saab engine plant, develop up to four new Opels? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 May 2006 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Deja Vue? Saturn's crossover concept hits us baby, one more time

Chris Paukert — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Trends, Crossover, GM, Saturn

Despite its fortuitous name, the Saturn PreVue unveiled yesterday had us humming a certain bubblegum pop tune by blonde we'd just as soon forget. And no wonder... we've literally seen this exact same concept before, albeit rocking Opel badges. As far as we can tell, even the official press photos are identical, with the PreVue but a Photoshop airbrush away from being the Opel Antara GTC concept vehicle Autoblog saw in Frankfurt last year.

International doppelganger intrigue aside, the PreVue is a very attractive concept, with a particularly strong stance, aggressive nose, and nicely wrought details like the rearview mirror stanchion and beautifully integrated "Sorry folks, this is a showcar" side-exit exhausts. Another likely concept-only detail is the lack of b-pillar, which affords the PreVue a particularly airy and racy-looking greenhouse, but a production version would be tough to engineer in light of side-impact standards.

Will the concept live up to its name, and presage the next Vue? If the naming logic holds as expected, the reality will unfortunately be altogether more ordinary in execution.

(On-hand photos and a couple of press images after the jump)

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Deja Vue? Saturn's crossover concept hits us baby, one more time

New York Auto Show: Deja Vue? Saturn's crossover concept hits us baby, one more time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Apr 2006 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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