Autoblog

Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra makes its debut under the lights

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Opel

2010 Opel Astra - Click above for high-res image gallery

By now, you've likely already seen official shots of the 2010 Opel Astra, both inside and out. Of course, catching a glimpse of a new shape under the harsh lighting of an auto show often brings a different point of view than the automaker's own glitzy press shots.

In the case of the latest Astra, though, the new car looks nearly as fetching caught with the lenses of our own DSLRs as it did in GM's official photography. We especially like the new Astra's interior furnishings, which are a major step up from the current model's rather boring and somber duds.

While the 2010 Astra won't be coming Stateside as a Saturn like the previous model, GM has promised to bring the latest Detla-based car to American shores (probably in sedan form) wearing the trademark Buick badge and chrome waterfall grille, and none of those plans are expected to change now that The General has offloaded a majority stake in Opel to Magna. Check out our high-res shots below of the 2010 Astra live from Frankfurt.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra

Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra makes its debut under the lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for a hi-res image gallery

General Motors has issued a cryptic press release suggesting it plans to retool an existing plant here in the United States to build a new small car. No specifics are given on what small car this may be, as the missive only says that the plant will have the capacity to build up to 160,000 small and compact cars and that "this vehicle adds to GM's growing portfolio of U.S.-built, highly fuel efficient cars including the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt." Know what that means? It's speculation time!

GM's most well-known small car is arguably the Chevy Spark, which was introduced earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show and is based on the Beat concept from 2007. It's possible this is the small car GM is referring to, but it's not the only option. The automaker could also introduce a model slightly larger than the Spark that would still slot below the upcoming Chevy Cruze compact that's slated to replace the aging Chevrolet Cobalt, possibly based on either the Opel Corsa or Astra. Have any other ideas? Check out the press release after the jump, and then free to sound off in the comments.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be?

GM announces plans to build new small car in U.S. - but which one will it be? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #127

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it for Episode #127 of the Autoblog Podcast. Of course, there are the usual tangents around the topics, which this week include BMW's new Z4, a poll about Hybrids, Chrysler's bankruptcy, Toyota's losses, Opel's new Astra and the possibility of General Motors building US-market cars in China, and we make time for some questions at the end. It's an hour show this week, and a chock-full one at that. Next week, it's a reader-question edition, so get your emails rolling in to podcast at autoblog dot com and we'll see you next week! Thanks for listening!

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator... or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #127

Autoblog Podcast #127 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opel does a fan-dance with 2010 Astra teasers

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Opel, Vauxhall

2010 Opel Astra teasers - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With the Frankfurt Auto Show looming on the horizon, German automakers in particular have been preparing their latest offerings for their debuts. And even with its future still hanging in the balance, General Motors' Opel division has just released a series of teasers of its upcoming new Astra to be unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September.

Although based on the platform that will underpin the Chevrolet Volt, the Opel Astra (and the Vauxhall-badged version to follow) will be powered by conventional engines...at least at first. A downsized 1.4-liter turbo is expected to form the standard engine, with a 2.0-liter turbo version wearing Opel's OPC badge (and Vauxhall's VXR) to follow.

The new Astra will reportedly be available in several bodystyles, starting with this five-door hatch. A four-door sedan is expected to follow, along with a five-door wagon and two-door hardtop convertible, while the three-door hatch version carrying the GTC label promises to follow the lead of the Renault Megane with a more coupe-like profile previewed by the Opel GTC concept from Geneva 2007.

Of course, with the GM global empire on the verge of disintegration, it's hard to say at this point where the Astra might end up. We'll have to wait for more over the course of the summer, but in the meantime, feast your eyes on the teasers in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra teasers

[Source: Opel via CarScoop]

Opel does a fan-dance with 2010 Astra teasers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Buick Astra coming in 2011?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Buick, Opel, Rumormill

Further bolstering rumors that the Buick brand is set to receive rebranded products from GM's European Opel division are reports from GM Inside News indicating that a small car based on the Astra platform - initially planned for the now-defunct Saturn brand - has been transferred to Buick's entry-level luxury division.

Assuming these rumors are true, we can expect to see the new Buick in North America in late 2011 as a 2012 model. At this point, nobody is sure if the car will show up as a hatchback or as a sedan or what the car will be named. Skylark anyone? No?

We're hardly convinced this is good news for Buick. While Buick-GMC dealerships that are about to lose the Pontiac brand might disagree with our take, we have to wonder if an entry-level Buick might compete with upper-level versions of the upcoming Chevy Cruze. Sound familiar to anyone else?

[Source: GM Inside News]

Rumormill: Buick Astra coming in 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Opel Astra hatch, GTC coupe and wagon revealed

John Neff — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Opel, Rendered Speculation

2010 Opel Astra renderings - Click above for image gallery

What we have here are reported to be official renderings from General Motors of the next-generation Opel Astra line, including the hatchback, high-performance GTC model and wagon, or what the Europeans call the Estate. Due out in Europe as a 2010 model, the redesigned Astra will feature many design cues from the well received mid-size Insignia sedan, including swept back headlamps, concave surfacing and a more soft appearance than the all-angles current Astra. The GTC model also appears to have shape shifted from its current form as a hatchback to a coupe. The profile of the Estate model, meanwhile, gets some extra rear overhang versus the five-door hatch and a forward-tilting D-pillar.

The big question left unanswered is whether or not the new Astra will be seen on this side of the Atlantic. The current Saturn Astra is a direct import from Opel in Europe, but General Motors doesn't plan to supply Saturn with vehicles anymore after its current lineup's lifecycle. That won't happen until around 2012 and the new Astra should be unveiled in Europe later this year, which means there's overlap there. Regardless, GM is likely not willing or able to spend money on importing a car for a brand it has pledged to shed.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra - Renderings

[Source: Carscoop]

2010 Opel Astra hatch, GTC coupe and wagon revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Next Vauxhall Astra caught in the buff

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

The next Opel/Vauxhall Astra - which may or may not make it to the States as a Saturn - has been caught outside General Motors' testing facility in Germany. The singular spy shot reveals a new greenhouse design, hatch, taillights and rear wing. The Opel Insignia's influence is apparent from the side, where the chunky creases of the current model have been dropped in favor of a smooth swage line that runs the length of the two doors and terminates ahead of the rear wheel arch.

The new Astra's sheet metal sits atop GM's new Delta platform, shared by the Chevrolet Cruze, Volt and upcoming Vauxhall Ampera. The suspension should carry over from GM's other mid-size offerings, with a MacPherson design in front and a torsion beam mounted in the rear. Expect a thoroughly revised interior inspired by the Insignia when the new Astra goes on sale late next year.

[Source: AutoCar | Image: BurlappCars]

Spy Shots: Next Vauxhall Astra caught in the buff originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Saturn Astra goes away for 2009

Chris Paukert — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Saturn

If you've been looking to spec a new Astra like Autoblog reader ramirez8167, you may have noticed that you can't build or locate a 2009 model on Saturn's website. That's because there isn't one.

With plenty of dealer stock on-hand for the slow-moving Opel-based hatch, General Motors has simply decided to sell through their existing inventory of 2008s instead of creating a parking lot with additional 2009 model year stock. We spoke with Steve Janisse, group manager for Saturn communications this morning, and he confirmed that while there will be no 2009 model, a 2010 is scheduled and on track for a spring roll-out. Given this unfortunate economic environment and GM's ~~rude~~ poor health, of course, we'll wait to "call the ball" until 2010s are on dealer forecourts. In any case, no major changes are planned for the 2010 model, although minor items like the availability of new paint colors are expected.

Until then, Astra prospectives can still kit out a 2008 model of the tidy-handling hatchback on Saturn's website and probably get a solid deal on what they are looking for through dealer transfers.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

Saturn Astra goes away for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM gives very early sneak peek at next-gen Astra

John Neff — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

Click above for high-res gallery of fourth-gen Astra sneak peek

We just told you about Bob Lutz' comments that the Saturn Astra is too expensive and not making any money in the U.S., but that may change when the next iteration arrives. Of course, the next Astra will debut in Europe first as an Opel (and Vauxhall in the UK), but we suspect that GM will offer it in the U.S. again, especially if the automaker can build it locally so that it's not dogged by a weak currency exchange like the current model. Though not scheduled to debut until late next year at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the fourth-gen Astra is making an appearance today in a couple of sketches released by General Motors Europe. The design is said to take direct inspiration from the new Insignia, which itself will become the next-gen Saturn Aura. The all-new Astra will be based on the Delta II platform with vehicles like the Chevy Cruze and Volt and feature a new range of fuel efficient engines, clever packaging solutions and trick technology like the Insignia's Front Camera System that recognizes road signs. Check out the sneak peeks in our gallery below.

Gallery: Fourth-Gen Astra sneak peek

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM gives very early sneak peek at next-gen Astra

GM gives very early sneak peek at next-gen Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Opel Astra caught

Dan Roth — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, GM, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

Ja, Bjorn, tink dat's de new Astra? Shoor looks like it, Jan. Lutz will be asking you to kiss this thing when it comes out from under that checkerboard camo. The current Astra is good, and the new one promises to be better, with looks that aren't revolutionary, but nicely done nonetheless. We'll see this world car version of the Astra sometime around 2011 with a variety of drivetrains, including hybrid power. The C-Pillar remains obscured, leaving our curiosity about the hatch's ultimate form unfulfilled. From what we can see, though, the new Astra will be like the current Astra - competitively styled and priced.

[Source: autoblog.nl]

Spy Shots: Opel Astra caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, GM, Saturn, First Drive

2008 Saturn Astra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Enthusiasts here in the States have long wondered why they couldn't buy Ford and GM small cars from Europe, and at least part of the answer has been that Americans don't want to pay big bucks for premium small cars. Spiking gasoline prices have quelled that argument, and fuel economy is now towards the top of shoppers' lists when looking for a new car or truck.

While Ford is still more than a year away from bringing over the Euro Focus and Fiesta, GM has made the cross-Atlantic jump by importing the Opel Astra to our shores. The Astra is a hot-selling hatch in Europe with high-end amenities and very good fuel economy, and the model is shipping to the U.S. differentiated from its Euro twin by some Saturn logos and little else. We were itching to get our hands on an Astra to see if it were as good as advertised, and our tester came equipped with everything Saturn could throw at the vehicle. Hit the jump to see how the 2009 Saturn Astra fared in the Autoblog Garage.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

Continue reading Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lotus annouces new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group

Merritt Johnson — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Lotus

Behind the scenes, Lotus is much more than a low-volume manufacturer of sporty little roadsters. Along with Lotus Cars, Group Lotus houses Lotus Engineering. With decades of motorsports experience, Lotus Engineering offers consulting expertise to automotive suppliers and OEM manufacturers. They've even made their mark in the intense world of cycling. More recently, their close work with Tesla as the supplier of the Roadster's chassis must have had some influence on the next direction of the firm, as they have now announced the creation of a new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group. Lotus hopes the move will further expand its consulting reach.

The newly-anointed Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group is already busy with project Low CO2. The initiative is a collaborative effort with automotive supplier Continental. The engineers have reduced the CO2 emissions of the already low-emitting 1.5L gasoline-powered Opel Astra by 15 percent while also bumping up its power output. Their achievements are accomplished through improved exhaust manifold design, injector placement, altered valve lift and timing, increased fuel pressure and the implementation of a mild hybrid drive. Follow the jump for the official press release.

[Source: Lotus via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Lotus annouces new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group

Lotus annouces new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM planning Astra hybrid

Chris Shunk — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Green, Saturn

GM has a huge hit in the current generation Opel Astra, and the General is well into the development of a replacement for the compact hatch too keep the good times a-rollin. The next-generation Astra will likely be made in multiple locations for markets like the US and it will be one of 13 global products to ride on an updated Delta platform. If the Opel E-Flex concept ever hits production, it may not be alone. A GM engineer told Automobilwoche that the next Opel Astra will also employ hybrid technology, which would give the small car Prius-like mileage. Saab may also be getting a small hybrid from the same platform, with the US market a near definite.

The US is just getting the Saturn version of the Astra this fall, and we in the States will get the newer version of the Opel's little hit, too. The success of the Euro Astra makes its Saturn twin the best small car effort GM has made in years, and North America's largest automaker will likely pull out all the stops to make sure the hatchback hits its target. Since the newest Saturn hasn't even launched yet, it's premature for GM to announce hybrids on the next-generation architecture. We're hoping battery power is part of the general's North American plans, but since the US is much more receptive to hybrids than Europe, the green powerplant makes too much sense not to duplicate here in the States.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req'd)]

GM planning Astra hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Opel Corsa OPC hits the 'Ring

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, GM

As we told you back in January, there's a new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa OPC overseas that's attractive, fun and athletic to boot. For now it remains the exclusive property of our friends in Europe, but with GM stating that Opel will essentially equal Saturn by 2014, and Bob Lutz telling us we should see the Corsa here within 5 years, there is reason to hope. This is a car we would buy today if it were slotted into the Saturn lineup. Replacing inferior product like the Aveo, a Saturn (or Chevy) Corsa would cause quite a stir at the lower end of the market. And better yet is the fact that Opel offers an OPC (the Vauxhall goes by VXR) pocket rocket edition that would look very nice with a Red Line badge on its rump.

That OPC is the subject of today's post. With the car having debuted in Geneva a couple of weeks ago, we filled a gallery with photos of this sexy little beast. Today we have a video clip of the hot pocket zipping along the coast before launching an attack on the Green Hell in Germany. The Corsa OPC uses a 192-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter 4. That is good enough for a 6.8-second 0-60 time and a top end of 140 mph, while still managing to return around 30 US miles per gallon in combined use (35.8 imperial mpg). Those numbers sound pretty good to us. Follow the jump to see this future Saturn (fingers crossed) in all its tire-squealing glory.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Opel Corsa OPC hits the 'Ring

VIDEO: Opel Corsa OPC hits the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Baby's Got Back: Opel Astra Sedan goes public in Istanbul

Alex Nunez — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe

Click to enlarge

The big deal about the new Opel Astra sedan we told you about earlier last month is that it does, in fact, have a full, traditional derriere (all the other Astras have hatches). The Astra With A Real Trunk made its formal debut Saturday at the Istanbul Motor show, and the whole presentation was about the car's butt. So much so that when the Astra Sedan was announced to those gathered around the Opel display, it backed onto the stage. You know, just in case people forgot what a trunk looks like. Ok, we kid. The fact is, that notchback body with trunk is the thing that sets the Astra sedan apart from its siblings, so why not lead with it?

Naturally, GM surrounded it with bikini-clad dancing girls, ensuring that all eyes in the room would be aimed in the car's direction even if they weren't necessarily analyzing the car.

The Astra Sedan will be produced in Poland and be sold primarily to the Eastern European market, where that traditional bodystyle is more popular than the hatches favored in other regions. I still believe that, given the American consumer's taste for sedans, we'll see this in some form here in the US after GM brings the Astra over to kick Saturn's current Ion to the curb.

(Press release, additional photos after the jump)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Baby's Got Back: Opel Astra Sedan goes public in Istanbul

Baby's Got Back: Opel Astra Sedan goes public in Istanbul originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Nov 2006 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opel Astra Sedan unveiled. Is this the new Saturn Ion?

Alex Nunez — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Saturn

Click to enlarge

OK, time to have some fun and speculate. We already know that the Opel Astra will appear here in the US as the next Saturn Ion. Until now, Astra was available only as a hatchback, wagon, and C+C, all of which are appealing to the eye, and an improvement over the current mess wearing the Ion badge by several orders of magnitude.

We also know that for the American market, automakers insist on offering their small cars in notchback sedan form in addition to (or instead of) the other body styles. This is where the Astra/Ion saga gets interesting. Opel has unveiled a new Astra sedan for "growth markets," particularly Eastern Europe, where like the US, there is a demand for the notchbacks that don't get so much love in Western Europe, where hatches rule the roost.

The guys over at Autoblog Spanish immediately noted that this car and the Brazilian-market Chevrolet Vectra sedan are one and the same, so despite Opel releasing only two photos, we can show you what the car looks like from every angle. As small sedans go, it's quite good-looking. Much better than the Ford Focus and Nissan Versa notchbacks, if you ask us. So take a good look and familiarize yourself with this car.

We're willing to bet the farm you'll see this exact vehicle as the next Ion (assuming that remains the name). We just hope the General gives us the hatchback, too.

Related Items:

(Gallery, press release after the jump)

[Sources: Opel, Chevy Brazil via Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading Opel Astra Sedan unveiled. Is this the new Saturn Ion?

Opel Astra Sedan unveiled. Is this the new Saturn Ion? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai FD/Arnejs concept

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 08:51:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Hyundai

The battle for the hearts and pocketbooks of European C-segment buyers will gain another warrior when the Hyundai's FD/Arnejs concept debuts in Paris. Based off the Kia C'eed 5-door shown in August, the new Hyundai is attempting to out-class and under-cut the stalwarts of mid-grade euro-transport. The Opel Astra, Renault Megane and Volkswagen Golf are the Arnejas targets and hopefully, for Hyundai, they've brought the required comfort and small entry fee to battle in such a competitive segment.

Related Posts:

Hyundai FD/Arnejs concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opels brought to life by Pixar

Alex Nunez — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 07:05:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising

Think you've seen a lot of tie-ins involving Disney/Pixar's Cars this summer? Well, here's one more, in which the stars of the Opel lineup get a Pixar-style rfacelift.

Click here and you'll be brought to an Opel/Cars minisite that shows the characters from Pixar's latest tour de force interacting with the Opel Astra (above), Opel Meriva, and Opel Zafira. In addition to the intro movie that plays automatically when you enter the site, you can click on a link to watch a Euro-market TV commercial that shows the three GM cars auditioning for the part of Mater.

The spot is well done, and it's pretty neat seeing how the Pixar folks gave life to the Opels. Each car has it's own personality: Astra is very sporty and aggressive, Zafira is slick and stylish, and Meriva ... well Meriva's a little more shy. If you saw Cars and liked it, you'll get a kick out of it.

Desktop wallpapers, a screensaver, behind-the-scenes podcasts, and a PDF coloring book are also available for download.

Addendum: Thanks to reader/commenter Scott K for finding the direct link to the minisite!

(Additional images after the jump)

[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opels brought to life by Pixar

Opels brought to life by Pixar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is Opel's Astra the next Saturn Ion?

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Trends, Budget, Sedan, GM, Saturn

Although the New York Auto Show provided plenty of flash for General Motors' Saturn brand, ranging from the PreVue concept to the Sky Red Line, the missing link in Saturn's future lineup remains a replacement for its soon-to-depart Ion entry-level model.

Back in February, rumors had GM renaming the model the "Evoke" and moving production from Saturn's Spring Hill, Tennessee facility to Lordstown, Ohio-- trading in the Ion's plastic bodywork for steel in the process. The Evoke was said to be based on the Chevrolet Cobalt platform, perhaps with European styling based on Opel models, but that plan has been scuttled.

Given the new-found level of integration between Saturn and Opel championed by GM's product czar Bob Lutz, the latest speculation is that the Ion replacement will be a rebadged Opel Astra (pictured). The Astra, like the Cobalt/Ion, is powered by GM's Ecotec engine family. (Read all about the Astra here.)

Given the delay in making a decision on an entry-level model for Saturn, dealers are already looking at a gap between the end of Ion production and the availability of its replacement. With time running out to make a decision, we're guessing that a rebadged Astra is the odds-on favorite to be the next entry-level Saturn.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Is Opel's Astra the next Saturn Ion? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Saturn Sky Red Line, Saturn Aura among GM's New York Auto Show offerings

Erin Mays — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Trends, Convertible, Budget, Sedan, GM, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn

"It's an Opel! It's a Vauxhall! No... it's a Saturn!" Even the haters are a little excited about Saturn going all Madonna on everyone (you know, pretending she was born and raised in Europe all of a sudden). The trio of Saturns set to appear at next month's New York Auto Show stand as shining examples of models GM hopes will trigger a brand revitalization. The Saturn Sky Red Line (the planetary brand's counterpart to Pontiac's Solstice GXP), sources the family 2.0-liter, 260 hp direct-injection turbo. The Saturn Aura (which looks suspiciously like the Opel Astra), is the brand's call to the upscale, with an interior that is by far the richest in the marque's stable. And finally, the Saturn Outlook, which goes into production later this year as an 8-person crossover based on GM's new CUV platform. The Sky Red Line will go on sale this fall, and the Aura hits dealership lots this summer.

In related news, the Big Apple will also play host to the North American premiere of the Geneva Motor Show favorite, Saab's Aero-X.

(The General's full release can be found after the jump)

[Source: General Motors via WebWire.com]

Continue reading Saturn Sky Red Line, Saturn Aura among GM's New York Auto Show offerings

Saturn Sky Red Line, Saturn Aura among GM's New York Auto Show offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Mar 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments